Life seems to fly by these days. I have been in Spain now for almost two months. Everything here is so different then I thought it was going to be but I love it the same. School is easy but great practice for listening and understanding more and my house mom is amazing! Not only because she makes unbelievably healthy and delicious foods but also because she talks to me and corrects me in Spanish. Also I have a new room mate who will be living in our apartment until the end of April from Germany. Her Spanish is very good and she can speak English as well. Right now my room mate Caitlin is in the south of Spain for her spring break. There program has so many more breaks then us. I am really jealous but at the same time I love being in Valencia so I don't mind only traveling on the weekends. Also when my parents come we will be going to Malaga, which is in the south of Spain and absolutely beautiful!
So far I have gone on quite a few trips. We went to Barcelona with our program and it was a lot of fun! Not at all what I expected. Originally I wanted to study abroad in Barcelona and after visiting I am so glad I chose Valencia. Maybe because it was freezing the weekend we were there or just because it is such a big touristy city. Either way it was not for me. I hated being in the city and when ever we tried to speak Spanish people would just respond in English. Since we were there with a group of about 60 Americans I guess I shouldn't have expected much more. One of my new friends here, Nika, has her room mate from home studying abroad in Barcelona. So we got to hang out with some 'local' Americans who were studying abroad there haha. The first night they made us dinner in their apartment which was so fun because we all went to the market and got veggies and what not to make dinner and then after we all went out. The second night we went to a concert at Razzmatazz, which was a much larger version of The Valarium in Knoxville. I am glad that I will be going back to Barcelona for my marathon because we didn't get to go into any of the famous buildings and it was so cold I didn't even want to walk around so hopefully in March it will be warm and it will just be a few of us so we can do a little bit more.
My second trip was to Marrakech, Morocco. So far this was my absolute favorite. The culture there was frighteningly different then anything I have ever experienced. It is exactly what you would expect Morocco to be but at the same time just so ridiculous. Everyone in the streets is yelling and trying to get you to buy everything. You can't even take a picture there without some one trying to get 100 dirhams (about 10 Euros) out of you. I went with three of my new friends Nika, Josie, and Mary Kate. Originally my room mate was supposed to come but long story short she did not make it on the plane. So when we arrived our tour guide joked about leaving one of us behind... not funny. We had a tour of the city, the market, a beautiful palace, and our hostel. Our hostel was the best money I have ever spent! It was so nice and was just everything I would have imagined it to be with a roof top terrace, comfy couches, gardens, and the pool area. Also it was right out side of the main square where everything was going on so it was perfect location to be able to walk into town. We were only there for two full days but at the end of the first day we were walking back to our hostel and saw a man that had sold us scarves earlier and he yelled out oh aren't you the girls that were in my shop yesterday (even he thought we had been there longer). The next day we woke up early and went to Essouri, a beach town a few hours out of Marrakech. We went on an hour long camel ride and had lunch at a nice restaurant on the beach. It was such a great experience and although there were times that I didn't necessarily feel the safest I ever have it was still such an amazing trip.
The weekend after Morocco a big group of us went to Alicante, which is only two hours by train, for Carnival. This is actually the celebration that is huge in Rio, Brazil but lots of cities have smaller Carnival celebrations in southern Spain. Valencia didn't have anything in the main part of town but my intercambo told me he was going to a small town outside of Valencia on the weekend to celebrate. Alicante was absolutely beautiful. When we first arrived we hiked to the top of Castillo de Santa Barbara and the views were amazing. Then we spent the rest of the day on the beach and exploring the city. We had dinner at Cactus Cantina and Nika and I split a huge veggie burrito and veggie fajitas. The food was soo good and there were these funny guys dressed up like ballerinas (lots of guys dressed up like girls) That night was so much fun. My house mom here let me borrow a hippie costume and two of the boys on my program dressed up in costumes they bought there. We ended up running into a lot of guys that had the same costume on as me.. We obviously missed the memo that everyone does really extravagant group costumes for Carnival. My phone died and I didn't get to take pictures but there were the most creative costumes ever. There was a huge group of chickens with a chicken herder, a group of flinstones with the car and all, sims with the green diamond over their heads, a whole tribe of indians with teepees and a fire, and so much more. We botellóned (botellón is the Spanish version of 'pregaming' but they just do it in the streets) on the main street with everyone in costume and then headed over to the main strip where the streets were blocked off and filled with people and stages with live music all over. There were so many street venders and we had the most delicious chocolate covered churros. The second day we just spent at the beach and it was so beautiful I really loved Alicante.
This past weekend it was in the 70's and most of us stayed in Valencia which was nice. I have been trying to run more and more since my marathon is only four weeks away! This coming weekend I am very excited because Nika and I are going on a trip with the University of Valencia. It will be only students from UV! International and Spanish students and I think we are the only two Americans from our group going. We are taking a bus and a boat and going to Albufera, which is just south of Valencia, and staying the night and hiking in the mountains. It should be really fun and a great chance to be a little more immersed because we will have to speak Spanish since its technically with school and everyone will be international so our common language is Spanish. Plus its nice to get away from the group even though I love everyone sometimes I forget I am even in Spain when I am surrounded by all Americans.
