2013 -- How many bags will YOU be checking?

In all seriousness, how is it 2013? February 19, 2013. Bof. I feel like when I traveled to Spain in 2010, I stepped into a black-hole time machine, more commonly known as Europe, and have returned to the good ol' U-S-of-A, where all of my friends have great jobs and apartments in awesome cities. Meanwhile, I'm back at home with my parents, hopelessly searching for a job during the recession.

Ok, ok, that's a bit "glass-half-empty" way of looking at things, where I am most definitely a "glass-half-full" kind of gal. In all honesty, 2010-2012 were an amazing two years of my life full of exciting adventures, interesting cultures, amazing friends (new and old), and just the average trials and tribulations of a young adult finding their true self. I'm happy to be home, have a part-time gig as Karma Yogi, hot job prospects, and a positive outlook on where my life is going. With that being said...

Let's jump back to 2006 for a second-- my Freshman year at Carnegie Mellon. A specific instance where an upperclassman described me as "innocent, and viewing the world through rose-tinted glasses," comes to mind. I remember being offended by this, but now often think back to how true of a statement it was. I was just beginning to see the realer side of life. My parents chose which college I would attend based on financial reasons during my stepfather's battle with cancer. It was logical. I understood. But it meant not pursing my acting dreams as a Theater Major at NYU. I didn't think how these decisions would affect me in the long term and just went through the motions: high school, college, figure life out.

Being away from home was difficult, having a major I didn't like was difficult, breaking up with my boyfriend was difficult, making new friends and maintaining my upbeat personality was... surprisingly easy. I didn't harp on the struggles, but rather marveled at the world of opportunity in front of me. Why carry emotional luggage that might weigh me down and hold me back? I enjoyed the freedom, and although I didn't always make the best decisions, I quickly learned to remove my tinted glasses, and see the world for what it really is. A place where unexplainable things happen to people unexpectedly. A world where not every person is good and trustworthy, but also a world where when you find the right people, you can understand and accept that everything happens for a reason.

I realize I dropped the ball on maintaining my blog while abroad. I did keep a personal journal of my experiences and thoughts during my time overseas and am excited to share excerpts as I reminisce on old times while trying to understand myself in the present. Now that I'm back in the states, I am committing to reflecting on these past experiences, while sharing with the world, the ins and outs of reverse-culture shock, and re-assimilation to American life. I am grateful for the family and friends that have shown me endless support in my endeavors and are a persistent reminder that the journey of our lives are filled with obstacles, but you never need to face them alone!

The true test is how we handle each phase of life. How much baggage do we insist on carrying with us? Why do we hold on to the things that no longer serve us? Why do we sometimes live in the past or insist on stressing about the future? The time is now. Understanding that where we are currently is where we are supposed to be, whether it's a period of stability, transition, weakness or strength. I turned to a page in my travel journal from 6/1/2011; I was anxious while packing for a trip to Amsterdam. I was letting things from my past, and worry about the future, get in the way of the excitement of the adventure I was about to embark on. I remember skyping with my friend and her telling me, "the only thing you need to worry about is the next three days... and you're only allowed one little tote." One little tote of emotion, of worry, of baggage. I've held on to this philosophy and decided when I moved back to the states in August, that I wasn't going to be checking many bags.

So here we go people, LianaShenanigans is back and better than ever. If you care to follow and read along while I share thoughts, experiences, silliness, and insight, I can only hope my words resonate with you in a positive way. I end this post with a photo from Amsterdam where I let go of unnecessary stress and fully enjoyed my life in it's present state. The smile speaks for itself.

Love and Light.*

Long and Overdue Update. Lindsay, Zaragoza, and BIRTHDAY!

First, let it be known that this is my first blog post both written and uploaded via my own apartment and internet. YAY. :D. FINALLY.

Ya punto com finally got around to our internet installation a few weeks ago. The same day that our internet was hooked up, my freshman year roommate from CMU, the lovely Miss Lindsay Liu, left her home in Brooklyn, NY to embark on an epic vacation to Bali, Madrid, and Budapest! I had known she was planning to visit in October, but with the lack of internet I had been experiencing at the time, we had not yet coordinated our plans for her Madrid visit. To my surprise, Lindsay had chosen the weekend of a Puente here in Spain meaning an extended weekend with time for festivals and celebrations and most importantly no school or work Monday and Tuesday!!! Could things have been more perfect for her stay (Thursday-Tuesday)? I think not. Furthermore, the weekend of Lindsay’s visit, was very much a weekend of clarity for me.

