Madison: Go Big or Go Abroad

Well that sounds fun

2008-09-07T18:41:00.001-07:00

I highly suggest that people check out the blog of Madison @er Megan A, who's on a UW program internship in DC right now working at the Sullivan Foundation.

By her 2nd day she had been put in charge of one of their marketing campaigns, invited to a summit in Rwanda, and now she is going to Jamaica on a staff planning retreat in a of couple days.

It seems like her internship experience is one that should be followed/coveted.

Calling all @ Madison Bloggers

2008-09-04T12:58:00.001-07:00

Where has everyone gone? I periodically check this blog only to be disappointed that no one has made an updated entry. I know Madison AIESECers are blogging, look at the blog roll to the right! So why not leave an excerpt of your blog here and link us to your blog? I'm stuck here at a desk in the "real world", so let me live vicariously through your foreign adventures.

If you want me link your blog to my blog, www.boumanblog.com, shoot me an email at jesse.bouman@gmail.com.

For all current Madison students, check out www.FreeBikeRentals.com It's a new green business launched by a UW Business School alum.

Happy Blogging!

Bienvenidos a Miami

2008-05-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

I'd like to say that I'm writing this from Buenos Aires, where I am suppose to be right now, but unfortunately, American Airlines decided to foil my plans. Yesterday I had a flight from Boston to Chicago, then I was suppose to fly from Chi-town to Buenos Aires, arriving at 9 am and being met by members of AIESEC Buenos Aires for a day of Argentinian fun. At 7:00 in Chicago, they casually announced that the flight to Buenos Aires had been canceled. Does this sound vaguely familiar? Was my first ever blog a detailed account of this exact situation on my way to Spain?

Anywho, I jumped to the front of the line, and found that I had 2 options for travel. I could either stay in Chicago overnight, fly to Miami the next day, then fly to BA that night at 8, OR go to Miami and stay there for the following day, then fly out at 8. I was promised a free hotel in either case. I chose Miami, wanting to knock off a few hours of travel for myself the next day, and flew from Chicago at 8 pm last night. I got into Miami International at 1130, and waited for 3 HOURS ...there was not one American Airlines representative anywhere. I finally found someone who put me in the airport hotel. So I got up to my room, sent an extremely apologetic message to my TN manager and to anyone who was scheduled to pick me up 7 hours later in a country I would not be arriving to until the next day. I also have no idea where I'm staying/when my traineeship starts...so lets hope I can get that information before 8 pm tonight.
Its now 1245, I'm watching movies in my hotel room and can't check in to my flight for another 6 hours. SAAAAAAWEET.

Life handed me lemons. Unfortunately, there's no tequila in the mini-bar.

"All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware." — Martin Buber

2008-05-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed Madison at the top of nomadlife for the past few days, with no new posts- so whats up?? Schools almost out, and Madison @ers are about to scatter themselves all over the world once again this summer. India, Colombia, Greece, Guatemala, Ivory Coast, Nigeria~ it's going to be one hell of summer of Dream Living for these Badgers.

For everyone new to this blog: Use this blog to share with us your experiences, your thoughts, and your stories. Blog often and add a label to your posts with the country you are blogging from.

Returning from a traineeship this summer

2008-04-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

If any of you are looking for a place to live this summer upon your return from crazy adventures, Becca, Katy and I are looking to sublet our awesome apartment on gilman and state (near the chocolate shoppe...thanks katy). This house is perfect for an @ summer house due to it's large living room and glorious porch, so if anyone's interested in that...let me know!

Sara

TIA

2008-02-29T17:29:00.000-08:00

Kiel McElveen has been going on adventures in South Africa, and I don't know if everyone knows about his blog since it's not on nomadlife....

so check it out here: http://kcmcelveen.blogspot.com/

Traveling Alone

2008-02-12T17:05:00.000-08:00

For those of you who do not know me, my name is Jesse Bouman. I am a former Madison @er. I recently completed a year long internship in Thailand through Aiesec. I saw that my blog (http://www.boumanblog.com) was linked to this blog a while ago and would like to thank anyone who took the time to read it. I’d like to impart a little knowledge from the experiences I had during my travel to anyone who is interested in traveling abroad.

