Big Sister, Little Sister

C'est l'Halloween, C'est l'Halloween!

I hope everyone is having a spooktastic day - I am very disappointed to be missing out on one of my favourite holidays. Why do I love it you ask? Who doesn't enjoy stuffing their faces with candy, watching old horror movies and scaring the pants off of people? No one. That is who. Unfortunately for me, I am under the weather and sadly missing out on the Hallowe'en festivities here in Spain. Although they do not celebrate Hallowe'en quite like we do, the International Students have taken over!! But I shall survive, because after Hallowe'en means CHRISTMAS. It will finally be socially acceptable for me to admit to listening to Christmas Carols tomorrow, November 1st. But that is a post for tomorrow...

This post is about Diddy-Do-Bot! Christa came to visit me in Spain this past week and I think it is important for me to share some of our highlights. Here goes the list.

     1. Pouring rain 3 out of 6 of the days she was here. There are only 60 days of rain in Malaga a year, and she got at least 3 of them...

2. Beaching it up on October 27th, 2012. Too chilly to get into the water - but enjoyable sunshine! 

       3. Papaya Daiquris and tequila shots... or "Special Andulcian Liquor" as I told Christa so that she would drink it.

      4. Kebabs. Kebabs.

              5. Understanding why they call me Canadian Bacon while dancing at Shot O Clock

              6. Tapas

              7. Museums and churches and touristy things!

                  8. Malaga Ruins

                     9. Beggars. Peddlers. Beggars, Death threats. 

                    10. Tinto de Verano

                    11. Robert Boyd's Tavern

                   12. Christa's face whenever she had to kiss new people....heheheh

                       13. Wonderful Company

It was awfully lovely to have Diddy come stay with me. And I only corrupted her a little bit.... besides that I think she had a good time! xoxox
--CB

Never a dull moment

Holla holla,

What a crazy week this has been. Between shots of awga, school strikes and a whole lot of cold medicine - Malaga - as usual - never fails to surprise and provide us all with stories and memories to tell.
Let's start this wee little recap with the weekend, or with what I can remember from it. Fear not Patti, it doesn't have to do with being drugged - but everything to do with having so much fun all of the nights collide into one!! Haha. It started out as a typical weekend in the South of Spain, plentiful with friends, drinks and dancing until the wee hours of the morning....wait a minute....more like late hours of the morning. Greeted with free shots and great company - although, terrible shots at "Shit o'clock"...cringe. Then, followed our crazy activities that are necessary for a good time. Like, stealing an apple from the bar - taking a bite and putting it back on the rack. Only to have Lily grab it, finish it and steal another one that we devoured outside. Thanks so much Ektor (good thing the owner likes us). We drank in the streets and at the old Malaga ruins - note to all: don't let the security team catch you attempting to pop-a-squat near historical ruins.. "CAYO! CAYO!".  Then, of course, some dancing on top of the speakers at Sala White - no, I'm sorry to disappoint folks, but this time I didn't do a contemporary dance. But - I definitely had to represent the Canadian bacon. And lastly, some broken Spanish cursing at creepy vultures, broken hearts and more drunk food than I can care to remember. Oh. And I cannot forget to add that I love to make friends with the Spanish street cleaners, Jose Luis and Raul were the bomb....
Gallivanting late at night in the streets of Malaga city-centre has just become a part of our daily routine - and I couldn't have met better people to do it with. Leaving this International family behind is going to be such a struggle for me in December - as cliche as it sounds - we're a little mixed family. And I'm proud to be the only Tim-Bit of the crew! I will be a very sad girl to leave them, and leave this. I'm the first one to go in December, I'm the only one not coming back after Christmas - so it will be a bittersweet departure...but I've got something sweet waiting for me on the other end. :)

I told you we stole some apples.

England, Belgum, Canada y America

"Get in my shirt!"

As for school this week, the Spanish students took a stand against the University and went on strike from Tuesday - Thursday. Protesting against increased tuition and lowering of teachers wages. This allowed for the cancelling of classes - happy campers we are. However - I spent my days laying in bed with a terrible cold. Classes commence again tomorrow - and it will be the first time I attend my 3rd year English/Spanish translation module. Heaven help me!

And a funny story I must add happened today while walking with two of my besties to the bus stop. As I've stated before, the male population here adores women and adores verbally harassing them. I can't walk to the grocery store without getting grunted at, yelled to, or whistled at. My favourite? We walked by about 6 guys on the sidewalk and some bloke must've thought he was the next Enrique Ingleses because he started singing "LA LA LA BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL". Normally, we are able to keep straight faces and ignore it - but there was just something about this man's off-key voice that made me burst into hysterical laughter. 

As for now? I'm going to follow my regular Thursday night ritual and head to the British Castle for prinks and giggles. Because, this week I haven't been able to wipe this goofy smile off of my face!

