It's been a really, really long time since I've written. So to those of you that read this somewhat occasionally, I apologize.
As usual, I've been trying to think of what I want to do with my upcoming "freedom" and whether or not I can actually do it. I regret to say that at this point it does not look like my internship in Argentina will be a possibility in January; this will be the second time it gets pushed back, but it's not the end. I've found another, more cost-effective program that does good work that I will continue to fundraise for.
With that said, when I leave my summer job on Star Island, NH in September, I will be going to Germany; yes, once again outside the U.S. My friend Ben's family has offered to host me at no cost to me so that I can take German courses at the local university. This is great, because I had been studying German on my own, made quite a bit of progress and then just left it to the wayside because I had no one to practice it with. It's actually kind of mind-blowing how cheap it is for the course: I'll pay 285 Euros for a 20 hour per week course for 11 weeks.
I'm also hoping to get my TEFL license so I can teach English at a private academy on the side to make some money and support my music habit. I'm hoping to do this for the next two years so that I can have a good enough level of German to study/intern somewhere, and perhaps even live in the best city on Earth, Berlin. This way, I'll have 3 super-useful languages, tons more great experiences and time to keep doing music.
Side note: my desire to make music has never gone away, but since I'm always moving it has been tough to play with people, so I've gotten into electronic music. I've got a ways to go, but I'm having fun with it and learning piano along the way. All is good :)
I finally got to Granada, the most incredible city in Andalucia in my opinion. There were people from everywhere, YOUNG people and plenty of good food, good bars and clubs to visit. I went to a house music club the first night that had a live saxophonist and keyboardist and was pretty impressed. The second night I went to another awesome club that played minimal tech upstairs and indie rock downstairs. Pretty much heaven.
During the day, I was able to see one of the most aesthetically city pleasing cities I have ever come across. The city has a long history of Arabs, Jews, Catholics and Gypsies living together in peace, which is easy to see from the various architectural styles throughout the city. I went around with Lolo and his friends, as well as my American friends and German couch surfer to have the best round of tapas in history. As some of you might know, Granada is the home of tapas, little food that was one time placed on beer glasses to keep stuff from getting into them. Now, tapas are a tradition, with every zone boasting its own specialties. On our tapas outing, we saw several bachelor/bachelorette parties in which people traveled from all parts of Spain to Granada, dressed up as groups, to say "farewell" to their soon-to-be-married friend. There were women dressed up as flamenco dancers, men from Pamplona dressed up as participants in the running of the bulls (with the groom as the bull), and the list goes on. I actually might have fallen in love with a bride-to-be from Alicante and yelled "think about it!" to her from afar. Maybe.
My time in Spain has been amazing. The country has a type of natural beauty that cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. I've found that many people in Andalucia will give you the shirt off their back without knowing you much better than someone off the street. The food has been awesome, even if it is mostly off-limits due to its meat content. Algeciras might well be the ugliest, most boring city in Spain, but the surrounding areas and more importantly many of the people here are top-notch. I know now that I don't want to be a teacher of high school children. Teachers, I have the utmost respect in the world and we owe you so much more than you are given. SO MUCH. My Spanish has gotten much better, which is a goal accomplished; however, I do have to say that much of it is vulgar slang that has no English translation for good reason.
Thanks for following me here during my time in Spain, hopefully I'll give you something to read about in the future.
4/18/2010
4/13/2010
One door has closed, but several more have opened.
I've just found out that I won't be receiving the Christianson Grant to fund my internship in Argentina. This grant was the one I was counting on--as I had been told I had a good chance--to pay for the bulk of the program. As such, I won't be going to La Plata, Argentina in September. I'm going to push the date back to January 20th of 2011 to allow myself more time to get funding; I'll also shorten my stay considerably, from 10 months to 4-5.