Perhaps this is stating the obvious (since everyone here is an @er), but I would like to encourage everyone to travel when they have the opportunity. Where ever your travels take you, I would like to endorse a method of travel that I found to be one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had. I’m here to promote traveling alone.

Traveling alone can be a liberating experience. There isn’t anyone to tell you what to do, when to do it, or where to it. You are your own guide. The options are limitless. My favorite aspect of traveling alone was variety of individuals I met. I experienced a gamut of personalities and occupations. I met doctors, accountants, fighter jet pilots, teachers, railroad conductors, taxi drivers, nomads, retirees among others. In Malaysia I met a Ukrainian woman who hitchhiked her way to from Ukraine to China, took a train to Laos, and hitchhiked her way to Malaysia and predominately stayed at temples for lodging. Where ever I went there was a new character to meet and a new experience to be shared with a complete stranger.

Travelers have this unique bond of friendship where ever they go, with whoever they meet. Everyone is friendly and has a story to tell. It’s plausible that one could experience this feeling of camaraderie with a travel buddy or a group of friends, but I found that it was less likely. Groups of friends and couples tend to keep to themselves. I met many friendly couples along my journey, but they were more apt to keep to themselves. I even met someone in Malaysia and traveled with her for a week after we met. However, our communication was primarily with each other rather than interacting with new individuals. Traveling alone forced me to approach strangers and begin conversations. Excursions are always more entertaining and cheaper with a group. Some of the best times I had traveling were at dinner, with a group of people I just met. We would sit and talk for hours, enjoying each other’s company. My cultural understanding grew immensely from these dinners. Your knowledge and appreciation of culture isn’t limited to the country you are traveling in, but rather the people whose company you are in. I had fascinating conversations comparing and contrasting culture, politics, pop culture, etc with people from several nations (Japan, England, Australia, Sri Lanka, Estonia, Netherlands, Belgium, Kenya to name a few). Individuals educate everyone else about their homelands and often times everyone tries to compare it to the current country of travel and previous countries as well. I will always have fond memories of those dinners with people I will probably never see again.

I know my solo travels forced me to grow in a way that I would not have had with a travel partner. My ability to network with professionals was enhanced by this experience, which is a valuable life long skill. I am a huge advocate of traveling alone and hope some of you take the opportunity to do so. If you have any questions about my travels in Southeast Asia or the international Aiesec experience feel free to email me, jesse.bouman@gmail.com

Se va pa Peru

2008-01-21T21:57:00.001-08:00

Our beloved Jen Reece is embarking on an adventure tomorrow morning! She is spending next semester doing research in the Caja Marca region of Peru. She attempted to create a nomadlife account, but "just ended up with a gigantic orange slice." So this is her blogger address: http://www.jenreece.blogspot.com/

Jen, I realize once you're in the highlands you won't have extremely easy access to a computer...but I still expect to be able to stalk your life occasionally...and I'm saying it here, so that you know that everyone knows, that I expect this :) love you!

NYE 2008: Dubai

2008-01-04T23:18:00.001-08:00

First, I want to congratulate you all for the excellent showing at WSC and the hard work all year that led to those awesome awards. I don't think I could be any more proud of being from the world-famous @Madison LC. :)

I thought I'd give you cool cats a taste of what New Year's Eve is like in arguably the most fabulous location ever. While many of you were partying it up in St. Louis and in other places around the world, I took some time off of my MC term in Qatar and traveled to Dubai, where I stayed with members of the MC and various trainees. My first dinner of the new year was in the Burj Al Arab, the only seven-star hotel in the world.

This is what the weekend looked like:

Looking straight up in the Burj Al Arab lobby.