TTFN.
-CB xo

No te preocupes

For any of you that have had the chance - or headache-  to travel, work or study abroad, especially in Spain, will understand the concept of this post.
A Spanish phrase that I hear more frequently than "vale" is "no te preocupes". In English terms, "Don't worry about it". Don't let these words deceive you, they may appear to be reassuring, but instead, they are quite the opposite. The Spanish way of living is very laid back.  It appears to be an enticing way of living for us Canadians, who are used to the fast paced life style of multi-tasking and juggling work, social life, school and the cute boy from our Lit class. But, it is quite the opposite. Their  DGAF attitude leads to poor structure and sheer disaster for anything worth accomplishing.
I thought dealing with the Spanish Consulate for my Student Visa was a run around and the epitome of poor planning and communication - well, that my friends, was a walk in the park.
Take registering for my classes for example. In Canada, the list of available courses is available whenever a student may desire. Time tables are constructed well in advance, and it is necessary to start course selection months before the term begins. This, allows for security in mandatory courses, ample time to switch classes, and the simple reassurance of being registered in something. In Spain? There isn't a course offerings list until shortly before the semester begins. Courses clash due to chaotic class time tables, and it is nearly impossible to fit 5 courses into a semester without major headaches and overlaps. Add in the factor that you are an International Student, you'll get kicked out of at least 2 classes because you're not a "native speaker". Which will then resume the frantic search for classes that will count as a credit for your home University, that won't be mind - numbingly boring and that fit in your schedule. Finally, a perfect schedule. But wait, not so fast, 3/5 of the courses are all at capacity now because you've had to change your time table so many times and you're already going into your 3rd week of classes with the deadline on Monday and tomorrow as a holiday. But....No te preocupes.
One thing that I will never understand is the Spanish Education System. This. Is. Beyond. Ridiculous. And there is no help, and no solution. For some of us, this semester isn't a free ride to spend our parents money and explore the culture of the many different flavours of vodka. For some of us, this semester counts and these courses are important toward graduating. However, only the best of us can juggle both...

And so I shall, it's Thirsty Thursday afterall, why not ring in the big holiday tomorrow with my amazing amigas con tequila, or to-kill-yah. 

TTFN xo
-KT

Buenas Dias!

Hola! Que tal!?

I figured it was probably easier for me to write a big group message, as opposed to little ones all of the time. Im going to start a blog, but I've just been very busy, because YOLO I'm in Spain! I don't have Rys or Sandra's emails - so just fill em in, or forward them all. Thank you.

So Im living la vida loca. Malaga is phenomenal. It is full of history and beauty , I can walk out my front door and smell the ocean. That's a lie - my window is open always - so I can always smell the ocean! Although it is very very warm here since my piso is literally a stone throw away from the ocean - there is always a nice breeze. Nothing compared to the summers in France - hot and dry. It is a lot hotter here - but there is just something so liberating about the beautiful sea air. I've been swimming like it is my job, you all know how much I love the water, I often go to the beach by myself and go for a nice dip. It is something I cannot explain. I have the most gorgeous view while I'm in the water - I look to my right and I see all of the beautiful mountains in the distance. And if I look forward it is water that goes on for ages. I truly am blessed. And although it was difficult to get used to the burning eyes and bitter taste in my mouth from the salt water - I've gotten very used to it! Just don't get water up your nose - it hurts like no tomorrow haha. We are so blessed to have fresh water beaches at home - but this is just beautiful. There are 3 beaches here. EL Palo - which is just a few meters from where I was taking my Language Class at the start - we'd often go after class. Malagueta - which is right in the centre and where all of the good late night parties are. And the one just out front of me! 

I legitimately live in an area so full of history and beautiful architecture. I walk by the Picasso Museum always, the famous Catedral. It is great. I actually have began to get very annoyed with the tourists who block my way when I'm walking down the beautiful cobble stone streets. "Take your photo faster - I have a litre of Sangria I need to chill!!". 

We spend many nights hanging out in the Plaza de la Merced - which is surrounded by pubs and beautiful views - quite the place to play ultimate frisbee at 4am. Shot O'Clock has become a part of our nightly routine - 10 shots for 7 euros. Now now, don't you fret - I dont drink all of the shots to myself - we split them. The nightlife is just raging. There are so many different clubs on every little street you turn down, the centre is like a maze - every little passage takes you to a new club! Our favourites are Sala Gold, Sala Wengue, Sala White and Opium. Full of both Spanish and American music we can dance all night long. Literally...clubs close at 7am. We dont head out to the bars until 130 or 2. 

Now, I suppose I am referring to "we" a lot. I have met some unbelievable people and friends! I'm Canadian, there are Americans, Brits, Irish, Germans, French, a couple Italians. I've met people from Slovania, Austria, Australia, Poland, Belgum! You name it. BRASIL, ARGENTINA. I get to use my french quite frequently which is so great! Ive got a very close set of friends - and I am very blessed! 

I start my real classes on Monday. Dont ask me about it. I dont know what Im taking - what there is to take - what time they are, ANYTHING. There system is a friggen mess. I dont need to register into my classes until October 16th - so I am still trying to figure out how the heck to get into classes or find them. There are no descriptions. It is an absolute disaster. But whatever. 

Some of you know, I sprained my ankle on Monday night, slipping off of a curb while getting into a cab. You know, because they are so steep and dangerous... bed ridden Tuesday and Wednesday. Went out to town today and it is sore, but Im okay. Just swollen and bruised. It's a good thing I like the colour purple. 

OH AND IM TANNED EVERYONE> BE JEALOUS. Except today it's cold! Only 20 degrees and overcast! Yuckk. Rumour has it people go to the beach until mid October though - and 2 days ago it was 30 degrees - so we'll see! 

DAN - DID YOU HAVE FANTA LIMON?! IT IS GODS GIFT TO CREATION.

I think that is all, stay classy and dont forget about me. xxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxooxoxxo

Adios! 

Katie's first post

This is a blog to document Katie's escapades in Malaga, Spain!

Yay, Katie!