HOLA! DE DONDE ERES GUAPA?

It finally happened....I got picked up on the way home today.  Sweeeeet! After weeks of hearing that kissing noise from muy muy viejo hombres finally a man my age flirted with me.  Walking home from school today just about 5 blocks from my home I was crossing the street when I noticed this guapo hombre on the other side.  I gave him a glance but then forgot all about it and headed across the street. When I reached other side of the street he starts walking along side of me and says "Hola! De donde eres Guapa?".  Hell yeah, I am going to answer (believe me I needed an ego boost). I answer "Hola, estoy Estado Unidos".  Guapo - "Donde vives?" Guapa - "San Francisco, CA"  Guapo "Come te llamas?' Guapa - "Diana" Guapo - "Soy Mustafo de Morocco, mucho gusto" Guapa - "Igualmente" Guapo - "Solo en Salamanca o con familia?" Guapa - "Si, solo, no familia" Guapo "Va a Plaza Mayor tarde, cafe?" Guapa - "Lo siento, pero voy gimnasio entonces con amigas por tapas des pues" Guapo - "Vale..otro tiempo. Adios, hasta luego" Guapa - "Hasta luego". 

I am sure you noticed I didn't say 'no I have a boyfriend'. No need, I wasn't going to go with him and as I said I just needed the boost people.

With all that said .. tonight "I feel pretty oh so pretty"

Disfrutar todos!
Paz y Amor

MI MENTE ESTA FRITA!!!!!

Yes, yes, yes...my brain is fried.  Every day in class we learn something new. I don't dare miss a class because if you do you're FUCKED! Oh yes.  Now I know why this language takes years to learn to speak properly. WOW! NO MAS PALABRAS is definitely what I am going to have printed on a T-shirt when I return home.  And after touring 6 different pueblos in the area my other T-shirt will say 'NO MAS IGLESIAS' (not proper grammer but it works, wouldn't you say?).  There's are so many Churches in these Catholic countries. If you threw a handful of rocks from my window here I can guarantee everyone of them would hit a separate Church.  For real man.  BUT...the good thing is the Latin Catholics all over the world like their booze.  In Salamanca there's at least 2 bars for every Church.  In my neighborhood alone and only in what I'd explain to you as a 4 block radius there are at least 10 bars.  They do a good job of making them look respectable too.  These aren't your typical bars we'd see in the States. These are Bar Cafes or Cafeterias.  Bar Cafes servie pinchos and tostas along with every kind of liquor you can think of.  I was happy to see the have Aboslut Citron and even more thrilled when I spotted JIM BEAM the other night. 'Chupita' shot of Jim Beam please!!!  Just like bars at home each one has their clientele too.  There's the jovens (young people) bars with loud music and dirty floors, the middle of the road bar for people like me that aren't that old with pretty loud music and cleaner floors and then there's the viejo (old) people bar. Now this viejo bar is a sight. It's usually just old men getting drunker then shit. To my recollection I've never seen a woman in these bars.  They're smart and staying away from their drunk husbands.  The Cafeterias are a mix of people and mostly serve cafe (coffee) not liquor.  They're a bit quieter and more civilized.  Quiet? I am cool with that but Civilized? NOT!

Tonight I will be going to that 'middle' cafe with my friend Juliana.  Her last day in Salamanca is tomorrow.  She's headed to Barcelona and then ... well who knows for sure.  She's an 'Azafata' flight attendant. I've enjoyed getting to know her and hope to keep in touch.  I'd love to visit her in Brazil and have her come to San Francisco.

But before I start the mini fiesta tonight it's off to the gimnasio for SPEEN class.  Trying to keep up 3 times a week.  It isn't easy in this heat.  It was over 100 all last weekend and is still in the 90's now.  Mucho mucho calor!  They have two fans in the SPEEN room and that's it.  If the cardio doesn't burn calories the fuckin' heat will melt the fat.  Either way, it works for me.  They should re-name the class SAUNA SPEEN.

This weekends school excurion is to 3 more pueblos in Castille y Leon.  Not this girl...as I said earlier 'NO MAS IGLESIAS'!!!  I don't want to be disrespectful or ungrateful for being here but, really, when you've seen 30 churches you've seen them all. Not to mention the dozens of half collapsed Castles from the Inquisition period.  Maybe after this weekend I'll miss them all and return for another view.  The other trip is to the playa on the Portugal Coast. I may do that one but it all depends on the heat factor. It's a 4 hour bus ride to spend 3 hours on the beach and a four hour ride back.  This girl doesn't do the 'bathing suit' scene so the requirement is a BAR on the beach where I can just sit all day and ... yes...drink! I need it.

As I said, my brain is fried.  So with the little I have left to work with I must complete my 'deberes' homework.  Writing a script on how to greet, enter, order and get the bill in a restaurant. It's weird, I keep asking my 'camarero' waiter for vino y cerveza but he/she keeps insisting I take a 'la carta' menu. HEE HEE!

Paz y Amor

TRES SEMANAS COMPLETAR...CUATRO MAS!

Really? Three weeks already? Wow wow wow.  It doesn't feel like it has gone that fast but yet it'll be three weeks this Sunday since I arrived. I have mixed emotions. I miss my man, mom and friends but I don't want to leave either. I feel so comfortable and at home here that it will be weird to leave. I think it will feel like I am leaving home like it did when I left the States. But I guess all things must come to an end. Well..not an end, just a break. I'll be back for sure. 

