tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91447459247901186872024-02-19T16:12:01.050-08:00WhaleOuttawateRA twenty-something in a ridiculous world --Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-70009191562324817202011-05-25T08:45:00.000-07:002011-05-25T08:58:24.268-07:00Last night was a wonderful evening consisting of two sweet girlfriends and some Mosto under the fading night sky here in Zamora. Gosh, Im really gonna miss this place. As much as Im looking forward to a summer at home and my big (can I get bigger than Spain?) move to Nashville, I am truly going to miss this place. While I have complained and whined here and there, Ive been very happy with my little piece of life in Spain. I think it is easy to substitute reality with the unrealistic -- but really who is to say anything is 'unrealistic'? We often laugh that our life here is great and we dread going back to reality. If I died today, would the last year of my -unrealistic- life be void? No, it would definitely exist, and I hope every knows it has been a tremendous :)Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-23899819470994773862011-05-10T15:04:00.000-07:002011-05-10T15:28:16.292-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXihbXzTf5DagmaVKqnSAUmnpnMT2PqhW8Y2DTUTeo1ANtHYS1PiBu_0iptisq1l64QxM6JQyVR2VRBCDVHs7S2VAKEqnBPd1cBN2Ije3i2bvXdr89fSfzm_zU_scU3FfBDs3-Ri0ve3S/s1600/oompaloompa.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXihbXzTf5DagmaVKqnSAUmnpnMT2PqhW8Y2DTUTeo1ANtHYS1PiBu_0iptisq1l64QxM6JQyVR2VRBCDVHs7S2VAKEqnBPd1cBN2Ije3i2bvXdr89fSfzm_zU_scU3FfBDs3-Ri0ve3S/s400/oompaloompa.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605217396646342402" /></a><br />'Truth be told' -- in my opinion is no longer a welcomed phrase. Truth be told, I am sick of all opinions.<div><br /></div><div>If I have one more person in Spain give me their unwelcome, unsolicited, completely uncalled-for and ignorant opinion, I swear I will pack my lovely luggage up tight and fly my been-going-to-the-gym-all month tight ars home.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the last weeks I have been called fat, I was told (twice) my face is orange, my shoes are ugly, I look better when I'm wearing sunglasses, my legs are "Blandita", my Spanish is getting worse, my Spanish isn't good at all, and my Kate Spade bag is too big and too pink. </div><div><br /></div><div>I share a characteristic with an order of fried eggs (blandita =soft, squishy) and had a stare down with 2 people yesterday for showing my legs. Basically I'm a fatty oompa loompa with expensive, yet tacky, style and no talent for languages. </div><div><br /></div><div>Almost finished, almost finished, almost finished .....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-20173029691230214102011-03-20T08:06:00.000-07:002011-03-20T10:02:43.785-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvF3Zk-giFPmGtHmhyphenhyphenLLSrHpV7H8cJai91qbisMRzrcKIOGcKI5pphRRPo4ZPL9RA9Sjapz0HcT7vrttHw9fIrgdPYkOZ365RwdXJ3wiP4sLJpC4IaaSXYRt7BhDg9qlANKHAomLIAWilY/s1600/DSCN2743.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvF3Zk-giFPmGtHmhyphenhyphenLLSrHpV7H8cJai91qbisMRzrcKIOGcKI5pphRRPo4ZPL9RA9Sjapz0HcT7vrttHw9fIrgdPYkOZ365RwdXJ3wiP4sLJpC4IaaSXYRt7BhDg9qlANKHAomLIAWilY/s320/DSCN2743.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586188501381906306" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SizTSsTQbhfvyhdbY1ieH-XyCDgRfKL5ftDfulPU5PkLQaTCOgRcJp5C6GwObmLn-A6mtjRnulesTXdCitV0Ofn0HPo9zj87ode3wuUM1KvTvynqBxUxWP7ML5IVXtNL1PiVK7rQrbyH/s1600/DSCN2737.JPG"><img style="display:block; 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margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-41aTyrLgR6xJUvvCefwuxONqAXk5NUs0JEr0UIsA4p1wDGzN8w-LZHHtTRZ7DmLCIKTqQHEB8iPNclt6scnf4447cQThYHz9KD1Ke2LlK28yuge-WK34Ben0ylxlvrTULrffiACqowuH/s320/DSC_1166.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586182116686475634" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgBbbx_PVacFKWSdOpMK0mQ-QB4xDFF9npdv7GHgbiS24x5xrZhZpG86PNZC56tzM6dLF_SBEbbheKS6rADJzBrVD-IMB7LLnBrbAgqQXmOgpg8Nasm7OaqVKVHQipmvpxmLXLH6pKUHr/s320/DSC_1163.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586180883261724530" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrp5XrtgbERK2m7Dr6Mp7U_1UpwIIIFa89yVtMhRLUpjuhdzQJiXExoBgwh84RKAE6vc3DeNamwkd2yjWAYe2Znp7pQL5f5MOR7H04Ou5-I7oAzR-LgSjlbvvtFMAYzkCysAwp7gmH4HkL/s320/DSC_1168.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586180283504391442" /></div>The month of March has been a busy one -- hence my lack of devotion to this blog. But really, Im never overly devoted to anything in life so this doesn't surprise me.<div>ANYWAYS, hope you all have been doing well and not holding your breath for this next post.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>So, Here we are! Pictures from my surprise birthday party that my sweet friends and roomates planned and my long Carnaval weekend (and looong bus ride) down south to Cadiz. It was crazy because it snowed in Zamora on my birthday and then the next day in Cadiz, we were on the beach eating candy apples. Time is flying by and I am enjoying my time here MUCHO.