Travel Talk

I've decided to start a new series on the blog. When I studied abroad, there were a couple of weekends where I literally just hopped on to a bus and went to a random destination we had decided on just a few hours before. We had no guide, no advice, and no clue about anything we were doing. While I definitely recommend doing that (it's so much fun, trust me), we also probably would have saved quite a bit of time if we had at least a small idea of what to expect when we got off the bus on the other side.

Which brings me to Travel Talk.

Essentially, these will serve as very basic guides for different cities around Spain and the world. I will try to include different sights, hotels/hostel recommendations, restaurants, and just general tips for each location covered. The best part is that I can't do this alone: while I've traveled a bit, I definitely have not done every city possible. So I will be getting help. At the moment, said help includes my two best friends from college but anyone who wants to contribute, just contact me (links are on the left!) and we can arrange something to feature you on the blog :)

The first Travel Talk is coming soon and will feature a city near and dear to my heart: Sevilla, Spain.

Happy travels!

For All Future Auxiliares

Liz from Young Adventuress recently wrote a post on the 10 mistakes auxiliares tend to make. A lot of these things are often suggested on the auxiliares Facebook page, but they probably are worth repeating because no doubt some people will still do these things. Personally I want to emphasize #5, #6, and #7. Saludos!

Pesky Little Things

It's easy to romanticize your time abroad when you return to the States. When people ask you about your life overseas, of course you're going to neglect the grittier details and focus on the high points. I love Spain and Europe as a whole deeply, but now that I'm preparing to set off again for a longer period of time, I'm trying to be a bit more realistic with my expectations.

10 Things About Europe That Made Me Miss America

1. No screened windows

Y'all, this was a big one. I live in Florida, where mosquitos are an everyday thing. I don't do well with things coming in through the window. I studied abroad during a fall term in Sevilla, so the first month and a half was a literal hell because of how hot it was...I'm talking over 40 celsius almost every day. My señora didn't have the A/C on at all except during lunch, so during the day I would have to leave my window open to get a semblance of a breeze. Let me tell you, your room gets dirtier a lot faster.

2. Extra long laundry day(s)

As part of our homestay, our host moms were in charge of our laundry. You would think this is the greatest thing ever, and in many ways it is. However, my host mom, like most older Spanish women, was extremely thorough in her laundry. Between washing, drying, and ironing everything, our clothes would be gone for about a week and a half (or more) at a time. It got to the point where my roommate NE and I had to go buy extra clothes, particularly socks in my case, because we were always running out of one thing or another.

3. No ice

In the winter, this is actually not a big issue. The problem was the last few weeks of summer in Southern Spain. It is so incredibly hot and many times when you go to a restaurant all you want is a nice, cool glass of water. Well, good luck. It'll probably be cool when you first get it, but lukewarm within about 30 seconds. Fighting heat with heat, I guess.

4. Cyber-cafes/coffee shops

I honestly had never given this much thought, as I am not a coffee addict and had internet at my host mom's place. When midterms rolled around, my roommate and I decided to put in a little bit of effort and at least read our notes over once. However, it is nearly impossible to find a coffee shop to study in, something we could easily do on campus back home. Even the Starbucks were more for social gatherings over coffee than a study zone. In the end, we ended up at a nearly empty Dunkin in some really comfortable couches...and nearly zero studying done.

5. Modern amenities

As has been hinted at previously in this post, certain modern amenities that are commonplace in the US are not as common in Spain. Electricity is significantly more expensive in Europe than here (a situation that has only escalated with the crisis), and Europeans generally have a much more eco-friendly attitude about amenities. Dryers are not common and neither are A/C or heating. While you do get used to it eventually and learn to cope, it's hard to give up if you come from the States. I'm used to having the A/C on nearly year-round because of the Florida humidity, so my first few weeks in Sevilla were difficult.

6. Business hours

Ah, the famed Spanish siesta. It cuts the business day into two parts and effectively shuts down most Spanish cities from about 2 till 5pm. Banks are usually only open on weekdays, and even then only till about 1 or 2pm, making it difficult to reach one in time if you have classes all morning or work. You'll also be hard-pressed to find any 24-hour location, including convenience stores. One of the first debates we got into with our program teacher while abroad was the lack of 24-hour locations. She called them useless and really not essential, but I don't think she gets it: sometimes you just really want some Sour Cream and Onion chips at 3am.