Tonight should be interesting. Myself, Carmen (whom I live with), her friend Pequita and my new friend Juliana (from Brazil) are all getting together for tapas, vino and live Jazz music.  I am the only one whose language is English first. Juliana speaks and understands quite a bit but still not enough to where I don't have to talk slower or describe things. Carmen and Pequita, well I'd say between the two of them maybe they speak 10 words of English.  What a wonderful way to learn to communicate and for both Juliana (she's a student at another school) and I to practice our Spanish.  We aren't going out until 21:00 and the music starts at 22:30.  If you're gonna hang out in Spain you've got to get used to going out late & staying out late but still getting up early for work. I think that's why they still practice 'Siesta' here.  I can't do that nap thing in the middle of the day. So I will just forge through. I have to be up at 6:30 tomorrow to prepare and catch the bus by 9:00 to Portugal.  I am so excited about this trip. One of my very very favorite drinks is Port and to drink REAL Port in Portugal is a dream come true.

Oh..I tried to shop for a new skirt or blouse today. Now that was funny. A size 'L' in Spain is the same as a 'S' in the States.  These are some petite people. I see many big girls but most are small.  The next size up is an 'XL' which is still like 'M' so as you may have guessed, I didn't buy a thing. Maybe after the next 3 weeks of exercise I can finally fit in their 'XL'. I am gonna try.  Besides being a 'big' girl here I am also 'muy alto'. If I had a dime for every time I hear 'tu muy alto' I'd be rico rico.  Shit, I should just stand on a corner with a sign '1 Euro for photo with grande alta chica'.  Ya think?

Not much more I can think of to say right now. So I think I'll pour me some more Vino (pronounced: beeno here) Rosado and enjoy.  Yes there is a 'B' and a 'V' in the alphabet over here but you soon find out there is no difference in the sound.  Both are pronounced as a 'B'.  When you ask in class, as many of us do "Por que V?".  Profesores just shrug their shoudlers and laugh. 

Paz y Amor

SPEEEEEEN!

Last night I enjoyed my first Spin (Speen) class in Spanish at Juy's Gimnasio just a couple blocks from mi casa.  No one at the gym speaks more then the standard necessary English words..i.e. hello, hi, I see,  like and ok.  It's just fun. I am sure I sound just like that to them. Anyway, when I arrived, Gloria at the front desk gives me my membership card with a big smile says 'Guapa foto...like? like?".  I respond 'Si, esta bien'.  She then takes my hand and shows me how to use the card to enter the secured little gate to get into the gym. Which is funny because it's a metal gate right next to the desk that is about 1.5 feet tall and once it opens .. you are IN the gym. I about laughed so hard because the gym is right there, it's not a door, just a little gate and I could step right over it and walk in. But in all fairness, I think the gate is there just to keep track of members. The cards work like the 'Clipper' card in SF where you have to scan to get on public transit. Still it was funny. I was 20 mins early for class so she showed me the shower area, the gym (which again, you are in it the minute you walk in...the equipment is RIGHT there man) then to another room where she says to me 'Thina? Thina?' and points. At least that is what it sounded like she said. I looked around like an idiot while others on the machines stared wondering who I was.  Finally, she walks me right up to it and points 'Thina'! Oh..oh...oh..'Treadmill'.  We both giggled. So I jump up on that machine and again, like a deer in headlights, just stare at the controls. I look back at her and she's grinning from ear to ear as she then points it all out to me 'Inicio' START.  Oh yes, 'ignite' I say and we laugh. Anyway, she showed me off, up, down, fast and slow. I can't tell you what they all are now but believe me I will know them when I see them again tonight.  Ten minutes later I end my treadmill ride and head to the Spin class room. When I open the door seven people all stare. Oh shit! I wanted get in there before any one else. So nervously I hop on the bike that Gloria had set up to my height requirements earlier, well at least I thought so. Class starts and the music is REALLY LOUD but hey..it's English lyrics rock n roll, U2, Bad Company, Michael Jackson and more.  That  helped me feel more comfortable.  The instructor smiles at me and says 'Primer spin class? poco a poco Diana'.  She's right, since it's my first I need to take it 'little by little'. I know that statement because I hear it alot in school.  After about 5 mins the instructor and I both realize my bike is not fitting me well.  Shit, my knees are hitting me practically in the face and when I reach for the handle bars I am bending almost to my toes.  The whole class got a laugh out of that one.  It was hilarious.  I tell ya, being laughed at in Spain is just fuckin' fun! No one's laughing at you in a mean way at all.  If you can't laugh at yourself or be laughed at while you're in a foreign land learning a new language and culture then you might as well go home cause it's just plan FUNNY! After the bike was adjusted off we went and I did take it 'poco a poco' and made it through 50 mins. of SPEEN.  I received a 'Bien Diana' from the instructor as I left the class and many many smiles from other gym members. I think they're getting a kick outta the new Estadounidense chick. Don't think they get too many estudiantes o turistas at the gyms around here.  Tonight's class is at 18:00 hopefully I can remember how to use the Thina!

Oh yes, today I saw something I wanted to tell you about but forgot.  You should see the guys that work at corporate jobs here.  Wow! Not like SF at all. They all where those tight, skinny legged pants with those suit jackets that look too small and short. You know, like Ryan Seacrest.  But on these guys it looks goooooooood. Long brown hair, olive skin and light brown/hazel eyes makes that style look REAL good. Damn!  I just had to tell you about it.

