Curious... by Britney Spears

You might want to sit down for this one… For the first time in ages, Betha was forced to separate this weekend. It was a devastating 4 days in both of our lives, but somehow we got through it. So, we are going to have to blog solo…. Twice the excitement for you guys to read!

Without our partners in crime in Mallorca for the weekend, Jess and I decided to take a trip to the south of Spain to see Sevilla and Granada. We woke up EARLY Friday morning to catch a 6 hour bus to Sevilla. Our hostel turned out to be the Ritz Carlton of hostels, complete with rooftop terrace and a pool. Even more luxurious, Jess and I had our own room with a balcony: the honeymoon suite for our romantic weekend together. We freshened up and then headed out to do some sightseeing. First we visited Seville’s Cathedral (the third largest in the world, according to Rick Steve’s). Apparently Christopher Columbus is buried there… probs not really him though. Next we walked to the Alcazar… check out the pictures, it must have been a tough life living there. After an afternoon of sightseeing, we headed back to get ready for a flamenco show. Sevilla is known as the home of Spanish flamenco, and the show was awesome from our front row seats. Back at the hostel, we hung out on the terrace and made some Swedish friends before heading out for a night on the town. First, we hung out in a plaza full of bars with people packed in the streets. After making some Spanish friends, we joined them at a bar/club, but the 40-something crowd clad in business suits wasn’t really our scene, so we made our way to another bar before heading in for the night.

The next morning we caught another early bus to Granada, but wishing we had more time in Sevilla. Our hostel was another palace… if you ever need to find a decent hostel anywhere, Jess Westlake is your girl. We found our way through the skinny streets, filled with shops with plenty of Moroccan influence, and headed up to La Alhambra. After a serious hike up the mountain, we arrived, out of breath, to check out another gorgeous palace. Jess and I plan on modeling our first homes after La Alhambra or the Alcazar. Check out the pictures, but they don’t do it justice!

Back at the hostel, we continued living the life with a 4 course feast cooked by some of our hostel friends. We also found out the hostel bar was hosting a "Transvestite Night" pregame that night. Fat and happy from our first meal of the weekend outside of PBJs on white bread, we showered, got ready, and watched the Rugby World Cup championship with our new Australian friends. It turns out, they had stayed at the same hostel as us the night before in Sevilla. Small world... literally! They had recognized us from Jess' vintage clothing the day before. Anyway, after the game, we enjoyed a hilarious and rowdy pregame with guys dressed as girls and girls dressed as ridiculous girls. Fortunately or unfortunately, Jess and I didn't dress in costume, but we still had a ball, then went out to spend the rest of the night at the club with our new friends.

Sunday morning, we woke up to check out of our hostel and enjoy some leftovers from the night before. Risotto for breakfast is the new cure for the hangover... who knew? We spent Sunday with our Australian pals on a self-guided tour of Granada, which led us on another steep hike to a breathtaking view of the city. We took a few paparazzi snapshots of the gypsies that live in the mountains... their houses may lack 4 solid walls but they sure don't lack creativity. Unfortunately, it was time to go, but it was tough to end such an awesome weekend. After another hideously long bus ride, we had a tearful reunion with Meg and Bec back at MC's and stayed up exchanging stories of our weekends. According to Megan and Becca, Jess and I have an incredible trip ahead of us this weekend in Mallorca... can't wait!

www.picasaweb.google.com/bethj917

"I cannot believe its today, laddie"

TOP O' THE DAY TO YA! Last weekend, we ventured to our ancestors old stomping grounds...Ireland! Suzy Herlihy (fellow laxer breh) is studying abroad in Galway. She took us under her wing and proved to be quite the hostess with the mostest. We skipped classes (got our priorities in check) and boarded a plane to Shannon Thursday mornin'. (Debbie O'Jenkins, the remainder of this blog is to be read with your killer Irish brogue.) After landing, we found our way to the bus station to hop on the earliest bus to Galway. Suzy greeted us with rosy cheeks, no warts. She was very kind, and sort of witty...very sweet and VERY pretty. We dropped our luggage off in her abode before taking a tour of the quaint city. We stopped for some Irish fish&chips (BYOB Blumbers-- Irish cider.) That evening, Suzy took us to a popular Irish pub where we Jigged the night away... (hardshoes and all) to a live Irish cover band...it's true, the Irish sweat U2. We met some of Megan's friends from Nova (eef) who are also studying in Galway. We were pleased to find that it was okay to eat dinner by 7, go out by 9, and return before sunrise.