At Jumeirah Beach with the AIESECers.

We reserved a table at Peppermint, one of the top clubs in Dubai. Here we are, spelling out "2008" (even though the "2" is backwards...)

In the new year, I hope you work hard, play hard and stay safe and happy, as only you Madison AIESECers know how to do. May 2008 bring you as many challenges and opportunities as possible.

(P.S. A little birdie told me that the applications for the 08-09 Qatar MC will be opening soon... anyone interested? I could give you a GREAT recommendation...) :D

why not?

2007-12-30T11:27:00.001-08:00

(Mix) Update - here's the link to the Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7179632933

2007-12-16T23:55:00.001-08:00

You all should check out this blog by a Madison @er who is just about to finish off a year in Thailand. Fun reading for finals week!

http://thejessebouman.blogspot.com/

A new kind of Going BIG

2007-12-07T23:03:00.000-08:00

Just a little email from our beloved Chris McKim on how to MAINTAIN

To the AIESEC Madison LC-

Let it be known that I am accepting Mr. Kiel McLuvin's challenge to run the 20 (+/-) miles around Lake Mendota in the dead of winter, trudging through 14 inches of snow... Not necessarily because I want him specifically to come that badly (no offense) but because I want you ALL to realize just how great of an experience this is gonna be and am willing to sacrifice my own well-being and livelihood to drive that point home to you all.

Also, if any of you other punks wants to challenge me to join in some lunacy along side of you in order to get you to commit and go to the Winter Conference, I have but only three words for you: bring it on .

Seriously.

Taking peer pressure to new heights,
Chris McKim

Que Bonita es Esta Vida

2007-11-25T19:22:00.001-08:00

Shots from the past 6 months...Guatemala, El Salvador, Ecuador, and Colombia

A Tisket a Tasket, No Lunch For Her Basket

2007-11-18T00:45:00.000-08:00

I don't have any sweet international diddies to tittilate your eyeballs, but a few extractions from hindsight that, if put in a suit, some might call dapper.

I recently returned from the United States Conference on AIDS, my first professional conference, and oh how my address book adored it. For those of you that haven't had your career plan lined-up since you were wearing G.I. Joe undies (I certainly didn't), here is a suggestion that may enhance your likelihood of pulling down that sweet job.

In addition to attending AIESEC conferences, register for a major professional conference in the area of your interest. You will likely be amazed by the willingness of execs and experts, to indulge in your interest. The potential for awesome connections is gargantuan and the cutting-edge knowledge you gain is remarkable.

If you're so inclined, a few thoughts on the non-profit field as well.

For your consideration only.

shakira shakira

2007-11-08T11:02:00.000-08:00

Jennifer and I are in the @ Rosario Office in Bogota, Colombia and so far Colombia is super sweet. i recomend it.

more to come....

amusing photos from Doha

2007-10-30T09:08:00.000-07:00

(American restaurants are EVERYWHERE... I don't know why the "TGI" is in English, though...)

(The Qatari version of a Barbie doll... Oooh but look! The abaya is included!)

(McDonald's Date Pie... kinda like the Apple Pie, but more... date-y.)

I'm sending my love from Doha, Qatar! I hope these photos amuse you all as much as they amused me. See you guys in T minus 17 days!

Pluggin toilets in Rio de Janiero...

2007-10-15T06:45:00.000-07:00

So around 3 and a half months ago I remember sitting in the airport in Sao Paulo publishing my first blog on here...being there having that gitty excitment of doing something that you have dreamed of doing for so long...thinking to myself, how often I should write to make sure I'm not annoying peeps with blah blah blah tales...