And the girls, well let's just say "you should get your butts over here boys (or girls)" cause the majority are absolutely beautiful.  Really.  I don't see much difference in the way the women dress here then at home except EVERYONE of them at any age wear those flat sandals. The kind with no arch..just straight flat and with straps either just around the ankle or an inch or two higher. All the zapateria's have these sandals. Tons and tons of them everywhere. I've only seen a few stores with sandals that have even 1/2 to an inch heel and somehow those stores look like old lady stores. Whoops! So guess who's buying the 'flat sandals'. Yup..you ain't catchin' me going into the old lady store.  SHHHHHHHH..they seem to think I am only in my 40's here. HEE HEE! Hey, I've been honest but if I can't convince them of the truth then why push it?

All right peeps, that's enough for now. Going to review some class notes, relax and then hit the gym.

Paz y Amor

SOMETHING'S MISSING?

Tercero semana!! Class went well today. A new student, Robert, from...gee, guess where? You guessed it, Holland. We had a good laugh in class today because it seems that maybe half of the country of Holland is enrolled in Don Quijote. Wonder how the rest that are left are doing over there?

After class I went to my scheduled manicura y pedicura appointment. What fun that was. Not only did I get the best service but I had an hour and a half of Spanish lessons for only approximately $30 (w/tip) U.S. Rebecca was the name of the young lady who did my mani/pedi. What a doll. She speaks very little English so we were the same in our levels of a new language. I had my trusty 'Biblio' (dictionario) in hand and we began to converse. Lots of giggles were had trying to understand each other at times. The most fun I continue to have here is attempting to speak with the local people on the streets or in the shops. So much fun. I truly have learned quite a bit more that way. When I paid my bill and made my next appointment Rebecca made a good joke "Proxima vez Diana habra un examen". I better continue to study and practice so Rebecca will be proud of me when I pass her exam.

Next it was home, drop the books off and on to the gym. Trying to ask about cost and classes was just hilarious. Gloria (front desk at gym) and I laughed the whole time. We pointed at things, used funny gestures and my 'Biblio' over and over but we finally got it. $48 Euros (approx. $60 USA) for a month membership with unlimited use of the gym and any classes. But you can't just walk into a class. You must be at the gym an hour before and register for that class the same day. That sucks, I thought, but then it hit me....Diana you can work out for an hour before the class and get more exercise. Really? That still sucks but YES .. I will do it. OR...there are several Cafe's very very near. Uh oh!

Then it was back here to do my homework. Quickly, I might add, because this girl wants her nightly VINO! With that said, deberes (homework) is done and wine has been poured. Tonight's selection Vino Rosado, a nice chilled Spanish Rose. And soon there will be a piece of dark chocolate to enhance the experience.

You're probably wondering why I titled this post 'Something's Missing'??? Well here it is, still every day is a beautiful day in Salamanca. Just a stroll through the streets with no intention or destination is wonderful. But after two weeks, as I sat down at a local cafe this weekend (yes for a glass of vino) to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds...it hit me! Where's the color? I finally noticed there is no color here. Buildings are that reddish, brown, or grey brick. The clothing isn't bright or lively even if it is modern or fashionable and inside the apartment lobbies and homes it's all earthtones and not much art or decor to speak of. After I realized that...I knew what I was missing. They need some Mexicanos and South or Central Americans here to brighten the place up. Giggle giggle.

Well, that's all I have to share for this moment in time in Spain.

Paz y Amor

MI ESPIRITU ES EL ESPANOL

Can I get any more relaxed? I haven't slept better, felt content, relaxed and smiled more ANY where else I've lived or been on this planet. It's amazing. I had no idea how this could feel..now I know. And I am bringing Salamanca, Spain with me every where I go. Watch out San Francisco, you're gonna have a tough time stressing me out again.

I can't believe tomorrow it has been two weeks. Time has flown by so quickly but I am not sure how I feel about that....I don't want to leave but I want to feel, touch and smell my man again soon. I will be back and Damien will be with me next time.

Today I woke when I felt like it, shared a wonderful breakfast with Carmen and Barbara then off I went. Walked over to 'El Cortez Ingles', it's like a Macy's or Nordstrom but with an electronic, book and gifts for tourist department. It's pretty expensive but Carmen tells me 28, July is there big 50% off sale for two days. I will definitely go back. However, I did buy a cute hat and a discounted old Cher CD. After cruising the store I walked down towards the Plaza to get a manicure/pedicure. They couldn't get me in today but I managed to make an appointment for Monday at 20:00 all in Spanish. I did use my 'bible' though (dictionary) quite a bit.

Since I couldn't get in today .. I thought to myself "what shall I do"? And then it hit me.. VINO! Of course..the sun is out, there's outdoor seating everywhere..what else is a girl to do? So I sat my butt down at the Cafe in Plaza Alamedilla for a vino rosado and a plato de verde olivas. Wrote in my journal, people watched and reflected on things I've heard and learned while I've been here. Then I saw a plate of Iberico ham go by. SHIT! Ok...just one tosta con jamon, queso y tomato. HEE HEE! If you are missing anything here my friends..it's the Iberico ham. It's to die for. Luckily we can get it in SF and for not a bad price. It's actually more expensive here. The plan is to take some with me to London to share with Damien, Ted and Sam too. You hear me cousins...ham y vino when I get there. Party! Oh and don't forget the Spanish Olive Oil..muy delicioso. I'd bring you all some but hey...this girls gotta party in Ireland and even though I love you all I won't be lugging olive oil or ham with me for days. ; )

Ladies seated across the cafe were just staring at me intently today. I've figured out it's not my blonde hair .. it's my height when I walked by them to sit down. They aren't a very tall people here. But there are blondes, redheads, brunettes etc. Also, blue, brown, green and alot of hazel eyes like mine. I still can't tell what a 'true' Spaniard looks like. They're very mixed up like the States here. Our Profesora, Marga, says she is from Salamanca and she has the brown hair, light brown eyes and light olive skin. Therefore I think she may be the example of a Spaniard here.

