Thursday, February 10, 2011

raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens....

These are a few of my favorite things right now:

* Reese's "Fast Break" candy bars. They are peanut-buttery and chocolatey and nougaty. And so. good. I seem to be unable to resist the urge to buy one every day I'm at school. Addicted. I'm drooling just looking at this picture:

* Teavana tea shops. I bought some amazing loose-leaf peppermint tea there the other day. While gazing longingly at the million other kinds of delicious loose-leaf tea blends they had. (Another favorite thing: loose-leaf tea, in general. I don't know what it is, I just adore it!) I could spend way too much money there if I didn't have more self-control. Also, if anyone wants to buy me the "tea of the month" subscription, I wouldn't say no...

* The Pioneer Woman. Her recipes are so amazing. And easy-to-follow. And I can't stop making them. My roommates have also come to appreciate her and my "Pioneering" obsession. As in, "Amy, were you Pioneering again today? Can I have some....?" Some of my favorite recipes so far?
Mulligatawny soup (I heart curry powder. Deeeelish!)
Pear Crisp (YUM. Definitely making that again. This weekend...)
Cauliflower soup (I love soup, period.)


* Safeway's website. More specifically, their coupon website, "Just for U." I made my sister teach me some of her bargain-shopping ways and am trying to learn to use more coupons like she does. If I'm gonna be cooking all these Pioneer Woman recipes, I'm gonna need to learn to shop wisely or I'll spend all my rent money on groceries. Their website makes it so easy and all you do is "add" coupons to your Safeway club card, so you don't actually have to bring the Safeway coupons into the store. They automatically ring up when you buy the qualified item. Granted, you still have to bring in any manufacturer's coupons you want to use. But I got 2 packages of Kraft shredded cheese for $3.98 instead of $7.98 thanks to this deal :) A whole $4 savings!!!!

* Stacy's "Simply Naked" Pita Chips. I could eat a whole bag of these in one sitting. Actually, I just ate about half a bag in one sitting. They are amazingly delicious and salty and yummy.


* My TomTom. This thing is genius. I don't know how I ever survived without one before. Tom's smooth, calm voice directs me wherever I need to go. I love him.

* Flashcards. These are the greatest study tool ever. Too bad I didn't use them for the Spanish midterm I failed......




Here is one thing that used to be my favorite, and would still be if I had it:
* The Sandisk Sansa Clip mp3 player. I loved this thing, loved it so much. So tiny and user-friendly and with so much memory. But I left it on the plane from Madrid to Philadelphia. Either that or the girl sitting next to me stole it when I went to the bathroom (another reason why you should avoid using airplane bathrooms at all costs). Whatever happened, US Airways, or some US Airways passenger, now has my Clip. I hate US Airways after that flight anyway, so we'll just blame it on them. I should demand they give me a replacement. Anyway, if you ever need a little tiny mp3 player, go with this. I still think it's better than the Apple's Shuffle, even though they finally redid the tiny iPod and put buttons back on it. More memory, a screen, and you have more than just the "shuffle" function (including FM radio), for less money. Sigh. I miss you, my dear friend.

Also, I now have this song from the Sound of Music stuck in my head. I hope you do too.

P.S. I just realized all but one of those has to do with food. That's kind of pathetic.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Need-to-know basis: Sevilla.

Ok, let's get back to Sevilla information :) (For more basics, see here.)

A lot of people in Spain, and in Sevilla, speak English. But they will appreciate it so much if you at least try a little Spanish from time to time. Even if you know Spanish already, there are some words/phrases that are used in Spain that are different from other Spanish-speaking areas. Here are some things to know:
- "Hola." Obviously. If you've never heard a single Spanish word before, this means "hello." You will also hear "Buenos días/buenas tardes/buenas noches" (good morning/afternoon/night) or, just simply "buenas."
-"Gracias." Thank you. Or, as the Spaniards say it, "grathiaaah."
- "Adios," or "goodbye." Again, with the Spanish accent, they pretty much drop the "s" so they say it more like "adioooo." You may also hear "Hasta luego," or simply "hasta" (see you later).
- "¿Qué tal?" which means "how are you?" They teach you in Spanish class that this means "what's up?" to which you would think you should respond "nada" or "nothing" like we would in English. Whatever the actual translation is, the response is always "bien" (good). Well, unless you're not bien. But no one really wants to hear that. You may also hear "¿Cómo estás?" or "¿Qué hay?" Same response all the way around.
- "Por favor" and "de nada" (please and thank you, respectively).
- "Dónde está....." which means "Where is....." The most important one of course is "¿Dónde está el servicio?" (Where's the bathroom?). You can ask for the "baño," but Spaniards don't really use that word. Signs will either point to "servicios" or "aseos," never "baños." Women's bathrooms will either have "mujeres" or "doñas" on it. Men's usually will have "cabelleros" or "hombres." Just say "SERVICIOS?!" if you are in desperate need and can't remember the whole sentence.
- "Vale." You will hear this word more than anything. It means "OK." They say this at least once per sentence, I'm pretty sure. If someone asks you a question, you can just respond with "vale." Well, first you should make sure they aren't asking you to do something crazy. Just don't say "OK." That makes it obvious you are American.
- "¿Cuánto es?" or "¿Cuánto vale?" means "How much is it?" You are always taught in Spanish class to ask "Cuánto cuesta," or literally, "How much does it cost?" You will never hear a Spaniard say that. "Cuánto vale" can be used for things that are more valuable or precious. If you are asking how much a rosary is in a convent, for example, use "cuanto vale" to show respect for the item. But "cuanto es" will get the point accross!
- "Cerveza."

