Did you know that there is no such thing as an Oxford Comma in Spanish? No discussion. It just doesn't exist.
That makes me sad because the debate over the Oxford Comma is my favorite thing about English grammar. I even like the Oxford/Serial Comma debate.
You know what I don't like about grammar? Learning it in Spanish.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Mis amigos Diego, Daniel y Ernesto
In my English class today (I teach English to teenage immigrants from the Dominican Republic/other Latin American countries. I'm not sure that was clear), some of the boys wrote on the white board in permanent marker.
You know what, though? It turns out cheap AXE knockoffs do a really good job of removing it. Good job, guys.
You know what, though? It turns out cheap AXE knockoffs do a really good job of removing it. Good job, guys.
It's easy to win games when you make up the rules
I think I've gotten really good at this game I've invented. I call it "Spot the American".
Clues:
Speaking English (you would think there'd be more British people, but 90% of the English I hear on the street is American)
Wearing any sort of "comfortable" or exercise clothing
Or sneakers.
Smiling.
Wayfarers.
Sweatshirts.
Backpacks.
Eating food/drinking beverage on the street.
iPods (this is trickier, lots of Madrileños seem to have the iPod touch/iPhone, but the classic iPod is far rarer)
I will never know how many people I miss, but I love when I spot one and then he/she starts speaking English. So much victory.
On an only slightly related note, I overheard this conversation last week in American:
Woman: What's that? (indicating a pretty building across the street).
Man: I think its a Church.
This is a great example of Americans' relationship to Spain. We assume that all pretty/old buildings mean something significant, but there are just a lot of churches in Spain.
Like that time we walked past a really long line on the street and thought it was some sort of free concert or the like. No, it was just Mass.
Clues:
Speaking English (you would think there'd be more British people, but 90% of the English I hear on the street is American)
Wearing any sort of "comfortable" or exercise clothing
Or sneakers.
Smiling.
Wayfarers.
Sweatshirts.
Backpacks.
Eating food/drinking beverage on the street.
iPods (this is trickier, lots of Madrileños seem to have the iPod touch/iPhone, but the classic iPod is far rarer)
I will never know how many people I miss, but I love when I spot one and then he/she starts speaking English. So much victory.
On an only slightly related note, I overheard this conversation last week in American:
Woman: What's that? (indicating a pretty building across the street).
Man: I think its a Church.
This is a great example of Americans' relationship to Spain. We assume that all pretty/old buildings mean something significant, but there are just a lot of churches in Spain.
Like that time we walked past a really long line on the street and thought it was some sort of free concert or the like. No, it was just Mass.
This is some crucial advice.
If you ever find yourself in Madrid, working next to a place that sells TWO CROISSANTS FOR ONE EURO (not like they're the best croissants ever, but they're not bad and they're big and you get two of them for just one euro) obviously you'll buy them. You're not stupid. You can only eat one at work (you're only there for two hours) and you don't need to seem like a fat American.
So you eat the other one on the metro, right? WRONG. Do not eat your second croissant on the metro.
1) People just don't eat food outside of the house/restaurants here. Eating is not for the street. Starbucks is trying to get people to take coffee to go and, thank god, it's not working.
2) Madrileños are rubberneckers. They have no shame in staring at the strange thing that is happening to by them. They love watching fights. There was a dog on the metro today and you'd have thought it was a parade. The metro is also boring, that might have something to do with it.
3) Croissants are really crumbly.
Next thing you know, you'll have crumbs all over yourself and all 20 people in the Metro staring at you, judging you.
Wait until you get home, grasshoppers.
So you eat the other one on the metro, right? WRONG. Do not eat your second croissant on the metro.
1) People just don't eat food outside of the house/restaurants here. Eating is not for the street. Starbucks is trying to get people to take coffee to go and, thank god, it's not working.
2) Madrileños are rubberneckers. They have no shame in staring at the strange thing that is happening to by them. They love watching fights. There was a dog on the metro today and you'd have thought it was a parade. The metro is also boring, that might have something to do with it.
3) Croissants are really crumbly.
Next thing you know, you'll have crumbs all over yourself and all 20 people in the Metro staring at you, judging you.
Wait until you get home, grasshoppers.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
The metro and I have a tumultuous relationship
I took pictures yesterday in the metro and left my battery charging over night so I could show you the awesome metro signage.
THEN, this morning the metro tried to take advantage and eat my hand. I was running to catch it, and managed to stick my arms in the door when they brutally closed on me, trapping my bag inside. The people on the train had to pry the doors open so I could get my bag out.
So the metro and I are not on good speaking terms rights now. I'm thinking of taking the bus to my internship today.