Oh..gotta tell ya, last night Carmen, Barbara and I had a good giggle. Carmen is from Argentina, not Spain, Barbara hasn't any Spanish blood, therefore it seems I am the only Spaniard in the house. Isn't that funny. We thought so.

Yesterday in class we were learning more words such as gato (cat) and that's when it hit me. I said to Marga "Yo no veo los gatos in Salamanca. Donde es los gatos?" She told us that cats are not allowed on the streets running free in Salamanca. They are banned. What? They're only allowed if you keep them in your house. And dogs are allowed out but must be leashed at all times. The funny part is the look on her face as she was telling the story.. pure disgust. It was apparent she doesn't like cats. We all couldn't help but laugh as she was telling us about it.

Time for comida...pollo, patatas y tomatoes. Yummy! Carmen is such a good cook.

More to come later my friends.

Paz y Amor

GDEV (Gracias Dios es Viernes) aka TGIF!

Hola amigos! Well almost two weeks down. I can't believe how fast it went. It seemed so slow the first week. Cinco semanas mas. My emotions are mixed...glad it's going fast because soon I will see my 'dark chocolate nougat' but bummed because I just love it here. Salamanca is definitely somewhere I could live.

Last night's tour of Salamanca was beautiful. I don't understand most of what they're telling us on the tour but the sights make up for it, as you can see by my photos I posted of last night. After the tour a few of us went out for drinks (bebidas) and tapas. As usual..Bien Comida! The food is so delicous here. I haven't had a thing I don't like yet but that's because I know what blood sausage looks like and I make sure I don't order it. Oh lord no! Gonna stay away from that in London and Ireland too. Anyway, we laughed so much last night. Your spirit can't be anything but happy here. If it isn't, something is terribly wrong with you..terribly. Just can't imagine being unhappy or negative here. If you come here that way, believe me, it will go away quickly. I posted a picture of my friend Feliz too. He still wants to be my novio. Love it.

Class was good today. Learning why and when to use El, La, Los and Las. My GOD..I thought English had alot of 'always do this BUT' stuff. Spanish has much0 mucho mucho exceptions..all you can do is laugh when los Profesores say 'Siempre .. pero". We all get a good laugh out of it.

Carmen made us a beautifully delicious comida of filet of some sort of white fish, sliced fresh tomatoes and this peas, tuna, cheese (I think tossed in mayo?) salad. What's weird is I HATE peas but these peas are good. Got to find out what they are and maybe get them at home. Us three ladies had some good giggles while eating. Carmen always saying 'Hablas Espanol NO Ingles'. I try but sometimes I don't know a certain word in Spanish so she says that to me pretty often. It's hilarious. We just laugh because I say back to her "Callate la boca"...man she laughs hard when I say that. We're having so much fun together here. It's like we've been roommates forever. We just all had a glass of vino blanco before we head out for the night. Barbara is going to Madrid with her class tomorrow and I am hanging in Salamanca to stroll around and 'comprar ropa' for myself. Need some long sleeves, warm clothes for Ireland. BRRRR! Oh and from what my cousin Ted tells me London isn't any warmer right now. Been raining alot there. I think I better buy some boots too.

I am headed to Plaza Mayor to meet friends at 20:20 under the clock. Bart left this afternoon but Rene doesn't leave until tomorrow morning. So it's another 'adios/hasta luego fiesta' tonight.

With that said...time for me to freshen up and hit the streets for that 20 min. walk to the Plaza.

Hasta luego amigos!

xoox

Paz y Amor

'

MI VIDA LOCA EN LA SALAMANCA

What a difference a couple days make. Adjusting my classes has made a wonderful difference. We all seem to be on the same level in this class. But that can change in a minute. Each time we learn something different we each learn differently. Pero (whoops, but) I am still thinking positively and gonna make it through.

The weather has changed again also. Cloudy, slightly humid and only 25C today. Actually it's kinda of nice after the high temps and humidity we can get here. Today, after class, I stopped again at Cafe Congresso. It's right across the street from the School's cafe. I enjoy it much more because it's quieter and not many, if any, students go there. A few days back I met the owner, Feli. He's a very nice gentleman and helps me with my Spanish when I stop for my 'daily' Vino Blanco o Rosado after class. It's much needed after 4 hours of only Spanish. Oh yes! Feli smiles and laughs alot. He also teases me in Spanish. I am not always sure what he's saying but by his mannerisms I can tell it's all in good fun. Today I think I understood him. I was writing in my journal and he came out to ask me (I sit outside because I CAN here) what I was doing. I told him "Yo escribo en diario por recuerdo tiempo en La Salamanca". I can't write what he said in Spanish but I am pretty darn sure he said "To your boyfriend? I hope not, because I am jealous and I should be your boyfriend". We both got a good laugh out of it. It is so much fun here. He went inside then came back out with a plato of olives (the olives are sooooooo good), sat it down on the table in front of me and said "I give you the best olives, now you have to be my girlfriend". Again, we laughed. What a sweetheart!! I will definitely get a picture of him and with him to share with you. By the way, his name Feli is for his given name "Felicidado". Yes, he's named HAPPY. Don't ya just love it? The names here are so beautiful. I am getting used to be called 'DEE ANA". It will be HARD to be called 'DIE ANA' at home again.

