Showing posts with label Spain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spain. Show all posts
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
Strike A Pose!
If you want to keep up with my pictures from Spain, you can look at this website!
Its super easy, but sadly not chronological.
Enjoy the randomness of what is my life.
xox
Abs
Galicia!
Hello friends!
This past weekend we had a beautiful trip to Galicia, the northern part of Spain. It's normally very rainy here but we were very blessed because we did not see a single rain drop until we were getting on the bus to come home! I wish I could even attempt to recount the trip, but it was so phenomenal that my words cannot do it justice. This was a Furman planned trip (thanks tuition!!!) so we didn't have to pay and we all got to travel together. Our bonding began on the 6 hour bus ride while we sang karaoke and decided to make our own music video throughout the whole semester. We wanted a song that we'd all enjoy so we naturally chose Oops, I did it again. Brook is absolutely in love and obsessed with everything Britany, so she gave us inspiration! I'm in charge of directing, filming, and making the video and im so excited to do it!!
Ok, now back to the Galicia trip..
When we got to galicia, our first two nights were spent in La Caruña. It's a beautiful city surrounded by the ocean and a river. Like every night in Galicia, we all sat down to a dinner together in the hotel that usually seafood and delicious wine. Galicia is known for both of those, especially their octopus(pulpo) and white wine. After our first of four beautiful dinners, we all went to the beach at night!
Every place we went was prettier than the next! We got to travel around and explore la Caruña and go into ancient cathedrals. Friday night was our last night in A Caruña and we all hung out in Camerons and my amazing corner room and Mario, Dr. massei's husband even came with us!! I cannot get over how diverse and fun my group is! Another blessing from the Galicia trip was two of the days we didn't have to be ready until 12 so God was so gracious and faithful by giving me a whole morning to spend time with him! I was and am so excited and thankful for it.
Saturday was Definitey one of my favorite days because we went to Santiago! Santiago is one of the three holiest cities in the world and is home of the cathedral de Santiago, which is the the final destination of the Camino de Santiago. This is the pilgrimage that begins in France and ends in Santiago. I think I would absolutely love to make this pilgrimage and am thinking about doing after graduation. I actually kind of already have my heart already set on it!! During Saturday, we also went to some of the prettiest places I've ever seen. Like I said, it usually rains in Galicia but we had perfectly blue skys that made for amazing views.
Saturday night Rachel, Elise, Sarah, and I went to downtown Santiago and got to experience their nightlife! Rachel and I got lost their during the day, and we didn't do much better at night, but that's half the fun! Right across from the cathedral, we found a Spanish band playing where we danced and celebrated with people who had just finished their
Camino de Santiago. Rachel told me that Santiago is know for their stars so of course we laid down in the middle of the plaza to see the stars and the cathedral at night! After that, we decided to go meet some locals and everyone just goes out and plays, celebrates, and dances in the street. Spanish culture is so free and fun!
We experienced this aspect of the culture on Sunday when we first went to a beautiful beach that reminded me of Massachusetts but then on an cruise to try fresh seafood and wine! Like I said, we did a lot of bonding on this trip, but this was easily everyone's favorite day together. The cruise we pretty chill but became super fun! We saw dolphins the whole cruise, tried mussels (EW), drank white Galician wine, and had a dance party on the top of the boat! Such a good time!
After the cruise, we went on a mini train ride around the city to learn more. For lunch everyday, Furman gave us 15€ that we could spend. It was super nice because we didn't have to try to save money but could totally feast.
After a couple other smaller stops to see beautiful views, we stay for a bit in this tiny, old city near the river. This is a unique river because it's where the river and ocean meet so the water is actually salty. We decided to be spontaneous so Elizabeth, Katie, Cameron, and I decided to jump into the water! The water was numbing at first but then felt great. We may or may not have made a scene and had old Spanish men call us loco but it was definitely one of my favorite moments of the trip.
The whole trip to Galicia was fantastic and much needed. We had an exam last week and I also have to get up at 6:30 everyday to make it to class on time, so it was a nice time to play and change the pace. I can't believe how fast time is passing here but I'm so thankful to be in Spain living on my own and exploring this beautiful world.
xox
Abigail
This past weekend we had a beautiful trip to Galicia, the northern part of Spain. It's normally very rainy here but we were very blessed because we did not see a single rain drop until we were getting on the bus to come home! I wish I could even attempt to recount the trip, but it was so phenomenal that my words cannot do it justice. This was a Furman planned trip (thanks tuition!!!) so we didn't have to pay and we all got to travel together. Our bonding began on the 6 hour bus ride while we sang karaoke and decided to make our own music video throughout the whole semester. We wanted a song that we'd all enjoy so we naturally chose Oops, I did it again. Brook is absolutely in love and obsessed with everything Britany, so she gave us inspiration! I'm in charge of directing, filming, and making the video and im so excited to do it!!