Anyway, the Metro is clean and prompt and all that, but my favorite thing is the really clear signage. BART could learn a thing or two.
So let's say I have to get from Rubén Dario to Velázquez. I see that I have to take the green line (number 5) to Alonso Martínez and get on the brown line (number 4) to Velázquez. They have these maps in the stations, too, but that picture would have come out horribly.
But let's say you're Naomi, and you only remember the color of the line you have to get on, or you don't remember the direction or the stop. If you were on the BART, you would be screwed. In Madrid:
This handy sign tells you all of the stops this train will hit, and what transfers you can make at each station, referring to the lines with their color, number, and names. Amazing.
This sign is also visible from the metro, so if you're on the metro and you're like, dang, what was my stop? You can look out the window and see which stop does your transfer, and how many stops are left, etc.
Then, when you get off these help you out:
And my favorite:
Although the unit of a "min" seems to vary, the signs are pretty reliable.
Overall, good signage, Madrid Metro people. Don't think I'm not still mad at you about this morning.
THEN, this morning the metro tried to take advantage and eat my hand. I was running to catch it, and managed to stick my arms in the door when they brutally closed on me, trapping my bag inside. The people on the train had to pry the doors open so I could get my bag out.
So the metro and I are not on good speaking terms rights now. I'm thinking of taking the bus to my internship today.
Anyway, the Metro is clean and prompt and all that, but my favorite thing is the really clear signage. BART could learn a thing or two.
So let's say I have to get from Rubén Dario to Velázquez. I see that I have to take the green line (number 5) to Alonso Martínez and get on the brown line (number 4) to Velázquez. They have these maps in the stations, too, but that picture would have come out horribly.But let's say you're Naomi, and you only remember the color of the line you have to get on, or you don't remember the direction or the stop. If you were on the BART, you would be screwed. In Madrid:
This handy sign tells you all of the stops this train will hit, and what transfers you can make at each station, referring to the lines with their color, number, and names. Amazing.
This sign is also visible from the metro, so if you're on the metro and you're like, dang, what was my stop? You can look out the window and see which stop does your transfer, and how many stops are left, etc.
Then, when you get off these help you out:
And my favorite:
Although the unit of a "min" seems to vary, the signs are pretty reliable.Overall, good signage, Madrid Metro people. Don't think I'm not still mad at you about this morning.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Reading Lolita in Madrid
I'm not reading Lolita in Madrid, but I keep thinking about Vladamir Nabokov.
At some point I heard that English was Nabokov's second language, after Russian, and that Lolita is supposed to be one of the best books written by someone in their non-native language. I've never really appreciated what that means. It's really hard. My thoughts in Spanish are super limited.
I've got some mad respect for Nabokov.
What a baller.
At some point I heard that English was Nabokov's second language, after Russian, and that Lolita is supposed to be one of the best books written by someone in their non-native language. I've never really appreciated what that means. It's really hard. My thoughts in Spanish are super limited.
I've got some mad respect for Nabokov.
What a baller.Monday, October 25, 2010
Blanquita strikes back
Since she seemed to be a fan favorite, here are some more pictures of my sister.
In the kitchen (allowed):
In the bathroom (not allowed):
In her dog bed (this is where she's supposed to be):
She doesn't really like having her picture taken.
In the kitchen (allowed):
In the bathroom (not allowed):
In her dog bed (this is where she's supposed to be):
She doesn't really like having her picture taken.
English test
Check out this worksheet I made for the students in my English class:
I definitely screwed up on number 3, part 1:
I definitely screwed up on number 3, part 1:
| 3. George and Bill _____ tall. | a. am not | b. is not | c. not are | d. am not |
Disaster averted
So, I did a really bad job of updating last week, because I had been really busy getting my stuff together. I was all ready on Friday when I managed to spill a cup of water on my keyboard. I left it out to dry all weekend, and prepared myself for having no computer (Oh, the horror). It appears, however, to be perfectly fine and dry and functioning normally.
I think my prayer really worked (Dear G0d, I know that there is a lot of war and hunger and injustice in the world, but if you could spare a second please fix my computer. Thank you.)
I have several exciting posts ready, so stay tuned. Also, I think I'm getting sick again. At least I'll have a use for my 6 packs of scented tissues.
I think my prayer really worked (Dear G0d, I know that there is a lot of war and hunger and injustice in the world, but if you could spare a second please fix my computer. Thank you.)
I have several exciting posts ready, so stay tuned. Also, I think I'm getting sick again. At least I'll have a use for my 6 packs of scented tissues.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Los deberes
I haven't done anything lately because I've been doing my homework (or, rather, sitting at my desk trying to get to doing my homework)
I thought I would give you a picture of the really exciting place I've been doing all of this exciting stuff.
