Volvo Ocean Race!

Alicante is one of the fastest growing cities in Spain. While there is a large economic crisis in the country as a whole, Alicante reeps the benefits of its gorgeous landscape. The number one profitable industry here is tourism. It is one of the handful of cities that make up "La Costa Blanca" on of the largest tourist destinations in Europe. 

Being an ideal place to get away, Alicante takes advantage of its warm climate and beautiful shores to sustain its economy. The large flow of people in and out of her borders helps support local restaurants, shops, and tours of the city. These businesses create jobs for locals and lessen the devestating unemployment rate that has plagued the rest of the country. Alicante hosts festivals of all kinds year round, drawing people from all over the world. One of the most famous seasonal attractions in Alicante is going on right now.

The Volvo Ocean Race!

The Volvo Ocean Race is a sailing race that began in the 1970's. Its route stretches around the entire world! The race lasts for nine months and the sailors stop in 10 different cities along the way. Before the race begins this Saturday, Alicante hosts a giant festival for the sailors, locals, and tourists. Hundreds of people flood the port of Alicante to see exhibits, eat local food, learn about the teams, go to concerts, ride rides, and meet the teams. You can find many local artisans selling their goods to countless people. The past week the streets have been packed with all kinds of people from around the world. The resaurants lining the port receive a steady flow of customers coming from the festival. Hotels are booked months in advance to house teams, staff, and sailing fanatics from around the world. The Volvo Ocean Race is just one example of how Alicante utilizes the landscape to create economic opportunities for the city. 

Can you think of other ways Alicante could utilize its resources to gain economic stability? What about Portland? Can you think of examples of how Portland uses its landscape to sustain the economy or provide jobs for locals? 

Getting involved

Thanks for all of your comments! I'm glad you all are enjoying my photos :) My host mother is really into photography and she is taking a class through my university. I got to go with her one day and it was awesome. My madre here loves getting invloved in activities around town. She belongs to a book club, cooking club, and is taking a photography class! One thing I have noticed is that adults here are very active and invloved in the community. My university offers loads of classes for senior citizens as well. Today I went with my madre to sign up for a film club. We're going to see a movie this Wednesday and afterwards we get together at a café to talk about it. Here is the trailer for the movie... its called "La Voz dormida" and is based on a novel about the Spanish Civil War. I'm really excited! Can you think of ways to get involved in the community in Portland? Are you already involved?

Heres the trailer! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91yHMtLUKr0

Learning the Language

A huge part of the reason I chose to come to Spain was to improve my proficiency in the language.  I have been studying Spanish for nearly 5 years now and I’m anxious to gain fluency. At Portland State I am studying to become a Speech Therapist. I love language and learning everything about it. A large part of my degree involves studying the science of language and the process of acquiring it. I would love to be able to apply this knowledge to Spanish as well.

From the moment I started studying Spanish I tried my very best to pack as much information in my brain as possible. I’ve made flash cards, songs, and acronyms to retain as much of the language as I could. I did well on tests and papers. I loved reading literature and analyzing the language as best I could. I was sure that I was ready to move somewhere where I could use this skill in my daily life.

Arriving in Spain I knew it would take me a while to get use to everything. I didn’t expect to be able to communicate fluently, and I definitely wasn’t able to. My approach to learning language was to memorize information and acquire knowledge. My problem was that I never really put my knowledge into practice outside of an academic setting. This became very apparent when I would talk with my family, Spanish students, locals on the street, or sometimes even waiters in a restaurant. I could talk for hours about literature and linguistics but this didn’t mean that I knew the Spanish language.

My original strategy on learning the Spanish language helped me with my academic career, of course. Now I was going about my day surrounded by the language. I realized I knew a lot about the language but to really know the language itself I had to live it. I had to ask questions, learn new vocabulary, and above all practice as much as I possible could. I had to change the way I approached getting better at Spanish.

Now, I have obtained a better understanding of the balance and attitude I must have towards learning the language. When I’m with my friends who speak English, I continue speaking Spanish. When I don’t understand a word in a conversation, I speak up and ask so that I can increase my vocabulary. I’ve progressed away from my textbooks and towards daily life in a Spanish speaking country.

Here is a picture of me and another american girl with two of our Spanish friends.

How do you best learn? Do you prefer to practice or do things? Or would you rather observe and try to understand? Why do you think that is?

Finalmente en Casa!

Hola chic@s!

I loved hearing your surprising or embarrassing situations! I guess we all know that you can't take anything or anyone for granted. 

I just got back from my 10 day fall break and boy am I glad to be here. I had a wonderful time! 

My favorite part of Barcelona was Park Guell. It was so gorgeous and covered in buildings designed by Gaudi!

Venice was crazy because there were absolutely NO cars. Everyone travels by boat.

 After I made my wish in the Trevi Fountain I got to see the a giant crowd of protesters at the Coliseum!