Now I am at home and Carmen is making 'La Comida", the afternoon meal. We finally understood each other enough that I could ask her to make smaller portions with more vegetables with less meat, cheese and pasta. She's happy because that's how she eats. She's very active and healthy. I am paying for my Gym membership later today and tomorrow I start working out. 20lbs to lose in 5 weeks...think so? I am gonna try. It's easy to eat light here.

After comida I will go back to the school for the clase de cultura. Tonight it's a tour of Salamanca for about 3 hours. But I think we're going to leave it a bit early to have drinks and say goodbye to Rene and Bart. Their last day here is tomorrow. FIESTA tonight!

Well, it's time to comer (eat)!

Paz y Amor

MUY ESTRESADO AQUI

Yesterday I had a break down...yes a small one. Seems what they consider a beginner here isn't truly a beginner. Most students here have had Spanish recently in a University or are attending one now. Therefore they know grammar and speak quite a bit of Spanish so they're here to brush up. Professors go so fast I am left behind. I finally had to say something. They suggested I repeat last weeks class and I agree. So starting today I will go through the first week again. Feels much better. Because most the young students here know much Spanish, when they Professor gives us assignments in class, they complete them in minutes and I am still trying to figure out what he/she just instructed us to do. Es muy deficio! It was a very emotional day yesterday. I felt discouraged, stupid and thought I may have wasted money and time here. But after talking with new friends here I found I am not alone. That truly helped. And also, no matter, how much of the the language I learn I am proud of myself for trying. And even better I am in Spain for 7 weeks and experiencing things most people never get to do. It's a trip of a lifetime. No more crying! Just enjoy.

Last night I had a lovely evening. The other student that lives here, Barbara, invited myself and Carmen to meet her daughter and friends. We went out for tapas and wine around 10:30. Nights out start late here. We had a great time getting to know each other and I was immersed in the Spanish language. It was a beautiful night.

Tonight is a Total Eclipse and supposedly we can view it around 9:30. Should be beautiful.

Well it's breakfast time, then study some more and off to an afternoon class.

Paz y Amor

TODOS MUNDO HOMBRES ES MISMO

So I just went down to the Park to get in an hour of studying before 'comida' (mid day meal which is at 3-5pm). I sat down in the sun opened my books and began to read when I hear "Senora? Senora?". Hmm, they talking to me? I look up and sure enough there are 3 dudes standing about 3 feet in front of me. Now they say "Hola, Senora. Tu es muy guapa". And what I could figure out, I think, was they wanted me to come have drinks and food with them. I just smiled (giggling actually) and said 'No, gracias. Yo tengo novio en la Estados Unidos". Ok..that didn't work after a few tries so I moved. Now I relax and begin to read again and here they come. This time I saw them coming so I just got up and walked back up this way to my room. It's almost comida time any way. Carmen is laughing hysterically at the situation.

NUEVA AMIGA CARMEN

Everything is wonderful, perfect and beautiful here! But I think I may have just had the best time since I've been here. Carmen and I both decided we weren't going to go to the Plaza for the Festiva tonight. I just want a quiet night in without the crowds and noise. When I told her that she laughed and agreed. So we opened the wine, poured each a glass and sat at the kitchen table and talked. It's a funny sight, me with my dictionario and glasses on. You can't get this kind of learning out of any book. We just talked for hours getting to know each other....siblings, parents, children, music, food, travel etc. And we did it all knowing very very little of each other's languages. I love it! She's learning English and I, Spanish.

We then ended up in her bedroom where she played me her son, Matias', music. He's a guitartist and what a musician he is. He plays rock, soul, blues and latin guitar. It's beautiful. She's going to take me to meet him before I leave. How fun will that be.

As Carmen just walked by my room I had to stop her to tell her that I adore her. And that in just a short time she truly is my amiga and forever. She just hugged me and said "Tu tambien Diana. Tu precioso". How lucky I am to have met her.

Someday I hope she can come to the States and you all can meet her. You will love her as quickly as I did.

SEEIN' SPAIN!!

The bus to take us on our excursion to the mountains of Sierra de Francia leaves at 9:00. I arrived at 8:15 at Plaza Gabriel y Galan. If you could see the maps here you'd make time too. There's no parallel streets or even straight streets for that matter. And the map makes everything look far away when it's close and close when it's far way. Oh and it doesn't help that the street names are written so tiny only an ant could read them. I've learned to keep my glasses on when I walk around this town. You never know when you'll need to pull that map out again.

I am enjoying this relaxing time before the bus arrives. I spent hours re-writing my notes last night and writing my paragraph on SF in Spanish. I am sure it's going to sound very bad when she interprets it but that's how we learn.

So here I am in the Plaza, the sun is shining bright this morning and the birds are their usual cheerful self. They seem to say to you each day 'I am happy in this beautiful place'. I couldn't agree more.

Carmen made my breakfast for me to go. How sweet is that. Fresh fruit (apples, grapefruit, cherries, bananas or oranges) yogurt and a slice of wheat toast. Last night she also took me to her friend's Gym so I can join. I'll be starting workouts this coming week.

Ok ... so as I said I am sitting in the Plaza an these two Spanish dudes all of a sudden are standing in front of me. One is yelling and pointing to the other, as he walks, 'directo! directo!. Seems he is pointing is muy barracho friend the way to his home. I am trying so hard not to laugh. It's 8:30 and these dudes are toast. As the drunker one walks away I ask the more sober friend "Is he drunk?". He laughs and says 'Si, we've been out all night (in Spanish)'. That's the thing here, the younger ones party til the next day quite often. Even the older ones (may age and up) are out late but we seem to get home by 2:00 and quite a bit more sober.

