Castello, Spain - April 12, 2004
Iīve met quite a few people in this program already. Its between semesters but most of the international students have chosen to stay here and work on papers and wait the time out.
First night met a Nicaraguan guy, Cuban woman and a Brazilian woman. Strange as all of them had flags in their rooms and playing their local music. Kind of a spokesperson from where they are from. Just thinking how strange it would be if I had an American flag in my room and flipping burgers playing Lynerd Skinnard or something like that. But donīt mind it. Kind of really preferred and liked that each was such an embodiment of their culture as I got to eat great Brazilian food and great Latin music as well. A good time.
As far as the language. I realize now that Iīve forgotten nearly all Brazilian-Portuguese that Iīve ever studied. I just have no idea what they are saying, and I met a second Brazilian guy the following day. I ate lunch with them - fajiou, the national dish. The guy does capoiera in Valencia every weekend, etc. But when they speak, I just donīt know anything anymore. The funny thing is they speak in true Brazilian style - just say whatever they want to say regardless if you understand or not. Its what made it nice when I lived there years ago as sooner or later theyīd just repeat whatever it is you didnīt get. Eventually you learn. But I realize its been way too long for me, and Spanish would be first priority.
Yesterday was Easter day, and today a Monday seems to be an extension of the Holiday as well. Just hanging in here until things start rolling. Food here is different. Lots of sandwhiches called ´bocadillos´ but its pretty much what you order is what you got. If its a ham.. its just a slice of ham between the bread. No mustard or vegetables or anything else. Just exactly what you ordered. They are alright, but not exactly nutritious. I´m sure as I spend more time here, I´ll learn more of where to go and such for good food. Looking forward to eventually eating the paella.
I walked around a lot more last night, and found a carnival complete with all the rides you´d have in any traveling carnival in the U.S. during the summertime. That was strange. I don´t know if its always there or just today. But lots of people playing the games and eating cotton candy and such. Just didn´t expect that in Spain.
Gotta admit its a bit strange being on a college campus again. Just feels weird. There are something like 13,000 students who attend this university (all on vacation right now). But the strange part is I´m off the Meditteranean coast of Spain as opposed to being in the U.S. Its a bit strange altogether to think about. How exactly did I end up here of all places? I know it was my research and choice, but still seems altogether strange.
Oh, and I was talking to a Mongolian guy in this program. He was telling me that 30% of the population in the Castellon region are actually Romanian!! Even stranger is at the bus station I was lingering around looking at travel deals last night. Tons of huge promotions to Romania in particular!! Weird. Apparently once the schoolyear starts, most of the lower-end university staff - cafeteria servers, etc. - are supposedly Romanian. Its also mostly Romanians who pick most of the oranges in these huge orange groves all around this area of Spain as well. Kinda interesting.
Okay last day of this huge Easter weekend holiday. Time to get some dinner and linger around the bus station and dream of more great travel deals.. haha.. just kidding. I´ll be right here in Castellon for awhile to update anyone who might be reading. This Masters Program should be interesting.
Next Journal Entry in Spain:
April 13, 2004
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Wintermoon2@yahoo.com