7. Gypsies

My first encounter with the gypsies was outside the cathedral in Mallorca. I had never been to Europe before but I had been warned to watch out for them. Luckily, I was with a local so he steered me in another direction. In Sevilla, however, they're all over the center so a bit harder to avoid. The ones in southern Spain try to get you by offering this plant with healing powers. Unfortunately, while talking to/distracting you, another one may try to take your money. Gypsies are not unique to Spain though: they were all over Paris, particularly around the train stations and the metro, areas sure to be full of distracted foreigners. Like you would anywhere, it's just important to be mindful of your surroundings and keep your belongings close.

8. Lack of public restrooms and fountains

The first time I noticed this was actually at the beach. I had come with my swimsuit already on but a couple of people traveling with me had not. When we found a bathroom for them to change in, it turned out it cost €1,20! Just to use the facilities! There are no free public restrooms on the streets and most businesses won't let you use their restrooms unless you're a customer. And if you're thirsty, best get yourself a water bottle, because I never once saw a public water fountain.

9. No bagels

I absolutely love bagels. They're my absolute favorite to-go breakfast food (because you can't really take French toast to go). A toasted blueberry bagel with extra fluffy cream cheese? Heaven on earth. However, bagels are essentially non-existent in Spain. While a few people tell me they have managed to make them, it's just not the same as stopping by Einstein Bros. or Panera to get a warm, toasty bagel.

10. Poor customer service

This is probably the thing that most irritated me about Europe. Everyone in the service sector gets paid a fixed salary; tipping is not expected or encouraged. While I love not having to tip, it makes me wonder if tipping would perhaps improve the customer service (at least in restaurants). Many waiters are just straight up rude and service can be really slow. It's basically impossible to order, eat, and pay for a meal in an hour or less.

Have you lived abroad? What parts of daily living made you miss your home country?

Dating a Spaniard

The wonderful Kaley of Y Mucho Más recently interviewed me about my relationship with my Spanish novio. Check out her article here! And if you want to find out how in the world the Novio and I manage, I actually wrote up a list of how we keep the romance going even from across the Atlantic.

Pack It Up

I am now less than 40 days away from my adventures abroad and many of my fellow auxiliares are probably in the same boat. Judging by the Facebook page, loads of people are freaking out about cell phones or finding a flat. Call me shallow, but at the moment my biggest concern is packing. I'm moving abroad, and it's not like college where I would switch out my wardrobe every time I came home. Luckily, the lessons I learned from studying abroad are still fresh in my mind. While this list is definitely not exclusive (things vary according to your own needs), I think it's probably what I'm going to base myself off of.

PS, this list is geared a bit more towards women, because I am female. Sorry, boys!

Nic's Packing List for España

Clothes and Accessories

• Cute and trendy tops/blouses
• avoid t-shirts unless you're planning to exercise. You will not really see Spanish women wearing a casual tee in public.
• Jeans, particularly darker ones
• Leggings and tights
• if you're short on space, these can be bought for cheap at H&M
• Shorts
• avoid: sweatpants and gym shorts. Again, the Spanish generally dress much nicer than the average American college student.
• a coat, preferably one that is suitable for both day and nightwear to save space
• comfortable shoes! I cannot stress the comfort factor enough. You will walk A LOT, even in the larger cities like Madrid that have an extensive metro system.
• a nice pair of leather boots would be ideal for winter. While generally more expensive in Spain, I saved space in my suitcase and bought mine at Zara for 80 euros.
• other personal preferences: ballet flats, house slippers, one pair of heels (only if absolutely necessary...cobblestones)
• avoid: packing every pair of shoes you own (go for shoes that can be paired with a large variety of outfits); sneakers unless you plan to use them to work out; Uggs...no one wears them; heels - they aren't very comfortable for going out, so if anything go with wedges instead.
• scarves! Spaniards love them and you will be using them a lot.
• underwear and bras
• note: if you're really busty, I would recommend stocking up on bras here...European bras fit a little strange.
• cardigans and sweaters
• socks! LOTS OF THEM.
• tanks, particularly ones that can be used for layering
• at least one nicer and more formal outfit. You never know what kinds of events you'll be invited to.
• pajamas (preferably pant ones for the winter)
• a small bag or purse. I'm partial to cross-body bags because you can keep an eye on it at all times.
• if desired, you can bring one more casual one and a nicer one for going out
• keep in mind that pickpocketers are everywhere, and you'll be targeted for being foreign