We woke up early the next morning to catch a ferry to the Aran Islands. Suzy had class so the four of us (still not sick of eachother yet) got ready for an adventure to see some of Ireland's most famous sights. After rented bikes, we took off like the cast of "Now and Then." Looking fashonable in our rain gear (check out the posted pictures) we rode through the incredible rocky and green countryside. The inhabitants of the Aran Islands still speak traditional Gaelic. No maps in hand and a strong sense of direction (Becca led the way...probs not though), we found our way to Dun Aonghasa, an ancient Celtic fort built by Celtic tribesmen circa 2000BC. The ruin was at the peak of a huge cliff where Becca showed us some of her dive team expertise. Kidding, but we did hang off the edge and wished MC was there so we could throw her over. Our picnic was enjoyed thoroughly. We did a little gift shopping, then hopped on the ferry. Sweet talking to a ferry driver leprechaun resulted in free access to the pot of gold...Lion Candy Bars.

When arrived home, Suzy had a gourmet dinner waiting. Thanks, babygurllll! Afterward, we headed out for another night on the town where we met some more of Suzy and Megan's friends, some Aussies, and Brits. We are totes becoming some international socialites. Again, we danced the night away at some pubs and clubs. Our roomate found her future hubby (he's from BOSTON and in DENTAL school!) and couldn't resist another dance floor makeout. (She will remain anonymous but we can tell you one thing...it was neither of us, nor Megan...and MC wasn't with us.)

Saturday morning we got a taste of Irish flavor at Galway's Farmer's Market. The rest of the day was spent walking around the adorable city, shopping and taking in the sites. Suzy showed us her campus (it was no SLU). That night we went to another pub with a really fun live band to enjoy a few pints. We met some lads who were celebrating a stag party aka bachelor party. They had already lost the bachelor but didn't hesitate to extend the wedding invite to us. Our Irish dancing skills were not quite stellar in comparison to the moves those Irish blokes taught us. Again, we had a ball!

Sunday morning we woke up and got bagels only to meet our Irish friends from the night before. We wallowed in our recovery together and left them with a friendly "Cheers!" We went to church in the Galway Cathedral. The first Mass that we could actually understand! We traveled through the night into Monday morning and arrived home just in time to take our Oceanography midterm...hopefully Raul will be generous when grading. We are making plans for Jess' Birthday weekend so you know the blog will be good.

"La Merce" actually means Jessica Westlake

Back from Barcelona and missing it already!! We scheduled our trip for La Merce festival, which promised to be an eventful weekend. We flew in late Thursday night and caught a cab to our hostel. We were thrilled to find that Rick Steves treated us right with the suggestion of yet another perfectly situated hostel downtown, right off Las Ramblas. Exhausted from the travel and 2A.M. arrival, we decided to take a quick walk around town then hit the hay. After a sound sleep on our bunk beds we woke to spend the morning on the famous (again, topless) beaches. They weren't quite as beautiful as Valencia's (SORRRY Barca) but we still had a nice nap on the beach. Before long, we were awakened by Asian ladies offering a one-of-a-kind "Masaje Masaje" and Moroccan's trying to pawn off "Cervezas y Coke lite." Lee Ann, you wouldn't have been able to resist.

That afternoon we met up with the rest of our traveling entourage, Brian (Aka Dad) and Helpless Alex. They were staying with some of Brian's friends who are studying abroad in Barcelona for the semester. They led the way to the construction sight of Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia. We took more than a handful of pictures of the unfinished cathedral. The architecture was different than any we had seen before. Incorporating turtles and fruit into portrayals of Jesus and biblical scenes were some of Gaudi's wacky designs. Afterward, we went to a cafe for sangria and a chocolate chip cookie (incomparable to Becca's finest.)

Walking home through Las Ramblas, we caught a glimpse of some of Barcelona's finest athletes in one of the La Merce parades. After a little souvenir shopping, we made our way home through some smaller backroads to avoid the madness. (Sit down for this Andy and Uncle Jimmy.) We ran into none other than TH14...YES! Thierry HENRY!! For those of you who are less saavy in the European soccer world, Henry (pronounced "on ree") is one of the best athletes in the world. Thank God for our roomate, Megan, or we would have walked right past him. We walked sheepishly past him to confirm that we were not delusional, then argued over who would make the first move. Finally, Megan had the guts to approach. After affirming our belief, the rest of us spoke up and joined. Without a camera or paper, we resorted to having him sign Becca's tanktop. Uncle Jimmy, you will have to duke it out with our friend Andy because he has already claimed the paraphernalia. He asked for our numbers and offered us front row seats to his game the following day. Sike. We wish. We bid him farewell after a nice chat, which was good enough for us. Giggling and giddy, we headed home. In true college student fashion, we made Friday night's dinner and Saturday's lunch at the hostel for less than ONE EURO each...this is something to boast about! It was no gourmet meal, but the spaghetti dinner and a loaf's worth of PB&Js were suitable.