I'm just as neat in Spain as I am in the US.
Sidenote: They taught us in school that "estoy emocionada/o" means "I'm excited", so of course we've all been using it, because we're really excited to be here. Apparently, not only does no one really say "emocionado/a" but also there's no phrase that fits well. Castellano wants me to reign in my enthusiasm 10 notches.
I thought I would give you a picture of the really exciting place I've been doing all of this exciting stuff.
I'm just as neat in Spain as I am in the US.Sidenote: They taught us in school that "estoy emocionada/o" means "I'm excited", so of course we've all been using it, because we're really excited to be here. Apparently, not only does no one really say "emocionado/a" but also there's no phrase that fits well. Castellano wants me to reign in my enthusiasm 10 notches.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Lo Monstre
Today was one of those beautiful cloudless days that makes you think of Stanford:
So I took advantage and walked about an hour to the Reina Sofia, which is free for students. I hung out with Picasso and Dalí and found what may be my favorite piece of art ever:
It's called "Life: Curve N° 1 Ian Flemming" and I have no idea whats going on, but it's awesome.
A close up of the upper left hand corner:
Then I went to the free circus thing happening outside. It had a strange dinosaur monster that walked through the audience spitting smoke, water, and feathers:
There was also a low budget cirque-du-soleil like thing with acrobats that "cuestiona el abuso del poder" (questions the abuse of power):
(They're spinning in the air. I'm not sure that's clear)
Afterward Christiane and I went to my new favorite place in the entire world. Its about 3 blocks from my house and its called Formentor and its a pasteleria that makes, among other deliciousness, Tortel:
(image courtesy of the internet)
It's filled with what Wikipedia tells me is jam from Siam pumpkin. All I know is it's delicious. Think apple pie filling, but better. I have to figure out a way to get them in the states.
When I finished writing this, I went back through to edit and had to delete every time I used the word "awesome". I think it was 5 times.
So I took advantage and walked about an hour to the Reina Sofia, which is free for students. I hung out with Picasso and Dalí and found what may be my favorite piece of art ever:
It's called "Life: Curve N° 1 Ian Flemming" and I have no idea whats going on, but it's awesome.A close up of the upper left hand corner:
Then I went to the free circus thing happening outside. It had a strange dinosaur monster that walked through the audience spitting smoke, water, and feathers:
There was also a low budget cirque-du-soleil like thing with acrobats that "cuestiona el abuso del poder" (questions the abuse of power):
(They're spinning in the air. I'm not sure that's clear)Afterward Christiane and I went to my new favorite place in the entire world. Its about 3 blocks from my house and its called Formentor and its a pasteleria that makes, among other deliciousness, Tortel:
(image courtesy of the internet)It's filled with what Wikipedia tells me is jam from Siam pumpkin. All I know is it's delicious. Think apple pie filling, but better. I have to figure out a way to get them in the states.
When I finished writing this, I went back through to edit and had to delete every time I used the word "awesome". I think it was 5 times.
Friday, October 15, 2010
An incomplete collection of things I have purchased in Madrid:
Top row, from the left: purse from MiSaKo, Vodafone, various beauty supplies.
Middle row, from the left: Flamenco shoes (shout out to my mother, who wouldn't let me get them in high school), flats from Sfera, books for school and fun, earrings from El Rastro (the huge flea market here), notebook staring Orlando Bloom.
Bottom: Flumil (was for my cold and did it's job well enough so that I still have tons) printed fragranced tissues (another cold relic) and hair straightener (don't look at me like that).
Obviously this picture excludes all things edible, which make up the vast majority of my purchases.
Top row, from the left: purse from MiSaKo, Vodafone, various beauty supplies.Middle row, from the left: Flamenco shoes (shout out to my mother, who wouldn't let me get them in high school), flats from Sfera, books for school and fun, earrings from El Rastro (the huge flea market here), notebook staring Orlando Bloom.
Bottom: Flumil (was for my cold and did it's job well enough so that I still have tons) printed fragranced tissues (another cold relic) and hair straightener (don't look at me like that).
Obviously this picture excludes all things edible, which make up the vast majority of my purchases.
Class is in
Castellano* lesson:
Sandwich:
Bocadillo:
Bocadillos with jamon are where it's at.
Last night, Rita had to use a bathroom so we went into Museo de Jamon and Yeji and I got two bocadillos for 2euro to save for later in the night AND found 5euro on the floor.
Net gain: 1 bathroom, 2 bocadillos, 3euro. Excellent.
*Castellano is Spain Spanish, as opposed to Latin American Spanish.