Overall it was a wonderful trip but I'm glad to be back in Alicante. One thing that I found surprising was that when I got back home I could tell my Spanish was rusty! I usually speak in Spanish all the time but after 10 days of English it took me a while to get back into the groove. Well I look forward to hearing your responses to my last blog post! Hasta luego!

So, where exactly am I??

Here!

As shown in the map of Europe above you can see that Spain is located in the Southwestern corner of the continent. The eastern coast is lined with beautiful beaches leading into the Mediterranean Sea while the Southern tip leads into Africa. On the Northeast corner lies the border to France and over on the East you can find Portugal. Now to give you an idea of exactly where I live in this vast country......

I'm that little red dot. As you guys know, I traveled this last week up to Barcelona, over to Venice and 

down to Rome. One thing is for sure, I definitely didn't realize how much a few inches on a map affects the climate! Traveling North and away from the Mediterranean to Venice was quite chilly. I had to buy a scarf just to keep warm durring the day. Down in Rome the weather was a bit warmer but it got very brisk once the sun went down. I was very happy to return to sporting a t-shirt when I stepped off the plane in Alicante. While Alicante is warm and humid, it hardly ever rains. When I flew into Alicante the first time I was surprised to look out my window. I couldn't see a single green speck. Coming from Portland I think I take the lush green environment for granted. Besides the few leaves of a palm tree you won't find much green here. You will find a lot of sand and dust though. 

You will also find a lot of people. Alicante is home to 334,418. Thats 4,303.4 people per square mile. This is pretty similar to Portland. One thing I found interesting about Alicante is that nobody lives in a house. Everyone lives in apartments. Some are small and some take up entire floors of buildings. They come in all shapes and sizes. There are two very distinct styles of housing in Alicante. The old and the new. This is my favorite "street" en el barrio antiguo...

And this is the main street in the city's center where a lot of other apartments are....

Another difference between Spanish families and American ones is that in Spain you live with your family until you get married and sometimes even later. This means that one apartment could be filled with many generations. But still, they don't find a need for a backyard. 

As Oregonians, we may not realize how much our beautiful city's backyard affects the way we spend 

our time. I know that I personally love going hiking, taking a bike ride, or finding a river or lake to go to if its nice. I asked if there where any good hiking trails around Alicante and a few people laughed at me. One thing I love about hiking is enjoying the wonderful scenery. In Alicante, to hike a mountain would be similar to hiking a big blank rock covered in dust. Not as cool. So I've had to cater my activities to the geographical environment here. This means....I am in the Sea all the time. There is so much to do! So far I've been kayaking, snorkeling, boogie boarding, surfing, and paddle boarding. I love it! I have found that the waves of the Sea and the warmth of the sun have replaced my need for fresh air, rushing rivers, and greenery. This has become a new oasis...

 This is the San Juan beach. Its about 20 minutes away from Alicante but the surf is much better! 

How do you think the geography in Portland affect our lifestyles? How does it differ from Alicante?

Some Things, Like Lady Gaga, Are Just Universal I Guess..?

After having been here for six weeks I feel like I have become accustomed to the Spanish culture. I know that I will be served more meat each day than I usually have in a week. I know that on the bus, there is absolutely no concept of personal space. I know it is socially acceptable for people to stare. I know that when I make plans with someone at 7:00 that usually means they will show up at 7:20. Everything is so very different but finally I have settled into a routine. I go to school and pass the same people going to work on the streets, sit with the same students on the bus, and generally go through the same routine. I know I’m not quite a Spaniard but I was starting to think I was finished with surprises. Differences, I have come to expect.

One morning, as usual, I walked three blocks down to the corner café near my bus stop. I love this café because there is always a sense of calm and peace in the air. Usually there are two to three men sipping on their morning coffee with a piece of toast as they chat about their families and the news. Every morning I would listen to them as I reviewed my homework for my 9 am class. This morning was different.

I came a little earlier than usual because I had to finish some reading before catching the bus. I opened the door and the café was deserted. I couldn’t see anyone. All I could hear was the sound of radio stations coming in and out and finally it stopped. Lady Gaga’s “Edge of Glory” came in clear. Then suddenly… it came in LOUD and clear. Diego, the owner of the café and a mere 5’ 6” tall, had been hiding behind the counter playing with the boom box. He stood up, still not seeing me in the doorway, and started to bust some moves like I have never seen before. He moved his hips every which way and threw his hands in the air. I didn’t know what to do! Should I go? Should I stay? But before I could decide he twirled around and we locked eyes.

“Qué tal…?” I said, with a quiver in my voice.

He looked mortified! He immediately stopped dancing. I felt horrible for ruining his fun.

“Me encanta esta canción también, la tengo en mi Ipod” I told him, trying to make it a little less awkward.

When he heard this, a smile grew on his face and he waved me up to the bar. The song was still booming so I thought I would dance my way up to the counter in an effort to break the ice. He must have appreciated this because it was as though I had invited him to our own 7 am dance party. We briefly grooved for 30 seconds before he cranked on the espresso machine and started my coffee.

