all to enjoy. (Please listen to Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus as you read.)
Party in the ESP
I hopped off the plane at BARAJAS
with a dream and my cardigan
welcome to the land of ham excess,
am I gonna fit in?
Jumped in the cab,
Here I am for the first time
Look to the right and I see the Metro sign
This is all so crazy
Everybody seems so Spanish
My tummys turnin and I'm feelin kinda home sick
Too much pressure and I'm nervous,
That's when the taxi man turned on the radio
and a Jay Z song was on
and the Jay Z song was on
and the Jay Z song was on (this really did happen!)
So I put my hands up
They're playing my song,
And the butterflys fly away
Noddin' my head like yeah
Moving my hips like yeah,
And I got my hands up,
They're playin my song
I know I'm gonna be ok
Yeah, It's a party in the ESP
Yeah, It's a party in the ESP
Get to the club in my taxi cab
Everybody's lookin at me now
Like “whos that chick, thats rockin' kicks?
She gotta be from out of town” (this is soo true!)
So hard with my girls not around me
Its definitely not a Marquette party
Cause' all I see are stilletos
I guess I never got the memo
My tummys turnin and I'm feelin kinda home sick
Too much pressure and I'm nervous
That's when the D.J. dropped my favorite tune
and a Britney song was on
and the Britney song was on
and the Britney song was on (this did not happen, they do not like Brittany)
So I put my hands up
They're playing my song,
And the butterflys fly away
Noddin' my head like yeah
Moving my hips like yeah,
And I got my hands up,
They're playin my song
I know I'm gonna be ok
Yeah, It's a party in the ESP
Yeah, It's a party in the ESP
Feel like hoppin' on a flight
Back to my hometown tonight
Something stops me everytime
The DJ plays my song and I feel alright! (I am alright! and I LOVE SPAIN!)
So I put my hands up
They're playing my song,
And the butterflys fly away
Noddin' my head like yeah
Moving my hips like yeah,
And I got my hands up,
They're playin my song
I know I'm gonna be ok
Yeah (huh huh), It's a party in the ESP
Yeah, It's a party in the ESP!!!
So yeah, I've been in Spain for one month, feels much longer than that because so much has happened. I don't think a year ago I thought I would be sitting in a little café in the middle of Spain's capital. But here I am, listening to the conversations around me, getting very excited when I can understand what it is a certain couple is discussing or what the waitress is yelling from behind the counter. Matter of fact,
when I graduated high school the last thing I wanted to do was sit through another
Spanish class. Ha, funny how things change. Speaking of change, I suppose now would
be a good time to reflect on the changes since I first hopped off that plane at an
ungodly early hour.
Rachel upon landing consisted of complete and utter fear. I was scared to death about
my inability to speak Spanish, the fact that I had no idea where I would be living, the
whole meeting new people thing (which normally never phases me), the classes I would
have to take, the people I might miss, etc. Point being, I was a nervous wreck.
Rachel a mere month later just got off the phone with a professor and had a complete
conversation in Spanish about a composition. I look a little less American and have
even been approached multiple times to be asked where something is or just how the
metro machines work. Apparently I can pull off skinny jeans and the color black well
enough to look Madrileño? I do typical Spanish things, like take siestas, stay out way
too late, say "Oye Tio!", read on the Metro, watch crazy Spanish game shows and
reality shows, go on Sunday walks to the park, drink café con leche (which I did before
I came to Spain anyway), eat dinner at 9 pm, etc. I am no longer phased by the
ridiculous amounts of public displays of affection everywhere. I no longer thinks its
bizzare to see someone drinking a beer for lunch. I am no longer starving at noon. I
have learned how to peel an orange, how to use the shower without making a mess, I wear
socks all the time (I hate socks!), I know what my sizes are in the crazy European size
charts, I like walking places (when I'm not wearing heels), and I know that I should
expect to drink lots and lots of milk and honey whenever I may be sick.
If all of this has happen in just a month, I'm sure I'll be coming home a different
person at the end of May, but I'm thinking that person will still think skinny jeans
are hideous on anyone but Kirsten Borsheim and Mariclare Kanaley. Also, I will have
much higher expectations of men in the States because I have yet to see a Spanaird who
doesn't dress within the fashion limits or wear their hair unpolished. European men in
general seem to care just a little bit more about how they appear, and it makes for
some great eye candy.