Now back to my journal writing as I sit and wait. It's so easy to be here. I've never felt this way any where I've traveled. It feels right. I am home. The Carrasco ancestral spirits have taken me in their arms and are keeping me safe, happy and loved here.

Que? Que? I say as I look up and see the real drunk dude is standing right in front of me, about 3 in. away. From what I can tell he's saying "Muy Guapa..Muy Guapa. Come? Camina?" I believe he's sayind "You pretty, walk with me, go eat". LOL. I try to tell him several times 'No gracias and Adios' but he keeps talking, swaying and even stepping on my toes. You can smell last nights booze all over him too. But I can't help but giggle. I finally just get up and say 'Adios' and walk towards where more classmates have just arrived. That's when I hear 'Guapa...donde donde'. I am telling you it was hilarious.

Finally the bus arrives and off we go. It was about 2 hours to get to the top of the mountains. We stopped about an hour in for a coffee, pee break and tour the Meson Taurin Bodega (winery). Very nice, I bought a bottle of Vino Blanco that was absolutely crispy delicious for ony 5 euro. We then hit the road and went to 3 amazing villages, Miranda del Castanar, Mogarraz and Pena. Miranda del Castanar is where Marga told us about the small oak trees indigenous to the area called Carrasco's. That explains the family crest. We took a little tour of each town stopping in one for an hour or more for lunch and beverages. It was beautiful and lots of fun. I posted pictures for you to enjoy.

Tonight I am off to the Plaza Mayor again for the fireworks spectacular. Doesn't start until 10:30. Everything is later here but you don't notice and just go with the flow.

Before I forget to tell you, today on my way back from the Market I got a 'kiss kiss' ( the sound the guys make) and a 'Muy Guapa' as they walked by. My first one in a week. Hmm, what was different about me today?

Well, I must end my friends! I am going to share that bottle of Vino Blanco from Meson Taurino with Carmen.

Peace and Love

YOU'VE MADE IT WHEN A CLASSROOM HAS YOUR NAME!

Sanson Carrasco is a character in Don Quijote and the name of a classroom at Don Quijote school where I am attending Spanish Language classes. I just had to take a photo.

TRANQUILA

Many times a day you hear 'tranquila'! The Spanish people are so calm and wonderful. Any time they notice you're feeling stress, or when you try to speak the language and apologize for not doing it well..you hear 'Tranquila' And they mean it from the heart...'relax, nothing to worry about, it's all ok'. Lovely. So that's what I have been and continue to do..be Tranquila.

It's been a tough last 3 days learning conjugation of verbs. There is no limit to the verbs in this language and there is no limit to the 'exceptions of the rule they just told you'. It's confusing but it really is funny, this language. You ask yourself often 'why'? what? huh? Tonight is my first big homework assignment. I have to write a 100 pallabra (words) paper on my hometown. Oh boy this is gonna be fun but I need to get it done because tonorrow I am taking a tour arranged by our school with classmates to 'Sierra de Francia'. Look it up .. it's beautiful. I will certainly tell you about it and have pictures in the next few days. Domingo (Sunday) is the last day of the semana (week) long Festiva de Salamanca. There's going to be music, food, dancing and then fireworks in the Plaza Mayor. I will definitely be there. And Lunes (Monday) there is no escuela (school) as it is a holiday. Woo hoo! However that means EVERYTHING will be closed...so I guess it's study study study. 3 days off already.

Last night, after the Cultura de Espana class, we went to a Cerverceria where we paid 3 Euros for a glass of wine/beer and enjoyed all you can eat tapas. Delicioso! Then we enjoyed a few beverages at a little bar in the Plaza. Next thing we knew it was 2:00am. What? You should have seen us all scatter. Needless to say it wasn't easy to get up at 7:00am today. And it certainly wasn't easy to focus in class. I won't be out that late again. So tonight I am being a good girl by staying in and doing my homework and getting a good nights rest. I really haven't had one since I've arrived..it's been go go go.

Carmen just came and gave me a hug. She's going out with her amigos for a cafe. I can't tell you how wonderful she is. In just a week I feel we've become great friends. There's much love for each other. When I got home tonight she took me to her friend's gym so I could join. Then she walked me to the Correo (Post Office) to mail Post Cards. By the way, if you'd like a Post Card from Salamanca, please email me at my personal email with your address and I'll send you one for sure.

I may be going to a Bull Fight in the next few weeks too. They don't know exactly when it's going to be but it's usually in late June or early July. It's not something that I've wanted to do (ask Patty, we chickened out in Barcelona) but I just feel the need to see this very cultural event this time. I'll be closing my eyes alot that's for sure.

The sun has come out off and on the last 2 days but at least the rain has hopefully gone. Supposedly by the weekend it's going to finally be sunny, hot and dry..around 24C. I can't wait man cause I am losing my expensive 'electric' tan dang it.

Well, I got to go while I am still 'tranquila' and write that paragraph. Hmmmmn, what shall I tell about my beautiful City by the Bay? We shall see what comes out of this completely full head. WHEW!

Paz y amor todos!

SPANISH MUSIC AND AFRICAN DANCE

Just got in after listening to beautiful Spanish Guitar music earlier this evening at school. It was a sing long to different types of Spanish music throughout time. And we even sang Guantanamera and La Cucaracha. Too funny. Then hooked up with a few new friends, Chris from Ireland, Christian from Germany, Rene from Norway and Hans from Germany. Went to a little Tapas bar for food and drink. The conversations we have when we're all from different places is just the best. What great fun it is to be in one place but meet the whole world. The food was good and inexpensive too. I enjoyed some pancetta, lomo y croquetta de jamon y copa de tinto vino for only 5,40 Euros. You can eat really cheap here and delicious too. We all then walked back to Plaza Mayor to see the African Dance/Acrobat troupe from Ghana perform. They were awesome. One of them was a really freaky contortionist. Amazing what he could do. But after last nights late night we all went our separate ways at 11:00pm and here I am.