</div><div><br /></div><div>(and a brief explanation of Carnaval: I went with my roomates Misha who is from Atlanta area, and Estefi, who is from Granada in southern Spain. Stefi goes to carnaval in Cadiz every year, so it was incredibly special to spend our weekend with her here! She loves this holiday and place so passionately and we had a blast hanging out with her and her friends who we met up with! Carnaval basically is the week you do all of your sinning before Lent begins .. and so traditionally masks and costumes were worn so your identity was separated from your actions. I was a flower, Stefi was a clown and Misha was a pregnant choni. Oh, you dont know what a choni is? hahah -- Chonis in spain are a type of person who I would say is the equivalent of a valley girl from Jersey with a touch of ghetto in her. They always have tons of makeup, tight clothes, big earrings, a wad of gum and a bandana around their head. Misha added some irony and a pillow and was a pregnant choni. I wish you could see the concern in the peoples faces!! They really thought she was pregnant .. clown face, bottle of whiskey and all!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-10565662194219257992011-02-15T15:00:00.001-08:002011-02-15T15:14:33.072-08:00Miles awayI am SO pissed. Everyone is going to see baby Miles before me. I am so nervous about the birth I can't sleep at night and sad that I'm going to miss this. I am sad that bub called me to talk about it and now I miss him too. I called mom today and she was grocery shopping. What did you buy? I figured a pork loin. Yesterday I told Misha how TJ is gone and then I thought about Daddy all day long. ALL DAY. <div><br /></div><div>Terrible, horrible, good-for-nothing homesickness. </div><div><br /></div><div>So please everyone, enjoy being together. Don't forget about me. And please please please say and prayer for Tony and Lacie and Miles. They are going to be a new and wonderful little family! They are an extension of us and a creation from God. So, enjoy seeing them and blessing them! And plllllllease kiss Miles for me a million times and send me tons of picture and videos.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-47221033395590341202011-02-08T15:03:00.001-08:002011-02-08T15:26:20.607-08:00I had a few new experiences lately and am dying to share them with you ...<div><br /></div><div>1. I am growing up. My walk home from school no longer holds my attention so I was dreaming about buying sunglasses. The pair I want are pricey (think car note) and it occured to me HOW MUCH I can do with that money. It was (as I mentioned) a payment for my future Audi TT, and several cheap flights around Europe. Vale la pena? Is it worth it? No.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. After my mature "Just say no to shades" moment, I decided to wax my eyebrows. I typically burn a path home (why DO I do that??) but stopped dead on the sidewalk and said, "No Alyssa. Do it now, or you'll never do it." I hadn't even prepared my eyebrow-waxing vocab. Cejas.. eyebrows. good. Not Too Thin ... shoot. Ancho is wide ... I'll just say the opposite of ancho ... and so the planning went. Long story short, there was no need to be afraid. When a problem comes into the hands of the Spanish, they will take care of it. Ask for directions and you'll get a personal tour guide. Ask for the time, they'll show you to the nearest watch store. Walk into a peluqueria and say Cejas ... they know what to do. So off we buzzed through the mirrored salon. Not too thin! she declares. (okay good .. we are on the same track.) Do you want me to tint them? They are so light! (hm, not today thanks). ARENT YOUR FEET COLD? (no, the weather's quite nice.) And so it went. I wouldn't say smoothly, but the woman, Conchi, took good care of me. And despite the fact that my eyebrows 'aren't exactly the same length', everything turned out beautifully.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. The women's locker room. Gym experience #1.</div><div>Today, Estefi (one of my roomates who is from Granada - down south where they down pronounce 's' among many other syllables) and I went to the gym for Spinning (or 'epinning' -- add and 'e' and drop the 's'). We ended up doing a weight lifting class focused on the thighs, but and arms. It was good .. pretty normal. There was the typical gym women there: the old one, the fat one, the normal ones, and the hot one. The hot one (front and center, probably named Maite or Conchi) had her hair down and curled, great makeup, outstanding cleavage and a butt to kill for. I'm not gonna lie and tell you I didn't stare at it for an hour straight. After a good work out one always goes to the locker room. This is where the women (ALL women) have no modesty issues, there is no theft, and though it smells like a jock strap, its really like a nude hair salon. I openly laughed and hoped to remember this moment forever.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. I just watched an hour program in my towel with David and Estefi. It was about Spaniards living in Houston and they took us around the Houston Rodeo, Kemah boardwalk, Minute Maid, NASA, a longhorn ranch, an upper-class neighborhood, RICE and Baylor School of Medicine. My roomates were awed by the homes, unimpressed by the city and how "old" it is, and confused by the ranch. I had to answer a lot of questions. However, I was SO excited and proud to see Texas represented here in a positive way. The city and state were reflected beautifully and fairly and it made me miss home so much!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-13229735270650840742011-01-30T13:50:00.000-08:002011-01-30T15:05:04.695-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBmrClGi8D3DUXWz80tpEN3TwO_8luliLZSWnaSpQjoe8-cRkxt1QuG3twPV-oZ7-BDieDr005jZnmoHN4OvjMffWWtyUfBtGCKW-eBnZoZ5u9T1P6K8mZvGfIIeZ2Oun1lWii08H9b_S/s1600/DSC_0605.