Now, here are some do's and don'ts for Sevilla.
DO carry a map with you. At all times. But,
DON'T carry it around in plain sight and rely on it too much. Nothing points out "tourist" like walking around with your nose in a map or guide book. Also,
DO know how to read a map. I'm not sure why this is so difficult for most people.
DO be prepared to do a lot of walking. I mean a lot. On that note,
DO bring super-comfy walking shoes. This will probably make it obvious that you are a tourist, as Spaniards don't wear tennis shoes or Tevas, etc. But you don't want to be in agony from all the walking. Sometimes comfort really is more important than being fashionable.
DO expect to do a lot of walking. I know I already said that. I want you to understand.
DON'T expect dog owners to pick up after their dogs. So,
DO expect there to be poop everywhere. Watch your step.
DON'T take your eyes off the road. Besides the poop everywhere, the cobblestone streets are uneven and easy to trip on. Also,
DON'T listen to music while walking. The streets are very narrow. You need to be able to hear if a car is coming (or a bike) or you will get run over. If you have headphones in, you won't know what's coming behind you.
DON'T expect a stranger to volunteer to help you out if you are lost. They think they will be insulting you if they come up to you and say, "do you need help?" So:
DON'T be afraid to ask for directions/help. They have probably noticed you are struggling and look lost. They will be more than willing to help and are super friendly if you just say "Perdona, ¿dónde está....?" (excuse me, where is....?).
DO try tapas. Try a lot of them. Also,
DO try jamón iberico. Even if it looks gross, just try one little taste. You cannot miss the country's most iconic food (see here for more).
DO see a flamenco show. It's amazing. In my opinion, anyway.
DO see the main sights: the Cathedral, Alcázar, Museo de Bellas Artes and Plaza de España. (There are plenty more to see!)
DON'T eat while walking around. Just don't do it. If you must eat out in public, at least sit on a bench or something. The Spaniards will scoff at you if you are eating while walking in public.
DON'T expect spectacular service from waiters, salespeople, etc. They don't get tipped, so they don't feel the need to impress you. On that same note,
DON'T tip. Unless it was spectacular service. I mean, really outstanding. Also,
DON'T let someone convince you it is "normal" to tip. Tell them you know they are lying, take your money and run. Not really, but...kind of. (I have a terrible history with taxis. See my Madrid story.)
DON'T pick things up and touch everything in stores. Clothes, fine. Everything else, just look. If you really want it you can pick it up. But you'll usually get some nasty glares or comments if you are too touchy.
DON'T get drunk and rowdy in public. Or in private, but mostly in public. It's fine to drink. And drink a substantial amount. But do so slooowwwly, over the entire night. While hanging out with friends. Not because you want to get wasted and hit on Spaniards. Or Americans. Or anyone.
DON'T talk about bullfighting or about either Sevillan fútbol team (Betis or Sevilla). You will inevitably insult someone who is on the other side of the issue.
DON'T expect to blend in. Every local will know you are a tourist. No question.
DON'T let the gypsies hand you their bundle of herbs or spices or tree branches or whatever they are. They are trying to get money out of you. Don't talk to them, just keep walking. Avoid them at all costs. (Or else it will cost you. baahahaha).
DO buy nun goodies.
DON'T miss the nun goodies.
DON'T expect huge, super-fancy hotels. These buildings are old. Like, older-than-the-USA old. They don't have giant rooms or super updated bathrooms. But they are nice and well-kept (for the most part). Just don't complain if its not 3000 square feet. You don't need that much room, you should be spending your time out in Sevilla anyway. Also,
DON'T expect HBO and ABC and English-speaking television. In Franco's time (we'll have a history lesson later. Maybe.), English TV/movies were not allowed. Everything was dubbed. While Franco's no longer around making everybody miserable, it is pretty impossible to find any English-language TV shows. And there are only one or two theaters which play "original-format" films. Again, you should be out exploring the city anyway, and not watching TV. So don't complain if you can't watch your favorite shows because they are in Spanish.
DON'T eat the oranges off of the trees lining the streets. They weren't planted for food, they were planted so they'd look pretty and smell nice.
DO try all kinds of food. Even if it looks weird or you aren't really sure what it is. Even if it involved sea snails or fried squid eggs. (But NOT if it includes mayonnaise soup.)
DON'T expect gigantic eggs-bacon-and-hashbrown breakfasts. Have some toast and coffee and fruit and you'll be fine until lunch. Where you should expect a giant meal.
