Study week :(

On Monday the 16th of March we had our first exam in Statistics (in Spanish) and we hope it went quite well after all the studying. Unfortunately, we did not have so much time to relax, as the next exam for Microeconomics was announced for Thursday 19th of March. So, Monday we did individual studying at home but on Tuesday we wanted to go back to our favorite study café, where we already spend a couple of hours the week before. As it turned it out, it was closed on Tuesday, thus we had to choose another location. After checking out many bars (unfortunately, most of the bars here are really 'dark' - not the best study atmosphere!), we finally went to "Lizarran", which is also a popular Tapas bar in the region, and Tuesdays all tapas cost only €1!! What a great coincidence!! So, while studying we had some nice snacks and every couple of minutes new tapas come out of the kitchen.  The waiter yells throughout the restaurant and comes to your table and offers them to you, very difficult to say no....

@Lizarran

You pay at the end of your stay, whereby the waiter counts the 'sticks' on your plate

The next day we went back to our usual café, where we got greeted by the same waitress, who makes sure we have enough food and drinks while we study (the people here are really lovely and always open for some chit-chat). She even told us to go upstairs, where it is more quiet and immediately provided Marie with some homemade cheesecake. After another long study session and some Calamaris, we felt ready for the next day.

The following day we had some visitors from Barcelona, one of Marie's friends from ITM at Stenden. She currently studies in Barcelona (the girl who was so kind to take us out for dinner when we visited BCN) and came to Zaragoza with her boyfriend. So, after showing them the city center and a short trip to Marie's place, we headed to Puerto Venecia for some shopping. We spend another 1½ hours in the Nike Factory Store, where all of us bought new shoes...We were starving afterwards so we went over to the side of shopping center where all the restaurants are located and we chose for some Taco Bell. Best decision, as it was a welcomed change from the usual McDonalds or Burger King fast food. Additionally, we both have never been there; it was definitely a nice experience!

Happiness on their faces... we love capitalism! ;)

That face!! <3

Dawe's collection (so far...) :)

We had a great day with them and were really sad that they had to leave the same night, but they promised to come back in April, so we are looking forward to that :) Hopefully, the weather also's gonna be more pleasing!

*nom nom nom*

On Friday, there was a huge party (San Pepe) thrown by the engineers of our university. Marie didn't want to come, but a friend of Dawe already reserved (and bought) a ticket for him; hence, there was no choice but to go. However, she went clubbing that day - well deserved after more than a week of non-stop studying!!

Dawe met his friends around 6pm but many other people (mostly students) had been there already from the early morning on. It is to say that it was really crazy, or to put it in another way: insane!! No clue how many people attended but Dawe's guess is "a couple of thousand"... He was told that this party started as a familiar gathering of only the engineers fraction but became more and more famous and successful over the last years.

To give you a small impression...

Many people even disguised and dressed up. One of Dawe's flatmates went in traditional Chinese clothing!

Cool, huh?

Unfortunately, at some point of time, it started raining as hell. However, all party people were very, very friendly, so it was possible to just ask 'hey can I stand under your umbrella?' and they would let you. A very easy way to start some small talk. After a couple of hours, we went inside. They built up huge tents, DJs were playing, you could eat paella and other snacks, just amazing.

Dutch weather... ;)

Soaking wet...

After losing all of his friends, he made new ones and met people from all over the world, England, Dominican Republic, locals from Zaragoza, some Dutch people, you name it. Fortunately, Dawe found his neighbours who live one floor under him; without them he wouldn't probably have known how to get home. Somehow, the entire flat of Dawe met downstairs and, in the end, his Italian chef made pasta for the whole group.

The next day, both of us spent time in our apartments, watching movies and recovering from the past days. As you can see on the picture, many Spaniards eat chips with a spicy salsa... you have to adapt to the new culture ;)

Walking Dead... the new season is incredible!

However, in the evening Marie's flat forced us to go out with them (they are so convincing!!), as the 'bosses' of her flat didn't have to work at the club that night. Although we didn't stay too long but it was definitely fun!

Approved!

Let's see how the next week will look like! Only 1 week until semana santa - easter holidays...