We followed suit of the rest of the festival goers and bought a 6 pack to enjoy while walking around to see La Merce's performers. We watched a concert and parade of oversized figures of Ferdinand and Isabella's court. We then headed to a nearby restaurant for sangria GRANDE and tapas. We were pretty stelth at smuggling in our own cervezas for a periodic secret sip...sooo college. Afterward, we met up with our Barcelonian hosts to finish the night with some late night hooka.

On Saturday we walked to Gaudi's Park Guell...we repeat...what a whack job. He now tops our list of favorite architects...surpassing all the other architects that we know (thats how you know he must be pretty dag on fantastic.) The afternoon turned into night as we roamed Las Ramblas taking in all of the La Merce festivities. The drummers on stilts, dancing groups in the streets, and marching bands made for a pretty bumpin atmosphere. Kit, check out the picture of us with the women dressed in fruit...I nearly got away with the necklace to send home to you for a birthday gift. Sorry to disapoint you, but I was caught by the surrounding crowd and was booed away.

That evening made for the most memorable experience of the trip. After making friends with some of our hostel mates (did you know Sinbad had a twin?... with whom we became very chummy) and consuming the remaining peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, we headed out to the fire run. You can not imagine what went down...because it would never be legal in los Estados Unidos. A fire run actually means just that...running from fire! Everyone else came prepared, fully clothed and covered (goggs recommended.) The characters from the previous nights parade walked through the streets spitting fire at the crowd, who was LOVING every second of the thrill. We, on the other hand, screamed until we lost our voices and laughed so hard we cried...or were those tears of fright? Check out the video because our words don't do it justice. After the fire run we met some Irishmen at a bar while we watched our boy, Henry, lead FC Barcelona to a victory over Sevilla.

With only two hours of sleep, we were awakened by our alarms to catch the bus to the airport. After what seemed like a lifetime of traveling, we finally arrived back at MC's crib. We slept for quite a bit of the day before skyping and watching The Notebook (IN ENGLISH!) via Megan's computer.

A long week of exams awaits us so wish us luck!

Disclaimer: You just got GOT! Our meeting with Henry was fabricated as a hoax on our friends (Sorrryyyy Andy). Ashton Kutcher taught us well.

Here's the link for the pics again with the videos added...
http://picasaweb.google.com/bethj917

Hips Don't Lie

After Valencia, we couldn't imagine the thought of another cerveza... at least for another few nights... so we stuck to the books for a little while. Thursday night we went out with some friends from SLU to a packed and very American bar, so afterward we decided to check out to our first discoteca, Pacha. Apparently ranked #4 in Madrid, Pacha has a reputation for charging insane cover charges (up to 120 euro!!) however, we managed to slip in for free. Inside, we experienced a freaky lightshow and techno dance party.

The next morning we got up to meet some madrileños for lunch. Sara (thanks for the contact, Ben!) and the Collins' family friend, Alfonso, took us to Tio Pepe... it was far different from our own in Baltimore. The three hour lunch went by quickly. We had a great time practicing our Spanish and learning some fun facts about Spain from Alfonso. Did you know it was a Spaniard who invented the mop?... and the yo-yo? Strangely enough, we found out that Alfonso could have been our dance partner the night before... he had been at Pacha too. During lunch, he held his own at the table, despite being surrounded by 5 girls, and was quite the entertainer. We left lunch with some new recommendations and new friends... and we all improved our Spanglish that day.

We started out Friday night at our jump-off bar, Escamplero, which is located just below our apartment building. We frequently go there to get 1.90euro massive haras of beer (served in cool mugs, which we plan on smuggling by the end of the semester). We have become regulars at Escamplero and the bartenders have gotten to know us pretty well. Afterward, we planned on meeting a new German friend who Becca met in class via passing notes...it will never get old. The night proved to be unsuccessful when our cab driver took us on an expensive detour through Madrid. After 25 minutes of aimless driving (should have been there in 5), we found ourselves back toward our house and decided to call it a night because of the upcoming festivities that were to come.