The weekend after this trip a group of around 10 of us are going to Porto, Portugal. I am so excited because it should be warm when we go and it will be so interesting to see if I can understand anything there. The languages are similar but very different so it should be very interesting.
After Portugal, is LAS FALLAS in Valencia. Last night was actually the start of Fallas, we had La Crida, which was fireworks and music and las falleras said a little speach out side of Las Torres Seranos. It was an amazing show (Valencians love their fireworks) Fallas is supposedly absolutely insane and we have class off for the actual week of Fallas but supposedly it last the whole month of March. Everyday at 2pm there is a mascleta where they light off fire crackers or something.. we are going on Friday but I can hear it every day from my room. Really all day you can hear fire works going off and then during the actual week of Fallas the streets are filled, everyone comes out, and its supposed to be impossible to sleep because it is so loud. I am sure I will have some amazing photos, videos, and stories from this event.
So far I have learned that Valencia is famous for Las Fallas, paella, horchata, and agua de Valencia. My time here is going by so quickly and I don't want it to end but I have a lot to look forward to especially my padres coming to visit!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Hola Todas! Estoy Vivo
I just got a facebook message from Lauren saying respond "alive" so I know you're ok! I have been so busy the past couple weeks and time seems to be flying by! The days seem so long and the weeks go by so quickly.
I have class four days a week and all my classes are in the afternoon. In the mornings we are on our own for breakfast so I usually make myself some coffee or tea and museli cereal or toast. Then I am trying to get into the habit of running in the mornings before class. Today I ran an hour and a half on the beach and it was a little overcast so no one was out there! It was soo nice and I found a bunch of sea glass! Then my room mate and I did yoga on our roof top terrace which was just amazing! I have plenty of time to shower and shop or walk around town and explore before lunch. Our lunch is much later than at home. We usually eat lunch around 2:30pm. From about 2pm till 5pm is the so called siesta. All the stores close and everyone goes home for lunch but no one really naps it is more about relaxing and spending time with your family.
After lunch I have class Monday through Thursday. On Thursdays I have a class before and after lunch so my madre here packs me a bocadilla (sandwich) and usually a piece of fruit (the pears are amazing)! Tomorrow we are having spinach empanadas and my friends Nika and Marlena are going to ride our bikes to the beach on our lunch break.
My classes are all at the University of Valencia and they are all an hour and forty five minutes long. In some classes we have a break half way through and we all go to the cafeteria to have a coffee, espresso, or a snack.
After class I usually have a little time to run errands before dinner. We eat really late usually around 8:30 or 9:00 pm. It is not a huge meal at lunch and a small meal at dinner like I had always heard. We have about the same size meals at lunch and dinner usually consisting of a salad, bread, maybe soup, "the main meal", and then usually fruit for dessert.
This Friday we are going to the City of Arts and Sciences. Valencia is famous for this part of town and most people who visit have pictures here because all the buildings are very futuristic looking. We are going to see an Imax movie, visit the museum, and go to the aquarium! I have actually already been there twice. Once because there is a discoteca inside called Mya, that we went to last weekend and was very interesting and fun. The other time was when I got lost biking and ended up there. It is about 40 minutes from my house walking so when I figured out where I was I took a cab home because I was already running late for lunch. Alot of peoples madres here will be very upset if you are late or miss lunch but mine is really sweet and understanding and she saved me a plate when I was really late.
Also this weekend I am going to the Bodies Revealed Exhibit with some friends. I am a little nervous but I have heard it is very cool and I guess it will be good preparation for anatomy lab. On Monday, one of my best friends here, Marlena, is turning 21! I am so excited for her! One of our Spanish friends is having a little party and going to take us to a good bar in town to celebrate!
Next weekend our entire group is going to Barcelona for the weekend! I am really excited because this is one of the places I thought about studying before I decided on Valencia. Also it will be great to get a feel for the city because in March my room mate, Caitlin, and I will be going back to run the Barcelona Marathon! We just officially signed up today after we finished booking our flights to Marrakech in Africa! Caitlin, three of my friends, and I are going to Africa for a weekend in February! I can not believe how close it is to Spain and I am very excited because I have heard such great things from everyone who has been before!
Muchas cosas.. (my teachers always say this - it means more things)
I have gone to a few intercambios (which is when people go to a bar to meet up and practice speaking spanish/english) I have met lots of Spanish people and it is a great way to practice speaking and learn new things about the city. I also signed up through my program for a one on one intercambio and I will hopefully be meeting with him some time next week. He has been busy the past week studying because, like all the other students in Valencia, he has exams. I can't wait to meet him because he told me he knows some cool places in the city we can go and it will be such great practice to talk one on one with a local.
Tonight is the first night I actually stayed in and didn't at least go out to hang out with friends. I think I really needed the rest! Plus I got a lot of travel plans in the works and in the morning Caitlin and I plan to get up early to go to the street market before class and to hopefully pick up some postcards. I received my first letter from my penpal in Texas (a girl in elementary school who is learning how to write letters is corresponding with me while I am in Spain) and it was so exciting to get her letter today!
