Confessions of this "20-something"

This post is a little off topic from my usual posts.  I'm in the process now of finalizing another travel post about our most recent trip, it's just taking a little longer than expected.  Probably because I keep getting distracted by the Internet...
Which brings me to this current post.  It's one I wrote for my old blog, but never published.
On one of my (many) breaks between research and teaching, I, like most, scroll through Facebook.  Lately, I've seen a TON of posts about the 20-something generation.  This is what inspired my original post, and just reading yet another right now, I've decided to go ahead and share it with the world.

So, here it is.  This 20-something's thoughts on being 20-something:

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The term "twenty-something" seems to be a 'trending' term on the Internet.  Something that pop culture has made... well, popular.  This idea that your twenties are the time of your life: your chance to experience everything.  Those awkward years between adult-hood, and the crazy college partying phase you're expected to just give up when you receive your diploma.  You're still allowed to mess up, to try things out, or to go a little over the edge.  It's the "trial" years of becoming a functioning member of society.  Or so the media tells us.

I've seen many articles about what to do, or not to do, in your 20s.  Get married young, don't get married young, live abroad, start your own company, buy a house, don't settle down in one place, and the list goes on.  Literally, they're all lists of why you should, or shouldn't do the afore mentioned things, and much much more.

You know what I think, if anyone cares to hear it, is that this generation of "twenty-somethings" has a "grass is always greener" complex.  We've been raised in the generation of "participation awards" and an "A for effort" mentality.  We've always been told we could have whatever it is we put our mind to.  Well, guess what?  Now we're adults, expected to decide what it is we really want, and we're sitting here wondering why we can't have it all?  Why can't I have the perfect little house, with the amazing "pintrest-style" kitchen, reading nook, etc., and still travel the globe?  I don't mean to speak for an entire generation here, don't get me wrong.  The point is, when mass media is sending us mixed signals about what we're supposed to be doing with our lives, no wonder we so called "twenty-somethings" are turning back to the very vehicle that made us to vent our frustration.  Blogs, videos, articles, you name it, they all address the issue of us; what are the 20-somethings supposed to be doing NOW?  I am no better.  I am a child of the Internet.  I grew up in a time of AIM (AOL instant messenger) and text messaging, google, facebook, and myspace. And here I am, putting my inner thoughts out there for the world to read.

Do I love my life? OF COURSE! I'm getting to see and experience things a lot of people never even dream of.  But, do I still get a little ping of jealousy when I see my friends back in the States moving into their new homes, and starting a stable life with children and careers?  I'd be lying if I said no.  After a day of working and not even really getting to enjoy the amazing city I live in (because I spend so much time inside teaching that I don't get to actually see it OR the worst, because I walk past the same amazing sights and monuments everyday, that they've lost their allure), I wish I were coming home to my own place, not some place I'm renting, which still has my landlord's stuff in it.

The point is, I'm sure that my friends that are back in the States with their stable jobs, happy families, and their own homes, are looking at my life, wishing they could explore, "let go a little" and "take chances".  At the end of the day, we "twenty-somethings" want what we don't have.  But that's ok!  That's what drives us, pushes us, and makes us tick.  Some of us get married young, and some of us don't.  Some of us move to foreign countries, while some of us stay in the same state, right down the street from where we grew up.  The point is, all of us are feeling the same thing.  Who are we?  Did we make the right decision?  That's what it means to be a 20-something.  To finally realize that our lives have been fluff, and we're not going to have everything we want, because by nature, we're always going to want what we don't have.  It's the time in our lives when we learn who we really are, and who we're going to be.  We're going to question our decisions, and the decisions of our friends, we're going to get frustrated with ourselves, and with society for "making us choose this career" because it offered a better pay.  At the end of the day, this is all part of the process of being a child of our own generation.  We're finding our own way to find ourselves.

And I say, "to each his own" because we're all going through the same thing, just in different ways.

So, this blog is, in essence my way of sharing my "20-something" life with the world.  It's not better or worse than other's, but it's mine.  My day-to-day life may be different than some, but, I guarantee at the end of the day, I still have the same questions racing through my mind as so many others from my generation.

Spain's quirky charm

In this post I'm going to recycle a little of a post I wrote in my old blog.  But I'll also be adding a few things as well.  Things in Spain that are different, take awhile to get used to, but now I kind of love.    