DON'T eat lunch before 2pm or dinner before 7pm.
DON'T expect to get any really great beer. You will have one option most of the time. Cruzcampo. And it's not real great. You might be able to get some other variations in a few places, but don't expect it. Wine, on the other hand, you'll have a million options.
DO expect to hear some "piropos" (cat-calls) from Spanish men on the streets.
DON'T respond-you will only make it worse. Just keep walking. They are harmless and only want to get a reaction.
DON'T expect air conditioning or central heat. I guess maybe some nice hotels have it. Not many other places though.
DON'T be afraid to take photos. I know this may contradict everything I've said about trying not to seem touristy. But you will want to have photos of everything. Just take them. BUT,
DO respect places of worship, other people, etc. when taking photos. Turn the flash off when its not completely necessary, don't take pictures of strangers without asking them, don't think you deserve to be the front of the line or have the best view just because you are taking a picture. These things are common sense, people. If you are going to be a tourist, then:
DO be a considerate tourist, one who gives your home country a good name.
DON'T expect to be able to buy anything during the siesta (about 2-5pm every day) or on Sundays. Nothing will be open.
DO take advantage of the siesta. Nothing like the city closing down to prompt you to take a nice nap.
DO go to Triana to see all the ceramics. There are so many stores with so many beautiful things.
DON'T think someone is going to rob or rape or kidnap you. Sevilla is pretty safe. As long as you are not dumb. But, on that note:
DON'T completely trust strangers. If a bunch of people come up and try to talk to you, keep a close eye on your stuff. I don't see this happening in Sevilla, but you never know. I had a friend who almost got robbed by a 3-person team in Barcelona because they were all distracting her in different ways (including discretely spraying liquid makeup all over her, offering to help clean up, asking for directions, etc.). She's smart so she didn't get robbed. But many people are way too distracted to notice what's happening. Also,
DON'T take your eyes off your stuff when you are in a crowded bar. Don't take with you more than you need, and keep it close to your body. Don't set your purse on a table, etc. If you do that, you deserve to get robbed. That's just foolish. Finally,
DON'T walk around all by yourself late at night. I'm not gonna lie, I did this a few times and was just fine. But its pretty stupid. Just stick with your group or take a taxi (they are easy to hail and pretty cheap within the city center).
DON'T try to bring back something prohibited to the USA. Including plants, fruits, etc. Go here to see what is allowed and not (more to come on this later).
DON'T expect super-clean public bathrooms. Well, actually, don't expect public bathrooms at all, really. If you are out walking around and need the toilet, find a Corte Ingles supercenter and find their bathroom. Or go into a local bar, order a cerveza and use the toilet. But they are usually pretty gross. There is very rarely toilet paper and often no toilet seat. Bring kleenex with you (you can buy it for cheap at the chino stores) and get used to hovering over the toilet...
DO pack to take with you:
-comfortable walking shoes. I know I mentioned this a million times. My poor feet hated me for not taking more comfortable shoes.
-If you are going in summer, take very light, breathable clothing. It's freaking HOT.
-a good camera. So many beautiful things to take pictures of!
-sunglasses. With all the walking you'll be doing outside, you'll want some.
-if you will be there for a long time, bring some comfort foods that you can't live without. Some people freak out when they find that peanut butter is not available or is super expensive overseas. If you can't live without it, bring some with you.
-a nice going-out outfit. Spaniards like to dress up to go out. If you are trying to get into a club, you will not make it in in jeans and sneakers. Bring a cute dress and heels (or flats...) if you're a girl and some slacks and dress shoes if you're a guy.
DON'T bother bringing:
-too much! Pack light. I am terrible at this, but just know that you will most likely buy a lot of souvenirs. So you want room to bring them back. My recommendation is to pack some toiletries and snacks that you will use up while you are there. Then, you will have the room that was taken up by those things to fit souvenirs. Plus you won't have to spend travel money on those things.
-a computer, if you are taking a shorter trip. You don't want to have to worry about losing it, breaking it, lugging it around, getting it stolen, etc. But if you are studying or will be there for a longer period of time, it will be nice to have.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Costa Rica...?

