Tuesday, August 31, 2010
SKYPE!
Just set up wifi in my apartment in madrid and am free to skype/talk with anyone at a reasonable hour (aka not 6 AM state-side). My skype name is jonathanp21 or you can dial (315) 849-1220 from your house phone or cell phone and if I am by the computer I can answer the call!
Classes
Just put the finishing touches on my class schedule for the semester, and my finalized schedule is as follows:
Spanish: Proficiency-based continuing language course that further develops language skills introduced in SPA 101. Structured to take advantage of living in a Spanish environment. This course meets six hours per week throughout the semester.
The Origins of Christianity (REL 308): This course, open to students from all religious backgrounds, examines the social, cultural, intellectual and historic conditions surrounding the birth of Christianity. Topics include the historical and geographical background out of which the new religion arose; the history and practice of Judaism till the destruction of the Second Temple; the beliefs and practices of ancient paganism and of mystery cults; the rise of Rome as a world power; the figure of Jesus and his reception as messiah; Paul and the birth of theology; "Q" and the Gospels; the formation of the “canon”; and the reasons for the rise of a critical mass of converts that tilted the balance toward the christianization of the Roman empire.
20th Century Spain (HST 300): This course deals with the period beginning with the War of Cuba (which marks the decline of the Spanish Empire) and ending with Spain’s new modern role in the European Union, NATO and the UN. It analyses the collapse of Spanish Monarchy and the civil war that crushed the Second Republic leading to the dictatorship of Franco's regime. It explains Spain's successful transition to democracy and a liberal market economy within the European Union. The course ends with an analysis of the challenges facing Spain in the 21st century: Globalization, Immigration, International & Domestic Terrorism and the relationship between the Church and State.
Hemingway in Spain (ETS 320): First offered in celebration of the centennial of Ernest Hemingway’s birth in 1999 and in recognition of his special ties with Spain. Taught by a Hemingway scholar and expert in the novel, the course focuses on three subjects of paramount importance in Hemingway’s vision of Spain: First, his concept of Spanish idiosyncrasy and way of life, with particular reference to rites of celebration, as depicted in The Sun Also Rises. Second, his deep understanding of the art of bullfighting, as expressed in Death in the Afternoon and The Dangerous Summer. Finally, his commitment to and involvement in the Spanish Civil War as an American correspondent, which gave rise to For Whom the Bell Tolls. Enrollment is limited. Includes a day trip to Guadalajara
Arts of Spain (HOA 209): Introduction to the art, architecture, music and dance of Spain. History of Spanish painting from the late Gothic (15th century) through Goya (19th century) in relation to the Flemish and Italian Schools (Titian and Rubens). Concentration on El Greco, the Spanish Baroque (Ribera, Zurbarán, Velázquez, Murillo), and Goya. Illustrated lectures given in class and at the Prado and other museums. Enrollment is limited with preference given to fine arts majors
Schedule:
Mondays:
Spanish: 9:00 AM - 10:25 AM
20th Century Spain: 12:00 PM - 1:25 PM
Arts of Spain: 2:00 PM - 3:40 PM
Tuesdays:
Spanish: 9:00-10:25 AM
Origins of Christianity: 10:30 AM - 11:55 AM
Hemingway in Spain: 12:00 PM -1:25 PM
Wednesdays:
Spanish: 9:00 AM - 10:25 AM
20th Century Spain: 12:00 PM - 1:25 PM
Arts of Spain: 2:00 PM - 3:40 PM
Thursdays:
Spanish: 9:00-10:25 AM
Origins of Christianity: 10:30 AM - 11:55 AM
Hemingway in Spain: 12:00 PM -1:25 PM
Fridays:
NO CLASS
Spanish: Proficiency-based continuing language course that further develops language skills introduced in SPA 101. Structured to take advantage of living in a Spanish environment. This course meets six hours per week throughout the semester.
The Origins of Christianity (REL 308): This course, open to students from all religious backgrounds, examines the social, cultural, intellectual and historic conditions surrounding the birth of Christianity. Topics include the historical and geographical background out of which the new religion arose; the history and practice of Judaism till the destruction of the Second Temple; the beliefs and practices of ancient paganism and of mystery cults; the rise of Rome as a world power; the figure of Jesus and his reception as messiah; Paul and the birth of theology; "Q" and the Gospels; the formation of the “canon”; and the reasons for the rise of a critical mass of converts that tilted the balance toward the christianization of the Roman empire.