I miss everyone so much but love it here more than anything and could not possibly be happier. I am surrounded by such a beautiful city and so many wonderful new friends! It is amazing how close we have all become in the past couple weeks. When I was talking to my two friends Lu and Lauren about how I needed to book my flight for the marathon they told me oh yeah we need to book our flights too. I was a little confused and asked then why they were going to Barcelona that weekend and they were like duh to cheer you one and take pictures why else!
I have class four days a week and all my classes are in the afternoon. In the mornings we are on our own for breakfast so I usually make myself some coffee or tea and museli cereal or toast. Then I am trying to get into the habit of running in the mornings before class. Today I ran an hour and a half on the beach and it was a little overcast so no one was out there! It was soo nice and I found a bunch of sea glass! Then my room mate and I did yoga on our roof top terrace which was just amazing! I have plenty of time to shower and shop or walk around town and explore before lunch. Our lunch is much later than at home. We usually eat lunch around 2:30pm. From about 2pm till 5pm is the so called siesta. All the stores close and everyone goes home for lunch but no one really naps it is more about relaxing and spending time with your family.
After lunch I have class Monday through Thursday. On Thursdays I have a class before and after lunch so my madre here packs me a bocadilla (sandwich) and usually a piece of fruit (the pears are amazing)! Tomorrow we are having spinach empanadas and my friends Nika and Marlena are going to ride our bikes to the beach on our lunch break.
My classes are all at the University of Valencia and they are all an hour and forty five minutes long. In some classes we have a break half way through and we all go to the cafeteria to have a coffee, espresso, or a snack.
After class I usually have a little time to run errands before dinner. We eat really late usually around 8:30 or 9:00 pm. It is not a huge meal at lunch and a small meal at dinner like I had always heard. We have about the same size meals at lunch and dinner usually consisting of a salad, bread, maybe soup, "the main meal", and then usually fruit for dessert.
This Friday we are going to the City of Arts and Sciences. Valencia is famous for this part of town and most people who visit have pictures here because all the buildings are very futuristic looking. We are going to see an Imax movie, visit the museum, and go to the aquarium! I have actually already been there twice. Once because there is a discoteca inside called Mya, that we went to last weekend and was very interesting and fun. The other time was when I got lost biking and ended up there. It is about 40 minutes from my house walking so when I figured out where I was I took a cab home because I was already running late for lunch. Alot of peoples madres here will be very upset if you are late or miss lunch but mine is really sweet and understanding and she saved me a plate when I was really late.
Also this weekend I am going to the Bodies Revealed Exhibit with some friends. I am a little nervous but I have heard it is very cool and I guess it will be good preparation for anatomy lab. On Monday, one of my best friends here, Marlena, is turning 21! I am so excited for her! One of our Spanish friends is having a little party and going to take us to a good bar in town to celebrate!
Next weekend our entire group is going to Barcelona for the weekend! I am really excited because this is one of the places I thought about studying before I decided on Valencia. Also it will be great to get a feel for the city because in March my room mate, Caitlin, and I will be going back to run the Barcelona Marathon! We just officially signed up today after we finished booking our flights to Marrakech in Africa! Caitlin, three of my friends, and I are going to Africa for a weekend in February! I can not believe how close it is to Spain and I am very excited because I have heard such great things from everyone who has been before!
Muchas cosas.. (my teachers always say this - it means more things)
I have gone to a few intercambios (which is when people go to a bar to meet up and practice speaking spanish/english) I have met lots of Spanish people and it is a great way to practice speaking and learn new things about the city. I also signed up through my program for a one on one intercambio and I will hopefully be meeting with him some time next week. He has been busy the past week studying because, like all the other students in Valencia, he has exams. I can't wait to meet him because he told me he knows some cool places in the city we can go and it will be such great practice to talk one on one with a local.
Tonight is the first night I actually stayed in and didn't at least go out to hang out with friends. I think I really needed the rest! Plus I got a lot of travel plans in the works and in the morning Caitlin and I plan to get up early to go to the street market before class and to hopefully pick up some postcards. I received my first letter from my penpal in Texas (a girl in elementary school who is learning how to write letters is corresponding with me while I am in Spain) and it was so exciting to get her letter today!
I miss everyone so much but love it here more than anything and could not possibly be happier. I am surrounded by such a beautiful city and so many wonderful new friends! It is amazing how close we have all become in the past couple weeks. When I was talking to my two friends Lu and Lauren about how I needed to book my flight for the marathon they told me oh yeah we need to book our flights too. I was a little confused and asked then why they were going to Barcelona that weekend and they were like duh to cheer you one and take pictures why else!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Mi Primer Dia de Clase en España
I have been in Valencia for three days and it already feels like I have been here for a month! I already can tell I am more confident talking and learning lots of new vocab and phrases! My mama here is so great and patient with my spanish! She always tells Caitlin and I great new frases (phrases) that directly translated don't make sense in English. For example:
Me he quitado un peso de ensima: this is kind of like I am relieved or the weight has been lifted off my head! She taught us this when Caitlin found her keys that she had lost for a few days (they were in the couch).