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBmrClGi8D3DUXWz80tpEN3TwO_8luliLZSWnaSpQjoe8-cRkxt1QuG3twPV-oZ7-BDieDr005jZnmoHN4OvjMffWWtyUfBtGCKW-eBnZoZ5u9T1P6K8mZvGfIIeZ2Oun1lWii08H9b_S/s320/DSC_0605.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568114848230137330" /></a>Today I spent a STUPENDOUS day at Lake Sanabri<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJnGEhkg4-TON_FGfRTzeTqXTYBIm2eTuyJJd4Mo5ZRn5mtBmYNFpEYn4D7T7VdZh2SVPWU8iK_ZSAkBjHt0MDOrLreqI8ALELjzyLFwV1_CNsqFGVAMlUsgwb-fFwG8l95TMjd621wyi/s320/DSC_0920.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568118061948856754" />a with my American friends Travis and Misha and my Portuguese friend Sergio. We left (he has a car whaaaat) around 10 and spent the day in the shadow of the mountains and the reflection of the glorious lake. Lake Sanabria is the pride of Zamora: it originated as a glacier and is now is a magnificently large, clear lake. Really, ask anyone about Zamora, and they'll recommend Lake Sanabria. <div><br /><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREVTWRS_xZBoNlmvBjkuDbvCvHpnpmCYHJkYHCdkdGkkGsj_YO8ppC2QxGkthbLLMzYW7bzRlrmCxIm5ATkbnA148DPQOAyYjWbQ0Aok_eeYJ72olvBRbr5B53quEMkAVB1-gVcfp8Y-Q/s320/DSC_0720.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568115362575768834" />So there we were disfrutando (enjoying) the perfect weather; bright snow, huge sunshines and tons of locals with a fabulously different accent.</div><div>We nearly ran into some cows in the street so that of course resulted in some </div><div>street-photo fun. I am not as brave as th</div><div>e picture makes me look -- it was all zoom! :)</div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFs_f9xZOL2F8UMaC2JYTwSlhCurj9DGA5mCgeD1ns4vzE1nnllnmWotpBqMe7pOlqWkGHmGZj9nDlcPAlKwr75OBBg9cYeld3Gqz9p_zd8Vqd-j39MjStIPhwxsUQbpJSHCot1QA4-hpV/s320/DSC_0795.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568118058351694178" /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I ate trout for lunch, had diarrhea, took a cafe and ended the night with a beautiful and spontaneous trip through Brancanca, Portugal. My first tiiime!! It was wonderful. We stopped in a small bar (the only one open on Sunday evening) and had a beer, some fried squid and really great fried chicken. The bartender </div><div>spok</div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGomQ6KLi_NXiYU-ZROKaxwjGia1niKkXacgFtdxyyVM_jX10Si6ZpG20jnZn1f92Tm5xui-pABKhMgHwHR_Du_EYGAXLlBl7JnXUVtRggJh9NNXwIv0efolfGwmBQICrdgWhar5kpIQk/s320/DSC_1109.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568118067125902146" />e Portuguese with Sergio, French with Travis and just smiled at me and Misha. After he figured out I wasn't French (I was wearing the all-too-misleading black beret) he asked if I was from Texas. I am leading the strangest life ever.<div><div><br /></div><div>So, here I am, finally home at 11 pm, a little sunburned, a little windburned and enjoying a nice hot tea. My flannel shirt (yes, with the beret) did me good today and I am sooo happy for a gorgeous and relaxing day in nature. The views were awesome and rejuvenating. I am ready to take on the week :)</div></div>Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-2906488828646749522011-01-27T16:32:00.000-08:002011-01-27T16:37:57.938-08:00leche (milk)I just spent the last several hours discussing the Spanish phrase "I shit in your milk". If you really wanna make your point, "I shit in your whore mother's milk".<div><br /></div><div>I took it too far and mentioned whore mother's breast milk ... </div><div><br /></div><div>.... I know it made me uncomfortable too.</div>Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-75200647175188993182011-01-25T11:41:00.000-08:002011-01-25T13:57:28.191-08:00hoooola<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqE3M_DtfYV9d0ei11mdGi72ohp9XxtFMFfadkl3pK-_BXcc84v_OU5ay7ulz9nCGOh91FRQXFj8KDOnGgrcyllbPs_zFAeT7qn2kI9-LpDSUw_DLqoHf44YLAh8AJGhrhKysx2xxZ0qw/s1600/DSCN2411.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqE3M_DtfYV9d0ei11mdGi72ohp9XxtFMFfadkl3pK-_BXcc84v_OU5ay7ulz9nCGOh91FRQXFj8KDOnGgrcyllbPs_zFAeT7qn2kI9-LpDSUw_DLqoHf44YLAh8AJGhrhKysx2xxZ0qw/s400/DSCN2411.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566245906718806082" /></a><br />hola guys-- I know its been forever. I've been very busily up to no good nothing at all and am just now taking the time to tell you about it. Let's start backwards:<div><br /></div><div>Last night, Misha and I went out with David for the first time. Bar 31 (41? 36?) is right down the street from our house and boasts real American spirit. Darts and a pool table make this bar stand out from the others in town and American rock beats from the ceiling-hung speakers. Guitars in glass cases line the walls, all signed and labeled with names such as AC DC and Metallica. This place, void of any slutty 17-year-old Keisha drones, is a perfect place to find a relaxed atmosphere (unless I'm there after too many Jamesons) and really good music that makes you think "eight-track." So that's where I was on a Monday night. In the midst of Zamora's finest, I was the 'guiri' in the pink cashmere; and thanks to the new nation-wide smoking band, I left smelling like the lamb I came in as.</div><div><br /></div><div>(Oh and I had a blast and learned not to bet people I would beat them at pool and learned not to mix beer and whiskey. Sometimes its scary to realize you're learning a lesson WHILE you're making the mistake. Maybe it's called common sense though ... who knows?)