20th Century Spain (HST 300): This course deals with the period beginning with the War of Cuba (which marks the decline of the Spanish Empire) and ending with Spain’s new modern role in the European Union, NATO and the UN. It analyses the collapse of Spanish Monarchy and the civil war that crushed the Second Republic leading to the dictatorship of Franco's regime. It explains Spain's successful transition to democracy and a liberal market economy within the European Union. The course ends with an analysis of the challenges facing Spain in the 21st century: Globalization, Immigration, International & Domestic Terrorism and the relationship between the Church and State.
Hemingway in Spain (ETS 320): First offered in celebration of the centennial of Ernest Hemingway’s birth in 1999 and in recognition of his special ties with Spain. Taught by a Hemingway scholar and expert in the novel, the course focuses on three subjects of paramount importance in Hemingway’s vision of Spain: First, his concept of Spanish idiosyncrasy and way of life, with particular reference to rites of celebration, as depicted in The Sun Also Rises. Second, his deep understanding of the art of bullfighting, as expressed in Death in the Afternoon and The Dangerous Summer. Finally, his commitment to and involvement in the Spanish Civil War as an American correspondent, which gave rise to For Whom the Bell Tolls. Enrollment is limited. Includes a day trip to Guadalajara
Arts of Spain (HOA 209): Introduction to the art, architecture, music and dance of Spain. History of Spanish painting from the late Gothic (15th century) through Goya (19th century) in relation to the Flemish and Italian Schools (Titian and Rubens). Concentration on El Greco, the Spanish Baroque (Ribera, Zurbarán, Velázquez, Murillo), and Goya. Illustrated lectures given in class and at the Prado and other museums. Enrollment is limited with preference given to fine arts majors
Schedule:
Mondays:
Spanish: 9:00 AM - 10:25 AM
20th Century Spain: 12:00 PM - 1:25 PM
Arts of Spain: 2:00 PM - 3:40 PM
Tuesdays:
Spanish: 9:00-10:25 AM
Origins of Christianity: 10:30 AM - 11:55 AM
Hemingway in Spain: 12:00 PM -1:25 PM
Wednesdays:
Spanish: 9:00 AM - 10:25 AM
20th Century Spain: 12:00 PM - 1:25 PM
Arts of Spain: 2:00 PM - 3:40 PM
Thursdays:
Spanish: 9:00-10:25 AM
Origins of Christianity: 10:30 AM - 11:55 AM
Hemingway in Spain: 12:00 PM -1:25 PM
Fridays:
NO CLASS
Monday, August 30, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
One More Thing: Cultural Shock
“Culture shock” is a phrase that gets tossed around a lot in study abroad. Thus far, at least, I don’t see what’s so shocking about the whole thing.
For the most part, the major cultural differences in Spain seem to be things I’d get in trouble for doing at home — sleeping all day on weekends, being slightly less than punctual, eating desserts with every meal, staying out until six in the morning.
Yesterday at dinner, Miki's wife, Camino, asked Will and I if we were going to “salir” (go out) tonight. I said I didn’t know.
“Pero es el viernes, guapo!” She exclaimed, scandalized. “Todos en Madrid salen en los jueves!” (But it’s Thursday, handsome! Everyone in Madrid goes out on Thursdays!). Apparently, Thursday is the start of the weekend here and as they told us at orientation - Spaniards care more about living life than actually working.
She then proceeded to tell us that she herself would be going out at 9:30, and that if we wanted to stay home, she would teach us how to use the microwave in case we got hungry.
Like I said, culture shock is no big deal so far.
Last night, We went to a club in Sol, which is near the center of the city. The club was called "Club Joy" and the interesting thing about it was that they PUMPED OXYGEN into the club and dance floor so you would stay awake and stay at the club! And yes, it worked ... we came back at 6:30 AM and had orientation at 10 AM. Looking forward to that siesta!
Some other news:
Here is the SU Madrid website for anyone who wants to see the events and things we have set up for us.
Also, I signed up for a gym for less than 2 euros per day for 3 months that is only a 5-10 minute walk from campus in the Chamberi district of Madrid. It is called Gimnasio Chamberi
Talk to you soon! Get at me on Skype too - jonathanp21
For the most part, the major cultural differences in Spain seem to be things I’d get in trouble for doing at home — sleeping all day on weekends, being slightly less than punctual, eating desserts with every meal, staying out until six in the morning.