No pasa nada: which is a great to use all the time just means no big deal or it does not bother me.
Se me han que pegado las sabanos: this means I can't get out of bed because the sheets are stuck to me but you would use it when you don't want to get up or you slept in late as an excuse.
and in class we learned una chuleta: which is a cheat sheet.
I have found that many things here just make more sense. For example shoe sizes are all the same for guys, girls, and kids. So a children's 30 is the same for a man and vice-versa.
Another thing is that bus drivers have cards that they have to put in there bus before they can drive and they have to stop like every two hours for a 45 minute break. So not only is it a law that they can not drive all night, but they literally can not start there bus if they haven't rested.
Something I noticed in Valencia is that when people are walking on the streets no one is texting and walking. If someone wants to send a text they stop and step to the side, write there text, and then continue walking. It just makes more sense so you aren't walking into each other.
Also we eat breakfast lunch and dinner at our casa but it is very popular to go to a cafe or bar in mid afternoon and between meals and have a beer and a snack either a empanada or tapas, ext. They don't really snack but they eat through out the day. At our house we sit down for dinner for no less than an hour. Tonight Amparro had both her sons over for dinner and we sat and talked for almost two hours! I honestly think the best part about this trip so far is that I get to have three vegan meals a day prepared fresh and always different! I will have to make a post dedicated solely to all the delicious food I have had so far!
Some funny things that have happened.. Today my room mate got us some te verde (green tea) and another tea that looked like it was good for your digestive system.. when she brought it home Amparro (my mama here) said ah what is this?!?! haha she got us laxative tea on accident! Our mom was like are you trying to lose weight haha! Also my silly room mate, that I adore more than anything, wanted to try one of my vitamins today. So I assumed she new they weren't chewable and I tossed her one..she bit into it, which had to have tasted so bad! She cracks me up and is so great to have as a roomie!
Today the two of us when for a run in the morning at el rio (it is where the river was way back when in Valencia when the city flooded. Then for some reason it all dried up so now it is like a park that goes from one side of the city all the way to the beach. I think Amparro's son told me it was six miles long so it is great for running. It also has lots of trees and fountains and flowers it is a very pretty place to run!
Today we went to the police station because she had to report her phone being stolen and all the police in spain are very guapo (handsome) and they all were so nice and helpful and when we were leaving they were in there cute little european cop car and they honked and waved at us! haha nuevos amigos (new friends)!
So much is going on and the days feel so long but tomorrow is my second day of class and I only have one at 3:30! I am very lucky all my classes are after 10 am and I only have class monday through thursday!
Me he quitado un peso de ensima: this is kind of like I am relieved or the weight has been lifted off my head! She taught us this when Caitlin found her keys that she had lost for a few days (they were in the couch).
No pasa nada: which is a great to use all the time just means no big deal or it does not bother me.
Se me han que pegado las sabanos: this means I can't get out of bed because the sheets are stuck to me but you would use it when you don't want to get up or you slept in late as an excuse.
and in class we learned una chuleta: which is a cheat sheet.
I have found that many things here just make more sense. For example shoe sizes are all the same for guys, girls, and kids. So a children's 30 is the same for a man and vice-versa.
Another thing is that bus drivers have cards that they have to put in there bus before they can drive and they have to stop like every two hours for a 45 minute break. So not only is it a law that they can not drive all night, but they literally can not start there bus if they haven't rested.
Something I noticed in Valencia is that when people are walking on the streets no one is texting and walking. If someone wants to send a text they stop and step to the side, write there text, and then continue walking. It just makes more sense so you aren't walking into each other.
Also we eat breakfast lunch and dinner at our casa but it is very popular to go to a cafe or bar in mid afternoon and between meals and have a beer and a snack either a empanada or tapas, ext. They don't really snack but they eat through out the day. At our house we sit down for dinner for no less than an hour. Tonight Amparro had both her sons over for dinner and we sat and talked for almost two hours! I honestly think the best part about this trip so far is that I get to have three vegan meals a day prepared fresh and always different! I will have to make a post dedicated solely to all the delicious food I have had so far!
Some funny things that have happened.. Today my room mate got us some te verde (green tea) and another tea that looked like it was good for your digestive system.. when she brought it home Amparro (my mama here) said ah what is this?!?! haha she got us laxative tea on accident! Our mom was like are you trying to lose weight haha! Also my silly room mate, that I adore more than anything, wanted to try one of my vitamins today. So I assumed she new they weren't chewable and I tossed her one..she bit into it, which had to have tasted so bad! She cracks me up and is so great to have as a roomie!
Today the two of us when for a run in the morning at el rio (it is where the river was way back when in Valencia when the city flooded. Then for some reason it all dried up so now it is like a park that goes from one side of the city all the way to the beach. I think Amparro's son told me it was six miles long so it is great for running. It also has lots of trees and fountains and flowers it is a very pretty place to run!
