My mind is a blur. I'm having trouble forming complete sentences. My stomach is empty, I'm too tired to eat. My ankles are swollen, from dehydration and lack of humidity. And I'm in utter awe.
Granada might possibly be the most beautiful place on Earth. Everything-from the bluest skies I've ever seen, to the cobblestone streets, to the gorgeous passerbys and super-friendly taxi drivers. This is more than I ever expected. My confused state is mostly because of jetlag, obviously, but I know once I'm rested and fed, I'm going to explode with energy.
I asked for an adventure and I got one when I arrived. The flight was fairly simple, although I will admit to being a bit spoiled from the luxurious Air Canada, so flying American is a bit sub-par in comparison. But I am not complaining one bit, merely making observation. After I landed in Madrid, I made way to the Renfe train kiosk, realizing I forgot my print outs of my tickets to Sevilla and Granada. The clerk was a bit on the rude side, made a wise crack that I need to know better Spanish. I should've said "Fuck you" in Chinese but I merely nodded my head and agreed. Change of plan, however. I was only able to take a train directly to Granada but it left at 5 pm. So this gave me six hours to wander aimlessly with the heaviest piece of luggage I've ever packed. I thought I was doing myself a favor by only packing one suitcase this time, but if I could do it over, I'd take about half of the things I packed and keep them at home. Senseless, but whatever. My hands have blisters on them from dragging that piece of shit around. It inhibited me from exploring Madrid before my train, but it made an excellent place to rest my head and nap nearby the botanical garden in the station. I was fortunate to meet a very kind Spanish man, Jose, who helped show me how to get to the train station from the airport.
Being so accustomed to the Chinese railway, I was blown away with how peaceful and quiet the trip was. I sat at the window and watched acres and acres of Spain pass, saw the sun drop and the moon rise, a full one at that. At first it was barely peeking its head over a mountain, then it disappeared and I thought, Yeah right, that was way too bright to be the moon, but it was and I was floored. And I have yet to see a cloud in the sky, even as I type this during my second day in Spain.
When I got to Granada, I flagged a taxi driver by the name of Alex. Cute as a button and very forgiving of my weak Spanish. I didn't feel nearly as intimidated like I did in China, however, to practice speaking. Even the little bit I already know has really pushed me far, so I feel twice as confident as I did last year. That's not saying too terribly much, considering I had zero-confidence in my Chinese this time last year, but still, I feel a lot more capable. The Spanish people I've conversed with thus far understand me a lot quicker than the Chinese did...they've seemed to automatically know what I'm getting at, whether it's by intuition, familiarity with foreigners, or maybe my Spanish isn't THAT bad. We'll see. I can tell you that I've fallen in love with the sound of it, and I'm so eager to learn more that I'm considering attending a language school after this course is over. If it gains me access to jobs in Granada, then sign me up...I'm head-over-heels for this place.
In the taxi, we rode up and down these insanely narrow alleyways, tires rumbling over cobblestone. Alex was a pro. No one honks here! It's quiet and peaceful and clean. He drove me as far as he could, till the remainder was only steps from the office. However, those steps were the longest and most painful, logging that massive bowling ball of a bag along with my backpack. My shoulders HATE me right now. I'm such an idiot for packing so much shit.
Because I could only get the later train, this put me at the office way past when I said I'd get there. To make matters worse, my phone doesn't work and was pretty much dead. The electrical outlets (shut up, I didn't know this) are different so I can't charge it anyway. On my list of things to do is to buy an adapter. In fact, I'm typing this entry as quickly as possible before my computer dies along with my phone. But trust me, all is well even though I'm sort of sans communicado.
I knocked on the large green doors but no one was present. I stood there, baffled and confused, feeling anchored from my bag. A group of Polish students walked by and noticed my state. Angels, all of them. They totally took me in. They were in Granada studying Spanish and are leaving tomorrow for another city. I was so grateful to run into them. They immediately took control of the situation, since I was sleepless and out of it and on the verge of panic. The apartment some were staying in had an extra room so we grabbed a taxi and they let me stay with them for the night. I am so, so, so grateful. I really do owe the world a favor, considering the several encounters I've had lately with kind people. Makes me reconsider the idea that altruism is non-existent.
This morning I parted ways with the lovely Polish clan and took a cab back to the office. Once again, my taxi driver was so friendly and fun to practice Spanish with. And, like Alex, very attractive. They all are!! It's insane. Is this a movie set perhaps? I'm glad I've arrived unattached, otherwise it would be really, really difficult being here. I sat on the doorstep of the office and read for a bit until someone showed up and let me inside. Then I finally gained access to my room...and IT'S AMAZING. That's all I'm going to say for right now, I'd rather upload pictures later and let them speak for themselves. I don't think my computer's going to allow me the time to display the adjectives this place deserves.