It's all Carly's fault. Carly and I were stuck in Spanish class together every day this past summer. So when I saw her in my psychology class this term, I said hello. Kind of weird that we both happened to be in this psychology class since it isn't a Spanish major requirement. Anyway, we've been sitting together in class and studying together. Not only did we find out that we share a faith in Jesus, but today she started talking about Costa Rica. She has been there before and really liked it. But this time, she was talking about doing her Senior Capstone in Costa Rica this summer.

Whaaaaaatt??? I immediately asked for more information. You see, to graduate from PSU, you have to do this "Senior Capstone" which is basically like a volunteer/service-learning class. There are all kinds of options. Including some international options. The funny thing is, I had just this morning been thinking that maybe I should try to get my senior capstone class out of the way this summer. I hadn't really looked into what the options were yet, until Carly piqued my interest. She showed me the information on the program and said that the applications are due March 5th. I just now this very second, while typing that, realized how soon March 5th is. Yikes. Anyway, after doing a little more research, I'm very seriously considering this.

You spend 2 and a half weeks in Turrialba, Costa Rica, working with schools or sustainable agriculture practices or homes for the elderly. Plus you do some sight-seeing. AND you get 6 credits for it. Hmmmm Let's not talk about the fact that it costs $3000+.

Actually, yes, let's talk about that. See, I was planning on taking at least 12 credits this summer anyway, which means that I would be spending about $1500-2000. But it doesn't look like there are very many classes that I would actually be able to take, according to the summer class schedule that's online right now. So, I'm thinking that if I just do the capstone instead of 12 credits (3 classes), I won't be spending a whole ton more. Plus, I will have all summer to work since I won't be in class every day, so will be able to make a lot of the money that I will need anyway. Hmmm...I'm quite convincing, aren't I? I'm convincing myself, anyway.

If you aren't convinced for me, here are some photos of Turrialba.




I'm now accepting applications for sponsors.......

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

more food...

As previously stated, I love food. For that reason, I have been cooking a lot more lately. Actually I think there are a few reasons for that. First of all, I watched Julie and Julia with one of my roommates. Not that it is the greatest movie ever, but it made me want to cook! Also, I have roommates. It is much more fun to cook when there are people who can enjoy the food you've made! (Plus I don't want them to think I'm a slob who survives off of like frozen meals or anything.) So I cook. ;)

I brought some fun stuff home from my time in Europe. Some couscous spices from Morocco, curry powder from Switzerland (not that curry has any relation to Swiss food at all), cinnamon from Morocco. And some delicious meal ideas from Spain.

I tried making a tortilla española, which is a typical Spanish dish. It's eggs, onions and potatoes. Pretty hard to mess up, right? Not for me. Its all about the heat-you have to let it sit and cook for a while, and if its too hot the bottom will burn before you flip it. Too low and it will never cook. So my first attempt didn't turn out all that great. Although it tasted good, it just didn't look real pretty. See the evidence.


I also used my Moroccan couscous spices. AMAZING. The couscous I had in Morocco was one of the best meals I think I've ever had. So much couscous. So many delicious veggies. And amazing chicken. So I tried to replicate it: I steamed some veggies, cooked some chicken with the spices, mixed some spices into the couscous (which I had made with chicken broth), then put it all together. I used zucchini, carrots, potatoes, green peppers, garbanzo beans and a little bit of onion. So good. Good thing the spices will last me the rest of my life, cuz I will definitely be making that again.

Next up I made some soup. I love soup. I also love the Pioneer Woman. So of course her cauliflower soup was amazing. I only made half the recipe, and it was still enough to feed me and my roommates for a few meals. I used more veggies than the recipe called for, since I had things I needed to use (zucchini, potatoes, carrots, corn). Also, Trader Joe's sells this soup veggie stuff ("mirepoix" is the technical term), that is genius. I have an irrational fear of onions. I don't like them anyway, but sometimes you just need a few in a soup. But I can't make myself chop one up. So this mix came with diced onion, carrot and celery. Perfect for soup. More perfect for not having to chop an onion yourself. Turned out delish!




What's next, you ask? Why, this is!