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

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