Yesterday at dinner, Miki's wife, Camino, asked Will and I if we were going to “salir” (go out) tonight. I said I didn’t know.
“Pero es el viernes, guapo!” She exclaimed, scandalized. “Todos en Madrid salen en los jueves!” (But it’s Thursday, handsome! Everyone in Madrid goes out on Thursdays!). Apparently, Thursday is the start of the weekend here and as they told us at orientation - Spaniards care more about living life than actually working.
She then proceeded to tell us that she herself would be going out at 9:30, and that if we wanted to stay home, she would teach us how to use the microwave in case we got hungry.
Like I said, culture shock is no big deal so far.
Last night, We went to a club in Sol, which is near the center of the city. The club was called "Club Joy" and the interesting thing about it was that they PUMPED OXYGEN into the club and dance floor so you would stay awake and stay at the club! And yes, it worked ... we came back at 6:30 AM and had orientation at 10 AM. Looking forward to that siesta!
Some other news:
Here is the SU Madrid website for anyone who wants to see the events and things we have set up for us.
Also, I signed up for a gym for less than 2 euros per day for 3 months that is only a 5-10 minute walk from campus in the Chamberi district of Madrid. It is called Gimnasio Chamberi
Talk to you soon! Get at me on Skype too - jonathanp21
Safely in Madrid
The Azahat program went by so fast: I feel like I was in Syracuse obsessing over packing and Spanish phrase books only a few days ago. Now this whole travel shtick is over already!
I’m sad that it’s done, but I do feel ready to settle down and actually start living like a madrileño, as opposed to the shameless tourist I’m being right now and living out of a suitcase going from hotel to hotel.
At any rate, glad I'm finally in Madrid. My host family is great! I also managed to find a roommate to live with which makes things a lot easier.
I was so nervous about meeting my new family that I slept most of the seven-hour bus ride from Granada to Madrid. It kind of reminded of how I felt three years ago anticipating my first year of college at Syracuse — nervous, but very excited.
The bus dropped us off at Plaza de Toros - more commonly known as the bullfighting ring. When we arrived, all our new families were outside waiting for us. One by one, we were introduced to the families we would be living with for the next month.
About half a foot shorter than me with a George Costanza like hairstyle, Jose (he prefers to be called Miki), my senor, immediately greeted me with a hug and a handshake. He is married, so it's like I have two people looking after me. After I got my luggage off the bus, we caught two taxis to his apartment in the heart of the city. Conveniently, the apartment is located very close to the Metro and a 3 minute walk to Retiro Park - which is Madrid's Central Park, it is hugeeeeeee and has concerts there on the weekends and a lake kind of structure where people can rent boats! I look forward to get up and run there in the morning.
It is also a 20 minute walk to campus, and about 10-15 metro ride there, which is very convenient.
Orienting myself to another new city and meeting my new family were a little overwhelming, especially since they don't speak much English, but my Spanish is already improving and it has only been three days - everything I was taught in Spanish class in high school is slowly coming back.
When I arrived at the apartment, I was given a tour, shown my room, and then began to unpack my things (finally!). My roommate, Will, and I have separate bedrooms, which is nice, and there are 1.5 bathrooms. The best thing about my room is the hugeeeeeee BED and my room is conveniently located next to the bathroom with the shower. Unfortunately, I have no internet access there right now, but should in a couple of days.
Miki is retired but is a very outgoing guy and a great cook. He is an avid soccer and bullfighting fan and it has been fun (and sometimes discouraging) practicing my spanish with him since he does not know much english. Looking forward to the next four months!
I’m sad that it’s done, but I do feel ready to settle down and actually start living like a madrileño, as opposed to the shameless tourist I’m being right now and living out of a suitcase going from hotel to hotel.
At any rate, glad I'm finally in Madrid. My host family is great! I also managed to find a roommate to live with which makes things a lot easier.
I was so nervous about meeting my new family that I slept most of the seven-hour bus ride from Granada to Madrid. It kind of reminded of how I felt three years ago anticipating my first year of college at Syracuse — nervous, but very excited.
The bus dropped us off at Plaza de Toros - more commonly known as the bullfighting ring. When we arrived, all our new families were outside waiting for us. One by one, we were introduced to the families we would be living with for the next month.