First reason why: After weeks of my first “Spanish Cold” still lingering, I finally became fed up and showed one of my tissues to Jessica. What a sport. She told me that my boogers were not healthy ones on account of their cloudy greenish color… and that I most probably have a sinus infection and not just allergies as I was beginning to think. As a result, I made my first Spanish Doctor’s appointment, which Lindsay accompanied me to, haha and now I am finally on antibiotic.

Second reason: Having my own visitor made the fact that I am LIVING in Spain a hundred times more real. For our first night, Lindsay and I ate dinner and churos in the Plaza Mayor:

YUM.

The next day we went to the Reina Sofia, which I have passed many times during my runs around town, but hadn’t had the chance to go in! Having a buddy to go to museums and be touristy with was perfect J. We saw some cool exhibits, some strange exhibits and some classics. Picasso anyone? La Guernica? Yeah. Oh yeah. Best part about it all, I live walking distance from it and it’s free to go look at after 7pm.


The next night was Abby’s (another CMUer in Spain) birthday and we all went out to club Serrano 41. I think I was able to show Lindsay a good time here in Madrid! It was great to have a close friend from home here where everything is so brand spanking new. We took a ton of self-timer pictures, per usual and documented practically every second together. It was fabulous.




We spent Saturday shopping, both of us getting cute and spanishy things. Then, Sunday morning, Lindsay, Jess, Amber and I headed out on our journey to Zaragoza for the remainder of the weekend. Seriously, if I were a man, I’d marry Lindsay Liu in a heartbeat. 1) She is the most amazing chef. 2) She can drive a stick shift. This was key when we had to rent a car because here in Spain, it would have beeeen WAYYY more expensive to rent an automatic for the weekend.

Lindsay being the awesome girl she is, was designated driver and made this wonderful trip possible. So we all piled in the car with a bunch of snacks and music and on our way over to Zaragoza, we made a pit stop at Montaserio de Piedra. It was beautiful and we got some great pics:

We had an awesome time in Zaragoza during the Fiesta de Pilar. Parades, Concerts, Fireworks, clubs, humans, you name it. Everything to guarantee a good time. We were lucky that Jess has a family friend who happens to live in Zaragoza who was able to give us a little historical guided tour of the beautiful town. Everything was beautiful and I was so excited/happy to experience something so full of culture and history in Spain.





I feel like time is flying so quickly here. There is so much to do and I feel like so little time to do it. Lindsay came and is now gone and then all of a sudden it was time for my BIRTHDAY?!?! Crazy. I was nervous about having my first birthday in Spain because I wouldn’t be seeing my family and friends from home L. Luckily, I am so thankful to have the best roommates here in Spain. I had a fabulous 22^nd birthday, one that I am sure I will remember for the rest of my life. I mean, how many times does a girl get to celebrate her birthday in SPAIN?! I made sure to bring little treats in for the teachers at school since that seems to be the tradition here. So I purchased a box of galletas ricas and wrote a little note telling my teachers to help me celebrate and to enjoy! They ate the cookies and sang happy birthday to me J. My kids at school also sang and hugged me multiple times = happy, happy, liana. After work, I came home and then met Marta for some birthday shopping on Fuencarral. I got a birthday outfit and some other cute things from Zara! SUCCESS. We then met Jess for some birthday tapas and copas in the Plaza de Santa Ana. We ate at Lateral in the outside terrace, fully enjoying the beautiful fall weather before it gets too cold. After dinner we headed home, and Jess “lost her keys.” I helped Jess re-trace her footsteps to find them… until she realized they were in a different pocket in her purse… how curious? THEN we went home and Marta had a cake all lit and waiting for me! THEY SURPRISED MEEEEEEEEEE! And it was a happy, happy, birthday.

Friday night was my actual birthday celebration at the Sidreria right around the corner from our piso. We ate a ton, drank and were merry. Then we left for a night out at the club and this birthday girl got her grove on. Here are some pics:

All in all, I can’t complain. Another year older really doesn’t feel weird at all, nor the fact that I celebrated here in Spain. I’m so happy that I love my group of friends here, and am loving where I live, and can’t wait for more visitors/adventures.

Next exciting thing: HALLOWEEN. Stay tuned for a super creepy and scary post!

Xoxoxoxox,

Liana

Volume Control.

First things first, I am feeling much better since my last post. I still have the fading cough and sniffles but I am back to jumping around and singing songs for infants (and friends, let’s be real) like the good old Liana we all know and love. Which leads me to my next issue.

My name is Liana Rosenberg, and I have a Volume Control Problem.