We had a pretty nice little Saturday, no we didn't go to Home Depot, but instead Corte Ingles. Bought some toiletries, you know, face masks... stuff like that. There was even enough time to hit up a pasteleria for cafe con leche. After running errands, we got ready to begin the birthday celebration of Beth and our dear friend Alex. Although he is uncomparable to Grace, he sufficed for Beth´s birthday accomplice this weekend (his birthday is the day prior). We headed off for tapas and sangria. After enjoying patatas alioli, calamari, and BEEF (pronounced in a low manly grumble) we were not quite satisfied...did you know they have BK here...and better yet, they serve beer!? Next, we headed to a small bar where we were taken care of generously by the tenders. After the birthday chillin were a-chillin we ventured on down to our next destination...another discoteca. Palacio Gaviria: the Vatican meets nightclub. It was like partying in Aurora's castle. We danced the night away with Kanye West's protege and plenty of Argentinians. The night ended with us trying to convince the Argentinians that we too were of Argentinian decent, and Kanye that we would NOT have a drink with him the next day. All in all, the birthday night was one hellova bash.


We spent Sunday lounging in the park, reading Robert Frost aloud to one another and braiding each other's hair. Don't worry Anne and Deb, we made it to mass at school later on that evening.


Sunday night, Mary Carmen (from here on out referred to as MC) prepared a birthday feast! She insisted we invite friends (none other than Alex, Brian, and yes, a new one to add to the crew, Chad.) The boys swept MC off of her feet, literally, twirling her around in a post dinner dance party. On the menu was shrimp, ensaladilla, chips & dip, paella, an assortment of pastries, and Pepe's famous sangria. Did we mention previously that we thought we'd be losing weight while we're here... that got shot to hell quite a while ago. We ended the weekend with one final glass of sangria at, you guessed it, Escamplero.


Last night, we met up with Sara again, who took us to Cumbre Flamenca. We watched in amazement the talented cantantes and dancers. Maybe if Becca had continued her Irish Dancing she could have strapped on her hard shoes and given them a run for their money. And if only Beth continued with church choir she could have provided some vocal accompaniment. Mom and Dad, you gave up on our artistic talents too early. There was definitly some potential. (Eeef!) It was really cool to see and appreciate that Spanish tradition. Check out the videos posted with our photos.

We are about to go pack for our weekend in Barcelona... blog ya laterrr!

The Fabulous Life of Darren Parker

YOOOOO WE'RE BACK!!! Welp, just got back from a weekend in beautiful Valencia! Traveling with our two roomates and two stellar studs (Alex and Brian, congrats on your first and last shoutout... sike, more to come) we woke up early Friday morning and hopped on the train (oopss I mean bus, sorry Meg), strapped on our eyemasks and slept through the 4 hour trip. When we arrived in Valencia, being the gentlemen that they are, Alex and Brian offered to carry our bags on the trek to the hostel. Oh wait, no they didn't! Anyway, the 6 of us found our way "Home" (the name of our hostel) all by ourselves... even though halfway there we were wondering if we were going to be the next victims in Hostel 2. We checked in and were surprised to find that our hostel was pretty dag on legit. We headed straight for the beach and made out with the sun and had a little fun. The beach was exceptionally long and the water was warm and blue. Unlike OCMD, we could actually see our toes at the bottom.

On our way home we stopped for some cheap wine, bread, and jelly, to compliment the PB that we brought to save a little dough. We came home, got ready for the evening, and headed up to the roof deck of our hostel for some "Party Time!" It was really cool how all our hostel-mates circled around to meet new people from all over the world. We met some Aussies, Belgians, Oregonians, Italians, and our favorite of all, a British lad by the name of (you guessed it) Darren Parker. He also happened to be our roomate in the hostel... more on him in a little bit. After a few drinks and meeting some cool people, we walked one block to the main street where all the nightlife goes down. We had the biggest, most international dance party of our lives. Our most conservative roomate happened to be not-so-conservative when we were shocked to find her having one hell of a dancefloor-make-out sesh with our new Belgian buddy.