Wish you all could be here in this little part of the World. Salamanca is everything I've heard and read about. As I was walking to class this morning I couldn't figure out what was different then it hit me....I am calm and peaceful. This place feels like home and it does for all of us that have the opportunity to be in this special place. If there's any place you should add to your bucket list it's Salamanca. I know I will be back and I can't wait to share it with Damien.

Buenos Noches

IR, AR, ER ... TO CONJUGATE OR NOT TO CONJUGATE, THAT IS THE QUESTION!

My head hurts! There are two good reason. First, the welcome dinner was awsesome. All the new students showed up. It was great getting to know each. It was like a United Nations conferenece. Holland, Germany, Denmark, Ireland, UK, Hungary, Brazil, China and of course United States. Since all spoke English it made it easy to get to know each other. Those who are more proficient in Spanish spoke that also. The sounds and sights in the room were beautiful..laughter and smiles everywhere. They served patatas fritas y puerco braise and there were bottles of bottles of vino tinto on the table. Afterwards, Javi, el Profesoro, took us to Camelot Bar for drinks. I'd say most were barracho by then for sure. I was a good girl and took it slow since it was my first night walking home a different way and in the dark at 1:00am. So that explains reason numero uno. Second reason I am tired is today we learned the 'regular verbs'. Believe me I am now very very afraid of the 'irregular'. AAAHHH! Today I have my first 'deberes' (homework) assignment. That answers the question....To conjugate or not to conjugate? It's 'To Conjugate'. PRACTICA PRACTICA (you hear that alot in class). I think that will be one of my most hated words when I leave here. So rememeber friends...don't say that to me when I get home. ; )

After deberes it's back to Don Quijote for the 'clase de cultura'. Tonights subject is 'Guitarra de musica de Espana'. I am so excited to hear it. I will bring my flip video and record if they allow me too.

I hear Carmen in the kitchen preparing 'la comida' mid day meal. So I must say 'hasta luego amigos' and complete mi deberes before.

AH, BAY, SAY, CHAY.......

Up at 6:30am and out the door by 7:30am. After an hour of information and introduction to the school we then went on a 2 hour tour of the surrounding area. Cool, Right on, Far out....(could be heard said in German, Dutch, English and other languages by all the beginners)! Then the tour began and Javier (our guide and class instructor) did it all in Spanish. We beginners had a good giggle. It was a great tour visually but some of us just looked like deer in headlights when he spoke. Each of us beginners know a little bit of Spanish in a different way and from different experiences but very very little. It was fun. Then back to the school for our first class at 11:15 a.m.

Our instructors name's are Margo for the first part of the class before pausa (break) then it's Javi (short for Javier). Today we learned to name and pronounce the letters of the alphabet. I was amazed how many I had forgotten to name but could pronouce, well at least I thought. I am in Castilian Spanish territory as you know..'ce' and 'z' sound like 'th' well sorta. You'd have to hear to know what I mean. Anyway, it's true. I will come back home speaking with a lisp. Spanish sure sounds beautiful here. I like how they pronouce the language. As they say 'it's pure Spanish'.

After class I stopped at Cafe Loscudas in Plaza Mayor for a glass of vino roja. Here it's called 'tinto'. That second 't' is pronounced almost like a 'd'. Yes, you do have to really listen to learn how to pronunce this Spanish here.

Now I am en la casa de Carmen where I just had a delicious lunch, not called that but haven't learned what it is called. She made a delicious Spanish style spaghetti and meatballs. The meals are huge here. Who ever said they eat small and light es 'loco'. WHEW! And then there's another meal at 10pm tonight. But not for me because tonight is 'La Cena de Bienvenida'. Don Quijote

new student 'Welcome Dinner' at 9:00pm. My first experience walking at night through the streets of Salamanca. Should be very beautiful with all the lights at night here.

Domingo is the beginning del 'Festiva de Salamanca Semana'. Which means we have Lunes off. That put a smile on old and new students faces alike. I am going to take that day to walk around this beautiful City and take pictures. Most tiendas will be cerrado Lunes. (See I write Spanglish).

It's still cloudy and raining off and on here but it doesn't seem to change the spirits of the people here at all. So I won't let it change me either. But believe me I am ready for that heat I was so looking forward to. From what I hear it starts Jueves. Feliz!

Adios...hasta luego! Time say my alphabet over and over. Practica practica as my profesora says!

Paz y amor amigos!

ANYONE KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS? IT'S 9 HOURS LATER HERE!

WHEW! After a day of emotions due to fear of flying & leaving Damien I am finally on the first leg of my trip, on way to Houston. When I arrived at SFO (4:30am) I was amazed to find many many others . Who the heck flies to Houston at 6:00am on a Saturday? What? Several of us in line had a laugh or two about that. Apparently many do when it's because it's one of Continental's stops when you go to Europe. Now we get it.

