Well I have found that I have no time to even update this routinely, given the hectic schedule that I have been on. But as the time winds down in enjoying a fantastic semester abroad, reality has finally hit me, and the work that comes from going to school has finally caught up. But before that, one of the best things I have done was embark on my fall trip throughout Iberia.
The first stop was to Barcelona where although it was raining for most of the time, was still a fantastic city with a crazy nightlife. The place was so different from what I have been used to, with the old town rising up with fantastic old architecture and close quarters. The people were so friendly, and the coastal area I could only imagine during summer being so great and enjoyable. Being able to step into the Picasso museum was also another plus, being able to see his early works was definitely one of the highlights of my trip. I really like his stuff, and brings me back to the time where I was doing art myself.
The second stop was into the heart of Spain, into Madrid. The capital was fantastic. It was the culture that I was really enjoying. The idea of siestas were awesome, the nightlife where it doesn't start at a ridiculously early time like London, the Tapas, oh man the TAPAS. So good. The Spanish food is so colorful, so vibrant, and the flavors so bold. I was trying to describe the difference to my friend. The best analogy I could think of was that French food was like riding in a Rolls Royce, it gently lets you into its nice interior of plush leather and refined colors, and while it drives it simply glides and takes you from point A to point B on a bed of clouds. Spanish food is like stepping into a hot rod during the summer, with black interior so your butt is on fire. The huge engine in the front with 230498230948 pounds of torque pulls you forward and blasts you down the straightaway. You are getting beaten up by all the wind hitting your face but you love every minute of it.
Madrid was great, the Sangrias were great, and of course had to visit Santiago de Bernabeu. Also got to go to the Renia Sofia museum, which was really cool because they held a lot of Impressionist paintings including stuff done by Dali and Picasso. Really good time, could have stayed there the entire day, wish I could. The Spanish hospitality continued here, really nice people, all willing to help even though they didn't speak English at times. Got away with knowing my California Spanish, barely.
Last stop, and my favorite stop, was Lisboa Portugal. I was really happy I came here last, as the weather finally turned for the better and it was nice and sunny. The city of Lisbon was great, really family-oriented atmosphere and people here were very welcoming. The seafood was great, lots and lots of shells and Pork too. I wish I had more time to try out the different foods here. But I was able to bask in the sun and really enjoy myself.
The last day of the time at Lisbon was what really set things off. I had the day to myself, and I went on a walking tour organized by the hostel. During that time, I was able to go to a terrace that the tour guide knew that was his favorite spot. There, because Lisbon is really a city upon hills quite like San Francisco, the platform was on the top of a roof but accessible by foot. It was great, lights stringing up in the air with music coming out the speakers stationed on poles. Plush couches for people to sit on overlooking the water. It was a great place, and I can only imagine how bumping that place would have been during the summer on sunset during the hot hot days. There I was able to sip on some red wine and really take everything in. I really enjoyed myself, and it was a surreal escape. Here I was, 20 years old, travelling on my own, sitting in a place very few people know about and enjoying Portugal. Six months before I was sitting on the BART commuter train going home, now I'm sitting on the couch overlooking the water. The people I was able to meet while on my walking tour came from all walks of life and different areas. I was able to speak with students, grad students, lovers, back packers. Everyone's story was different, and it was amazing to really get to meet everybody. I remember meeting a guy from Northern England. He's not rich, but he saves money here and there and travels around the world. He's single so he doesn't have a family to support, and he is able to travel to various countries throughout the year. This guy, from Northern England, knew Japanese and carried a book of languages in his backpocket. To be from such humble beginnings, and yet be so well travelled, and hear some of the stories he had - the most memorable one while in Budapest - really inspired me to one day be able to do that. I loved Lisboa, I loved everything about. The architecture, the family-atmosphere, the view, the weather. Fortunately, my time with Lisbon isn't over, as I'm going back after school finishes.
Being back in London after Fall Break was good. Got to hang out with Dad and get some free food, along with going to the Arsenal Manchester United Match at Emirates
Well thats about it for that game. Manchester United didn't have the wanted result but its still early in the season so nothing too crazy to fret about. But the escape that Fall Break provided is now over, and the work has finally caught up. Being able to enjoy the little time that I have left here does not coincide with academics as I have found out. Which is a shame, because NYU in London is a scam and anyone considering doing it in the future should look for programs in London outside NYU. Probably cheaper, and you won't have to be stuck in on the weekends desperately finishing papers and projects. But regardless looking back on it now I wouldn't change any experience.
I have done more things this semester than I have in the last two and a half years. Travelled to various places, experienced different cultures, and met some fantastic people along the way. The experiences hopefully I can keep with me when I return back to New York, and along with the people I have met in London. It is a shame that the only hiccup to this semester will be the fact that I am not doing so great in my classes and my averages are going to falter. But the thing is, I took a risk taking 3 electives and 18 credits. I have spent more time in the library, doing research, writing papers, and finishing my sketches (for "Seeing London") than I have in all my other semesters combined. I wasn't used to this kind of academia - Economics was midterm midterm final, and thats it. But this was good, even though at a very expensive price. Got to learn things I wouldn't have in my Economics class. Learned a lot about London that I wouldn't have just by walking on the streets.
I learned about Chavs, Lorries, what its like on the Night Bus at 3AM, how the Brits love chips with everything, why things are so, Politics of then, politics of now, pub culture, what it means to support your club, race relations, the history of London as a city.
But more importantly, I learned how to make connections again, how to be open to everything, how to be receptive, how to communicate how you feel, how to live.
I have one more weekend open, and I'm spending this Thanksgiving weekend in Amsterdam with my friends who I have been with since the days of Argonaut Elementary. And from then on its cramming and trying to finish everything on time. Its going to be tough, the temptation to experience London "one last time" and not get cooped up in a room overlooking the skyline at the City is tough, but at the end of the day I am still a student. To be perfectly honest, I am quite ready to get back to NYU. I miss the lecture atmosphere, my Econ class, how I don't have to spend hours and hours in the library. But I don't want to leave London, it has treated me really well at the expense of my wallet, but it has treated me well.
More to come, lets hope I survive with all the work that has bit me in the ass.
On another note, how about my Sharks huh? First in the league with 35 points? 17-3-1? Ballin', my dude Devin Setoguchi is tearing it up! Undefeated at home, makes me want to run back to the Shark tank right now and watch them play