Today we went to the police station because she had to report her phone being stolen and all the police in spain are very guapo (handsome) and they all were so nice and helpful and when we were leaving they were in there cute little european cop car and they honked and waved at us! haha nuevos amigos (new friends)!
So much is going on and the days feel so long but tomorrow is my second day of class and I only have one at 3:30! I am very lucky all my classes are after 10 am and I only have class monday through thursday!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Natalia de Nashville esta en España
Hola Todas!
I am finally settled in my new home in Valencia, Spain!! I arrived in Madrid a few days ago with the group and made so many new friends from all over the country. I started to practice my spanish in the city! Madrid is huge and the girls from NY and New Jersey said it is very similar to NY city! We stayed in a very nice hotel and enjoyed lots of tapas (free food when you order drinks) and also went to a seven story club called El Capital where the Spaniards party until seven en la manaña!!! I ran by myself in Madrid and felt very safe en El Parque de Retiro, which was beautiful and full of people walking, running, playing futbol, ext. We also visited two museums, El Museo Nacional del Prado, where we saw lots of paintings from different artists including Grecco and El Museo Nacional Centro de Arte de Reina Sofia, which was my favorite. There were lots of paintings and sculptures from Picasso and Dali too.
Yesterday we went to Toledo which is a beautiful old town that has una castilla (castle) and beautiful old cobblestone streets which reminded me a lot of Rapallo, Italy! We had a nice tour of the city and stayed the night there before heading to Valencia. At dinner I attempted to order a vegetarian sandwich that had tuna on it and accidently asked for a sandwich sin pescadoras (fishermen) instead of pescada (fish) haha I foresee many mistakes such as this in my future.. the language is difficult to speak A. because of nerves and B. because it is hard to remember what is what but I think I am already getting better!
Today we had a four hour bus ride to Valencia which was nice to see the country side and talk with my new amigos! When we arrived the families were all outside the bus and our group leader said he would call our names off to introduce us one by one and guess who was the very first one.. ME! I was so nervous I was shaking a little, but my sweet VEGAN roomate, Caitlin, came with mi madre de España, Amparro, and they both are so amazing! After dropping off my luggage the three of us walked to a store near by where I got some champú, conditioner, dark chocolate, and some oat milk (which I have never tried). Valencia is very big and I have a feeling I will probably get lost a few times before I am comfortable but it is absolutely beautiful with palm tress lining the streets, I am literally in heaven here!
When we got back from our walk I unpacked and Amparro made us dinner. So far the food in Spain has just been so-so but tonight was AMAZING! We had a huge salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, black olives ( the olives are sooo good here) and then we had couscous that she cooked with thyme topped with this mixture of beans (they are called aluvias not frijoles here) onions, peppers, and I don't even know what else but it was sooo good! Then for dessert she had chirimoyas, which I had asked her about on our walk and then she happened to have them so we got try them today (she is the best). They look like an avocado on the outside and then when you cut them open they are white with lots of hard black seeds. They taste like a sweeter version of a mango so basically I was in heaven!
Also we have two Italian women living with us for the week who I think are taking class or something not really sure but they were so talkative and funny. At dinner all we talked about food so I was muy contento! The Italian women gave Caitlin and I these mini pears they got at the market because they kept going on about how they were so delicious and had better sabor (flavor) then the big pears (which I think the regular pears are delicious so I can't wait to try the mini one). Then Caitlin and I had some vino tinto (red wine) and I finished unpacking. Our room is so small but very cute and has a huge window overlooking the futbol field of my school, University de Valencia! Im hoping to post pictures but I haven't taken many or uploaded them to my computer yet! Oh and everything in Europe just makes more sense.. for example when taking a picture you don't say cheese you say patata (potatoe) because you are making a smile during ta-ta opposed to an awkward face on chhhesse! Plus me gusta patatas y no como queso jaja!
Tomorrow I have my placement test and get to choose my classes for the semester and plan on going for a run with one of my friends to explore the city! If any wants to skype me while I am here we have wifi at our house (pronounced wefe here haha) and my name is natalie050490 and also if you can get apps I have heytell and a great one called whatsapp that is free texting on wifi that only cost 99 cents for the app and it works great (but if you get i have a spanish phone number so I will have to know you have it and send you an invite so let me know) also if you want my international number I can imessage and ichat for free on wifi and if you want to pay international rates I get free incoming texts and calls (not sure how much it would cost you). So far I feel like I have been very well connected to America and I am so excited for tomorrow to explore mi nueva ciudad! I miss and love you all!
una besa grande,
Natalia
I am finally settled in my new home in Valencia, Spain!! I arrived in Madrid a few days ago with the group and made so many new friends from all over the country. I started to practice my spanish in the city! Madrid is huge and the girls from NY and New Jersey said it is very similar to NY city! We stayed in a very nice hotel and enjoyed lots of tapas (free food when you order drinks) and also went to a seven story club called El Capital where the Spaniards party until seven en la manaña!!! I ran by myself in Madrid and felt very safe en El Parque de Retiro, which was beautiful and full of people walking, running, playing futbol, ext. We also visited two museums, El Museo Nacional del Prado, where we saw lots of paintings from different artists including Grecco and El Museo Nacional Centro de Arte de Reina Sofia, which was my favorite. There were lots of paintings and sculptures from Picasso and Dali too.