About half a foot shorter than me with a George Costanza like hairstyle, Jose (he prefers to be called Miki), my senor, immediately greeted me with a hug and a handshake. He is married, so it's like I have two people looking after me. After I got my luggage off the bus, we caught two taxis to his apartment in the heart of the city. Conveniently, the apartment is located very close to the Metro and a 3 minute walk to Retiro Park - which is Madrid's Central Park, it is hugeeeeeee and has concerts there on the weekends and a lake kind of structure where people can rent boats! I look forward to get up and run there in the morning.
It is also a 20 minute walk to campus, and about 10-15 metro ride there, which is very convenient.
Orienting myself to another new city and meeting my new family were a little overwhelming, especially since they don't speak much English, but my Spanish is already improving and it has only been three days - everything I was taught in Spanish class in high school is slowly coming back.
When I arrived at the apartment, I was given a tour, shown my room, and then began to unpack my things (finally!). My roommate, Will, and I have separate bedrooms, which is nice, and there are 1.5 bathrooms. The best thing about my room is the hugeeeeeee BED and my room is conveniently located next to the bathroom with the shower. Unfortunately, I have no internet access there right now, but should in a couple of days.
Miki is retired but is a very outgoing guy and a great cook. He is an avid soccer and bullfighting fan and it has been fun (and sometimes discouraging) practicing my spanish with him since he does not know much english. Looking forward to the next four months!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Cathedral
Four kings (representing the four kingdoms of Aragon, Leon, Castile and Navarra) carry Christopher Columbus's casket on their shoulders in Seville Cathedral.
Sevilla
Spending my last night in Sevilla tonight. Sevilla is beautiful. It is known as the most romantic city in Spain. We arrived around 4:00 Friday afternoon and checked into our hostel. We dropped off our bags and spent the night walking around enjoying the many sights Sevilla has to offer. The first major sight we saw was the Alcazar, a palace which was built by the Moors in the 10th century, and also stopped by the bullfighting coliseum/ring.
We spent the remainder of my first night in Sevilla cruzing through the Santa Cruz district, wandering from shops to restaurants, enjoying tapas and sangria. The next morning, our group went to Sevilla's cathedral which is the largest Gothic church and home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus! Pictures to come! Filled with a large and lavish gold altar and numerous side chapels, you can't help but be impressed. The outside is also just as impressive. The Cathedral is the third largest in the world!
We also climbed 350 feet up to the top of the Giralda Bell tower which gave us an awesome view of the city (and a good work out!). A great way to end our time in Sevilla.
On to our last city - Granada, tomorrow and then finally MADRID on Tuesday! Can't wait!
We spent the remainder of my first night in Sevilla cruzing through the Santa Cruz district, wandering from shops to restaurants, enjoying tapas and sangria. The next morning, our group went to Sevilla's cathedral which is the largest Gothic church and home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus! Pictures to come! Filled with a large and lavish gold altar and numerous side chapels, you can't help but be impressed. The outside is also just as impressive. The Cathedral is the third largest in the world!
We also climbed 350 feet up to the top of the Giralda Bell tower which gave us an awesome view of the city (and a good work out!). A great way to end our time in Sevilla.
On to our last city - Granada, tomorrow and then finally MADRID on Tuesday! Can't wait!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
I Made It Across The Pond/ Toledo
It took me almost two days to pack, mostly due to procrastination, but I think I did okay. You would be surprised how much you can fit into two large suitcases. I flew out of Syracuse at 2:30 and arrived in NYC about 45 minutes later. That flight was pretty easy. I sat in the aisle seat with plenty of leg room and satellite, so I can’t complain. I actually met a Spanish couple in the New York airport. I figured I should probably chat it up with them seeing as I was going to be living in their country for the 4 months. They were very friendly. They told me plenty of stories and gave me a lot of advice. Unfortunately, I don’t think I will run in to them again in Spain.
The flight from New York to Madrid was about 8 hours. I was pretty lucky on this flight as well as I had an aisle seat again with the rest of my group accompanying me to Madrid surrounding me. Although the portions were small, the food was pretty good. To top it off, they had free TV and movies (albeit in spanish), so 8 hours flew by pretty fast.
Arriving in Madrid was a little hectic. Customs isn’t exactly the quickest process, but I had no problem getting through, and after about 30 minutes of waiting in line, I was on a bus to the Toledo. As much as I wanted to sight see on the ride there, I succumbed to exhaustion and fell asleep. On the few occasions I did wake up, I mostly remember seeing fields filled with farm animals.