This isn't all bad though; actually, it's not bad at all. I'm now going to go to a workshop in NYC to learn how to build a bicycle out of bamboo. It's a project that was started by several college grads in their work to spread sustainable, self-propulsion throughout the developing world--and of course, in the U.S. too. For me, this is a perfect way to acquire a skill/project that I can take with me when I go to Argentina in January.
On top of this, I'll be able to spend more time with my friends and family in the extra four-plus months that this new development gives me. Hopefully, I'll be setting up shop in Grand Rapids, working, trying to set aside money and fund raise, as well as take some German and/or piano courses at GRCC. Who knows.
I have my mother to thank for this mentality. She had to break the news to me, and this is how she did it: "Son, I'm so sorry. But, you have a few hours to sulk and then I'll be calling you to make sure that you're looking for another way to make it happen. You don't get anywhere by crying." I don't know if anyone has ever said anything so true or so full of love to me.
Please, if you would like to be involved in my project/internship in Argentina, contact me here or by email: peterjduran@gmail.com
Til the next time.
This isn't all bad though; actually, it's not bad at all. I'm now going to go to a workshop in NYC to learn how to build a bicycle out of bamboo. It's a project that was started by several college grads in their work to spread sustainable, self-propulsion throughout the developing world--and of course, in the U.S. too. For me, this is a perfect way to acquire a skill/project that I can take with me when I go to Argentina in January.
On top of this, I'll be able to spend more time with my friends and family in the extra four-plus months that this new development gives me. Hopefully, I'll be setting up shop in Grand Rapids, working, trying to set aside money and fund raise, as well as take some German and/or piano courses at GRCC. Who knows.
I have my mother to thank for this mentality. She had to break the news to me, and this is how she did it: "Son, I'm so sorry. But, you have a few hours to sulk and then I'll be calling you to make sure that you're looking for another way to make it happen. You don't get anywhere by crying." I don't know if anyone has ever said anything so true or so full of love to me.
Please, if you would like to be involved in my project/internship in Argentina, contact me here or by email: peterjduran@gmail.com
Til the next time.
4/12/2010
Use what you've got
I would say that my lack of money here has helped me in more ways than I could imagine. I was really hungry yesterday and had no idea what to eat. While thinking, I made myself a tea and put on some music--Ratatat I think. After looking through my cabinet and leftovers in the fridge, this is what I came up with: a tortilla, with black beans, couscous, hummus (in process in the picture below), spinach, tomatoes and cilantro. Oh yes, and a bit of hot sauce.
I think I've become quite resourceful in this way. I can look into the fridge and cupboard, and with a few spices and some olive oil, boring food becomes a way to have fun and is usually tasty. But, I think we can do this with anything. To be happy, have fun, we need to be resourceful, not necessarily have a ton of resources. I'm very much in this frame of mind as my time here winds down and the next stage starts.
I think I've become quite resourceful in this way. I can look into the fridge and cupboard, and with a few spices and some olive oil, boring food becomes a way to have fun and is usually tasty. But, I think we can do this with anything. To be happy, have fun, we need to be resourceful, not necessarily have a ton of resources. I'm very much in this frame of mind as my time here winds down and the next stage starts.
4/08/2010
Oh so beautifully cliché.
I've just gotten back from my Semana Santa trip to Germany and France, and staying true to this entry's title, my return signals the beginning of the end of my time here in Spain. It's a bit mind-boggling to think that I have already spent more than 7 months here in Algeciras, and only have 7 weeks left. With that said, I'll be flying back to the U.S. on May 26th, that is, if they let me out of the country (my visa expires before I am supposed to leave).
Alright, now to talk about possibly my last trip that I will have made during my time here. I left Friday morning at 7am for Málaga, slightly under the weather due to a fine scotch whiskey. I normally don't drink whiskey like that, but for some reason it was going down quite nicely. The day before leaving, I went to my school's office to make sure that my check would be in the bank by the time I landed in Germany as I had a shuttle and train to catch to arrive at Ben's place. The secretary told me no worries, to go on my trip and the money would be there when I needed it. My first flight landed in Barcelona and using my last bit of money I used an internet terminal to check my account balance: +0.34. This meant that unless the secretary could go back in time, I would have no money to catch the train/bus when I arrived in Germany.