</div><div><br /></div><div>On Mondays and Wednesdays I teach English at a language academy here in town. My 'students' range from 16 to late thirties and I really enjoy learning from them as well. It is my fountain of knowledge (biased of course) and can always count on learning something about their hated PM, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Luis_Rodr%C3%ADguez_Zapatero">Zapatero</a>, how America controls the world's gas prices (surpri-ise!) or how a Spanish bachelor party is done properly. Did you know strippers here have many more jobs than their title implies? </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I worked on Thursday last week as well and this new class was a handful of older elementary kids. I LOVED IT! They are so fun and adoring and don't have that terrible attitude that creeps up around age 14. I know, I just sounded OLD but the young ones respected me so much more than my high school kids and I really enjoyed it. Plus, they respond better to my animation. I'm just a straight up idiot in the eyes of my 16-year-olds.</div><div><br /></div><div>Earlier last week I began my 'job search' online which ended in a facebook distraction (inevitable). I did get a solid hour of looking though. Apparently Montessori schools require a 9 month training (with a serious pricetag); I've decided I better start teaching the cheapest way possible and make sure I like it first. I think my 'job' here has been great, but maybe a little deceiving as to how a real teacher works. </div><div><br /></div><div>Okay so maybe I've wowed you enough for now. My life is sooo exciting isn't it? ;) I REALLY am excited to see Mom and Emmy over Easter though. I've done some research on the vitals and now need to narrow down my options from about 15 cities I'd love to take them to. Hope yall have a great weeek! Love YOU. Xx Alyssa</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-4096331627533426672010-12-04T08:59:00.000-08:002010-12-04T09:23:49.672-08:00lucky number seven(teen)Okay, so we all knew I wasn't going to blog everyday. thats just stupid. I've had a lot on my plate lately (drinking coffee, watching movies, working, cooking, etc.) So, lets catch up on the last few days: <div><br /></div><div>nothing but dropping temps and trying on sunglasses (who can deny <a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod103320082&parentId=cat9640735&masterId=cat6120739&index=3&cmCat=cat000000cat2830732cat2830735cat17200732cat6120739cat9640735">Tom Ford's</a> talent and quirky style -- especially when they are MORE than half the U.S price? ) </div><div><br /><div>Back to reality --t onight I am taking the midnight bus with Rachel, Chelsey and Tom to <a href="http://www.google.es/images?client=safari&rls=en&q=sevilla&oe=UTF-8&redir_esc=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=es&tab=wi&biw=1280&bih=668">Sevilla</a>. We plan to spend three days there, head south to <a href="http://www.google.es/images?client=safari&rls=en&q=granada&oe=UTF-8&redir_esc=&um=1&hl=es&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&biw=1280&bih=668">Granada</a> to visit the infamous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alhambra">Alhambra</a> (a gorgeous 14th century Moorish palace) and then to Cordoba to visit the one and only <a href="http://www.google.es/images?um=1&hl=es&client=safari&rls=en&tbs=isch:1&q=mezquita+de+cordoba&revid=335099852&sa=X&ei=7nj6TM-dI8SytAa7nNm2Aw&ved=0CDEQ1QIoAA&biw=1280&bih=668">Mezquita</a>. I am so excited for this mini vaca!! I am charging my cameras as we speak so expect photos sometime next week. (Insert quote from Dad here: "I'm a poet a didn't know it.")</div><div><br /></div><div>NEVER LET THE ADVENTURE DIE!</div></div>Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-53444350269875291342010-11-29T17:23:00.000-08:002010-11-29T17:24:40.763-08:00(3 weeks)First Snow<div><br /></div><div>Madrid-Barça Game at La Pinta de Oro</div><div><br /></div><div>Celebration in the streets</div><div><br /></div><div>Fireworks</div><div><br /></div><div>(welcome to authentic Espain)</div>Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-61183537594446563432010-11-28T09:37:00.000-08:002010-11-28T09:46:24.184-08:0024?There are far and few between who are reading this, but I owe it to someone (maybe just 1 someone) to explain myself. Internet just isn't as reliable here and blogging everyday will probably never work. However, I still love spain so lets get on with the countdown.<div><br /></div><div>24 days.</div><div><br /></div><div>thanksgiving has passed, Thank the Lord, and I no longer need to remind myself that this would be my first thanksgiving away from family, friends and that perfect Texas fall weather (haha). But actually, I had a really fun thanksgiving with the group of students here in Zamora. Everyone brought something unique to the table and to realize at 4am that I had spent the nearly the entire night in Castellano was a fabulous feeling. (lets work on saying it correctly: In Spain, they speak Castellano. Not spanish. There is a very nearly invisible line between the two, but its there.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways Mom, thank you so much for calling me from turkey day lunch! It meant so much to pass around the phone and talk to everyone. Thank yall for thinking about me!