More to come. I'm alive and well. Please keep reading. Love to all.
MISUUUUU
Granada might possibly be the most beautiful place on Earth. Everything-from the bluest skies I've ever seen, to the cobblestone streets, to the gorgeous passerbys and super-friendly taxi drivers. This is more than I ever expected. My confused state is mostly because of jetlag, obviously, but I know once I'm rested and fed, I'm going to explode with energy.
I asked for an adventure and I got one when I arrived. The flight was fairly simple, although I will admit to being a bit spoiled from the luxurious Air Canada, so flying American is a bit sub-par in comparison. But I am not complaining one bit, merely making observation. After I landed in Madrid, I made way to the Renfe train kiosk, realizing I forgot my print outs of my tickets to Sevilla and Granada. The clerk was a bit on the rude side, made a wise crack that I need to know better Spanish. I should've said "Fuck you" in Chinese but I merely nodded my head and agreed. Change of plan, however. I was only able to take a train directly to Granada but it left at 5 pm. So this gave me six hours to wander aimlessly with the heaviest piece of luggage I've ever packed. I thought I was doing myself a favor by only packing one suitcase this time, but if I could do it over, I'd take about half of the things I packed and keep them at home. Senseless, but whatever. My hands have blisters on them from dragging that piece of shit around. It inhibited me from exploring Madrid before my train, but it made an excellent place to rest my head and nap nearby the botanical garden in the station. I was fortunate to meet a very kind Spanish man, Jose, who helped show me how to get to the train station from the airport.
Being so accustomed to the Chinese railway, I was blown away with how peaceful and quiet the trip was. I sat at the window and watched acres and acres of Spain pass, saw the sun drop and the moon rise, a full one at that. At first it was barely peeking its head over a mountain, then it disappeared and I thought, Yeah right, that was way too bright to be the moon, but it was and I was floored. And I have yet to see a cloud in the sky, even as I type this during my second day in Spain.
When I got to Granada, I flagged a taxi driver by the name of Alex. Cute as a button and very forgiving of my weak Spanish. I didn't feel nearly as intimidated like I did in China, however, to practice speaking. Even the little bit I already know has really pushed me far, so I feel twice as confident as I did last year. That's not saying too terribly much, considering I had zero-confidence in my Chinese this time last year, but still, I feel a lot more capable. The Spanish people I've conversed with thus far understand me a lot quicker than the Chinese did...they've seemed to automatically know what I'm getting at, whether it's by intuition, familiarity with foreigners, or maybe my Spanish isn't THAT bad. We'll see. I can tell you that I've fallen in love with the sound of it, and I'm so eager to learn more that I'm considering attending a language school after this course is over. If it gains me access to jobs in Granada, then sign me up...I'm head-over-heels for this place.
In the taxi, we rode up and down these insanely narrow alleyways, tires rumbling over cobblestone. Alex was a pro. No one honks here! It's quiet and peaceful and clean. He drove me as far as he could, till the remainder was only steps from the office. However, those steps were the longest and most painful, logging that massive bowling ball of a bag along with my backpack. My shoulders HATE me right now. I'm such an idiot for packing so much shit.
Because I could only get the later train, this put me at the office way past when I said I'd get there. To make matters worse, my phone doesn't work and was pretty much dead. The electrical outlets (shut up, I didn't know this) are different so I can't charge it anyway. On my list of things to do is to buy an adapter. In fact, I'm typing this entry as quickly as possible before my computer dies along with my phone. But trust me, all is well even though I'm sort of sans communicado.
I knocked on the large green doors but no one was present. I stood there, baffled and confused, feeling anchored from my bag. A group of Polish students walked by and noticed my state. Angels, all of them. They totally took me in. They were in Granada studying Spanish and are leaving tomorrow for another city. I was so grateful to run into them. They immediately took control of the situation, since I was sleepless and out of it and on the verge of panic. The apartment some were staying in had an extra room so we grabbed a taxi and they let me stay with them for the night. I am so, so, so grateful. I really do owe the world a favor, considering the several encounters I've had lately with kind people. Makes me reconsider the idea that altruism is non-existent.
This morning I parted ways with the lovely Polish clan and took a cab back to the office. Once again, my taxi driver was so friendly and fun to practice Spanish with. And, like Alex, very attractive. They all are!! It's insane. Is this a movie set perhaps? I'm glad I've arrived unattached, otherwise it would be really, really difficult being here. I sat on the doorstep of the office and read for a bit until someone showed up and let me inside. Then I finally gained access to my room...and IT'S AMAZING. That's all I'm going to say for right now, I'd rather upload pictures later and let them speak for themselves. I don't think my computer's going to allow me the time to display the adjectives this place deserves.
More to come. I'm alive and well. Please keep reading. Love to all.
MISUUUUU
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