Upon arrival I was tense. A nice older man in the airplane offered to drive me to Cologne, but it wouldn't have been much closer to where I needed to go and Ben would have no idea that I was there. So, I tried to see if I could get a hold of him or Tom or Jani in some way. I went to the info desk and begged to use the phone and to have the lady look up his family's phone number. One problem, Ben's dad is a doctor and his phone is unlisted, so no luck. Defeated and too tired to be resourceful -although selling my camera did cross my mind- I went to sleep on a bench. One hour later Ben's friend Fabian calls the airport feigning a family emergency so that they will permit me to use the phone. He tells me to act upset -which I don't hear- and that Ben, Max and Lena are on their way to get me. My idiotic, ear-to-ear grin tips the desk lady off that the call wasn't an emergency and she throws me a snotty look. Who cares?!?!?!? I'm not stuck in an airport anymore! I take another nap and wake up to seeing Max's slight figure running in the distance, looking for a lost American. What a joyous reunion, made better by a beer waiting for me on arrival.
After a nightcap with Ben at 1:30, we get up to leave for Paris by car at 7am so that we can see as much as possible. Never in my life have I ever seen one person take so many bathroom breaks in such a short amount of time; Ben, we love you anyway. Despite the 31351322 stops, we made pretty good time, getting to Paris in just under six hours; NOTE: French tolls are literally highway robbery, 14 Euros a piece. The countryside was beautiful, and although it was close to Germany, pretty distinct. There were small, rolling hills with neatly tended farms and old churches and buildings standing in the middle of nowhere. Tom had made a brilliant mix for the road, complete with lots of French music like Daft Punk and Phoenix which kept me from falling asleep and in turn kept Ben from falling asleep.
Upon arrival, Amy -Ben, Tom and Jani's friend from Australia that we stayed with- had a huge meal ready to go for us, which was perfect. We didn't go out and see much that day, but rather stayed in the area of the Bastille, where she lived, and drank champagne -not as glitzy as it sounds- and got to know our hosts. The next morning we went to the market to pick up food for breakfast. Now, I've been to outdoor markets all over the place and have been impressed, but this one was immaculate. Cheeses, meats, hot food, vegetables, etc. were all arranged in meticulous order; cherry tomatoes, set neatly row by row, all perfect color and locally grown were just one of the impressive food displays. These people LIVE food, which is a lifestyle I can appreciate and share.
I won't go into to much detail on everything I saw in Paris since I think that you'll get a much better idea from the pictures on my Facebook and Flickr accounts. What I will say is that the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Champs D'Elysses, etc. do not disappoint in person. Paris has this kind of classic beauty that pours out of nearly everything. It was also another place I would definitely consider living if I had the choice, and money in this case. The metro is well oriented, it's bike friendly, tons of live music, good food, people from everywhere, art of every kind, I could go on forever. Needless to say, whether we were in Amy's house making food and dodging the rain, or out seeing the sights, I was at home and on vacation at the same time.
Once we were back in Germany it was like Christmas all over again. Ben's family was amazing as always and I think they were set on making me gain weight; although, the food is usually really healthy (German magic). Ben's friends -I should say my friends now- made sure that I had a great time too. We went kegeln (German 9 pin bowling) and had leberkase (miscellaneous pork, made into a loaf and baked, served on bread with sweet mustard) and Bavarian weiss beer; it was possibly the most German thing I could do. In the off moments, I hung out with Ben, Jani and Tom, watching movies and just enjoying their company. It's tough to think that I won't see them for awhile, but I'm sure it will be like no time has passed at all when we do.