I had never talked to Diego for very long. I only had a comfortable routine with him that we performed nearly every morning. For some reason, I already felt like I knew him before this morning. I knew what to expect. This morning, I faced one of the most surprising of surprises. I would have never pinned 55-year-old Diego for a Lady Gaga fan. I had put him in my “stereotypical Spanish man” box. He looked the part and I had never bothered to get to know him. After our encounter, we chatted for nearly 30 minutes. I discovered a lot about Diego that I didn’t know before. I also discovered that I can’t settle down into any routine. I will never know exactly what to expect. There will always be surprises. And some things like Lady Gaga, are just universal.

Can you guys think of a situation where someone surprised you by stepping out of the character you believed him or her to be?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9IQ9Y93XBk

Alicante to Barcelona to Venice to Rome!

Cómo estais chic@s??

I am packing my things for a ten day adventure that begins in the morning! I'm off to explore the mediterranean borders! I'm looking forward to Barcelona but I can't wait to experience Italy! I've never been before but everything I've seen or heard of this country has been amazing. I'll be staying 3 days in each place with a few other students I've met here. I'm so excited to see the sites and meet new people! I'll have to tell you all about it when I return.

Hasta luego

Jordan

Aspectos de La Cultura

Qué tal chic@s

Thank you so much for your comments and questions this week! I loved getting to know all of you a little better. I enjoyed discovering some of your personal values and seeing how that reflects your culture. As you all know, I was lucky enough to travel to one of the most culturally rich cities in Spain this weekend: Sevilla. I really couldn't believe how beautiful it was there! I definitely was able to observe and immerse myself in the authentic Spanish culture that is living and breathing in this beautiful city. 

The first night we went to a Flamenco show. Wow. I was amazed at the talent, practice, and skill involved in this performance. There was a guitar and two people clapping with the dancers. The two dancers, one male and one female, filled the room with complex rhythms using their stomping steps. Along with the technical skill of the dance, the dancers incorporated so much emotion into their performance. Flamenco is a dance full of of passion, pain, and energy. It was as if the dancers where telling a story with their moves and expressions. The theater was full of nearly 100 Spanish locals of all ages. This seemed to be a customary outing for the people of Sevilla. I could see myself getting accustomed to something like that! 

The next few days of my trip were filled with sight seeing. I loved hearing the historical explanations behing the architecture and art. Here are a few highlights of the places I saw!

Catedral de Sevilla 

La Catedral de Sevilla is the third largest cathedral in the world. It was absolutely amazing. There were many toursits there but I found countless practicing Catholics in the various chambers of the cathedral seemingly practicing their weekly Sunday routine. The Cathedral was originally built as an Islamic house of worship but with the expulsion of the Arabic community in the 1400's the building was restored and expanded into the cathedral that exists today. Inside the cathedral there are countless statues of past Kings, religious figures, and even the burial site of Christopher Columbus! The detail and sentiment behind every structure and wall was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. 

Alcázar

This is where Royalty live when they travel to Sevilla. I definitely wouldn't mind staying here a few nights (or years). The entire place was a giant labyrinth of gardens, ponds, lavish rooms, and gorgeous decorations. The influence of Arabic architecture and style was greatly represented here. It was marvelous!  

Last but not least: La Plaza de España

This ancient piece of architecture quite literally left me speachless. I was in awe by the enormity and beautfy of this beautiful palace. 

 Both in Sevilla and Alicante, it has become apparent to me that history and tradition play a very large role in their culture. A few of you have asked me questions about daily routines and customes here. Even these are influenced in a historical way. The meals in Spain are scheduled very differently than in most places. 

Desayuno: 9:00 am. This usually consists of a small coffee with milk and a cookie or muffin

Almuerzo: 12:00 pm. Most people skip this meal, but it usually includes a light snack of fruit and cookies.

Comida: 2:00-3:00 pm. This is the largest meal of the day and sometimes includes 5 to 6 different plates. From 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm you will find most stores closed because everyone is at home eating la comida. This is a highly valued time for families during the day here.

Merienda: 6:00-7:00 pm. A small sandwhich and a coffee is customary during this time of the day. Like Almuerzo, many people skip this meal as well.

Cena: 9:00- 10:00 pm Unlike the US dinner here is very late and very small. A few small tapas are usually served with wine. 

The most interesting thing about this abnormal schedule is its origin. During the Franco dictatorship working long hours was vital to the survival of families. Heat is a large factor in physical labor and led to unproductivity. Franco decided to change the Spanish clock and create a long break followed by a long night of work. While many people don't still work these long hours they still adhere to the strict siesta policy in Spain. I must say, I don't mind at all! 

Now that I've shared a few aspects of Spanish culture I'd love for you to think about a few things. Can you think of an activity, like the flamenco, that is culturally relevant in the US? The Arabic presence in Spain until the 1400's was very influential; can you think of another country that has influenced the American culture? What is the general daily schedule of an American citizen? What does it revolve around and what is it influenced by? Think about these things and I would love to hear a few of your thoughts! 

Hasta luego

Jordan