Ciao a tutti, belli e brutti!

Since I've been in Italy, I think I've possibly been the world's worst blogger everrrrr. But you know what they say - time flies when you're having fun!

I moved to Verona around 12 weeks ago now and I can say without a shadow of a doubt that I am having the time of my life! Of course, Santiago will always have a special place in my heart, along with all of the people I met there (Compostelanos, I will never forget you!) The thing about Verona, and Italy as a whole, is that it's all new for me. I'd never been here before so the first few weeks were a real eye-opener - everyday I was learning/seeing/trying/enjoying something new and I'm really happy to have had the opportunity to spend time in such an amazing country. 

Verona itself is absolutely beautiful; I couldn't have asked for a better place to spend half of my Erasmus year. From the buildings to the food, the people to the language, from my university classes to the obsession with the story of Romeo and Juliet*, I just love everything!

Thanks to Student Finance Wales coming in twice this semester, as well as receiving the last part of my Erasmus grant (Oh Erasmus grant, I do love you) I have been lucky enough to be able to visit some incredible places already, and I'm only halfway through my time here! Checked off the list so far are:

• Venice
• Bologna
• Trieste
• Bergamo
• Vittorio Veneto
• Milan

Still to come (hopefully) are Florence/Siena/Pisa, Rome & the Vatican, Cinque Terre, Sicily and possibly a cheeky trip back to Spain! Looks like a diet of just rice and beans could be on the cards for the next few weeks ...

However, as much as I would love to stay and fill you all in with my adventures of the past few months, I'm afraid bed is calling my name - after a heavy weekend in Milan, I am cream cracker-ed! I promise I will try and update this more regularly though, if only for myself; This year has been such a fantastic one and I want to try and remember as much as possible.

A dopo!

*The story of Romeo and Juliet is, quite literally, everywhere. There is Juliet's house and balcony, Juliet's tomb, R&J gift shops and an actual 'Juliet Club', who respond to letters sent to Juliet, asking for advice about love (More about this in a later post)

Home at last!

Well what a year 2013 was!! I can only hope 2014 will be just as good, although something tells me that the next part of my year abroad, in Verona, is going to be a good 'un!

So here I am at 2.30am, desperately trying to avoid revising (yes, it's got to that stage). But seeing as nobody would want to hear about my revision - or lack of - I give you a clip from the Inbetweeners, much funnier and sums up my life right now in a nutshell!

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5p6TUe1kAo

Anyway, back to the more exciting stuff - Christmas! I had a LOVELY time at home, to catch up with everyone again and have a proper cup of tea! The day we left Santiago was pretty busy although it certainly got me in the Christmas mood - first stop was a coffee and cake at our fave cafe, before getting the bus to the airport. What was nice was that there were a few of us on the same flight, so made for a much nicer journey than travelling alone, especially as we were able to sit next to each other! (Note: Between RyanAir and EasyJet, the latter wins. EVERY TIME.)

                       Just before take-off, with Nancy too of course!

Arriving at London, I was a mixed bag of emotions - excited of course, but also nervous, happy, sad, everything you could think! More than anything, it was so strange. But, there was no time to stop and think about it as I was being met from the airport by my friend, who was to be showing me around London. I had the best couple of days EVER, it's definitely the place to be at Christmas time! First stop was outdoor ice skating at the Natural History Museum - of course, it poured it down with rain and I fell over within the first 5 minutes, although I do think this was ever so slightly inevitable - this is me we're talking about!

Next was Oxford Street to see the Christmas lights - I honestly felt like a kid in a sweet shop! They were incredible. We also had a look in Hamley's and I tell you, I've never wanted to be a child again so badly in my life. The toys!! Oh my.

Lastly was a visit to the Ice Bar, which I would definitely recommend to people looking for something slightly different to do! So you go in and get given your cape/cloak-y thingy, then head to the part of the bar that is actually made of ice. I'm not one for the cold usually, but this was great! Included in the price is a cocktail, which is served in a glass made completely of ice - an experience to say the least!

Michela and I at the ice bar, London.

 However, I think the most exciting part of the whole trip had to be .... Getting the tube for the first time!! Yes I know, simple things and all that..

"It's the final countdown"

It's been 12 weeks - 3 months!! - since I've been living in Spain now, and although at times it has dragged a little bit, I cannot believe there is only 3 weeks left before Part 1 of my European adventure is over! (I'm not counting January as I'll only be here for exams, eurgh)

If you'd have told me before coming that we'd have a 15 week semester, no half term (sorry, 'reading week') AND not be breaking up until the 19th of December (only 6 DAYS before Christmas!!), I think I might have cried. But I have to say, it hasn't been that bad at all. OK OK, I only have a 3 and a half day week - not exactly hardcore, I know. But more than that is that there's always been something fun to do, whether it's a trip away, a night out or a coffee and cake at my favourite cafe EVER (take a look at:

 https://www.facebook.com/TostaETostina)

[You know you go somewhere too often when as soon as you walk in, the waitress knows your coffee order!]