Given that it's approaching Valentine's Day I suppose I could share a few failed
attempts at love in Spain.
Failed attempt #1: Fernando. Fernando sat next to me and my friend Marie while waiting
for the Metro. He was (not tall), but definitely dark and handsome with green eyes. He
said he was a medical student who was in Madrid for some sort of residency, I'm not
exactly sure on those details. But anyway he was from Paraguay and ended up going back
to Paraguay a few days after I met him. He had given me his email address and me in a
complete mess of emotions, forgot to write down who the provider for his email was!!
Horrible mistake that was soon resolved with the help of my friends in search of every
major email provider. All of my girl friends were anxiously awaiting a reply when
miraculously one of the emails went through and I got a response! However given the
delay, I never saw Fernando again and he is probably off saving a life in Paraguay.
Failed attempt #2, #3, and #4: All awful dance partners at the club Kapital. I don't
think these should even count, but the memories are quite hilarious and should not be
forgotten.
Failed attemp #5: Martin. Martin and I met during the Superbowl! He was on vacation
from his home in Amsterdam and was coincidentally leaving Madrid at 4 am the same night
I met him. He is half Israeli and half Dutch and spoke perfect English. He laughed at
the excitement around the game and engaged me in some very interesting and educated
conversation about politics, religion, and cultural differences. Topics which are fairly
taboo in the States. Martin was a charmer but good company for the duration of the game.
He currently has my email address, but alas I doubt I see him unless I randomly see him
during some future trip to the Netherlands. But there is no doubt that he captured my
heart for one fleeting moment when he said "You have eyes that stars could shine in."
Haha typical Rachel to fall for something like that, and I know my mother is currently
shaking her head saying something along the lines of "you should be more concerned
about your classes then the prospect of a foreign love." Love you Mom.
So happy 1 month to me! Happy Valentine's Day to all you lovers out there. And I would
not be polite if I did not send some special shout outs.
Happy Be-lated Birthday Lisa!
Happy Be-lated 21st Birthday Nick Schaffran!
Happy 19th Birthday Eunice Lee! 10th floor represent!
Happy 21st Birthday Kate Randich and Greg Smith! We'll have to do some 1st date
stalking when I return
Happy Birthday to my cousin Connor! Family reunion is a must when I get back!
Happy Birthday Alyssa LaBarbera! Another one of my fabulous 10th floor ladies!
Happy Birthday John Modrzynski!Sorry I won't be there to carry you home!
Happy Birthday to my ALPG buddy Nate Weingart!!! ;)
Happy Birthday to Jenna Marie Lamparek! My rock and sanity!
Happy 21st Birthday Joey Parker, first acquaintance at Marquette!
Happy 21st Birthday Kevin Shanley!Thanks for introducing me to the wonders of the CUBS!
Happy Birthday Brianne Martin! The 10th floor wouldn't have been the same w/o you!
Happy Birthday Mollie Marti! Wouldn't be here without you in my life!
Happy Birthday Jen Krall! My twin and partner in crime! Miss you!
Happy Birthday Dain! Hope the kiddo is doing well!
Happy 21st freaking Birthday on the 21st of February to my very first friend! SYLVIE
FRANCINE HALL! I wish I were there to make you drink an entire pitcher of Margaritas!
ALSO! HAPPY GOLDEN BIRTHDAY to the one and only Andrew Weingart!! This will be epic!
My little brother is also celebrating the big 2-0 this month and I wish him the best,
and I can't really ever remember missing your birthday, so this is weird.
Happy 21st to Miss MaryBeth Konkowski! We have a date that is long overdue!
Happy 21st Birthday to Mr. Nicholas Rinaldi! Can't wait till you can actually go out! :)
And last but not least...... HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD! I know you just love getting older, and
I wish I could be there to celebrate with you.
February is clearly THE month to be born in. All my love.
with a dream and my cardigan
welcome to the land of ham excess,
am I gonna fit in?
Jumped in the cab,
Here I am for the first time
Look to the right and I see the Metro sign
This is all so crazy
Everybody seems so Spanish
My tummys turnin and I'm feelin kinda home sick
Too much pressure and I'm nervous,
That's when the taxi man turned on the radio
and a Jay Z song was on
and the Jay Z song was on
and the Jay Z song was on (this really did happen!)