Well I have to say, as I complete about 25% (4 months on Oct. 22) of the time that I have here in Brazil, only doing quarterly updates wasn't the plan. So for those that my lack of bloggin has been killing (Williams..) Sit back, crack a beer, and enjoy...haha

My main motivation for staying in Brazil for an entire year was to begin to learn Portuguese. I have been able to, slowly, very slowly it feels like, but there is progress...A specific example which was an extremely embarassing moment happened when I was in Rio for the Global Village, it went something like this:

It had been about two and half months since I had first arrived when I had my first opportunity to travel. I decided to go to Rio a couple days early in order see more of the city. I flew in and Leandro, the ceeder from 98'that stayed at my apartment in Madison, picked me up from the airport and let me crash at his place. The next morning I got a short tour from him and his wife as they were going to work. Leandro dropped me off on Ipanema Beach around 7 am, where I was stoked about spending all day at the beach!

Here in Brazil as many know, there is a large income gap of the haves and the have nots. Therefore most places, including bathrooms, charge a fee in order to be able to use them otherwise people would be living in them for sure. They also are usually more clean etc etc

After all day of walking on the beach eating and drinking agua de coco, I couldn't seem to be able to find a bathroom (Which are also landmarks)that are numbered which help inform you where exactly you are) because they were all out of commission...Finally BANHEIRO 10 was open, haha...all I had to do now was survive the enourmous line of guys in their sungas, In Rio, if you aren't wearing a sunga as a guy at the beach you stand out...so when in Rome...haha

Also, here, as in other Latin American countries you aren't supposed to flush your toilet paper down the toilet because it supposedly stops the toilet...After doing my business, I try to flush the toilet, and it wont flush....beads of sweat start to roll down, as I think what am I going to do as guys continue knocking on the door, and there is only one toilet...I have one of two options

1. Leave it and run before the guy coming in next sees it or
2. Figure out how I'm going to explain this in Portuguese to the people working there....I take a deep breath open the door...and run

hahaha, no jk, I said to the next guy in line, "Espera um momento" (wait a moment)...go up to the Attendents who all stare at me as I say in portuguese, "Excuse me...I only speak a little portuguese but...Minha merda fui muito grande e eu pare o banhiero, desculpe"

They stared at me for half a second and then bursted into laughter along with the long line of people waiting to use the bathroom. Literally translated, it means "My shit was very big and I stop the toilet"

As embarassing as that moment was for me, I was able to for one of the first time communicate in the Language I want to learn and that for me, was flippin awesome! hahah Brazil...good times

and the results are in...

2007-10-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

A long weekend in the Jungle ended with a taste of Cuy. I enjoyed.

Idling in the midwest

2007-10-09T15:02:00.000-07:00

if you're looking for a sweet story about some crazy adventure in South America- you won't find it here. This one i have an inkling will be a bit more of a reflexion- but if you're interested in the great south, there might be one or two things here that will tempt your taste buds.

I think it's a bad habit to count down day to things, even though I'm the best person in the world at it. Last breakfast in Gordon Commons, last football game of sophomore year, last month on Gilman street, 15 more work days in Guatemala, 11 weekends left in Ecuador.

It's not that i want my current situation to change, i just have this need to know a timeline and what i have left and what's up next. I try not to do it, since i think you forget to focus on your current happenings- but yet i still do it, and prolly will for some time to come.

With the flip through of that dear planner of mine (which actually i hand made since they don't exist in ecuador), i did realize i have very limited travel time left: aka weekends. Almost every one of them is already accounted for. Banos, Cotopaxi, Aiesec conference (hopefully), Cuenca, Bogota, some volcano, galapagos, backpacking.... i'm not even sure if i have time to see the amazon- which would be a shame.

When this clicked- i just sat and went wow. this is fuck'n awesome.

Then something else clicked- think I will have seen more of ecuador than i have of my own country. Actually i know i will have seen more.

Sure i've traveled a tad in the states with the fam when i was younger, out to yellow stone once (sweet), NY, florida to see those lovely grandparents of mine- but i that is just a stratch of the surface of what the beautiful states has.