As much as I love it here, I am definitely ready to come home for Christmas now - After 3 months of talking through Skype, I want to be able to actually see my family and friends. I have so many plans for Christmas, I can't wait!

But to think how fast these 12 weeks have gone scares me - it feels like I've spent so long thinking about my year abroad, what with all the planning and decisions to be made, and suddenly here I am, my time in Spain almost at an end! It's CRAZY to think how much has happened in what is, really, a short space of time. The people I've met, the friends I've made ... It's incredible how an experience such as Erasmus can open your eyes to so many things and give you the most amazing opportunities. Before leaving Wales, I didn't know how I was going to cope living in another country - like most people, I thought: "Oh it's only Spain, only a couple of hours away, it's not like I'm going to America or something!" Of course, Spain is completely different to America as for one thing, there's just the tiny issue of having to speak Spanish everyday - there's no getting away with speaking English out here!

But now I know that I CAN DO IT. So time to make the most of these last 3 weeks and prepare myself for Part 2 - Verona. Bring on 2014!

Children in Need

I always knew that living in Spain would be different to living in Wales, but never knew just how different it would be until I actually arrived here!

Aside from the obvious things that have no doubt been mentioned somewhere before in this blog, there are some occasions which I definitely take for granted while in the UK, which don't happen here. For example:

• Bonfire Night* - No fireworks, none, not a single sparkler! *sniff*
• Remembrance Day* - Not a single poppy in sight; No 2 minute silence at 11am
• THE FAIR!! - Something which is currently happening in Aber, don't think I've missed one in over 15 years! 
• Children in Need* - No fancy dress, no silly Pudsey Bear ears, no charity cupcakes etc 

(*Note - Of course, I am completely aware that these are all British events, which Spain has no reason to celebrate).

It was just a little strange, as they weren't things I necessarily thought about when considering the culture change when moving to Santiago. I mean, a 5th November without fireworks?! (And no, we couldn't find any in the shops)

Luckily for us for Remembrance Day, my friend Ellie was well-prepared with poppies so we were actually able to wear them that week; We also managed a 2 minute silence, even if we were the only ones to do so!

When it came to Children in Need, we couldn't just sit there and do nothing! After successfully managing to stream it on the laptop (there felt something quite ... I don't know, naughty about doing it - illegally streaming a charity programme?!) we were able to sit and watch it as if we were at home. And it felt so nice, just to hear the British accent and watch people we'd actually heard of, and also to see just how generous the British public really are. More than once we were close to, if not in, tears.

We also thought it would be fun to do some baking, so what better way than to make Pudsey Bear cakes! (see below). As much as I do love it here and am interested in what Santiago has to offer, it was nice to have a 'night off' and pretend to be back in the UK. 

As for the fair, well that's something I'll just have to get over ... Next year I'll definitely be going twice to make up for it!

                                                       Our Pudsey Bear cupcakes!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Ok so as many of you will know, I BLOODY LOVE CHRISTMAS!!

(This is not referring to me, obviously)

I'm more excited than ever this year, as it'll be the first time I've been home/seen my family & friends in four months! For some reason, I don't seem to have ever 'outgrown' Christmas - in fact, I think every year I get more excited than the last. Now, I know it's only November but the thought of being at home to celebrate Christmas has put me in a very festive mood, very early. Here is my list of reasons why I love Christmas - enjoy!

• The build up: Pretty much the best part! The music, the adverts, the decorations, the countdown on the advent calendar ... What's NOT to love about December?! A time where having a sherry before 12pm is perfectly normal and eating your weight in mince pies seems inevitable
• The atmosphere: I don't know what it is, but you can always tell when it's nearly Christmas. I personally love going into town on Christmas Eve as you can just feel the Christmas-y atmosphere in the air! Aside from the usual stress (making sure all the presents are wrapped, that the turkey's bought etc) everybody seems to be in such a good mood - as far as I can tell anyway!
• The music: Although already mentioned, I feel this just has to have a point of it's own. Possibly one of, if not THE, best parts of Christmas is most definitely the music - the same songs every year, but I love it!! Stick a bit of Mariah or Slade on and I'm instantly cheered up. And when those first few bars of "Fairytale of New York" start to play well, that's me well and truly in the Christmas mood! (Possibly my favourite song EVER). But not just pop music - even the traditional Christmas carols are important. Nothing beats the memory of warbling alternative versions of 'Good King Wenceslas' or 'O Come All Ye Faithful' at school Christmas carol concerts ...
• For my last point I could say presents (after all, what could ever be more exciting than going downstairs and seeing that SANTA'S BEEN?!?! Seriously, if you could bottle that excitement and sell it, you'd make a fortune) but really, I think what makes Christmas special is spending it with your family. I couldn't imagine a Christmas without some of our own family traditions, for example, having my mum read me 'The Night Before Christmas', two times, every Christmas Eve - yes, yes, even at 20!! And still leaving out milk and a mince pie for Santa (because how else will he have the energy to deliver all the presents?) And waking up at the crack of dawn, just because I'm too excited to sleep; having my nana over for Christmas dinner, watching the Queen's speech on the telly, having a few drinks with the neighbours ... Presents or not, without these things Christmas just wouldn't be the same!