So I put my hands up
They're playing my song,
And the butterflys fly away
Noddin' my head like yeah
Moving my hips like yeah,
And I got my hands up,
They're playin my song
I know I'm gonna be ok
Yeah, It's a party in the ESP
Yeah, It's a party in the ESP
Get to the club in my taxi cab
Everybody's lookin at me now
Like “whos that chick, thats rockin' kicks?
She gotta be from out of town” (this is soo true!)
So hard with my girls not around me
Its definitely not a Marquette party
Cause' all I see are stilletos
I guess I never got the memo
My tummys turnin and I'm feelin kinda home sick
Too much pressure and I'm nervous
That's when the D.J. dropped my favorite tune
and a Britney song was on
and the Britney song was on
and the Britney song was on (this did not happen, they do not like Brittany)
So I put my hands up
They're playing my song,
And the butterflys fly away
Noddin' my head like yeah
Moving my hips like yeah,
And I got my hands up,
They're playin my song
I know I'm gonna be ok
Yeah, It's a party in the ESP
Yeah, It's a party in the ESP
Feel like hoppin' on a flight
Back to my hometown tonight
Something stops me everytime
The DJ plays my song and I feel alright! (I am alright! and I LOVE SPAIN!)
So I put my hands up
They're playing my song,
And the butterflys fly away
Noddin' my head like yeah
Moving my hips like yeah,
And I got my hands up,
They're playin my song
I know I'm gonna be ok
Yeah (huh huh), It's a party in the ESP
Yeah, It's a party in the ESP!!!
So yeah, I've been in Spain for one month, feels much longer than that because so much has happened. I don't think a year ago I thought I would be sitting in a little café in the middle of Spain's capital. But here I am, listening to the conversations around me, getting very excited when I can understand what it is a certain couple is discussing or what the waitress is yelling from behind the counter. Matter of fact,
when I graduated high school the last thing I wanted to do was sit through another
Spanish class. Ha, funny how things change. Speaking of change, I suppose now would
be a good time to reflect on the changes since I first hopped off that plane at an
ungodly early hour.
Rachel upon landing consisted of complete and utter fear. I was scared to death about
my inability to speak Spanish, the fact that I had no idea where I would be living, the
whole meeting new people thing (which normally never phases me), the classes I would
have to take, the people I might miss, etc. Point being, I was a nervous wreck.
Rachel a mere month later just got off the phone with a professor and had a complete
conversation in Spanish about a composition. I look a little less American and have
even been approached multiple times to be asked where something is or just how the
metro machines work. Apparently I can pull off skinny jeans and the color black well
enough to look Madrileño? I do typical Spanish things, like take siestas, stay out way
too late, say "Oye Tio!", read on the Metro, watch crazy Spanish game shows and
reality shows, go on Sunday walks to the park, drink café con leche (which I did before
I came to Spain anyway), eat dinner at 9 pm, etc. I am no longer phased by the
ridiculous amounts of public displays of affection everywhere. I no longer thinks its
bizzare to see someone drinking a beer for lunch. I am no longer starving at noon. I
have learned how to peel an orange, how to use the shower without making a mess, I wear
socks all the time (I hate socks!), I know what my sizes are in the crazy European size
charts, I like walking places (when I'm not wearing heels), and I know that I should
expect to drink lots and lots of milk and honey whenever I may be sick.
If all of this has happen in just a month, I'm sure I'll be coming home a different
person at the end of May, but I'm thinking that person will still think skinny jeans
are hideous on anyone but Kirsten Borsheim and Mariclare Kanaley. Also, I will have
much higher expectations of men in the States because I have yet to see a Spanaird who
doesn't dress within the fashion limits or wear their hair unpolished. European men in
general seem to care just a little bit more about how they appear, and it makes for
some great eye candy.
Given that it's approaching Valentine's Day I suppose I could share a few failed
attempts at love in Spain.