</div><div><br /></div><div>Refent discovery: EuroGrill. Fries and mayo (dutch style), texas-sized burgers (rhode island sized patty) and its is located next door. literally i went in sweat pants and a pea coat.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another thing, this weather is GREAT! blue skies and sunshine. Loving IT. LOVE LOVE LOVe.</div>Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-30903646252797984662010-11-23T15:26:00.000-08:002010-11-23T15:45:17.217-08:0029 & 28So you know what is so great about Spain? Unsolicited help. Everyone here in Zamora is so nice! I always buy my produce at El Cid -- a little store front on Calle Amargura. They are usually pretty packed with old folks but if you can get there before the crowd hits, it is so lovely to just walked around in circles and read labels and oogle things you've never seen before. This week however, I walked in with a goal: I wanted to make a pot of beans. I asked where the beans were and voila I had a personal shopper and recipe book at hand. The lady (I've got to get her name!) explained every type of bean, their origin, and how they cook. We settled on Pintas and as I checked out, she began to tell me the best way to do it. Then, the two ladies in line behind me chimed in and within minutes, I knew what to do, what to avoid and a request for me to return with my results.<div><br /></div><div>And to let you know, the beans turned out wonderfully. They are the perfect meal for the fall-turned-winter weather :) Here, friends and family, is some unsolicited help for you:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Beans</b></div><div>Soak beans overnight in water.</div><div><br /></div><div>saute garlic, onion, red and green peppers, carrots in a large pot. cook them down until the carrots are almost tender. rinse and add beans. add WARM or HOT water (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">never cold</span> says the El Cid lady) and add chicken broth until everything is covered. add cumin and bay leaf. bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer and cook for 2-3 hours until everything is tender, and desired juice is left. Add salt only at the end to prevent the beans from breaking.</div><div><br /></div><div>que aprobeche!</div><div><br /></div>Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-90524100479905258192010-11-21T13:00:00.000-08:002010-11-21T13:17:02.210-08:00THIRTY<div>When in Spain, there is plenty of time to do nothing :)</div><div><br /></div><div>I love spending Sundays catching up on the girls above <a href="http://www.deargirlsaboveme.com/">Charlie</a>, finding <a href="http://theveracompany.com/">Vera Neumann</a> scarves that I ADORE and laying in bed watching movies. </div><div>hint: I LOVE THE VERA FLORALS! :) (merry Christmas, anyone??) They can also be found at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=vera+neumann&search_type=handmade">ETSY</a> and <a href="http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=vera+neumann&_sacat=See-All-Categories">Ebay</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div>Hope you are all doing great and getting ready for Thanksgiving!</div>Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-22247143269745931982010-11-20T16:44:00.000-08:002010-11-20T16:45:43.586-08:0031The excitement of a new place is always just a bus ride away ....<div><br /></div><div>My shopping day in Valladolid (an hour and a half north of Zamora) went fabulously.</div>Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-25459072210949011122010-11-19T17:38:00.000-08:002010-11-19T17:46:24.849-08:0032loving the wind and rain tonight. cold weather and clear skies. the promise of hot coffee and good shopping tomorrow make me a happy giiirl :)<div><br /></div><div>harry potter in Spanish also made me a happy girl tonight! I understood most of it with the help of a good bottle of wine. In spain, 'botellon' is when a group of friends get together in a public place (in the park, by the river, in the square etc.) and pass the bottle. We did our own little botellon in the theater :) I really think wine, dark chocolate and the theater are some of my favorite things ...</div>Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-41925614574823149242010-11-18T16:51:00.000-08:002010-11-18T16:58:16.995-08:00<blockquote></blockquote>33 33 33 <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today as I was walking home from a private lesson, I decided to forego my usual route and chose a road I never take. I walked for a bit, enjoying the cool weather and fading sun, when I turned the corner and suddenly was "on the other side of town" (or so I thought my head.) I couldn't stop laughing at my mistaken shortcut! It was so great to feel completely part of the city. I linked together every section of Zamora in my mind and realized, "I really do live here."</div>Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-47654755820624450262010-11-17T14:17:00.000-08:002010-11-17T14:21:52.550-08:0034<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAE7YVVP5bpuwp3O4CIgP9ANzENSNEzxlX5Aq13FlDr8azRK8zo2jDX0fx2fsLAJvq9IYBfn_qOSKSEsSqMxCtvfBSLpfsUlND5fHgaA2Jhfttax2pxzqOREUm4JksbY3dmpIroSZTd_TA/s1600/IMG_5218.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAE7YVVP5bpuwp3O4CIgP9ANzENSNEzxlX5Aq13FlDr8azRK8zo2jDX0fx2fsLAJvq9IYBfn_qOSKSEsSqMxCtvfBSLpfsUlND5fHgaA2Jhfttax2pxzqOREUm4JksbY3dmpIroSZTd_TA/s320/IMG_5218.