1.  Lunch and Dinner SUPER late!!

Lunch time is usually between 2-4 and dinner between 8-10.  It takes awhile to get used to, and I usually have to have some kind of snack between lunch and dinner.  

2.  Daily "siesta"

From 2:00pm until roughly 5:00pm everything closes (except a few bigger stores and the cafes/ bars).  This was frustrating at first because that would be the ideal time for me to run errands.  However, I like being forced to go home, eat, and relax for awhile.  Gives me time to appreciate life, reflect on my day, and plan my evening. 

3.  Throwing napkins and trash on the floors of bars and cafes

The first time I saw this happen, I was very surprised.  It happens even in the nicer cafes.  I've heard some different ideas as to why people do this, but I've come to think that it's simply because it makes cleaning up the bar easier!  It's actually to help keep the bar clean!!  When the crowd dies down, the waiters walk around, and can quickly sweep up all the napkins and trash, and the plates go straight to be washed.  It cuts out the middle step of separating trash from dishes.  

4.  Walking EVERYWHERE... ALL the time!!

Yes, I found this EXTREMELY annoying at first, and REALLY just wanted to jump in my car and drive wherever I had to go.  But now I enjoy this.  I actually love this to be honest.  I'm still busy studying and working, so I don't have as much time to work out as I would like.  But knowing that I'll be getting some sort of activity in my day (walking to and from the grocery store, caring 4 bags of groceries up 5 flights of stairs for example...) helps balance that out.  

5.  The lights in the bathrooms.

The normal expectation is that when you walk into a bathroom in a restaurant the lights will be on.  Well, not here! You have to turn them on, and they're generally on a timer.  This can be really frustrating when all of the sudden the lights go out, and yes, I would freak out the first few times this would happen, but now I expect it, and it's just a reflex to reach back up and turn them on.  No problem.  It's nice because it makes perfect sense! Why waste all that energy? 

6.  Not to mention every toilet flushes differently. 

Ok, not EVERY toilet, but yes, I have seen more creative ways of flushing toilets here than ever in my life.  There are some with buttons, some with those pull things that come down from the ceiling, some with foot petal things and the list goes on.  It's always an adventure!Oh, and ps I have yet to see a toilet with the normal handle on the side like we have in the States. 

7.  The street numbers don't always line up. 

So, you look up a restaurant that you want to go to, and the address is something like Gran Via 16.  When you're walking down the street, if you're on the "odd number" side of the street, be careful.  Just because you're at Gran Via 15, doesn't mean that the building directly across the street is 16, it could be 12, or it could be 32!!  You never know, so just be aware of that.  

8.  Lights in the hotel rooms

I'm not sure if this is all of Europe, or only Spain.  However, as I mentioned in #5 above, people here are much more energy conscious.  This carries over into the lights in the hotel rooms as well.  In order to work any electronic device or outlet in the hotel rooms, you have to put your key into a little slot by the door when you come in.  That's not too bad.  However, when you're leaving and want to let your camera or computer charge while you're out, they won't, because when you pull that key out of the slot, everything turns off.  

9.  There seems to be a national lack of toilet paper and soap

It may sound strange, but it's true.  Walking into a bathroom that doesn't have one, or both, of the items mentioned above is not uncommon.  It only takes a short time before you learn to prepare for this though.  Carrying tissue and hand sanitizer has come in handy many many times! 


For now, I'll leave it at that, but I'm sure there's more things that add to Spain's quirky charm. 

5 (personal) tips on travel to Spain

This is just a quick post on some "tips" I would pass along to any fellow Americans traveling to Spain. Some from personal experience, others from watching and observing the people around me.

1.  Try it first, ask later

So, Spanish food is amazing.  One of my favorite things about it is that it's not loaded with seasonings and added "flavor" packets.  It's all about the natural flavors of the food (and there's some garlic added in, always garlic in Spain haha).  Their food is simple, and filling, really yummy, but, sometimes it can be a little... adventurous for the every-day American.