Failed attempt #1: Fernando. Fernando sat next to me and my friend Marie while waiting
for the Metro. He was (not tall), but definitely dark and handsome with green eyes. He
said he was a medical student who was in Madrid for some sort of residency, I'm not
exactly sure on those details. But anyway he was from Paraguay and ended up going back
to Paraguay a few days after I met him. He had given me his email address and me in a
complete mess of emotions, forgot to write down who the provider for his email was!!
Horrible mistake that was soon resolved with the help of my friends in search of every
major email provider. All of my girl friends were anxiously awaiting a reply when
miraculously one of the emails went through and I got a response! However given the
delay, I never saw Fernando again and he is probably off saving a life in Paraguay.
Failed attempt #2, #3, and #4: All awful dance partners at the club Kapital. I don't
think these should even count, but the memories are quite hilarious and should not be
forgotten.
Failed attemp #5: Martin. Martin and I met during the Superbowl! He was on vacation
from his home in Amsterdam and was coincidentally leaving Madrid at 4 am the same night
I met him. He is half Israeli and half Dutch and spoke perfect English. He laughed at
the excitement around the game and engaged me in some very interesting and educated
conversation about politics, religion, and cultural differences. Topics which are fairly
taboo in the States. Martin was a charmer but good company for the duration of the game.
He currently has my email address, but alas I doubt I see him unless I randomly see him
during some future trip to the Netherlands. But there is no doubt that he captured my
heart for one fleeting moment when he said "You have eyes that stars could shine in."
Haha typical Rachel to fall for something like that, and I know my mother is currently
shaking her head saying something along the lines of "you should be more concerned
about your classes then the prospect of a foreign love." Love you Mom.
So happy 1 month to me! Happy Valentine's Day to all you lovers out there. And I would
not be polite if I did not send some special shout outs.
Happy Be-lated Birthday Lisa!
Happy Be-lated 21st Birthday Nick Schaffran!
Happy 19th Birthday Eunice Lee! 10th floor represent!
Happy 21st Birthday Kate Randich and Greg Smith! We'll have to do some 1st date
stalking when I return
Happy Birthday to my cousin Connor! Family reunion is a must when I get back!
Happy Birthday Alyssa LaBarbera! Another one of my fabulous 10th floor ladies!
Happy Birthday John Modrzynski!Sorry I won't be there to carry you home!
Happy Birthday to my ALPG buddy Nate Weingart!!! ;)
Happy Birthday to Jenna Marie Lamparek! My rock and sanity!
Happy 21st Birthday Joey Parker, first acquaintance at Marquette!
Happy 21st Birthday Kevin Shanley!Thanks for introducing me to the wonders of the CUBS!
Happy Birthday Brianne Martin! The 10th floor wouldn't have been the same w/o you!
Happy Birthday Mollie Marti! Wouldn't be here without you in my life!
Happy Birthday Jen Krall! My twin and partner in crime! Miss you!
Happy Birthday Dain! Hope the kiddo is doing well!
Happy 21st freaking Birthday on the 21st of February to my very first friend! SYLVIE
FRANCINE HALL! I wish I were there to make you drink an entire pitcher of Margaritas!
ALSO! HAPPY GOLDEN BIRTHDAY to the one and only Andrew Weingart!! This will be epic!
My little brother is also celebrating the big 2-0 this month and I wish him the best,
and I can't really ever remember missing your birthday, so this is weird.
Happy 21st to Miss MaryBeth Konkowski! We have a date that is long overdue!
Happy 21st Birthday to Mr. Nicholas Rinaldi! Can't wait till you can actually go out! :)
And last but not least...... HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD! I know you just love getting older, and
I wish I could be there to celebrate with you.
February is clearly THE month to be born in. All my love.
i have no idea why the format is weird. i apologize!
ReplyDelete#1 I read your song during my lit class and laughed out loud and got in trouble.
ReplyDelete#2 I am so excited you are having fun in Spain and loving every minute of it.
#3 you would fall a lame line like that haha
#4 feb def is the month for birthdays and pictures will follow
#5 Happy Valentines Day!!!!!!!!!!
wuv you...we need to skype soon
Hola guapa! Me alegro que estes bien! Es verdad que volverás con uno estándares nuevas de los chicos para que los chicos americanos no sirven. Bienvenido a la vida mía! ¡Felicidades! y espero que nos veremos en junio cuando estoy por allá. Besos.
ReplyDelete