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540647377887197170" /></a><br /><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote>I can officially out cuss anyone in 2 languages<br /><div><br /></div><div>(34 days)</div><div></div>Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-61886250398839175312010-11-16T13:51:00.000-08:002010-11-16T14:01:40.542-08:00Thirty-5<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Thirty-5</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Today I was serenaded by a group of guys as I stood and ate peas on the balcony. They were walking in the park and at first sight of me, broke into song. I smiled and enjoyed the attention until I realized 12 guys instantly new where I lived. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>It was a fabulous moment where for just </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>that instant, I was the most adored </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"chicamericana"</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> in Zamora.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-91170617390308783612010-11-15T09:24:00.000-08:002010-11-15T09:35:36.967-08:0036 more days<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDrl0llWJMN_xjTuL9pqelGr6nUwMNsqq_vzvg23VGW85u6KQAhxth2VzlSGgSZSm52m7A-AbBRTKHz8r9UcmaVykhnvfxvOy-QvtaAF0hYcEwLLHoqUOWPkywbgcmERhX3IysqQZVVlS/s1600/DSC_0463.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDrl0llWJMN_xjTuL9pqelGr6nUwMNsqq_vzvg23VGW85u6KQAhxth2VzlSGgSZSm52m7A-AbBRTKHz8r9UcmaVykhnvfxvOy-QvtaAF0hYcEwLLHoqUOWPkywbgcmERhX3IysqQZVVlS/s320/DSC_0463.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539831255432787090" /></a><br />Ready to come home to Texas and See You!<div><br /></div><div>Everyday for my last 36 days here, I will publish something spectacular about Spain. Even though I am ready to come home and see you, Im learning to live in the present :)</div><div><br /></div><div>So, #36: I don't work until 7 p.m. on Mondays, so I have wonderful me time all day. Laundry, cleaning, painting my nails, you name it. Today I bought new grading pens and notecards (seriously it is so exciting to buy teacher stuff. I decided I am going to marry rich so I can have the best classroom at my school!!) Now, I am refreshed and ready to spend an hour with English learners! Tonights topic: describing people! we are working on details!</div><div><br /></div><div>Current song Im listening to: Charmer by Kings of Leon (find it, listen to it)</div>Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-70451874220615608122010-11-05T17:01:00.000-07:002010-11-05T17:35:06.429-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetV97_QA7UTlL6fkQtYdWeZLp94BEmNUMtT0d1h84koZ8kQmGptQpA-H5-kQEgUIqy2B3BfoelEgedkGzOIHOwXU_EZFt0NRWIK1u9XnbkBug_RM5rtOBKKnhyphenhyphenjnRy294QF8fcQoC0Iso/s1600/DSC_1030.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetV97_QA7UTlL6fkQtYdWeZLp94BEmNUMtT0d1h84koZ8kQmGptQpA-H5-kQEgUIqy2B3BfoelEgedkGzOIHOwXU_EZFt0NRWIK1u9XnbkBug_RM5rtOBKKnhyphenhyphenjnRy294QF8fcQoC0Iso/s320/DSC_1030.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536227362054593250" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; ">Happy Halloween!</span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8y7sfGnhei-GBFsFGDpYMa0t9hqJv4iLur_aDn2VA_w83gILxuWNmJvvHJSC3tID8CxjBTg1Ejvd8UkDPf96f2U5p5Db1qWloXTTDtVwIln-i63OMGsSWanzvBxWT5SAb8Qci0OKZCu9/s1600/DSC_1018.jpg"><img style="text-align: center;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8y7sfGnhei-GBFsFGDpYMa0t9hqJv4iLur_aDn2VA_w83gILxuWNmJvvHJSC3tID8CxjBTg1Ejvd8UkDPf96f2U5p5Db1qWloXTTDtVwIln-i63OMGsSWanzvBxWT5SAb8Qci0OKZCu9/s320/DSC_1018.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536224474517348642" /></a><blockquote></blockquote><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We threw a really great party with tons of food (chorizo-in-a-blanket, caramel apples, apple cake) and our BYOB request resulted in great local and Portuguese wines. I made friends</div><div> with a Portuguese guy named Sergio and he is just fascinating! His family has a farm on this side of the pond and he was telling me that wind energy is an emerging industry in Portugal. He said it is really popular for people to drive down the highway and stop and burn tree farms because they block the wind from the wind turbines. Interesting act of arson, isn't it? He also has fabulous lips that could be their own character on Housewives of Orange County. He might have actually been the muse for the original collagen infused lips!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Allie and her boyfriend (Wisconsin) came as Adam and the Garden. They were sinfully hilarious.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mftzcq0HA5boecGM4szfdgENY2aOGn8eT6oYlXudYfXnJ7G_YJ0sLIVRw-FpuFj9NE4Y6kISENoX-IzysN4kPJe1Fj5Y8-DCN-SxVrWnjfTI89YTSjcfXRjPkakR-6X-sP7WvQ7ZsiQW/s320/DSCN1715.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536224771586681538" /><div><br /></div><div>Misha (Atlanta) dressed as a crazy housewife (apron, flour head, coffee mug, the works.) I think she actually was crazy by the time the party began. She had slaved away all day cooking and decorating!</div><div><br /></div><div>And Alyssa ... well I was a rabbit with light up ears (3 speeds) and naturally my new fur jacket and scarf. Both resale, both real rabbit fur. I was a bundle of furry fun!