Top 16: Linguistic Highlights

Coming to the second part of our linguistic highlights that we've encountered in the past weeks. It's just way too hilarious to not to share it! Don't take it personally ;)

1. 'Un huevo' (one egg) means 'shitloads of money', as something costs one testicle... and how much would you want to get paid to give it away ;)
2. Are you agree?
3. "Imagine you have four units of food and six units of drink"
4. Coast (meaning cost ;))
5. Knouwledge
6. Individuells
7. Soga = sugar
8. Incone
9. Attitues
10. Dieter :) (we are glad Dieter is with us again!)
11. "This is why, because..."
12. Thero = zero
13. Ashoshate = associate
14. Cretaron = criterion
15. "If we increases..."
16. SeCONdary

ESN Trip Valencia "Las Fallas"

On Sunday 15th of March Marie went on the Erasmus Trip to Valencia for one day. Two buses with students left at 7 am in the morning to Valencia in order to see the first day of the "Fallas".

The term Fallas refers to the celebration and the monuments, which can be found during the time around the city of Valencia. Each neighborhood in Valencia has their own Fallas club, which work all year on the creation of these incredible monuments, which are burnt at the end of the celebration. There are a lot more things happening simultaneously during the week; the entire city offers a great atmosphere and is filled with people from Spain and all over the world.

We arrived in Valencia at 12pm and head to the Plaza de Ayuntamiento in order to see the Mascleta, which is a daily activity during las Fallas. Every day at 2pm an explosive barrage, firecrackers and fireworks go off for around 20-30 minutes and a huge crowd gathers in order to see or better listen to this performance. In order to get to the Plaza we walked throughout the city, which was full with people, little stands, markets and many persons selling souvenirs, food, drinks and all sort of different things.

Marie's roommates from the Erasmus Flat

One of the many Fallas creations

At 12.30pm we had our position on the Plaza and waited for 90 minutes in the sun for the spectacle. The weather app promised it would be only 13° degrees, thus everyone was wearing jackets and longer shirts, but actually Valencia had 23° degrees and we were boiling in the sun. Thankfully many people passed, selling ice cold drinks for 1€ and we happily accepted them. The Plaza was getting fuller and fuller and the crowd was standing closer to each other. Punctual at 2pm the fireworks went off with a huge sound. The pretty lights that usually matter did not play a major role in this case, it was more about the sound. The firecrackers were getting louder and louder and after 20minutes it ended so loud that I was sure her ears were going to explode any minute. It gave her goose bumps and it felt like the ground was vibrating at the same time. 

The Crowd at the Plaza de Ayuntamiento

Selfies are always a good idea

The fireworks begin

Afterwards we had free time until 12am at night, so first we head to a restaurant further away from the city and all the people in order to eat something. We were around 12 people and as the weather was still nice we decided to walk throughout the park to the Ciuadad de las artes y las sciencas. Taking some photos here and there we continued our journey and took the bus to the beach. It started to get colder and darker, but it was still very nice. At the beach we met my Spanish roommates, who are also the organizers from ESN, so we sat down in a small pub and had some drinks in order to warm up again. It was getting later and later and we wanted to head back to the city, unfortunately this area of the beach has apparently not a very good connection back to the city center especially during Sunday evenings. So, we walked for 15 minutes before we called for 5 taxis to pick us up from the middle of nowhere.

Back in the city center we had food and basically waited for 12am to see fireworks, but this time at night and I must say I have never seen a more impressive firework show. It was incredible and definitely worth waiting for!! The fireworks lit up the sky for around 30 minutes and the streets were again filled with countless people. 

A great way to finish a very long but nice trip and we arrived back in Zaragoza at 5am Monday morning. The trip only costed 25€ and it is clear that you won't get to see all of Valencia in one day, especially during a festival like this. However, for people who have already been to Valencia, just want to enjoy another city or see something else for a change, it is a good idea . I would have loved to stay longer in Valencia, as it is one of my favorite cities, but I am sure we will go back there soon!

Time flies.... (and first exam)

Long time no see!

The weekend after our ESN Barcelona trip was very chilled and relaxed! We had only three days of university (Monday to Wednesday), as on Thursday (5th March) was holiday - but only in Zaragoza ;)

To explain you the nature of the holiday, keep on reading (otherwise you can also skip this part). Between 1833 and 1839 was a civil war in Spain, called the First Carlist War. It was the war between the supporters of Isabella II and supporters of Carlos de Borbón. The current king was Fernando VIII and had only two daughters, one of them Isabella. His brother, Carlos, wanted to have the throne for himself and this caused a dispute. In general, it can be said that the Carlistas, meaning the supporters of Carlos, were in alignment with Russia, Austria and Prussia and absolutists, believed in God and the traditional way of doing things. Isabelinos were supported by France, Portugal and England, whereby they are seen as liberalists and wanted an increase of bourgeoisie and to go the path of technology and industry. It is a holiday here in Zaragoza due to the fact that it was the very first victory of the Isabelinos. Guess, where it happened? Surprise, surprise, right here in Zaragoza!

