We Don't Know Where We're Going, Gomez

This week was a quiet one by all standards. Well, except that it was Laura's 21st birthday, which caused a group to stay out until 2 am Tuesday night - I don't have class until 4 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays - in celebration. We went to Cave bar, a bar that is just as it sounds, styled to look like a cave. Their signature drink is called Leche de Pantera, or Panther's milk, a sugary and cinnamon-y mixture of milk and alcohol. Surprisingly good, despite the uncommon combination of milk, gin, rum (I think?) and some other type of blue liqueur. Mom and Dad, when you visit, you're coming here with me. It's definitely a Spanish scene. Until a mob of SLU kids comes in.

My classes are all going well, including Old Testament Prophets, with the most demanding, serious professor I've had in college so far. (She even beats the last crazy Theology teacher I had, but then, he was just crazy.) While there are no tests or a final, she has us write 5 papers throughout the semester. Further, we only have a week to write most of these, for her topics are only given a week before the due date. The only one we already have the topic for is a sketch of what a modern prophet might look like. I'm thinking of doing a tongue in cheek description of Ken Kesey or John Lennon. This class is in English, so it should translate well. On the first day, however, she warned us that she's never given an A on any of these assignments. But I like challenges. I'm willing to be that first "A" student.

Oceanography is really cool. Its definitely making me want to audit different science classes at LMU, or even just take a bunch more for credit! I'm so excited for our class trip this weekend to Valencia to study Oceanographic biology, geography and sustainability. Let's guess where I'll be paying the most attention.

My Spanish Culture class is an overview of history of the country, where we'll be looking at how everything that happened in Spain influenced the culture that exists today. I have to admit, it's a pretty big challenge, but I love it. My professor is from the Basque region, very knowledgeable and interesting. He helps us out as much as he can and my Spanish is much improving (whether from the class or the fact I'm in SPAIN, who knows).

Art History is also very interesting. We're studying the shift in art from Classicalism and Romanticism to Modernism, Impressionism and Realism. Its pretty awesome being able to see some of the art we talk about in class in its original form. Or being able to say, I've seen that! (Thanks Mom and Dad! I live an excellent life. I don't think I could ask for more.) While in Portugal, I was able to see some of the Manet's and Monet's (why do their names have to be so similar?!) that we talked about in class last week. It was pretty much perfect. Now if only I can continue to plan things like that.

I think its fairly safe to say I'm enjoying all my classes, including the class that it is to experience Spain in its fullest form.

This weekend was pretty mellow, except for Saturday night, which consisted of an all night, crazy art festival. We listened to live Jazz music, saw contemporary art on the streets and overall, witnessed the craziness that is the defining trait of Madrillenos. Unfortunately (well not really), I was going to the Sierras de Madrid on Sunday, so I went home early (around 2).
Sunday's day trip was incredible. I learned about all of the different hiking areas around Madrid, and will be returning to one on Tuesday, after my classes are finished. I'm really excited to get back up to the mountains and possibly practice some rock climbing.