Yesterday we went to Toledo which is a beautiful old town that has una castilla (castle) and beautiful old cobblestone streets which reminded me a lot of Rapallo, Italy! We had a nice tour of the city and stayed the night there before heading to Valencia. At dinner I attempted to order a vegetarian sandwich that had tuna on it and accidently asked for a sandwich sin pescadoras (fishermen) instead of pescada (fish) haha I foresee many mistakes such as this in my future.. the language is difficult to speak A. because of nerves and B. because it is hard to remember what is what but I think I am already getting better!
Today we had a four hour bus ride to Valencia which was nice to see the country side and talk with my new amigos! When we arrived the families were all outside the bus and our group leader said he would call our names off to introduce us one by one and guess who was the very first one.. ME! I was so nervous I was shaking a little, but my sweet VEGAN roomate, Caitlin, came with mi madre de España, Amparro, and they both are so amazing! After dropping off my luggage the three of us walked to a store near by where I got some champú, conditioner, dark chocolate, and some oat milk (which I have never tried). Valencia is very big and I have a feeling I will probably get lost a few times before I am comfortable but it is absolutely beautiful with palm tress lining the streets, I am literally in heaven here!
When we got back from our walk I unpacked and Amparro made us dinner. So far the food in Spain has just been so-so but tonight was AMAZING! We had a huge salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, black olives ( the olives are sooo good here) and then we had couscous that she cooked with thyme topped with this mixture of beans (they are called aluvias not frijoles here) onions, peppers, and I don't even know what else but it was sooo good! Then for dessert she had chirimoyas, which I had asked her about on our walk and then she happened to have them so we got try them today (she is the best). They look like an avocado on the outside and then when you cut them open they are white with lots of hard black seeds. They taste like a sweeter version of a mango so basically I was in heaven!
Also we have two Italian women living with us for the week who I think are taking class or something not really sure but they were so talkative and funny. At dinner all we talked about food so I was muy contento! The Italian women gave Caitlin and I these mini pears they got at the market because they kept going on about how they were so delicious and had better sabor (flavor) then the big pears (which I think the regular pears are delicious so I can't wait to try the mini one). Then Caitlin and I had some vino tinto (red wine) and I finished unpacking. Our room is so small but very cute and has a huge window overlooking the futbol field of my school, University de Valencia! Im hoping to post pictures but I haven't taken many or uploaded them to my computer yet! Oh and everything in Europe just makes more sense.. for example when taking a picture you don't say cheese you say patata (potatoe) because you are making a smile during ta-ta opposed to an awkward face on chhhesse! Plus me gusta patatas y no como queso jaja!
Tomorrow I have my placement test and get to choose my classes for the semester and plan on going for a run with one of my friends to explore the city! If any wants to skype me while I am here we have wifi at our house (pronounced wefe here haha) and my name is natalie050490 and also if you can get apps I have heytell and a great one called whatsapp that is free texting on wifi that only cost 99 cents for the app and it works great (but if you get i have a spanish phone number so I will have to know you have it and send you an invite so let me know) also if you want my international number I can imessage and ichat for free on wifi and if you want to pay international rates I get free incoming texts and calls (not sure how much it would cost you). So far I feel like I have been very well connected to America and I am so excited for tomorrow to explore mi nueva ciudad! I miss and love you all!
una besa grande,
Natalia
Monday, October 17, 2011
Black Bean & Sweet Potato Burritos
Today is the start of a big study week for me! I have four test coming up next week and wanted to try the whole planning meals ahead. So I found a recipe for black bean & sweet potato burritos in my Vegan A Go-Go Cook Book by Sarah Kramer. Normally I would half the recipe to make just enough for one meal but this time I decided I would make the whole lot and have burritos all week! I got the craving for sweet potato burritos last week when I went to lunch at a great little cafe/grocery called Just Ripe in down town Knoxville. They have many vegan and vegetarian meals and they also have a great selection of produce and vegan products for a fair price. Most importantly they have a vegan sweet potato burrito that my friend Jenny got to eat. I went with the vegan breakfast burrito which was delicious... but Jenny is not vegetarian or vegan and she was raving about this sweet potato burrito so when I saw the recipe in Sarah Kramer's book I had to have them!
As you can see I also made my favorite Edamame Three-bean Salad, from Skinny Bitch in the Kitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin, to snack on all week as well.
This recipe is so simple and good plus it gets better and better the longer it sits and marinates in the fridge.
Ingredients:
2 T. red wine vinegar
1 t. Dijon mustard
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
3 T. olive oil
1/2 c. corn
1 c. shelled soy beans
1 (15 -16 oz) can garbanzo beans
1 (15 - 16 oz) can kidney beans
2 scallions, cut into 1/2 inch slices
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch dice
2 T. chopped fresh parsley
2 T. chopped fresh cilantro
In a small bowl mix together the red wine vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Slowly mix in the olive oil and then set aside. This will be your dressing for the beans. Next mix together the corn, beans, scallions, bell pepper, parsley, and cilantro. Gently toss with the dressing and ta da you have my favorite 3 bean salad!