During the long weekend, Marie was still on her way of recovery (she was sick for 2 weeks in total) and unfortunately, could not go out as much as desired. BIG SHOUTOUT to Marie - Dawe missed you a lot during these days! Nevertheless, we had really great weather the past weeks :)

Calle Alfonso view to Plaza Pilar

Sun set at Puerto Venecia

On the way to our campus

YES 22° DEGREES!

Every Thursday, in one of the barrios (district) located in the city center you can meet lots of people on the street. The local tapas bars have a special offer- one beer/red wine and one tapa for only €2! Marie hit the road with her Erasmus flat, while Dawe was accompanied by his flatmates and a few other Spaniards. Of course, the barrio is not too big and it wasn't long until we run into each other. If you ordered a tapa with some kind of sausage, you would get a small bread (see the picture) and the sausage was as long as the bread! No need to cut it into slices... As Dawe's flatmate is always saying: 'No need to wonder, Spain is different!'

Sorry, didn't see it before but obviously I got photobombed, haha.

Afterwards, we went out to our 'favourite' club. They threw a Glow In The Dark party, which was veeeery fun and we actually missed parties like this in the Netherlands!

As Dawe was with his Spaniards (you probably know by now that they tend to go out very, very late), he had to 'beg' for some paint, which was empty one, two hours after the club opened. Hence, everybody just spread some of their paint over him.

On Friday, Dawe, his flatmates and some friends of them, were in another club called Oasis. They hosted a pre-drinking session and if you wore black, you'd get free champagne! Comparing it to Kenbo (the Erasmus club), it was waaaaay better. The music was not only focused on mainstream music and the DJ played only unknown (electro) songs! A welcomed change!

On Saturday, one of Dawe's flatmates made Spanish tortilla patatas for the entire flat and another Italian girl, a friend of his Italian companion! Later on, he was invited to a Botellon (pre-drinking party) by a new friend of his, where he took the entire crew with him. Afterwards - as usual - Kenbo...

Too many people to fit in the car? Not a problem here in Spain!

Dawe and Marie's flatmates (MARIE, WHERE ARE YOU? :'( )

We chilled on Sunday and from Monday on Marie was finally feeling better, so we went for tapas after university (to 100 Montaditos, a bar that serves a variety of - you say it - 100 different tapas. In Spain it is very, very popular and famous, while their franchises in the USA have filed for bankruptcy...)

Yes, in addition to your order, you get free chips! Yummie!

The rest of the week was very calm, as we had to study for our upcoming exams. The weather was just great; you could go outside just in a shirt! Dawe took the opportunity to go on a picknick with some friends and to get away from all the studying stress! By the way, we've become now frequent guests of the canteen (pictures will follow, promised!). Besides the famous bocadillos (sandwiches for €2 to €2.50), you can get there small finger food (chicken nuggets, patatas bravas etc., all €1.50), really great hamburgers (with lettuce, vegetables and fried eggs for €3), sweets and, of course, all kinds of beverages (to compare prices: €1.10 for a café con leche). It is to say that the variety of the Stenden Canteen is way bigger! Nevertheless, our campus has even a restaurant; we haven't checked it out yet but will hit it soon!

Funny story: if you want to meet up with somebody, always double-check the location, especially if you are new in town. Dawe wanted to meet a friend at 'El Corte Inglés' in order to check out their 'exotic' variety of foods (in search for Polish or German specialities) and thought there is only one store in town....

Standing in front of the wrong Corte Inglés...

Again, we had UNBELIEVABLE GREAT WEATHER!

Picnic in 'El Parque Grande'

On the weekend, our flatmates separately made food for us! For Marie, it was croquettes and patatas bravas. Don't ask us how they made it, but Marie says they were delicious! In Dawe's case, his flat invited over some friends and his Italian chef cook made pasta carbonara!

Saturday was St. Paddy's Day in the entire city! While Marie stayed at home and studied, as she was going to Valencia (another trip organised by ESN; a separate post will follow!), Dawe hit the city with some fellow friends! Yes, we all got these freaky hats...

Students from Mexico...

...who invited another Mexican over, who is currently studying in Madrid!

Dawe and (half of) the gang

On Saturday, first, we went to a book store to buy a dictionary that we can use in our exam and then spent the entire day at a café, trying to get the content into our heads that is needed for our first exam in Statistics....and it is even in Spanish!!!

Studying some weird stuff that was never taught at Stenden... ufff....