Needless to say, my voice is of a pitch that carries effortlessly and often stands out in crowds. When paired with an extremely energetic and easily excited girl, such as my self, I have come to the realization (with the help of some family, friends, co-workers, classmates, heck, even strangers) that I tend to talk on the louder side. This is something I have been battling with my entire life and I have always been aware of the issue, but never really thought of it as a big problem. Things change when you move to a country where English is not the native language. So, in congruence with the theme “Liana Finds Herself in Spain” I have decided to make more conscious efforts to monitor the volume at which I am speaking. Don’t get me wrong; I happen to think there are many positive aspects of speaking loudly. For Example:

1. I’d rather speak too loud than too soft. What’s the point of talking if no one can hear you?

2. When controlling a class of 20 2/4/5 yr-olds, if you’re not loud and shouting, it may be difficult to maintain the attention of the class.

3. When I bust out a hilarious joke, you’re bound to hear it.

4. Whenever I didn’t have a microphone in a stage performance, my lines were never lost.

5. People know when I’m in a room, before they get there (which hopefully would be a pleasant surprise for most).

And now the Cons:

1. Speaking Loudly outside in Spain = “EVERYBODY LOOK, I’M AMERICAN,” making myself and friends targets for pick-pocketters and gypsies, or just mean people who don’t like Americans.

2. Reasons to be embarrassed? I’m not too sure about this one but maybe sometimes I say silly things that when exclaimed in public places may cause people to stare at myself/companions, which is often when friends tell me to take it down a notch.

Anyway, I’m going to try to speak at a normal volume from this point forward. I’ll keep you updated on my progress with this…

On a more positive note, as I am coming to the close of my second complete week as a full-time Master’s student and Native English Teaching Assistant in Madrid, I am feeling more comfortable with my life and routine here. Like I’ve mentioned in previous posts, the past few months have been super hectic and I’m enjoying figuring out a steady routine again. The adjustment to being far away from my family and friends has been difficult but it definitely helps that I’ve been meeting so many new and interesting people and just seeing so many new things in general. I’m also getting used to being a teacher and figuring out the different ways each class works. In some cases, like with the two year olds, I am the main teacher for the hour (crazy, they are 2 YEAR OLDS) and for the older ones I am more of the assistant (which is what I should be doing all the time). Some teachers are more helpful than others, and some take the time to go siesta… (which is NOT what they are supposed to do). And then there are the teachers that are my age and I want to hang out with on weekends (which will probably happen soon!).

I’ve also been trying to do things I normally wouldn’t do and just get the full experience of everything while I am here. For example, Jess and I met up with some friends yesterday to play a friendly game of basketball. Yes, I said, basketball. We played with an awesome group of humans, Americans vs. Spaniards! The Spaniards won, 26-25, BUT they also had one more player on their team (we played 6 on 5). I SCORED A BASKET. J It was a giant accomplishment in the world of Liana, seeing that I haven’t played basketball since I was on a team in the 4^th grade… and wasn’t very good. I actually can’t wait to play again.

Hopefully, this will be the last blog that I will post from an Internet café and I will have Internet in my apartment TOMORROW! It feels like it has been forever since I’ve had the convenience of internet in my home and I can’t wait to get back in touch with everyone I’ve been missing so much from home. Not being able to talk to anyone for more than 3 minutes on the phone or the occasional e-mail or g-chat has been hard and lonely. I’ve already told my roommates to expect me to be locked in my room for the first day since I will have a lot of catching up to do slash to be ready to meet many friends as I give virtual tours of our apartment via skype all day.

Alright friends, that’s all for now!

Xoxo,

Lianita.

My first Spanish Cold.

I really should have known better. Everyone kept warning me that I would get sick. Between moving to a foreign country, that just happens to be highly contaminated with air pollution, and working long days in an infantil school, where the kids constantly have boogers running down their faces, getting sick would be inevitable. I just didn’t think it would happen so soon! By the third day of work, I was done for. I could feel the soreness in the back of my throat every time I swallowed and that was it. Bring it on cold. Unfortunately, the cold accepted my challenge and by Friday, my voice was completely gone. This made singing songs and reading stories to crying 2yr olds VERY difficult. However, I was also told that teachers don’t call off sick in Spain… Oh well, I’ve been a trouper and toughing it out.

