Here's a link to where I will be posting pics. These should be getting better as the weather improves. ... read more

After this week there is only one major problem I have to sort out: I am never willingly going back to the US, and somehow I have to eventually return. I haven't found a solution yet, but if you have ideas, please let me know. Spanish: Chris, remember how I told you that half of your score on every exam is based on how good of a test taker you are. A prime example was the Spanish placement exam I took right off the get-go. Despite knowing that I shouldn’t answer if I didn't know the concept, the terrible "edge" which I inherited from Dad prevents me from making such a rational decision. This being the case I placed into the most advanced level titled "Native Speakers." If you ever heard me attempt to speak Spanish ... read more

Oh Barcelona you are so beautiful. We were warned our first day to wear a coat if we went outside because it was so cold. So cold in Barcelona = MN in May...with palm trees. CIEE ( the company I am studying with) had an action packed day starting at 8am which was full of orientation/info sessions. The extremely friendly staff at CIEE is working hard to get me in a homestay, but I was told until monday I had to stay in the Melon District. The people in my program are great. They are from all from different parts of the US with the exception of a formitable representation by Georgetown, Stanford, and 4 of us from Wisconsin. The last night we went out, grabbed a few minutes in an internet cafe, and wondered around ... read more

The travel (El Viaje): After being kindly dropped off by mi madre at the Minneapolis airport I was lucky enough to have been chosen by the airline to flag for a security screening. I was immediately roped off with the other lucky winners and after about 3 and a half years they decided that they would pull me through. The guy was very friendly...unfortunately a little too friendly with the frisking... but all went well on the way to Chicago. Upon arriving in Chicago a las siete y media my bags were the the first ones out at the baggage claim. First time that has ever happened to me, it was splendid. Unfortunately, I severely injured and/or maimed apporimately 24 people by rolling over them with my enormous suit cases when walking them to the tram, ... read more

Branches: This name may be confusing to some and make perfect sense to others. To get everyone on the same page, I will explain: my brother Chris "BFG" Fasoli goes by "Sticks," and appropriately, I go by "Branches." See, makes perfect sense.... ...if you are still confused, here is a link for futher explanation: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/branches ... read more