While I was in Herbede-Witten a couple of opportunities opened up for me. They came about while I was talking with everyone about what my brother Alex was going to do when he comes in July. Tom told me that if I wanted, I could work on his mother's horse farm or at a vineyard in Australia for a year and he would help me set it up. I was blown away, because I have been wanting to learn farming -from a student of sustainable development's perspective- and have been wanting to see that side of the world. And, Tom and Jani offered me to live with them and help me find work in Berlin, a place that I want to live for at least a year. Let's see what happens, but I think that one of these, if not both are going to come into fruition.
I feel a bit transient at the moment, but that's o.k. I like the idea of getting as much experience and language as possible. The only difficult thing is being far from my family and friends. I thought I would have more time with them this summer, but my job on Star Island, NH will have me away for 3 months save my mom's wedding. Sorry this one was long, it's been awhile. Take care all.
Alright, now to talk about possibly my last trip that I will have made during my time here. I left Friday morning at 7am for Málaga, slightly under the weather due to a fine scotch whiskey. I normally don't drink whiskey like that, but for some reason it was going down quite nicely. The day before leaving, I went to my school's office to make sure that my check would be in the bank by the time I landed in Germany as I had a shuttle and train to catch to arrive at Ben's place. The secretary told me no worries, to go on my trip and the money would be there when I needed it. My first flight landed in Barcelona and using my last bit of money I used an internet terminal to check my account balance: +0.34. This meant that unless the secretary could go back in time, I would have no money to catch the train/bus when I arrived in Germany.
Upon arrival I was tense. A nice older man in the airplane offered to drive me to Cologne, but it wouldn't have been much closer to where I needed to go and Ben would have no idea that I was there. So, I tried to see if I could get a hold of him or Tom or Jani in some way. I went to the info desk and begged to use the phone and to have the lady look up his family's phone number. One problem, Ben's dad is a doctor and his phone is unlisted, so no luck. Defeated and too tired to be resourceful -although selling my camera did cross my mind- I went to sleep on a bench. One hour later Ben's friend Fabian calls the airport feigning a family emergency so that they will permit me to use the phone. He tells me to act upset -which I don't hear- and that Ben, Max and Lena are on their way to get me. My idiotic, ear-to-ear grin tips the desk lady off that the call wasn't an emergency and she throws me a snotty look. Who cares?!?!?!? I'm not stuck in an airport anymore! I take another nap and wake up to seeing Max's slight figure running in the distance, looking for a lost American. What a joyous reunion, made better by a beer waiting for me on arrival.
After a nightcap with Ben at 1:30, we get up to leave for Paris by car at 7am so that we can see as much as possible. Never in my life have I ever seen one person take so many bathroom breaks in such a short amount of time; Ben, we love you anyway. Despite the 31351322 stops, we made pretty good time, getting to Paris in just under six hours; NOTE: French tolls are literally highway robbery, 14 Euros a piece. The countryside was beautiful, and although it was close to Germany, pretty distinct. There were small, rolling hills with neatly tended farms and old churches and buildings standing in the middle of nowhere. Tom had made a brilliant mix for the road, complete with lots of French music like Daft Punk and Phoenix which kept me from falling asleep and in turn kept Ben from falling asleep.
Upon arrival, Amy -Ben, Tom and Jani's friend from Australia that we stayed with- had a huge meal ready to go for us, which was perfect. We didn't go out and see much that day, but rather stayed in the area of the Bastille, where she lived, and drank champagne -not as glitzy as it sounds- and got to know our hosts. The next morning we went to the market to pick up food for breakfast. Now, I've been to outdoor markets all over the place and have been impressed, but this one was immaculate. Cheeses, meats, hot food, vegetables, etc. were all arranged in meticulous order; cherry tomatoes, set neatly row by row, all perfect color and locally grown were just one of the impressive food displays. These people LIVE food, which is a lifestyle I can appreciate and share.
