Observations

Hello loved ones!  (and anyone else who happens to stumble across my blog!)

Today is Tuesday, which means that I don’t have class until 12:30.  So I had a leisurely morning—got up at 9, had breakfast, checked emails and facebook (you might learn that I do that often… I try very hard to stay in contact with everyone!), and did my art history homework.  Then I walked to campus for my Positive Psych class (side note: whenever I want to type the word “psych,” I inevitably end up with the word “psycho” and have to be careful to make sure I catch it!).  I totally love that class.  It’s very different from the other psychology classes I’ve taken, but I find the whole field of psychology fascinating, so different is fine by me in this case.  We started class by doing choir/vocal exercises, because apparently being in a choir and singing is something that increases happiness in people.  Go figure.  Then we each shared a proud moment or experience of our lives, but it couldn’t be a typical achievement thing (like winning an award or being nominated for something).  I spoke about my decision to step out of my comfort zone and go to Yale for three weeks in the summer.  Looking back, I was so nervous for those 3 weeks, but they were so fun and I have no regrets about them.  Now, however, I’m facing 4 months in Spain.  Quite a big jump, I’d say.  Anyway, it was an interesting class and I can’t wait to see where it leads.  Afterwards, I had lunch and hung out with some friends.  The weather has not been as good the past two days (it doesn’t get much warmer than 50, I actually have to wear my coat, and the sun is hidden behind clouds!).  Nineteenth century art history was at 4, and it was normal, just talking about art academies and salons in France.  Not too much I care to share…  However, big news of today (sorta): I officially dropped dance, and I’m not going to worry about it anymore.  Whew.

In lieu of describing the uninteresting details of my life today, I’m going to give you a list of some things that I’ve learned/seen here in Madrid since arriving 9 days ago.

1.     Everyone smokes here.  A law was recently passed (as of Jan. 1^st, I believe) prohibiting smoking inside bars and restaurants (thank goodness for me!) but everyone on the street is smoking.  I feel like I smell like smoke all the time.  Not fun.

2.     People in Madrid like to play the lottery.  For some reason, I get the impression that it’s more popular here than at home, but maybe I just see it more because people sell tickets on the street.

3.     Our señoras (host moms) seem to think that we Americans eat A LOT.  It’s not just in my case, since everyone that I’ve talked to says that their señora serves them way too much food.  I don’t eat a lot; I eat normal portions!

4.     Europe has the interesting challenge of balancing the “old world” with the “new” or “modern world.”  I appreciate the history of European nations, but I think I will always prefer the (relative) modernity and industrialization of the United States (specifically the Chicago area!).

5.     Personal insight: I don’t think I could ever live indefinitely in another country.  I am a creature of comfort as well as habit, and I prefer what I am accustomed to.  Traveling is wonderful, but I will always want to live in the United States.

6.     Personal insight part ii: my intense fear of failure inhibits me from trying many things that would probably benefit me (most notably: practicing Spanish).  Then again, does my fear sometimes protect me?  Maybe there is something to be said for NOT trying to change yourself if what you have going on has worked so far.  Hmm…

7.     People here are always out, walking around.  I don’t know what most of them are doing though.  When I walk to school and then back home, the sidewalks are packed with people.  And they’re often shopping, which I find interesting because these people clearly are not at work (it’s 11:30 AM for goodness sakes!) and the unemployment rate is somewhere around 20%.  So what is everyone doing???  Also, many older people (meaning 65+ years old) are just walking around.  I often wonder if they’re out for a “daily” walk because they’re usually not shopping…  If only I could read people’s minds (and knew Spanish, haha). 

8.     All the information regarding “what to wear in Madrid” says that people in Madrid are quite fashionable.  I, however, don’t see it.  I’ve seen countless “styles,” so maybe “fashionable” means that each person has his/her own particular “fashion.”  Maybe my idea of fashion is not right.  All I know is that I’ve seen lots of things that don’t make people look good, and I consider bad-looking clothes unfashionable.  Where is Clinton Kelly when you need him??

Okay, that’s all I have for you folks tonight.

Good night and God Bless.

Mucho amor,

Elizabeth