</div><div><br /></div><div>I only wish I hadn't been quite so furry ... I later found out my costume wasn't THAT great, it was just that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">conejo</span> (Spanish for rabbit) is another word for Vagina. I was basically a resale vagina this year. Halloween 2011? I'll be an upscale vagina ... that way when people laugh, I can remember I paid good money for their pleasure.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Oh and the apron that makes me look really hot? Yeah, that was just me post costume change. the apron and the rabbit made it out to the bars that night :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a pic of me and David my roomy. His nickname is Kyle.</div><div><br /></div><div>In Spain, nicknames can have NOTHING to do with your real name. I've named his ticketmaster because he is always selling something. He is about to take nude photos with friends to make a calendar. He is selling them for 5 euro each. He also asked me to be the photographer.</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZM8HlGeeOc05O_jRwtodV8xbT9i9VkckdM5E5pEPm2EvS_hjvc04oU7AYsKDy0fj4uJdGSNesDnaTZfFbPASUsEn63xaKr5iYRfY02q4QvYoXhBXK6cBgnG9YL1BGfS557TsmAhrVa2ja/s320/DSCN1723.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536215458647915538" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div>I haven't turned him down yet.</div><div><br /></div><div>(just being honest Mom ....)</div><div><br /></div></div>Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-81333453756967836332010-11-05T16:17:00.000-07:002010-11-05T17:00:27.619-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-z76Jtzo_cvKxOmtjLAoVYVOTEHK2EW6ZimJ3mHtYnlUCyHBvEFGJyf_Nltxvwc6oIH9NVsQbk-uPd0yD_b4bTA6mPndwXxbwp3YPUjCLcs6Bc6R-Tnl80b820xAw2dLbP0sIvSp1iO3_/s1600/DSCN1703.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-z76Jtzo_cvKxOmtjLAoVYVOTEHK2EW6ZimJ3mHtYnlUCyHBvEFGJyf_Nltxvwc6oIH9NVsQbk-uPd0yD_b4bTA6mPndwXxbwp3YPUjCLcs6Bc6R-Tnl80b820xAw2dLbP0sIvSp1iO3_/s320/DSCN1703.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536219496234811426" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZM8HlGeeOc05O_jRwtodV8xbT9i9VkckdM5E5pEPm2EvS_hjvc04oU7AYsKDy0fj4uJdGSNesDnaTZfFbPASUsEn63xaKr5iYRfY02q4QvYoXhBXK6cBgnG9YL1BGfS557TsmAhrVa2ja/s1600/DSCN1723.JPG"><br /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br />learning learning learning! </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Maybe it is this years new theme? One of my biggest fears after graduating from college was that I would somehow quit learning. What was I thinking?! I am a crazy person. Moving to Italy and then Spain has proven to keep me anything but idle. Every day presents me with a new challenge; sometimes I know how to answer that challenge and sometimes I run from it, but most of all, I learn from it. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I have loved living in a new apartment with three new people. It is always exciting to watch people and find what they are fickle about. And me ... well it is still weird to live with a boy I'm not related to. I mean, it takes a LOT for me to be conscious about not being naked, picking my nose .. you know. I don't have to name all of my flaws -- you get it. Thank goodness girls don't poop or things could get really uncomfortable in our pistachio green bathroom. (It is by the way, a charming little color and reminds me of summer gelato, salty and sticky and that perfect sweet-in-your-mouth treat.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Currently I am reading (in the bedroom, not the bathroom) EAT PRAY LOVE (come reza ama) in Spanish. Slow and self-indulgent ... it is really exhausting. However, the narrator/author is currently living in Roma and I rejoice in knowing the few Italian words that I picked up this summer. I realized that no matter how challenging this summer was, I loved so many elements of that world -- including the language. Italian has to be my next goal. Part of me feels like I am so deeply connected with the language that I may hurt its feelings if I go on without it. So, I've decided that this year is Castellano. Sometime in the future is Italian. You know I don't make plans, so this time is strictly up to the good Lord.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Speaking of Him, God is good. Thats all I have to say. Sometimes I catch myself singing 'To God be the glory great things he hath done .." You know, its the song we sang during the benediction at church and we would all join hands. I think somehow the music in my head links me to Him, home and being in church on sunday and eating fried chicken soon after. So much comfort can be found there. So, to God be the Glory. He constantly challenges me, keeps me learning and growing, and always reminds me of how blessed I am.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">What else ... my students are fabulous. They say the F word too much and are at the stage where everything requires physical touch and flirtation, but I'm having a blast. I like to shock them as much as the do me and it always creates a fun environment. Since I am mostly here to teach conversation and pronunciation, not much is off-topic (or off-color.) But hey, that doesn't surprise you, right? We always learn how to properly pronounce the tough sounds (like x .. as in sexual -- it's not seshual. it's sexxxxual.) We are all really learning a lot. I also learned not to wear my black DVF skirt mom. It was too short. Just too short .. even with tights and flats .. its just too seshual.