Today (Monday), we wrote our first partial exam. As mentioned in some posts before, they have two various evaluation options; in one of them you are writing some kind of mid-terms. We had about 50 minutes to complete two exercises in Excel. Let's see how that went and hope for the best *fingers crossed*

Afterwards, went to one of the local cafés, where we are regular guests already. This can be seen as the waiter doesn't even ask what we want - nodding with the head is sufficient...

By the way, Dawe was invited over for some Mexican food: Albóndigas con Chile chipotle. As we all know, the best food is when you do not have to cook ;)

BARCELONA - ESN National Event

Last weekend (27th of February until 1st of March) we went to Barcelona with other Erasmus students on an organized trip from ESN. Dawe had already been to Barcelona before, but it was the first time for Marie, thus she was rather excited to see the city! We will share with you some of our impressions from the trip :)

Day 1 - Friday
On Friday we left Zaragoza around 4.30pm, original meeting time was supposed to be at 4pm, but as Marie lives with two of the coordinators and they were late, everyone had to wait for them. Nothing unusual in Spain, as you can always plan in some time for waiting. After 4 hours (more or less) we finally arrived in Barcelona, we stayed at the Generator Hostel, which had an impressive and unique design throughout the entire building. We had a room for 8 people with a bathroom and two sinks, which was pretty good. The room was tiny, but acceptable for sleeping. It also has a bar and a restaurant and due to lack of time, we decided to eat there. The offer of 7€ for Paella sounded convincing and we ordered one in order to share, as it was advertised for two people. HAHA when the food arrived it was definitely only for one person and we soon had to discover that food in Barcelona is a lot more expensive than in Zaragoza. After dinner we left with the entire group in order to go out, first in a bar, which was huge, but played rather strange music and then for Razzmatazz, which is one of the more famous locations in Barcelona. When we arrived a huge queue had already formed and we lost half of the people outside. People were pushing and fighting in line, which was rather annoying, thankfully after 30minutes we managed to get inside. The place was enormous!!!! North and South side, stairs up and down in different directions, 5 different floors and as soon as you lost someone, you could be sure you won't be able to find this person again. The evening was fun, but at 5am, we decided to head home in order to be fit for the city tour the following morning.

Day 2 - Saturday
The last people came home at 6.30am and breakfast was from 9-10am and at 11am we were supposed to leave for the city tour. We got up in time to have a shower, big breakfast and to pack our bags.
At 11am we waited downstairs with many other students for our guide in order to start the tour, again waiting...........at 11.45am finally the guy arrived and we started walking. The weather was amazing, 21 degrees in the sun, we took off all our jackets, scarves and walked around in t-shirts. First, we went to Sagrada Familia, then Gaudi house and the main shopping street, with places like Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Nike and other really expensive stores. We continued walking to the Arc the Triumph and throughout the Ciutadella Parc. Afterwards we walked to the Barri Gotic, where we visited a church and another place with a secret garden inside. EVERYTHING DONE BY WALKING.....around 6pm we finally finished the tour and everyone was exhausted, thus we went home and had a late siesta. At 9.30pm our room started to wake up and the next activity was about to happen, again party! We were starving and definitely wanted to eat something, thus we decided to call one of Marie's friends, who lives in Barcelona. You can call us abuelos (grandparents), because we didn't feel like partying/drinking and we preferred to have a calm evening. Marie's friend sent us an address and we met her 25 minutes later in a very cute, cheap and very delicious tapas bar. We had some good food and of course sangria. After dinner, we had a nice walk and headed back to the hostel around 1am, expecting everybody has left for the party.....BUT our French guy stayed home, so we weren't alone in the room, which was nice.

Day 3 - Sunday
On Sunday we needed to have breakfast between 8-9 am as we had to check out at 10am. Some of our friends came home again at 6.30am, so we already thought that our departure will be definitely delayed. On time, like always (German punctuality!) we checked out and waited for the rest to wake up and come down to the bus. Only 30 minutes later than planned we left for our last activity in Barcelona, which included some typical Spanish performances. One of them was "Castells", which is probably the most famous, includes people building a human pyramid. This was impressive and scary to watch!! We received a small lunch afterwards and left Barcelona at 2pm!

Overall, the trip was a great experience, it was fun to go with the Erasmus students, but for us personally it was a little bit too focused on the party aspect. We enjoyed Saturday, where we could explore the city and have a great typical Spanish dinner. We already know that we won't join another trip from Erasmus again and rather go on our own or with other friends. So, our advice is, if you want to join an Erasmus trip, be prepared for lots of partying and don't expect to see too much from the place.