Sandwich:
Bocadillo:
Bocadillos with jamon are where it's at.
Last night, Rita had to use a bathroom so we went into Museo de Jamon and Yeji and I got two bocadillos for 2euro to save for later in the night AND found 5euro on the floor.
Net gain: 1 bathroom, 2 bocadillos, 3euro. Excellent.
*Castellano is Spain Spanish, as opposed to Latin American Spanish.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Lessons learned in Madrid, Number 34
It's really hard to get the smell of smoke out of your hair.
and 35:
Huele a humo (smells like smoke) is pronounced: well-ay ah oo-mo. I practiced this a lot with my host mom.
and 35:
Huele a humo (smells like smoke) is pronounced: well-ay ah oo-mo. I practiced this a lot with my host mom.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Hace mal tiempo en Madrid
Remember how I couldn't decide whether or not to bring an umbrella? I really should have, but it's OK because I bought this sweet one in Leon:
It's great because
1) it's easy to find me in a crowd. Cellphone minutes are too expensive to waste on the whole "I'm here. By the fountain. No, the other fountain." business and
2) it's a conversation starter. Conversation goes like this: Them: "Me gusta tu paraguas."(I like your umbrella) Me: "Gracias". Awkward silence.
Other things that happened this weekend:
Hung out with Spaniards!! Learned bad words.
Hung out with Mexicans.
Salsa-ed.
Tried to get the smoke-smell out of my hair.
Went to the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
Came back to the apartment last night at 5:30am just in time to see (watch the ESPN thinger) the end of the Stanford/USC game.
Drank lots of coffee. Spanish coffee is almost always "con leche" and the coffee is more like espresso and the milk is hot so they're really just cafe au laits. And I love it.
Read an edition of El Pais.
Fact: Between 1-6 am I have two options to get home. The night bus or a taxi. From Sol, the night bus is free(with my Stanford bus pass) but takes 45min/1hour. Taxis cost about 5euro and take about 5/10 minutes. Its a very difficult decision to make. 5euro is like 2 two and 1/2 cafes con leche.
It's great because
1) it's easy to find me in a crowd. Cellphone minutes are too expensive to waste on the whole "I'm here. By the fountain. No, the other fountain." business and
2) it's a conversation starter. Conversation goes like this: Them: "Me gusta tu paraguas."(I like your umbrella) Me: "Gracias". Awkward silence.
Other things that happened this weekend:
Hung out with Spaniards!! Learned bad words.
Hung out with Mexicans.
Salsa-ed.
Tried to get the smoke-smell out of my hair.
Went to the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
Came back to the apartment last night at 5:30am just in time to see (watch the ESPN thinger) the end of the Stanford/USC game.
Drank lots of coffee. Spanish coffee is almost always "con leche" and the coffee is more like espresso and the milk is hot so they're really just cafe au laits. And I love it.
Read an edition of El Pais.
Fact: Between 1-6 am I have two options to get home. The night bus or a taxi. From Sol, the night bus is free(with my Stanford bus pass) but takes 45min/1hour. Taxis cost about 5euro and take about 5/10 minutes. Its a very difficult decision to make. 5euro is like 2 two and 1/2 cafes con leche.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Blanquita
This is my host sister Blanquita:
This is her favorite spot but she's not supposed to go in because she's messes up the clothes. She's been in a lot of trouble lately because she keeps peeing in the house.
This is her favorite spot but she's not supposed to go in because she's messes up the clothes. She's been in a lot of trouble lately because she keeps peeing in the house.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Di un paseo
Hoy di un paseo y tomo unos fotos de Madrid. De verdad quise un foto de un mujer y su perro. Los dos tuvieron cabello del mismo rojo. En lugar de ello/as (no tuve tiempo para ver muy cerca) tengo estas fotos:
Today I went for a walk and I took some pictures of Madrid. What I really wanted a photo of was a woman and her dog. They had the same dyed red hair. Instead I have these:
Typical.
Puerta de Alcalá + sol
Parque de Retiro
A couple of minutes after I took this picture I ran into some friends and we went and had bocadillos y cerveza in a bar.
Today I went for a walk and I took some pictures of Madrid. What I really wanted a photo of was a woman and her dog. They had the same dyed red hair. Instead I have these:
Typical.
Puerta de Alcalá + sol
Parque de RetiroA couple of minutes after I took this picture I ran into some friends and we went and had bocadillos y cerveza in a bar.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Anoche soñé contigo
Anoche soñé de que regresaba al Estados Unidos y no ha comprada nada para nadie.
Last night I dreamt that I went back to the US and I hadn't bought anyone anything.
Last night I dreamt that I went back to the US and I hadn't bought anyone anything.
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