That day was pretty uneventful. I unpacked for an hour, and then napped for another 5. I had meant to do some shopping, but stores close fairly early here, most by 6:00, and I ended up just walking around, trying not to get lost.
The days ever since has been much more eventful. We take tours of the town to different landmarks almost on a daily basis, and I actually got to see all of the ancient architecture that I had seen in pictures.
Everything is completely different in Spain. Everything was in Spanish and it has been a little tough getting used to communicating with them in ONLY Spanish but by the time I leave in December hopefully I will be fluent in it, they ate at the weirdest and latest times (lunch at 3 and dinner at 10), there was public display of affection everywhere, the weather is very humid, they strictly obeyed the siesta (the town is dead for 3 hours) and then party like crazy during their fiestas (there’s no way anyone would go home at midnight – it only starts then). The first time I had desayuno (breakfast), I was shocked and said to myself, “That’s it?!” On the table there was only a glass of orange juice, butter, and one piece of toast on the table for me. In Spain, they really don’t eat so much in the morning.
Anyways, we left Toledo for Cordoba today and just arrived at the hotel. It was a good change of pace after arriving in a big time city like Madrid. When we arrived at our hotel, there were all kinds of paparazzi. Unfortunately, they weren't interested in all of the American students staying there that night, but rather in a president of one of Spain's regions who was.
The next day, we had a guided tour of the city where we saw synagogues, mosques, and cathedrals which gave us a little bit of an insight into Toledo's religious history. A great surprise for me was getting to see El Greco's painting “Entierro del Conde de Orgaz” which I had previously studied and somehow forgot it was here!
We're only a couple days in and I've seen so many incredible things. The back of my notebook has a great quote which I think everyone who travels can relate too, " Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember; and I remember more than I have seen." - Benjamin Disraeli. Obviously, I can't write everything on my blog, but I hope that other than its purpose of sharing my adventure with you all, that it will also help me remember this trip forever.
The flight from New York to Madrid was about 8 hours. I was pretty lucky on this flight as well as I had an aisle seat again with the rest of my group accompanying me to Madrid surrounding me. Although the portions were small, the food was pretty good. To top it off, they had free TV and movies (albeit in spanish), so 8 hours flew by pretty fast.
Arriving in Madrid was a little hectic. Customs isn’t exactly the quickest process, but I had no problem getting through, and after about 30 minutes of waiting in line, I was on a bus to the Toledo. As much as I wanted to sight see on the ride there, I succumbed to exhaustion and fell asleep. On the few occasions I did wake up, I mostly remember seeing fields filled with farm animals.
That day was pretty uneventful. I unpacked for an hour, and then napped for another 5. I had meant to do some shopping, but stores close fairly early here, most by 6:00, and I ended up just walking around, trying not to get lost.
The days ever since has been much more eventful. We take tours of the town to different landmarks almost on a daily basis, and I actually got to see all of the ancient architecture that I had seen in pictures.
Everything is completely different in Spain. Everything was in Spanish and it has been a little tough getting used to communicating with them in ONLY Spanish but by the time I leave in December hopefully I will be fluent in it, they ate at the weirdest and latest times (lunch at 3 and dinner at 10), there was public display of affection everywhere, the weather is very humid, they strictly obeyed the siesta (the town is dead for 3 hours) and then party like crazy during their fiestas (there’s no way anyone would go home at midnight – it only starts then). The first time I had desayuno (breakfast), I was shocked and said to myself, “That’s it?!” On the table there was only a glass of orange juice, butter, and one piece of toast on the table for me. In Spain, they really don’t eat so much in the morning.
Anyways, we left Toledo for Cordoba today and just arrived at the hotel. It was a good change of pace after arriving in a big time city like Madrid. When we arrived at our hotel, there were all kinds of paparazzi. Unfortunately, they weren't interested in all of the American students staying there that night, but rather in a president of one of Spain's regions who was.
The next day, we had a guided tour of the city where we saw synagogues, mosques, and cathedrals which gave us a little bit of an insight into Toledo's religious history. A great surprise for me was getting to see El Greco's painting “Entierro del Conde de Orgaz” which I had previously studied and somehow forgot it was here!
We're only a couple days in and I've seen so many incredible things. The back of my notebook has a great quote which I think everyone who travels can relate too, " Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember; and I remember more than I have seen." - Benjamin Disraeli. Obviously, I can't write everything on my blog, but I hope that other than its purpose of sharing my adventure with you all, that it will also help me remember this trip forever.
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