Personal Hygiene

• deodorant. The one in Spain is odd.
• any medication you might take. Talk to your insurance in the States to see if you can take enough for your stay abroad. 
• note: some medication will be available over-the-counter at Spanish pharmacies. Just take your prescription in and they will try to find you the equivalent.
• pain killers such as Tylenol
• any vitamins you take
• Neosporin + bandaids (I'm accident-prone)
• toothbrush + travel-sized toothpaste
• makeup! It is much more expensive in Spain.
• nail polish
• chapstick, especially if you're attached to a particular brand
• hair accessories: headbands, hair elastics, bobby pins
• sunscreen...it's outrageously overpriced in Spain
• travel-sized bottles for shampoo and conditioner. You'll need them if you plan to travel and stay at hostels.

Technology

• laptop + charger
• camera + charger
• iPod + charger
• headphones
• flash drive
• adapters for all your chargers 
• cell phone + charger
• if you have an American smartphone, you can bring it to Spain and just turn off data, leaving it on wi-fi only mode. You'll be able to iMessage, whatsapp, viber, etc. when connected to wi-fi. You can also bring your phone and have it unlocked so that you can enter a Spanish SIM card. I'll probably cover cell phones in another post.

Miscellaneous

• YOUR PASSPORT!
• another form of ID, usually a driver's license
• credit/debit card(s)
• health insurance
• at least 100 euros in cash
• a wallet
• copy of all your important documents. Leave one copy at home and bring the other copy with you.
• a carry-on that fits baggage restrictions for airlines like Easyjet or RyanAir
• SOME craft supplies. Don't buy out Michael's, but you might find it useful to bring a few things (especially stickers).
• measuring cups if you enjoy baking

Get in Spain

• shampoo and conditioner
• feminine hygiene products
• regular-sized toothpaste
• razor
• blow dryer and straightener
• you can bring your own if you really want, but many people have ruined theirs so watch out.
• hair products (gel, mousse, hairbrush, etc)
• soap/body wash
• face wash/lotion
• polish remover
• floss
• umbrella
• maps...you'll find them useful, I promise.
• any and all house needs: hangers, bedsheets, pillows, towels, silverware, etc. They have Ikea in Europe.

Bonus Tips

• DO NOT overpack. I know everyone says this, but I cannot stress it enough. Spain is a very modern country, and many of the things we have here are available there. Advice from my study abroad office: take out everything you want to take, and then half it.
• Most of the months you will be abroad will fall within the colder months. Heating is not as common in Spain as it is in the States, so make sure to pack winter clothes! I definitely did not pack enough when I went abroad and ended up buying a million new sweater tops at Zara (not the worst thing ever, but still). 
• Take into consideration the weather in the places you're planning to visit. For instance, I visited London in mid-October, and it was much much colder there than it was in Sevilla at the same time.
• The key with clothing is versatility and layering.
• Realize that you will probably do some shopping in Spain (and elsewhere). Leave space in your suitcase for that unless you plan on just buying an extra suitcase.
• If there is a particular candy you're attached to, you might consider bringing it. A girl I know brought a jar of peanut butter with her, I kid you not.
• As an auxiliar, part of your job is to teach kids about your culture. It would be good to bring some things that represent home: pictures, American holiday goodies
• The dress codes at the schools is generally very casual. No need for dress pants if you wouldn't normally wear them.
• In general, Spaniards dress much more nicely than Americans. You won't see people walking around in sweats or a baggy tee. If you would wear it to work out or lounge around, don't bring it (again, unless you plan to exercise).
• For my fellow sorority girls, no need to bring all your lettered shirts. You'll only make yourself stand out more.
• Weigh your bags before you go to the airport. Check weight limits for the airline you're flying on. In general, the limit for checked bags is 50 pounds.