Spaniards are great at not wasting, ANYTHING.  Especially food.  They eat every part of every animal.  Everything from pigs snout, to bull tail, there's some cheek, a little intestine, and even blood.  Yes, there is the "normal" selection of meats that we're used to, but the more unique plates can be amazing too.  And, if you don't ask, you might not even realize you're eating a part of a face.  It sounds really disgusting, but try it!  And before you get too judgmental, remember, they aren't wasting.  It's a wonderful thing if you think about it.

2.  A little history, some tours, some exciting sites, but don't forget to enjoy it

If you're traveling to Spain, you'll see some amazing things.  Architecture from the Roman Empire, historical landmarks and monuments, the beautiful influence of the Arabic cultures who came from Africa in 711 A.D and were in the peninsula until 1492 A.D.  There's so much to see and take in, that it's easy to get wrapped up in going from one thing to the next, that you miss the chance to actually experience the culture.  Spain has an amazing charm to it.  The people really know how to enjoy life, and what matters.  They put family first, and the time they get to spend together is precious.  You won't see teens embarrassed to be with their parents, but instead, they're up and running around playing with their little cousins.  Grandparents and grandchildren walk along the streets together.  On Saturday and Sunday afternoon, you can see families of sometimes 3 or 4 generations sitting in the Plaza Mayor together, enjoying some ice cream and their time with each other.

One thing we lack as Americans is this.  And it seems that, traveling, the event that we do together as families, even becomes "work".  A lot of times we come home from a trip, jokingly saying "I need a vacation after my vacation".  Travel, especially to foreign countries, becomes a timetabled event.  "The museum opens at 9, so we should get there at 8:45, then, there's an exhibit at 12 I want to get to, so let's make sure we rush there.  At 1:40 we have 20 minutes for lunch before the tour starts..." And so on and so on.  I understand, you want to maximize on your time here.  You're only in Europe once, MAYBE twice in your life, you should take advantage of that.  And I couldn't agree more!

Take advantage of embracing the Spanish lifestyle.  Instead of 20 minutes for lunch, spend an hour (maybe more)!!  Sit on the outdoor terrace, eat slowly, watch the people walk by, enjoy a nice cup of coffee after.  Talk to the people you're with.  In Spain, lunch is the most important meal of the day, and they do spend an hour, sometimes two eating together, laughing and talking.  It's a bonding time.

In the evening, when things are winding down, go enjoy a glass of wine and a tapa outside.  Ask your family and friends what has been their favorite part of the day.  Talk about what you've seen and what you're going to see.  Just relax and enjoy being together.  Traveling, especially to Spain, doesn't have to be, and shouldn't be stressful.

3.  Don't just stay in one place

This is only if you get the chance.  But, I think it's worth taking into consideration.  When traveling to Spain, make sure you have enough time to go to at least 3 or 4 different places, spending minimum 2 days in each.  One of the amazing things about Spain is its diversity.  It's a small country (compared to the US) but it still has so much to offer.  You have the green, mountainous north, with small villages and quaint towns.  In the center you have the capital, Madrid, and the surrounding provinces.  Each one has it's own charm and history.  Castilla y León for example takes pride in their deep "Castillian" roots. They believe they speak the purest form of Spanish (this can be contested) and their landscape, though not green and luscious like you'll find in the north, is filled with rolling plains and various types of crops.  The south is a world all its own.  With strong Arabic influence, the south is colorful and exciting.  The people are open and friendly, and always welcoming.  The weather is perfect almost year-round, and the food is amazing.  There are other regions as well, we can't forget Catalonia directly to the south of France.  They not only have their own culture, but like Galicia (directly above Portugal on the west coast) they have their own language.

Spain is filled with diversity.  Visiting the big cities, Madrid and Barcelona, is important.  And there's a lot to see there.  But if you want to get to know the real Spain, you have to travel not only outside of the metropolitan areas, but also to different regions.  Sometimes you'll think you aren't even in the same country.

4.  Learn a little of the language before you go

Yes, most places you go you might be able to find someone that speaks English.  But there's no guarantee.  Spain, unlike their neighbors to the west (Portugal) isn't known for their ability to pick up other languages well.

I'm not saying take a Spanish class and become fluent, or even conversational, before a week or two week trip.  Just learn a few phrases.  Where is the bathroom?  Can I have...?  How much does this cost?  (and numbers, or course).  Simple things.  And even if you sound like an idiot trying to say it, and maybe you don't say it correctly at all, at least you've tried.  And the people really appreciate that.