I’ve also been sleeping a TON. I guess that is what you’re supposed to do when you’re sick. I just can’t help be feel a bit lonely and sad tucked away in my cozy box of a room while my roommates and new friends go out to explore Madrid all weekend AND that we still don’t have internet... I did encounter some excitement Friday night when Jess and Marta had some of our friends over at our place before going out. Earlier that evening Jess perfectly portrayed herself as my mom once again when she made me some soup to help me feel better. This was why, when I was beckoned from my room to help a nose piercing emergency I was up for the task despite how I was feeling. Having a lip ring, I’ve been able to give Jess some advice on cleaning and taking care of her new nose piercing but none of us were prepared for her “nosebleed” Friday night. We are still unsure whether it was just your typical run of the mill nosebleed or if her piercing was the cause. Needless to say, Jess removed her nose ring taking the experience as a sign. I support her decision 100% and gladly offered up one of my spare rings for whenever she wants to slip a little sumthin sumthin on her nose before going out one night ;)

I really just want to get better. I’m nervous that I’m still going to be feeling miserable when this next week starts. Being sick is not very conducive when your schedule is this:

Monday: Teaching Infants 9-5pm

Tuesday: Teaching Infants 9-1pm, Master Classes 4-8:30pm

Wednesday: Teaching Infants 9-5pm

Thursday: Teaching Infants 9-1pm, Master Classes 4-8:30pm

Friday: Teaching Infants 9-4pm

With additional homework, lesson planning, and finding time to use the internet to keep in touch with the world all thrown into the mix… It’s Sunday and I feel as though it’s my last day to get better. For some reason I don’t think it’s going to happen. My nose is still stuffy and now I have a bit of a cough… At least my voice is coming back, sort of. I should be able to get through Monday morning with some songs.

Wish me luck readers. I’m going to need it. Back to sleep for this little sickling.

::cough::sneeze::noseblow::kiss::

-Liana

Adios Verano!

So long sweet summer; it’s been real. This quite possibly might have been my favorite summer thus far in my sweet, 21 years of living. I have never done so much exploring and now, the official beginning of my next chapter. I can’t believe it’s been almost two weeks since I moved to this beautiful country. I also can’t believe that a week before leaving home, I viewed more of the United States than I had ever imagined I would. Time has just FLOWN by and I don’t think I’ve been able to fully take in and digest everything that has happened in the past few months. To have lived in three different places, traveled through various time zones, and said “see you later,” to many of the people that have been my core for the past 4 yours feels surreal to say the least.

I have been so fortunate to have met and be living with two amazing girls that have made this transition a piece of cake. Seeing as this past weekend was our last official days of summer vacation and that we all started work today, we did our best to take advantage of our final moments of “free time” and the beautiful weather we’ve been having in Madrid. I also took it upon myself to figure out a route to run to RetiroPark so I can make sure I have my me-time and can keep running a consistent hobby of mine. If you’re a close friend or family member, you know that my runs are what keep me sane, time for just me and my thoughts, BUT ALSO function as a tool in assisting my poor sense of direction. Thank you Google Maps and Pedometer for allowing me to scope out much of the world before entering it blindly. My route to Retiro was a success and I am learning more of the layout of my surrounding areas :D. This year is about independence and self-sufficiency and I feel as though I’m heading in the right direction.

In addition to my runs and walks throughout the beautiful parks and plazas of Spain, I’ve been enjoying making new friends, both American and Spanish! Orientation was a day full of meeting new people, many who either knew friends who completed the program in the previous year (therefore knowing Jess, James and Abby), which was an awesome opener and connection. What a small but giant world. I already feel close with my roommates and of course those I knew coming into this experience and there is no doubt in my mind that I am about to form more great friendships as the year unravels.

I was finally brave enough to take my camera out for the evening. It’s my baby and with my butterfingers I always make sure to be EXTRA careful. Thank you Marta for the tip of wrapping the strap around my wrist when taking pictures. See, these girls look out for me. Here is a photo from Marta, Jess and I getting ready to go out before la Noche en Blanco.

This event was created to bring together the community of Madrid through music, literature, theater, etc. Gran Via was PACKED with humans but it was certainly a sight to be seen. Live music in the streets, museums and the metro open all night = endless possibilities. Here is a picture of all the people in the streets near the Gran Via metro!

But also overwhelming. We didn’t stay very long and decided to meet up with some friends in a more relaxed area. One of Jess’s close friends from last year, Amber, is someone who I immediately got along with and it feels great to already have a little group of girlfriends I know I can depend on. Here we are having a caNa!

I’m loving my new life thus far and officially completed my first day of work. I will be working with infantil, which means ages 1-5… yeah. I’m most likely gonna get pooped on. But I guess I need to learn how to handle the little ones sometime soon. Here we go life experience. That’s all for now. I’m excited to get my actual schedule tomorrow and learn more about my school and fellow teachers, who are all young and beautiful… jeeze Spain, where are your ugly people? SERIOUSLYYYYY.