When's the last time i planned a weekend trip in Wisconsin to see some beautiful scenery, hike a bit, go bikeriding, camp, see something i hadn't before?- um, never? Why is that? for some reason you throw in the romanticism of another country, new language, new views- and all you want to do is travel, travel and see and know as much as possible.

I'm certainly not bashing on international travel. But i think there is something to say with the routine we (or at least i) find ourselves in back at home. Work, school, student orgs, out with friends. Maybe it's because it's home for us- so we just have other priorities- and here we're abroad, and we don't want to let the time slip by us.

Well then, what are we doing when we are back at home? Letting the time slip by us?

I hope not.

2007-10-03T04:20:00.000-07:00

I work from home...in India...a concept I find pretty ironic not only because the word "home" for me tends to conjure up images Madison and loved ones, clean streets and cool weather rather than the reality of my apartment here on a busy Chennai street but also because it is a little more difficult to have a cultural experience sitting alone in one's "home." I'm not complaining though, I love this freedom and, truth be told, it is much easier to get my work done here rather than in a small office crammed with people and no internet a 70 rupee auto ride from my house. Working from home gives me the freedom to travel when I want to, go out and explore when I want to, read when I want to, etc. Its nice but it also means that if I would like a cultural experience other than the ones I am having with my European flatmates, I'll definitely have to push myself out the front door and do some living of the dream all on my own.

In any case I think some lessons in self discipline are in order because I am pretty sure working from "home" does not actually entail procrastinating in order to blog about it...

Cervezas y Pipas

2007-09-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

I called a cab last night to meet some friends for some beers and hookah. It was my first shisha abroad, and it was rather delicious.

Anywho, when you want a cab you call 2222333 and you have a car waiting for you at your front door in 3-5 minutes. So i called and heard the honk and ran down the three flights of stairs in my apartment complex and hopped in the car. I've become accustomed to sitting in the front seat of the car when I'm alone, just so its less awkward and I have the chance to talk to the driver a bit.

When i entered the car I asked for Taximeter to be put on so i can't get overcharged- love those things- and buckled up. The driver then looked at me and said "Where to my lady?" I rattled off where we were headed, and then looked over and realized he was speaking in English to me. I laughed and said something in English back. He chuckled and responded in Spanish, that he lived in the states in 1986 for two years, and he's out of practice so we should speak in Spanish to help me practice. I was fine with that.

I told him about what I'm doing in Ecuador, and then i got to hear about him. He went to Washington DC 20 years ago on a little vacation to visit a friend and he kept extending his vacation by a few days. Turns out he realized he could get a job there and make a LOT more money than he was in Ecuador. So he stayed. Two years working to earn money to send back to his family and save up for his future. He said it was the hardest thing he's ever done, but such a good experience, and necessary for him to do at the time.

He told me the US is a beautiful country with beautiful kind people, and i smiled- it was a really nice thing to hear.

He then went on to explain to me how important it was for him to do what he did, because now he has a roof over his head that he owns. When you rent, he told me, you are reliant on others, and what happens is not in your control. Owning your house, and the roof that protects you and your family means that you are Physically and Emotionally stable in your life.

Nicest cab ride I've ever had.

Chocolate doughnuts and Tuna pizza

2007-09-27T08:44:00.000-07:00

Helllooooo aiesec. As some of you may know, I'm in Spain for the year, and have my own blog going, but i was told to throw this entry on the madison blog. Here's a little taste of what's going on in my life (ps-congrats on the numbers for recruitment...that's unreal):