The next morning we woke up and went to the common kitchen to make some PB&Js for the beach, only to find the PB stolen. So much for hostel ettiquette. The jerks left the J so our jelly sandwich has to suffice. For some strange reason we decided that a 4 mile run to the beach would be a great idea. We wanted to make sure we still looked dec as hell in our suits. We forgot to mention previously that bathing suit tops are not commonly found on the beach in Valencia. Unfortunately for our friends Brian and Alex, we decided to keep our tops on (don't fret FJ and Ben...), so they were forced to take a gander at the older women who were more comfortable with their bodies. After a couple hours of sunbathing, we met up with Darren and walked around the city to see the popular tourist attractions. The cathedral, which claims to house the Holy Grail, was one of our favorites. We enjoyed a typical Valencian dinner of paella in the Plaza de la Virgen.

After dinner we went back and met up with more of our hostel friends for a few drinks before another night on the town. Spending the entire day with Darren made us feel close enough with him to bring "Betha" out in full form. Kit, our Fabulous Life impersonations were superb... thanks for those hours of lessons. Midway through the night, we tried to find the infamous club, Indiana (thanks, Paiva, for the suggestion!) but it was 15 euros to get in. We bagged the idea and went back to barhopping closer to our hostel. The next morning we went to another Spanish mass at the cathedral and were again pushed around in the race for communion... what is it with these Catholic Spanish women? We hit the white sand beach for the last time, checked out of our hostel, and made the trek back to the bus station. All in all, the weekend was a success. Valencia: 1!

FINALLY

The pictures are up!

http://picasaweb.google.com/bethj917

We'll just keep updating these albums so keep checking!

Wedding Crashers & Blood and Guts

On Friday night we walked to a tapas bar that was recommended to us. After ordering authentic Spanish Sangria we were forced to whip out our pocket dictionary (inconspicuously hiding it under the table). Webster wasn't as helpful as we had hoped. Any suggestions for next time, Uncle Ken or FJ?

The next morning we woke up for an early bus ride to Segovia, which is about an hour north of Madrid. First fun fact for the day was that the town was famous for FOOD. (You know we were LOVING that!) Apparently, people travel great distances simply to have lunch at one of the most famous restaurants in Spain- Candido. There are also numerous bakeries which we did not hesitate to visit for breakfast before the tour began. After the obvious, cafe con leche and chocolate filled croissant, we met again with the rest of the group. First, we saw some of the last remaining Roman aqueducts. Remarkably enough, they could still be used today. (Check out how touristy we are with the picture link below.) We then walked along cobble stone roads (Derek, we know you would have been a better mason) through the narrow streets lined with quaint buildings and shops. Ben, you would be proud, we toughed out a serious hike down and then back up a LARGE mountain in dresses and flipflops. At the bottom, we saw a great view one of Ferdinand and Isabella's castles, The Alcaczar. We treked back up to see a closer view of the architecture and eat lunch. After finding a cute restaurant we realized that service in Spain is not quite up to Nick's Fish House standards...we got our lunch on "spanish time." Next, we went to tour a famous monestary. Unfortunately for the lucky couple and fourtunatly for us, a wedding was scheduled for the same time as our tour. We followed our tourguide through the church (literally) while the wedding was in procession, and got quite a few evil stares on our way into an alcove. Then, our tourguide didn't hesitate to lead us through the church on our way out while the newlyweds were saying their "I do's." Finally, we toured a Gothic and a Romanesque cathedral, picked up some souveniers, and called it a day.

When we got back to campus, we walked immediately to the grocery store to pick up our trusty $.75 bottles of wine. After dinner, we headed out for a night in La Latina. Our Senora's son, Pepe, has been recommending places for us to go out that our less touristy. The next morning we woke up to attend our first mass in Spanish and were again, culture shocked when we found ourselves having to fight through the crowd to receive the Eucharist. Organization is not a Spanish forte.

That night we attended our first Bull Fight at Las Ventas. For only 8 euro we somehow managed to score great seats in the shade. We sat ten rows back in the same section as honored Spanish guests, where the matadors are instructed to kill the bull. (We think the guy selling us tickets hooked us up a bit.) Since we arn't exactly animal lovers, we were some of the few Americans able to stay for the whole event. The fight was a lot more ceremonial than expected and reveals so much of the Spanish tradition. It was a really cool experience and definately recommended to those of you who also don't have a soft spot for animals. Sike...but it is something you should see at least once in a lifetime.

Today we began our first full week of class and look forward to our weekend trip to Valencia.

P.S. FJ, would you mind sending us an extra pair of your volleyball knee pads? They will come in handy when we decided to splurge of a pair of popular roller skates.