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">buenas noches shuckkkkkas</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-20528955435368619262010-10-20T02:15:00.001-07:002010-10-20T02:15:11.388-07:00I also eat eggs now. They are good in Espain.Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-3382528260707485342010-10-20T02:14:00.001-07:002010-10-20T02:14:42.524-07:00I have diarrhea.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Are you surprised??</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Are you even reading ??? </div>Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-79481123080552384322010-10-19T11:19:00.000-07:002010-10-19T11:38:43.292-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSS3Wa6NB85_d7xp6eHls8Zdyz20_0iVWJX-AWVAqhxsRKy-4DP7vO1s0bBmq5jGEvQX_lfGokttwfAupvo79Ct5PBuoSa-QaoVCSBTkzXoRsz69LEyzH-PQjje-63bilcJin5f6xQsiOs/s1600/DSCN1262.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSS3Wa6NB85_d7xp6eHls8Zdyz20_0iVWJX-AWVAqhxsRKy-4DP7vO1s0bBmq5jGEvQX_lfGokttwfAupvo79Ct5PBuoSa-QaoVCSBTkzXoRsz69LEyzH-PQjje-63bilcJin5f6xQsiOs/s320/DSCN1262.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529828216266732450" /></a><br />Today was my first full day of teaching at La Vaguada and guess what ....<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>SUCCESS!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>It was so great! Apparently the teachers can chose what to do with you, so my biology and English teachers decided to split the class in half and I led each half by myself. It was so FUN! I was amazed at how well I kept their attention and respect. We (me and the mouse in my pocket at least) had a really good time. </div><div><br /></div><div>My assignment for English was to have casual conversation and talk about Halloween. Apparently it's a trendy new holiday for the younger kids, but the 15-year-olds had no interest in dressing up and getting candy (how dumb!) However, conversation ranged from smoking pot to how the Lehmann Brothers ruined Spain's economy. What a topic! I was surprised at how socially and economically aware they are. I was so proud to see they were comfortable and confident enough with me to really converse. I also had to make my first threat: "If you say the F word one more time ..." You know how it goes Mom ...</div><div><br /></div><div>I finished teaching at 2:50 and began my first tutoring lesson at 5:30. halelujahhhh he was a precious 11-year-old who gave me a run for my money. I can talk to a brick wall and he can get one to respond. We had a blast and I'm hooking him and Emily up when she gets here. Practice your Spanish and soccer babe cause you have a DATE! Scoot over tanner green ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>What else ... yesterday was Misha and mine's first day at the English academy ... apparently his 8 euro/hour promise was for both of us together, not each. So I earned 4 euro but had a great time! I am here for the experience, not dinero. I saw one of my "students" (who are actually English teachers and are way older than me!) on the street this morning and we kissed and talked and it was like seeing a best friend. A great encounter! Zamora is just the right size.</div><div><br /></div><div>Im a happy camper over here:) Just about to have a glass of wine with my roomies and watch the Real Madrid vs Milano match! </div><div><br /></div><div>OH ... GO RANGERS!!!!!!! MOVE OVA YANKEES CAUSE THE SOUTH HAS RISEN AGAIN ;)</div>Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9144745924790118687.post-41451298767196444052010-10-07T15:24:00.000-07:002010-10-07T16:01:53.257-07:00I bought new shampoo this week, which has caused mayhem on the streets on Zamora. <div><br /></div><div>Today I was followed by a group of guys yelling RUBIA RUBIA; they hissed between their teeth and made one-sided conversation with by backside. They of course disappeared after I ignored them for a few blocks. Either that, or they realized I was on my way to the police station to turn in my foreign residence papers. Its never a good idea to stalk a girl on her way to the police station.<div><br /></div><div>It happened again tonight while we were walking home from the bar. An older emborrachado man stumbled along side us mumbling and grumbling in his drunken Castellano lisp something about la rubia, que bella. Duh I ignored him and finally wondered off after he told us we were boring. Uh not boring. Rude.</div><div><br /></div><div>The fourth time happened in front of Zara on a beautifully lit pedestrian shopping area. The group of us girls walked passed a young guy talking to an older man when it happened again. Something like a whistle and EH RUBIA! echoed off the stone walls. But when I didnt respond, this guy didnt take it so well. He tossed a small rock at me, hitting me in the ankle of my leather Tory Burch boots. Oh no. Not Okay senor. I dont take shit from a Spanish man half my size. I turned around and glared at him and continued on to my flat.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have been persecuted for being too blonde. Stoned. Punished. Followed by teens and a drunk. Hissed at, stared at, winked at and smiled at. a millisecond of flattery switches to embarrassment and frustration. leave me in peace while my hair sparkles under the street lamp. Let my locks blow where they will. Yes, its natural. No, Im not Britney Spears. And No, You Can Not Touch It. </div></div>Alyssa Massingillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09319201591631483524noreply@blogger.com0