Oh what a night. Lets first start by recapping the past week. Sunday after Cadiz was the best day of binge eating I’ve ever had. After eating 2 pieces of toast for breakfast at 11, I was pretty hungry by 5:00. Chelsea, Danielle, Laura and I unfortunately don't know how to navigate the Sevillan bus system and ended up riding the autobus for more than an hour, taking an unguided tour through the city. I’m pretty sure we were in Germany at one point. The whole purpose of the bus was to get us to the safe haven known as KFC. It was my first American food since I’ve been here, and needless to say, I took full advantage of a bucket of crispy strips. My real reason for going though, was to dive into a large serving of their mac and cheese, but much do my dismay, Señor Sanders doesn’t feel the need to supply the Spanish public with the side dishes that were so pivotal in my upbringing in the US. Booooooooooooooooo.
Apparently, the crispy strips, fries and jalapeño croquetas weren’t enough for me, so Laura and I each decided to buy a pint of Haagen Dazs ice cream. Collectively, the four of us ate a gallon of ice cream that afternoon. ☺

During the week, nothing much went on, except for me booking my first trip to Africa…we’re going to Morocco in October!! Other than that, nothing special, but it was my last week of my intensive Spanish grammar class, so I’ll go ahead and give myself a tip of the hat for that one.

Now onto the weekend…
Last night was a night of firsts for me. First European discotecha…that wasn’t filled with gay men, first 10 euro cover charge (it pained me to pay that much money to walk through a door), first dance with the Hugh Jackman clone that works at the gym I go to, aaand first time I’ve spent less than 20 euros on drinks. Glorious. The night started with Chelsea, her friends from Madrid, and I joining the entire US population in Seville by the Torre del Oro and botelloning for about an hour. Soon, parts of our group began departing to the center for a night of Spanish debauchery. We stuck around and eventually stumbled over to a large group of Spanish 20 somethings. I soon learned that the “initiation” into their group for Americans is to let them pour 10 seconds worth of rum down your throat. After watching Chuck nearly gag, I was pretty hesitant to partake, but lucky for me there was barely any left and I didn’t have to do it. One of the guys in the group started chatting with us, he was Spanish, but spoke perfect English and had a British accent as his mother was from England. Pretty cool stuff. I also met a girl who might be my new (and first) best friend-spanish style. We’ll see if she makes the cut.
20 very animated minutes later; we started off for Alfalfa Street. At the time, it seemed like a good idea to walk into a convenient store and buy the pizza that had been sitting in the window since the First World War. I thought I was in store for some mediocre sausage pizza, but after bite one I quickly realized that chicken of the sea had joined forces with a thick layer of cheddar, and promptly spit out my purchase. Chelsea’s chocolate covered doughnut seemed like the better investment.
Alfalfa street performed wonderfully, as usual, the highlight being the fact that my hopeful Spanish Hugh Jackman boyfriend spotted me at a bar and we began chatting it up. He was headed to catedral and, shockingly, so were we…
The rest of the night was a fun whirlwind of amplified house music and sloppy dancing, and as usual I returned home smelling like an ashtray. I don’t even smoke and I feel like I’m going to have the black lung before I leave this country.

viva espana

Kudos from Chennai

2007-09-24T23:20:00.000-07:00

Hey Kids!

179 applicants! Holy Sh*T!!! You guys are rocking my @ socks off from like a gazillion miles away! I can't believe all the hard work you guys have been putting in and all the awesomeness you are spreading. I miss all you cool cats like you wouldn't believe. I went to a trainee party last night where I was the only one who knew Tunuk Tunuk. Shocking, I know. All very lovely people I was with but it definitely made me even more proud to be from Madison and more appreciative of everyone's hard work to spread the AIESEC lovin'.

In other news traffic here is fantastically wonderfully fun, phones are difficult to obtain if you are like me and didn't bring 6 extra passport photos, and work has not yet started. The people are great and hopefully things will start falling into place.

Best of wishes to everyone in Madison

peace out for now!