These burritos on the other hand took a little work.
Ingredients:
2 medium sweet potatoes
1 small onion, chopped
1 T. oil
1 (16 oz) can black beans
1 c. vegetable stock
2 garlic cloves ( I only used one clove)
1 1/2 T. chili powder ( I only used 1 T.)
2 t. ground mustard
1 t. cumin
1/2 t. salt
4 large flour tortillas
1/4 c. salsa
1 c. vegan cheese ( I used daiya cheddar)
First I started with a large pot of water for my sweet potatoes. I boiled them on medium high uncovered the entire time I was preparing the burritos but they could have been a little more cooked. I would say go with 45 minutes to an hour for cooking your potatoes. I left the skins on mine but you can peel them before or after you boil them if you don't like the potato skins.
While the taters were a cookin' I started preparing the beans. In a medium sauce pan I heated the oil and then cooked the onion until it was translucent. Then I added the beans, stock, garlic, chili powder, mustard, cumin, and salt. Increased the heat to medium-high and simmered, uncovered, for 15 minutes until it was more mushy then liquidy. Once the beans were done I set them aside. Then I mashed up my sweet potatoes and set them aside.
Here is where the fun began! Assembling my burritos.. start with one flour tortilla with a sheet of foil underneath. Add a line of salsa, about one heaping spoon full.
Then I added a forth of the bean mixture to my burrito.
Next came a heaping helping of sweet potatoes, about a forth of the mashed potatoes.
Sprinkled with delicious Daiya
And then wrapped to perfection!
I stuck two in the freezer to save for later on in the week and one in the fridge. The other one is already long gone!
Anddd if you were perceptive you noticed from the first photo that I made cookies!!
Also from Kramer's cook book, Mama Mayhem's Perfectly Easy No-Bake Cookies
Ingredients:
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 t. vanilla
1/4 c. vegan milk (I used coconut original)
1/4 c. nut butter (I used peanut)
1/4 c. vegan butter (I used earth balance buttery spread)
2 tsp. unsweetended cocoa powder
1 1/2 c. quick oats
1 c. walnuts, chopped
In a medium sauce pan I melted the sugar, vanilla, "milk", peanut butter, butter, and cocoa powder over medium-low heat. Once it was all melted together I removed it from the heat, stirred in the oats and walnuts, and then plopped big spoon fulls onto my foil covered cookie sheet. Into the fridge for an hour to set and they were ready to be devoured.
Now that I have a full belly, a full fridge, and an updated blog I think it is time to hit the books!
Ingredients:
2 T. red wine vinegar
1 t. Dijon mustard
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
3 T. olive oil
1/2 c. corn
1 c. shelled soy beans
1 (15 -16 oz) can garbanzo beans
1 (15 - 16 oz) can kidney beans
2 scallions, cut into 1/2 inch slices
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch dice
2 T. chopped fresh parsley
2 T. chopped fresh cilantro
In a small bowl mix together the red wine vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Slowly mix in the olive oil and then set aside. This will be your dressing for the beans. Next mix together the corn, beans, scallions, bell pepper, parsley, and cilantro. Gently toss with the dressing and ta da you have my favorite 3 bean salad!
These burritos on the other hand took a little work.
Ingredients:
2 medium sweet potatoes
1 small onion, chopped
1 T. oil
1 (16 oz) can black beans
1 c. vegetable stock
2 garlic cloves ( I only used one clove)
1 1/2 T. chili powder ( I only used 1 T.)
2 t. ground mustard
1 t. cumin
1/2 t. salt
4 large flour tortillas
1/4 c. salsa
1 c. vegan cheese ( I used daiya cheddar)
First I started with a large pot of water for my sweet potatoes. I boiled them on medium high uncovered the entire time I was preparing the burritos but they could have been a little more cooked. I would say go with 45 minutes to an hour for cooking your potatoes. I left the skins on mine but you can peel them before or after you boil them if you don't like the potato skins.
While the taters were a cookin' I started preparing the beans. In a medium sauce pan I heated the oil and then cooked the onion until it was translucent. Then I added the beans, stock, garlic, chili powder, mustard, cumin, and salt. Increased the heat to medium-high and simmered, uncovered, for 15 minutes until it was more mushy then liquidy. Once the beans were done I set them aside. Then I mashed up my sweet potatoes and set them aside.
Here is where the fun began! Assembling my burritos.. start with one flour tortilla with a sheet of foil underneath. Add a line of salsa, about one heaping spoon full.
Then I added a forth of the bean mixture to my burrito.