I won't go into to much detail on everything I saw in Paris since I think that you'll get a much better idea from the pictures on my Facebook and Flickr accounts. What I will say is that the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Champs D'Elysses, etc. do not disappoint in person. Paris has this kind of classic beauty that pours out of nearly everything. It was also another place I would definitely consider living if I had the choice, and money in this case. The metro is well oriented, it's bike friendly, tons of live music, good food, people from everywhere, art of every kind, I could go on forever. Needless to say, whether we were in Amy's house making food and dodging the rain, or out seeing the sights, I was at home and on vacation at the same time.
Once we were back in Germany it was like Christmas all over again. Ben's family was amazing as always and I think they were set on making me gain weight; although, the food is usually really healthy (German magic). Ben's friends -I should say my friends now- made sure that I had a great time too. We went kegeln (German 9 pin bowling) and had leberkase (miscellaneous pork, made into a loaf and baked, served on bread with sweet mustard) and Bavarian weiss beer; it was possibly the most German thing I could do. In the off moments, I hung out with Ben, Jani and Tom, watching movies and just enjoying their company. It's tough to think that I won't see them for awhile, but I'm sure it will be like no time has passed at all when we do.
While I was in Herbede-Witten a couple of opportunities opened up for me. They came about while I was talking with everyone about what my brother Alex was going to do when he comes in July. Tom told me that if I wanted, I could work on his mother's horse farm or at a vineyard in Australia for a year and he would help me set it up. I was blown away, because I have been wanting to learn farming -from a student of sustainable development's perspective- and have been wanting to see that side of the world. And, Tom and Jani offered me to live with them and help me find work in Berlin, a place that I want to live for at least a year. Let's see what happens, but I think that one of these, if not both are going to come into fruition.
I feel a bit transient at the moment, but that's o.k. I like the idea of getting as much experience and language as possible. The only difficult thing is being far from my family and friends. I thought I would have more time with them this summer, but my job on Star Island, NH will have me away for 3 months save my mom's wedding. Sorry this one was long, it's been awhile. Take care all.
3/22/2010
Short entry, but poignant, I hope.
When I write in my journal, I normally don't publish my entries here on my blog. In fact, I never do. It's very much a personal thing, a form of therapy for me. I feel like it helps me get thoughts out of my head and on to paper, that way I feel a bit less crazy. However, this one today was pretty significant for me personally and maybe a few of you can take something from it.
I personally have an issue with when I forget something or someone, or at the very least can not recall a memory as perfectly as I'd like to. At times it has to do with something I've learned in school (a particular law, bill, date, etc.) or how many siblings an old friend has. This "forgetfulness" can make me feel lazy, out-of-touch, callous, you name it. But, today when I was reading the short story "One Year of Life" by Cecil Roberts, something his character said gave me great perspective into this phenomenon. The person in question is a famous author, and after a discussion about his book wonders if fans consider him dim when he cannot remember exactly where he drew inspiration for a character from. After a bit of reflection he is given solace by concluding that "We have to shed the creatures of our mind for the next blossoming". I find this insightful and true in so many ways. The way I see it is that we might not be losing touch with these "forgotten" things at all; they just move from the front of our mind to the back. They become part of the fiber that composes us, part of our base as a being, and with that, I can live.
Just a thought.
I personally have an issue with when I forget something or someone, or at the very least can not recall a memory as perfectly as I'd like to. At times it has to do with something I've learned in school (a particular law, bill, date, etc.) or how many siblings an old friend has. This "forgetfulness" can make me feel lazy, out-of-touch, callous, you name it. But, today when I was reading the short story "One Year of Life" by Cecil Roberts, something his character said gave me great perspective into this phenomenon. The person in question is a famous author, and after a discussion about his book wonders if fans consider him dim when he cannot remember exactly where he drew inspiration for a character from. After a bit of reflection he is given solace by concluding that "We have to shed the creatures of our mind for the next blossoming". I find this insightful and true in so many ways. The way I see it is that we might not be losing touch with these "forgotten" things at all; they just move from the front of our mind to the back. They become part of the fiber that composes us, part of our base as a being, and with that, I can live.
Just a thought.
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