Danielle

Oman's Debut

2007-09-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

There comes a time when every AIESECer abroad must shout out back to their roots. Now is one of those times, from the little big country of OMAN! So we've been here for about 7 weeks now, and we've been a little busy to say the least. Getting our bearings has been a long, subtle process. It's amazing how easily I transitioned from life in Madison to life in Oman, as if I was quietly picked up out of that wonderful place between two lakes and laid gently into a new home with nice friendly neighbors - that's been the cultural transition at least. Functionally has been a different story - the long part. It's strange really, how familiar yet foreign things appear to be. English is widely used, and in fact I imagine Omanis have a hard time getting around if they don't speak it. My biggest culture shock here was probably the local mall at City Centre - which is not at all close to the center of the city. It was built by an Emirati company, and would make any American feel as if they were stepping through time and space to the place you thought you left behind. My next culture shock was the active trading of license plates that goes on here. They are quite valuable really, for those with the time and the money to interest themselves. Let's just say that if you end up with 1 A in Oman, you are the Real Deal.

AIESEC... yes, that is why I am here in Oman. I am part of the Development Team here to help support the creation of this incredible organization in the amazing country of Oman. Things are now beginning to materialize in a local college here, and we may be working with some new student members by mid-October. In fact, we're hoping to send some delegates to the Winter Conference this year!

Legally speaking, AIESEC will have to take its time. The options could be many, but our room for mistakes is not... many. But rest assured, insha'allah, it will happen with the proper time and patience, and the proper wisdom and guidance of our many counselors in Oman.

I would not be doing Oman justice if I did not, in this debut post, testify personally to the wonders of this country. Oman is home to some of the most incredible physical beauty that you could imagine. From the sandy beaches to the sandy deserts to the cascading waterfalls to the bountiful oases... all the way to the snowy mountain tops - Oman is home to a mystical beauty unlike any other in the world. Just be ready for a little humidity - indeed a little more than what you'll find in Madison. And rest assured, the Omani people are as warm and welcoming as the country and climate they live in.

I'll come back to you with some more lovely updates from Oman soon.

The Lynn Dawg

El Sueño en España

2007-09-24T02:22:00.000-07:00

Hola a todos!
First off, I want to give you all the proverbial "thong song squeeze" (sc role call, anyone?) for your tremendous fall recruitment! SUCCESS! congrats to everyone in their new roles...jason, molly, kevin, bruni, giulia etc!! I look forward to reading updates about the dream!

Updates from my corner of the world:

The lovely Alex Kumin and I stayed in Madrid with Javier a few days before I needed to be in Sevilla for orientation. It was great to see him, he was such a good host. Highlight: we went to a spanish birthday party barbacoa (BBQ!)
First weekend: 2 friends from my program and one of their spanish host brothers (and about 15 of his spanish friends) and I went rock climbing in Cádiz. It was such a cool experience...if it hadn´t been quite so cloudy, we would have been able to see Africa from the top of the climb. We freecamped on Saturday night, aka we slept in sleeping bags in a gravel parking lot covered in cow piles, surrounded by the cows that made them...
Second weekend: Met up with our dearest Javier again in Barcelona for the Incubus concert!!! If you know me at all, you know how excited I was for that. It met my expectations :-) Saturday, I did the tourist thing because Javier had to study for his exams.
Third weekend: 3 friends and I went to Lagos, Portugal. It was so beautiful. I think it is impossible to ever be in a bad mood here because everything around you just makes you feel happy! We went to the beach, took a small boat through the caves, and got to see what was once thought of as the 'end of the world'...you know, back when the world was flat... We also went to this small local bar...where they just happened to be showing the BREWER GAME on the big screen!? i laughed. too bad there´s not a setting on a camera called, "it´s dark, i´m inside, and i want to take a picture of a tv."

The little things that complete my life here:

siestas
sangria with peaches and strawberries...
the borderline pornographic ice cream ads outside of the random, usually asian run, supermarkets
the afternoon hobohookah with a homeless moroccan woman who did a rain dance, sang about my orange juice and then invited us to a party...in her home (aka the park)
Spanish step aerobics/spinning classes to Justin Timberlake dance remixes...
the local bars...the hookah bar with belly dancers and the tuesday night beer pong tourneys

Keep Maintaining, Madison...I´ll do the same...