After waiting a half hour in line to check baggage. I proceed to my gate then I hear that scary familiar sound and ask myself "is there a school ahead?". No, but there is 20+ Jr High students coming my way and then they pass me. Far out! They seem to be going in the opposite direction, they won't be on my flight. I pass through security with no problems except that I wasn't familiar with the laptop security rules. Go back Miss, please take out your laptop, place it in a bin by itself, thank you! Now I know. And also thank goodness I've been through security many times before because this girl's only got a tank top, leggings and a skirt on. Yup..almost naked. Makes it easy folks. And hey they get a good look at me in that fancy scanner of theirs. Sorry for the cellulite boys. ; ) So now I get to enjoy my leisurely stroll to Gate 88. But first a stop for a bagel and smoothie since I hadn't eaten in almost 36 hours. Nerves do that to me. I should fly and leave Damien more often because I'd be a size 7. NOT! I got to the gate & find it almost completely empty so I sit down to enjoy my bagel and smoothie..then OH NO! Those 20+ kids are coming my way. I just watch, breath and chant "they are headed to another flight" (over and over..you know what I mean fellow travelers or public transit riders). That didn't work because all of a sudden I was surrounded by teens and all I could hear was that piercing dolphin sound of teenage girls in packs screaming. Lord we sound awful at that age. It was deafening. And the boys...oh yes the boys they weren't much smoother. I must have heard "dooooood" over hundred times in just a few minutes. Also girls, you should hear what they say about us at that age. Apparently boobs are truly awesome! LOL. Anyway, I relax, let it go when "waaaaaa waaaaaa". The even more disturbing sound of a crying infant. Oh lord, now all I can do is pray I am not sitting near them. Ok, back to relaxing. My row is called and I board. There it is 32C...but guess who's in 32A & B? Yes, it's the mom, dad and baby. At that point all I could do was laugh out loud and people stared. Just as I was about to sit I hear the teen pack coming and sure enough their seats are all around me. I am tired and could be grumpy at this point but I am not 'cause I AM GOING TO SPAIN. As early as our flight was the baby, teens, me and most of the plane just slept deeply and soundly. It turned out just fine.

I arrived in Houston with an hour to spare so I just sat down and relaxed. Not eating, no shopping just relaxing. Uneventful. We board and now we're off to Newark (yes, I have a 3rd plane to board people). And no teens or baby this time. After almost a 4 hr flight again we land in Newark with only 30 mins. to spare. Thankfully we're in the same terminal so it's just a fast 15" walk for us. Right when I get to the gate, they're boarding. So it's finally off to Madrid we go. Yahoo!

7 hrs 20 min flight left and I will be in Spain. This time we got free directTV and movies, dinner and breakfast. Saved some $$. I watched two movies "Crazy Heart" & "Hangover" (both of which I'd seen before but just love) ate my delicious Sweet & Sour Beef w/rice and had a glass of Spanish wine. Then it was lights out. We were exhausted and we were flying over night. But then you think you're getting an overnight sleep when AAAAHHHH someone opens up one of the window blinds and there it is.. BRIGHT SUN! Yup..we didn't get much night since we left Newark at 8:40pm. Sun came up in a few hours and it sure wasn't morning to us from the States but it was according to the sun on that side of the pond. Oh well. They served us a yummy croissant w/fresh fruit and proceeded to talk endlessly for the next two hours before landing. Apparently they want to make sure you're awake and ready to go when they get there. I understand, can't have us all groggy looking like zombies walking off your plane can you? What a sight that would be.

I get to customs and the agent calls me up. I give him my passport and the necessary paperwork to enter Spain. He looks at my passport and at me, again then again then he finally says 'hablas espanol?'. I say 'hablas poquito'. That's when he picks up my passport puts it to the window and ooints at my name and says in a thick spanish accent 'but this is your surname?'. Oh man, sorry dude. I tell him that's why I am here, to learn the language. That's when I get the high 5 through the glass. I wanted to die laughing. I pick up my luggage and find the 'way out' (yes it really says that on their signs) to look for my driver. He's supposed to have a sign that says Don Quijote/Diana Carrasco and sure enough there he is. I walk up introduce myself and he asks me if I speak Spanish. This time I just said 'no, that's why I am attending Don Quijote'. He says with a thick accent pointing at the paper with my name on it 'but this is your surname?'. I just start laughing tell him in my very poor broken crappy Spanish what just happened with the agent. That's when he gives me a hug and says "Well, welcome home Diana Carrasco. Now learn to speak like you should". We both had another good laugh.

After picking up another student Erick (from Denmark) and Eduardo (from Portugal) we hit the road for a 2 hours drive to Salamanca. What a beautiful drive. The freeway is clean, smooth and beautiful here. It may be due to the fact they're toll roads here and it isn't cheap. The country side was rolling hills, yellow, green, then through a tunnel where a beautiful moutain range just appeared. I have no idea which one it was and I tried to ask but again...communication is an issue with all of us. I'll look it up on a map another time. The mountains fade into rolling green and yellow hills again. Every thing I saw reminded me of different parts of the US. It was beautiful. Sorry, no pics. First he wouldn't stop because they're on a schedule and I couldn't take pics through the window. You could hear the bugs splattering on the windshield like little raindrops as we drove. It was trippy. Not good for pictures. But I got the memories that will never leave.

Now here I am at my home for 7 weeks in Salamanca. My host person's name is Carmen, she's 56 single with grown kids and teaches pilates and ballet out of this apartment. She just laughs and smiles alot. I adore her mucho already. She took me for a walk to my school to show me how to get there. That was awesome because she doesn't speak english and I barely any spanish. But as we humans do across this planet...we communicated just fine. There's another student here too, her name is Barbara from Montana originally. She's 58 and going to a different school then me. She's only here for 4 weeks. She's finished one week of school and already is speaking what I would say 'great' spanish. But apparently it's not. Oh boy...what did I get myself in to.

So good night all...I am gonna enjoy the sounds of the thunder/lightning outside my window with a terrace that overlooks this lovely city I am calling home for 7 weeks... Salamanca.