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Published: April 16th 2012
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Judith, Tencie and Me
Breakfast over churros in Granada Thoughts to Jot:Well I find it extremely fitting that I just received my clinical license (to be a therapist) since this entire housing issue with my host, Judith, has proved an experiment in conflict resolution between an American and a Spaniard. On Saturday morning, with Judith's friend finally gone, and her mother having come to the house late the night before to provide me with all of my favorite foods, I decided to take advantage of Judith's good mood at breakfast and try one final time to discuss everything. The night before I found an apartment (further outside of town) for an amazing rental price and near an American friend of mine. I had the option of moving into it immediately (providing that the University gave me my money back!). I went with my intuition to let her know about this option and to see one last time if, as Dr. Phil would say, this relationship can be saved! What ensued was a very constructive conversation in which I realized that much was lost in translation and in cultural differences in those awful weekend days and the horrible week that ensued after that infamous weekend. Much of it had to do
with some stressful occurrences in her life at the time of my arrival, and the fact that we are the same exact age and both fiercely independent, as well as the cultural difference of how emotions are handled when upset...Too much time to explain it in more detail than this, but suffice it to say that my gut and my heart told me it was best to stay and risk it, in the hopes that this truly was just circumstantial and likely not to occur again. So, I remain at Casa de Judith, where (knock on wood) things have gone very well for the last four days and my laundry is now done without conflict and there are bananas and/or strawberries and chicken (no more tuna!) in the house each week. Success! Not to mention, I am able to practice speaking Spanish daily with a native speaker-something invaluable! Muchisimas gracias to all of you who were concerned and supporting me through this learning process!!!!
Sentiments: Complete endearment to the 24 year old Salamancan, Reuben, who I encountered at the bars Saturday night. He informed me, in so many words, that I had MAD dancing skills and insisted salsa dancing
with me most of the night. I must say I am loving Salamancan night life-out til 4:30 AM dancing my ass off-whoohooo!
Questions: Does my super hot professor, Enrique, have a girlfriend or wife???
Something of the Ridiculous: 1.There is literally a famous holiday here (El Lunes de Aguas) that celebrates a point in history when all the prostitutes came to Salamanca to essentially service the male University students, down by the river. Sooooo, all the Salamancans take this day off to go down by the river and drink and eat and celebrate!
2. In addition to this fabulous holiday, Salamanca is literally one of 3 cities in Spain that ALL the men go to for Bachelor parties. These consist of the men getting rip-roaring drunk and wearing absurd costumes out to the bars (ex: a guy dressed like a female pirate with fake tits that you can drink wine from). Who knew! Now you are all educated on some of the most important facts in Salamancan culture and history.
Challenges: Being 33 years old when just about every other single person around me in this program is a 20 something year old student-I seriously feel like
a "vieja" (old lady).
Note to Self: When choosing to cross the street before being given the green walking signal, be aware that the Spaniards will gladly run me over. And Sarah, we really do not want another hospital incident...
Newish Words for the Day: 1. Hornazo (a specialty bread of sorts filled with tons of smoked meats-apparently Salamanca is the only place in the world where this exists. And of course it is the ONLY food to eat on El Lunes de Aguas)
2. Salsa humilidad (it's actually falsa humilidad but I copied it down wrong from the chalkboard (remember those!) and before I realized I wrote it wrong, I thought to myself "What an imaginative way to describe someone who is full of humility!")
On Today's Menu: What is currently my favorite red wine here: Semele's Ribera Del Duero-absolutely wonderful! Hot chocolate, the BEST PASTRY ON THE PLANET, tiramisu gelato, strawberry gelato and more red wine...Not too shabby!
XOXO Sarah
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