I should note, however, don't assume that NO ONE around you speaks English.  While you shouldn't just figure that everyone will go out of their way to speak your native tongue to you, don't be so naive to think that English is some exotic language that no one knows.  It's English!  It's the universally recognized international language.  So just be careful, don't say anything you wouldn't normally say in public.  

5.  Comfy clothes are not street clothes

You rarely see someone walking around Spain in sweat pants and a t-shirt.  While in the US it's perfectly acceptable to go to the grocery store in your pjs, in Spain it is not.  I'm not saying get all dressed up, make-up, hair done, high heels.  No no.  But instead of sweats, pull on a pair of jeans, or cute shorts.  In place of the T-shirt, find a cute tank-top.  It doesn't have to be fancy, just can't be something you would wear to bed.

On that note, however, wear comfy shoes!!  You will walk A LOT!

Segovia: A small town with a big personality

Segovia isn't usually on the top of people's "to visit" list when planning a trip to Spain.  However, this city, with a population of roughly 56,000, is more than worth a long weekend.

Pertaining to the region of Spain known as Castilla y León, the winters can be cold, but the summers are glorious.  The sun and warmth bring people from all over to walk through the Judería, the old zone of the city, with its winding streets and quaint cafés, or to visit one of the many monuments, or even simply to enjoy the amazing "gastronomía".

There are many historical monuments that add to the city's charm.  The most famous is the Acueducto, a Roman aqueduct constructed in the 2nd Century A.D.  It runs through the center of the old part of the city, and is simply breathtaking in both size and beauty.  A path running along the side allows visitors to walk to the top where the views simply cannot be missed.

View from the top of the aqueduct

Another major attraction is the Alcazár de Segovia.  Originally built as a fortress, this amazing construction has served various purposes throughout history.  Visitors can enter the Alcazar which holds various historical artifacts.  The best part however, are the vistas from the top.  Another interesting fact about this magical palace worth noting is that it served as one of the inspirations of Walt Disney's Cinderella's castle.

View of the city from the Alcazar

The Alcazar from a distance

To get a better view of the Alcazar (see picture above) requires a little bit of a hike.  But it's well worth it, and will take you to yet another historical monument of the city, the Iglesia de la Vera Cruz.  One of the ancient churches of the Knights Templar, the round construction and old stone walls transport visitors back to the 12th Century.  The history of this place has been debated, some even believing it originally held the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.  Regardless of the truth, the intriguing Templar church is a perfect stop for "history buffs".  It's not expensive to get in, and while it is small,it's a "can't miss".  Even though the walk is long (30 minutes more or less) the beautiful countryside makes it feel effortless.

Another view of the Alcazar

la Iglesia de la Vera Cruz

On the way to the church

Located just a short bus ride outside of Segovia, the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefono formally served as the summer palace of Spanish royalty.  Built in the 18th century, the building itself serves as a museum.  While the inside may be a little disappointing, the true allure of this "side trip" is the gardens.  Going in the summer months is recommended, as the flowers are in full bloom, and the fountains that are located around the gardens will be turned on.

La Granja

The Gardens

The cathedral in Segovia is easily one of the most impressive in Spain.  It's located in the center of the city, and after a short walk through the Judería, the view of the Cathedral does not disappoint.

The Cathedral

Late June is the ideal time to visit, not only because the weather is wonderful, but also because during this time the Fiestas of San Juan are celebrated.  There are a lot of origins to this feast.  It is celebrated all over Spain (more in the northern regions) with bonfires and festivals.  Originally, the bonfires were meant to "give strength to the sun" to aid in the summer solstice.  Also, the fires were thought to have purifying powers, cleansing both the people and city.  Today, the celebration has taken different forms throughout the various regions of Spain.  In Segovia, the celebrations are one of the main attractions of the city.  Everything from bonfires to live music form part of the "fiestas".  The entire city comes to life, with bustling streets during the day, and lights illuminating the city at night.

The best part of going in late June is by far the food.  During this time, Segovia celebrates one of its "Tapa Concursos".  All the restaurants around the city prepare their best "tapa" and for just 2 euros, visitors can sample the food and have a drink!  The options are endless, and choosing is easily the hardest part.  Participants can sample anything from sea food to beef, and even find some vegetarian options.