So although I don't want to wish these next 5 weeks away, I can't blummin' wait until I get on that flight and touch down in the UK - Christmas, come at me!

Merry Christmas from me!!

A picture paints a thousand words

I've been in Santiago for just under 10 weeks now, and in that short space of time I've met some amazing people as well as made some incredible memories, both of which will stay with me for life I'm sure. So this is a blog post dedicated to photos - photos of friends, of places I've visited, of the city I'm living in and more than anything, of the first part of the best year of my life.

Trying the local drink 'quemada' - 2nd night

Rooftop tour of the cathedral

View from my kitchen window

My friends <3

Brazilian fiesta!

Santiago de Compostela cathedral

Visitng Salamanca, October 2013

Another of Santiago cathedral

Porto, Portugal, September 2013

Best cupcakes in the world!!

Portugal, September 2013

Jose and Nico, my au-pair boys from last summer, reunited in Lugo!

The faaaabulous Niki's birthday bash!

Copas Rotas, Niki's birthday, October 2013

Plaza Mayor, Salamanca

Dana & I, Salamanca, October 2013

"Dia de la Hispanidad", Salamanca

Salamanca - such a beautiful city

Halloween 2013

It's fun to stay at the ...

Chilling in a rooftop bar, as you do! Madrid, October 2013

Getting involved in the strikes, Madrid 

Theater trip, Madrid

Madrid

Madrid

Just curious ...

Last week as we sat down to have our lunch, me and a friend were asked, quite directly in fact, "why haven't you got used to Spanish traditions yet?" Looking pityingly down at our bowls of pasta bolognese, I think what she meant was that in Spain, you don't tend to have lunch until around 3pm (this was about 12:30). We replied that it was cold, we were hungry and wanted food, but it seemed to me to be met with a 'huh, typical Brit's' kind of response.

But it got me thinking, the "why haven't you got used to Spanish traditions" question. Because I really do think I've tried my hardest to 'fit in'. As easy as it would be for me to moan that 'oh they don't have this' or ' oh they don't have that'; 'oh we have to do everything ourselves' and 'god, why do they speak so fast', I've tried to keep calm and carry on, as the saying goes. Don't get me wrong, we've all had a little grumble - of course, it was always going to be difficult getting used to the Spanish way of life, but I'd like to think I've done it without whining or complaining (too much!)

And then I thought - here we are getting condemned (possibly too strong a word) for not 'fitting in' with Spanish traditions, when all I've had when I've said I'm from Wales is 'oh that's just a part of England' (as many of my facebook friends and twitter followers will know, this annoys me greatly).

I know her question was meant as tongue-in-cheek, but still. I then asked why it was that so many Spanish people just presumed that Wales was a part of England and she simply replied: "Because we're lazy. Because we're taught in school that the UK is split into different parts but after school it all just becomes England".

Now I'm sorry, but that's not good enough! Although everybody I've met here has been nice and friendly, I just cannot get over such a, dare I say it, ignorant opinion. And I'm sorry, but it is ignorance - I wouldn't dream of saying to a Galician/Catalan person "well, you're a part of Spain therefore that makes you just Spanish", or even to a Galician person "well, you're attached to Portugal so you must be Portuguese", especially after it's been pointed out to me that they're different!

I just can't get my head around it and at times it is upsetting, especially when I'm missing home and am in a 'Welsh' mood, so to speak. Constantly being referred to as something which I'm not can really get you down, even more so because I'm here, in Galicia, a place which I honestly thought would understand more than another autonomous community, perhaps. I don't want to get a reputation and become known as 'the angry little Welsh girl' but I just don't understand how hard it is to realize that in the UK, there are DIFFERENT PLACES.

I think the icing on the cake for me was being asked by someone if I spoke Welsh, to which I replied that I did, fluently, before being TOLD, not asked, that it's a dying language and "what's the point as you can only speak it in Wales". *Newsflash* YOU CAN ONLY SPEAK GALICIAN IN GALICIA. (I didn't want to have to stoop to that level but ...)

As much as I really do love it here in Santiago, this will always be a 'black mark' against the whole experience, especially as I expected more.

I'm going to stop writing now as I could be here for hours, but I hope this has made people realize that I'm not some crazy lunatic who just likes to moan, or is going 'over the top' on the whole nationality thing. I guess for some people, it wouldn't be a problem but this actually upsets me, especially as I miss home enough already anyway. I know I was brought up to be considerate of other nationalities and I can only hope that in the future, the Spanish will also have a bit of consideration when it comes to what countries make up the UK.

Hey, who knows, maybe in years to come my ghost will be found wandering around the corridors of the uni, screaming "WALES IS NOT IN ENGLAND!!!" at students ... You never know ...