Bueno. Adios amores!!!!

-Li

Uno... Dos... Tres...

So today we had our first day of orientation type meetings. We met with the directors of the the schools we will be working in, even though the representative from my school, Villalkor, didn't come... I met a few other people who will be working at the same school and when we were asked what grade we wanted, infantil, primaria, or secundaria, I was the only person who was excited to jump around and sing songs all day with the infantil students (3-5yrs old?). I'm pretty sure my request will be granted seeing that I was the only person remotely interested. My first day of work is this Monday!!!! and tomorrow we have our Master's program orientation! I'm excited to finally meet other students in the program. It's all becoming real! I'm excited to meet and make friends with the other students but even more excited to make friends with some spaniards!

I just finished eating a delicious meal of tortilla y hamburguesa at a close family friend of Marta's, back in Alcala so that we don't have to wake up as early tomorrow in order to make it to our orientation at 9:30am! In the mist of all this excitement, I had my first moment of weakness/homesickness last night. After returning from IKEA with the last of things we needed for our piso, and a long overdue skype session with Alex and my Daddy, it finally hit me that I will be living here for a YEAR. It's crazy... I'm so lucky to have two "mom" roommies who gave me hugs and took me out for una copa de vino, to make me feel more relaxed and at home. :D I couldn't be happier with the girls I live with and the place where I live. I just wish I could see all the people I love and miss when I miss them the most. Oh well, I will survive! And they will just have to get their hineys over here to visit me and see my awesome new life. Also, once we have internet, I am SURE that I will feel a gazillion times better.

Alright well, time to fall into a deep food coma to wake up early for orientation tomorrow! Stay tuned for more updates!!!!

Besitos para todos!

Mi piso!!!

Just as I was getting familiar with the Alcala area, and getting comfortable with walking around without getting lost, Marta and I made our way to the center of Madrid to our new home in “La Latina.” The Journey consisted of leaving by train from Alcala and then switching to the Metro once closer to the center. After telling Teresa and Abuela that I was planning on taking both of my suitcases at one time, they warned me of all the switches I was going to have to make and that it would not be wise to travel with both at the same time. Agreeing with them and deciding to take only my bigger one for the first trip, I was expecting an easy voyage to my apartment. Little did I know that my suitcase, stuffed to the brim, was going to EXPLODE open –zippers breaking, ripping open—IN THE METRO. Let’s just say it is quite difficult to climb ALL the stairs of the Madrid Metro with my 60lbs. broken suitcase, in the heat, with my weakling arms… all I have to say is thank you to all the Spaniards who helped me lift my suitcase up the stairs, the taxi cab driver who shuttled Marta and I from the “La Latina” Metro stop, two blocks to our home, and our kind neighbor who carried my broken suitcase up our 6 flights of stairs to our front door.

Here are the battle wounds I endured from this adventure:

On the upside of it all, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, our apartment!!! My room might be the size of a small cube but I don’t care. We have two beautiful terraces over looking our gorgeous and hip neighborhood, everything is furnished and well, it’s just perfect. Near the metro, around a ton of plazas with bars and cafes, shopping, theater… EVERYTHING.

The past few days have been full of lugging suitcases up our many stairs, unpacking, assembling ikea furniture, drinking canas, eating tapas, exploring, and getting to know my roommates. I think I really lucked out with everything. Having one roommate who is half Spanish and knows the area and language, and one roommate who completed my program the previous year and knows the courses and alum = help and support for the new girl who clearly is bad-luck stricken and lacks any sense of direction.

I also got to see some familiar faces yesterday when we had to pick up some of Jessica’s stored stuff from Abby’s apartment in Pacifico and then later met up with her and Emily from CMU as well as Abby and Jess’s friends from the program last year for our first night out in Madrid! Things seem to be falling into place, slowly but surely. Unfortunately… we won’t have internet in our apartment for most likely the next couple of weeks L. There is though, and awesome vegan restaurant around the corner with wifi, which is hard to come by around here, that is most likely going to become my hotspot for studying and hw for the year. I’m excited to get in a routine and not feel like such a foreigner. All in due time, all in due time. Once I have my bearings and our apartment is finally set up the way we want it, I will post pictures galore!

Love and miss all my family and friends and can’t wait to get Internet so it’ll be easier to keep in touch with everyone. For now keep tuned in here!

Xoxo,

Lilita