Regardless of what you're looking for from a vacation: food, culture, music, or simply a relaxing stroll through the countryside, Segovia has it all!  Spend your mornings wandering the streets, having breakfast at a cafe.  Enjoy an afternoon stroll through the countryside, and top it off with a picnic by the aqueduct.  In the evening, sample the tapas and enjoy the live music.  Sprinkle in the historical monuments, and before you know it, you're in love with the city, and leaving will be harder than you ever expected!

Ourense: The city of Bridges, Termas, and Carnival

Ourense is a small city in Galicia the northwest region of Spain.  While it's not well-known world-wide like some of its neighboring Galician cities, Santiago de Compostela for example, it still holds a lot of charm and plenty to boast.  Its history dates back to the Roman empire, and you can still cross the Roman bridge on your way into the city center.

The Roman Bridge

The name of the city is in itself a mystery.  Some believe it to come from Germanic origins, meaning "warm lake", which could be linked back to the presence of the natural springs, or "termas" (see below).
Another theory as to the origins of the name dates back to Latin, the original term meaning "City of Gold".  This is believed because of the large amounts of gold taken from the river around which the city is built.  For this reason, and others, the Miño River has had an essential part in the formation of the city itself.  Nowadays, the city is known for its many bridges going across the Miño.  The two most important being the Roman Bridge and the Millennium Bridge.  The Roman Bridge being famous for its history which is apparent in its name.  The Millennium Bridge boasts it's new-aged architecture.  The structure itself acts as a walk-way, giving visitors an amazing panoramic view of the city.

The Millennium Bridge

On the Walkway

View from the top 

Another aspect of the city that lends to its charm are the natural springs, called termas, which can be found in various places around the River Miño.  Some are free, while others cost anywhere from 3-5 euros per person.  Giving visitors a relaxing, and some say healing, experience dipping in the mineral water heated anywhere from 30-40 degrees Celsius (86-104 F) by natural geothermal water, the termas offer an experience unlike any other.  Bathing outside while taking in the the breathtaking landscape will relax anyone.  The most famous of the termas, As Burgas, is located just minutes from the Praza Maior in the city center.  Others require a little of a trip, some distancing up to 6km (~3miles) away, but the city does provide a small train that for the cost of 0.85 (Euros-cents) will take you there.

Free Termas

As Burgas

Beautiful Landscape

While the city has various festivals and celebrations, one of the most exciting and unique is Carnival.  Although not as grand as those in the south of Spain, Sevilla and Granada, Ourense's carnival is probably the most well-known and most celebrated in the northern regions.  Taking place in the middle of February, this also offers an ideal time to visit the termas.  Dressing up and walking along the streets provides a fun-filled and cultural experience.  For dinner, the easiest and most enjoyable option is very easily "pinchos".  Going from bar to bar or restaurant to restaurant, ordering a drink and a small portion of options ranging from Calamares to Patatas Bravas and anything in between (frog legs anyones?) will give you the option to sample a variety of different foods, and not put a huge dent in your wallet.

Streets lit up for Carnival! 

Dressed up and ready to go! 

Orejas de Carnival

Calamares, Croquetas, and Ribeiro

Sarta and Ribeiro

Montadito de Jamon, and Frog legs! 

Dancing in the stree

Live Music

If festivals and outdoor spas aren't your thing, you can very easily still find something to admire when walking up and down the historic city center.  Ourense has enough plazas, puentes, and parques to be appealing to anyone interested in history and culture.  The Catedral, for example, located in the center of the old city, is believed to be the second oldest in Galicia, originally founded in 572 and rebuilt in the 13th century.

In short, while this city may not appear at the top of your "to visit" list when planning a trip to Spain, if you find yourself in the north, a quick trip to the city of bridges will not disappoint.

In the Cathedral- the Santo Cristo

Fuentes As Burgas

The water was REALLY hot! 

A famous saying about one of the best kept secrets of Spain: "Tres cosas hay en Ourense que no las hay en España: el Santo Cristo, El Puente, y La Burga hirviendo el agua".  ("Three things that are in Ourense that aren't in Spain: el Santo Cristo, the Bridge, and La Burga, boiling the water")