Ingredients:
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 t. vanilla
1/4 c. vegan milk (I used coconut original)
1/4 c. nut butter (I used peanut)
1/4 c. vegan butter (I used earth balance buttery spread)
2 tsp. unsweetended cocoa powder
1 1/2 c. quick oats
1 c. walnuts, chopped
In a medium sauce pan I melted the sugar, vanilla, "milk", peanut butter, butter, and cocoa powder over medium-low heat. Once it was all melted together I removed it from the heat, stirred in the oats and walnuts, and then plopped big spoon fulls onto my foil covered cookie sheet. Into the fridge for an hour to set and they were ready to be devoured.
Now that I have a full belly, a full fridge, and an updated blog I think it is time to hit the books!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Rosemary Focaccia Bread
Today I made one of my favorite breads from 'Veganomicon' by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero. The first time I ever had focaccia bread was the second day I was in Rapallo Italy for my cousin's wedding and we had fresh focaccia for breakfast! It was so delicious, crusty, and warm. Since then my cousin has made it for us multiple times but when I found this recipe I fell in love.
Also since I just recently got a rosemary plant it was the perfect time to use some of my snippings. I hung up some rosemary out to dry over night while the bread was rising.
Ingredients include:
1 package active dry yeast
1 1/4 C warm water
3 T. olive oil
3 T. chopped rosemary
3 C all purpose flour
1 t. salt
ingredients I added on top:
extra rosemary
fresh cracked pepper
coarse sea salt
pressed garlic
olive oil
sliced onions
To start I mixed the yeast with the warm water in a large bowl. Then added the olive oil, rosemary, and pepper.
Then I added in the flour and kneaded to form a soft dough. Adding flour a tablespoon at a time until the dough was not sticky and then kneaded for 5 minutes. Next I put some olive oil in the original bowl and rolled the dough ball to coat. Covered the bowl with a dish towel and let it rise over night.
Once the dough had doubled in size I added a little more flour and kneaded the dough for a minute or two and rolled the dough out to a rectangle. I transfered the dough to a oiled baking sheet and poked holes in the dough with a fork and sprinkled it with extra rosemary, salt, onions, garlic, and olive oil
Then cover for another 20 minutes to let rise and preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the bread is lightly brown and firm. Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes before slicing. I enjoyed my focaccia bread with some sliced tomato, vegan mozzarella, and this new balsamic glaze I just got and it was delicious!
ENJOY!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Spicy Ginger Snap Cookies
These little ginger snaps are so easy and quick to make that I find my self whipping them up a little too frequently. Whenever I want something sweet I usually have all the ingredients for these on hand and they are great crunched up in some vanilla soy ice cream! This recipe is from a cook book a friend of mine gave me freshman year called 'Cookies Brownies & Bars' by Elinor Klivans. I veganized* the recipe with a few minor tweeks
2 C. all-purpose flour
1 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
3/4 t. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 t. ground ginger
1/2 t. ground cloves (I had to buy whole cloves and grind them in a food processor because I could not find them already ground)
3/4 C. unsalted butter (at room temperature) *earth balance natural spread
1 C. sugar plus 1/4 C. for coating
1 egg *Ener-G Egg replacer
1/4 C. molasses
This makes around 20 cookies depending on how big you make the dough balls.
Preheat your oven to 325 F and grab two bowls one big and one medium sized. In the medium sized bowl sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Set this bowl aside and grab the big bowl. In here you will first mix together the butter* and cup of sugar using a hand mixer on medium speed. After that is well combined beat in the egg* and molasses on low speed until combined. Next slowly add the flour mixture from the medium bowl until just incorporated scraping the sides down occasionally.
Now is the fun part. Take off any rings and wash your hands before you dig into this dough. Make small dough balls about a tablespoon of dough and then roll it in the 1/4 C. remaining sugar so it is evenly coated. Then plop the balls on the cookie sheet. Make sure they are spread out because they will spread out when cooking.
Bake for 15 minutes or until they look crinkley on top and slightly browned on the edges. Let cool for 5 minutes and then pop them off the cookie sheets before they get stuck! ENJOY!!
2 C. all-purpose flour
1 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
3/4 t. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 t. ground ginger
1/2 t. ground cloves (I had to buy whole cloves and grind them in a food processor because I could not find them already ground)
3/4 C. unsalted butter (at room temperature) *earth balance natural spread
1 C. sugar plus 1/4 C. for coating
1 egg *Ener-G Egg replacer
1/4 C. molasses
This makes around 20 cookies depending on how big you make the dough balls.
Preheat your oven to 325 F and grab two bowls one big and one medium sized. In the medium sized bowl sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Set this bowl aside and grab the big bowl. In here you will first mix together the butter* and cup of sugar using a hand mixer on medium speed. After that is well combined beat in the egg* and molasses on low speed until combined. Next slowly add the flour mixture from the medium bowl until just incorporated scraping the sides down occasionally.
Now is the fun part. Take off any rings and wash your hands before you dig into this dough. Make small dough balls about a tablespoon of dough and then roll it in the 1/4 C. remaining sugar so it is evenly coated. Then plop the balls on the cookie sheet. Make sure they are spread out because they will spread out when cooking.
Bake for 15 minutes or until they look crinkley on top and slightly browned on the edges. Let cool for 5 minutes and then pop them off the cookie sheets before they get stuck! ENJOY!!
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