Ok, now back to the Galicia trip..
When we got to galicia, our first two nights were spent in La Caruña. It's a beautiful city surrounded by the ocean and a river. Like every night in Galicia, we all sat down to a dinner together in the hotel that usually seafood and delicious wine. Galicia is known for both of those, especially their octopus(pulpo) and white wine. After our first of four beautiful dinners, we all went to the beach at night!
Every place we went was prettier than the next! We got to travel around and explore la Caruña and go into ancient cathedrals. Friday night was our last night in A Caruña and we all hung out in Camerons and my amazing corner room and Mario, Dr. massei's husband even came with us!! I cannot get over how diverse and fun my group is! Another blessing from the Galicia trip was two of the days we didn't have to be ready until 12 so God was so gracious and faithful by giving me a whole morning to spend time with him! I was and am so excited and thankful for it.
Saturday was Definitey one of my favorite days because we went to Santiago! Santiago is one of the three holiest cities in the world and is home of the cathedral de Santiago, which is the the final destination of the Camino de Santiago. This is the pilgrimage that begins in France and ends in Santiago. I think I would absolutely love to make this pilgrimage and am thinking about doing after graduation. I actually kind of already have my heart already set on it!! During Saturday, we also went to some of the prettiest places I've ever seen. Like I said, it usually rains in Galicia but we had perfectly blue skys that made for amazing views.
Saturday night Rachel, Elise, Sarah, and I went to downtown Santiago and got to experience their nightlife! Rachel and I got lost their during the day, and we didn't do much better at night, but that's half the fun! Right across from the cathedral, we found a Spanish band playing where we danced and celebrated with people who had just finished their
Camino de Santiago. Rachel told me that Santiago is know for their stars so of course we laid down in the middle of the plaza to see the stars and the cathedral at night! After that, we decided to go meet some locals and everyone just goes out and plays, celebrates, and dances in the street. Spanish culture is so free and fun!
We experienced this aspect of the culture on Sunday when we first went to a beautiful beach that reminded me of Massachusetts but then on an cruise to try fresh seafood and wine! Like I said, we did a lot of bonding on this trip, but this was easily everyone's favorite day together. The cruise we pretty chill but became super fun! We saw dolphins the whole cruise, tried mussels (EW), drank white Galician wine, and had a dance party on the top of the boat! Such a good time!
After the cruise, we went on a mini train ride around the city to learn more. For lunch everyday, Furman gave us 15€ that we could spend. It was super nice because we didn't have to try to save money but could totally feast.
After a couple other smaller stops to see beautiful views, we stay for a bit in this tiny, old city near the river. This is a unique river because it's where the river and ocean meet so the water is actually salty. We decided to be spontaneous so Elizabeth, Katie, Cameron, and I decided to jump into the water! The water was numbing at first but then felt great. We may or may not have made a scene and had old Spanish men call us loco but it was definitely one of my favorite moments of the trip.
The whole trip to Galicia was fantastic and much needed. We had an exam last week and I also have to get up at 6:30 everyday to make it to class on time, so it was a nice time to play and change the pace. I can't believe how fast time is passing here but I'm so thankful to be in Spain living on my own and exploring this beautiful world.
xox
Abigail
Thursday, September 20, 2012
A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words
This past weekend, I visited Galicia, the Northern part of Spain!
Here's my weekend through my iPhone (:
Where I was playing:
What I was seeing:
What I was reading:
What I was buying:
Where I was living:
Who I was living with:
What I was listening to:
Hasta luego!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Museo de Thyssen
Hola todos!
My adventures in Spain have almost reached two weeks! I can't believe how quickly time has passed. We went to the thyseen last Saturday afternoon and if you were born in 1992, you got in for free to celebrate their 20th birthday! I'm going to be honest and say that I'm one of those people who do not particular adore museums, so free entrance was a definite win in my book. The majority of the group went and since there are about 15 of us, we tend to move rather slowly. This time it wasn't as much of a problem because everyone could look at the art at their own pace. It was crazy to see these paintings from so long ago! Such amazing detail that brought you back to exactly when it was painted. It was like time traveling. I also loved the 'religious paintings' sections because as I was looking at dates that went all the way back to the 1400's, I was reminded of how transcendent God's love story to us is.
We also went through a room of 'retratos' or portraits. All these important people had commissioned a painter to capture the memory of who they were. I realized that however important they were, I, and most of these people looking at their portrait legitimately have no idea who they were. I couldnt help but to think about what I'm doing on earth and what kind of legacy I'm leaving. Is it even about leaving a legacy and making my name known to be remembered?
Millions and millions of people have gone before me and passed, but what impact have they left. In one part it makes me feel insanely small, like anything I do will be forgotten. On the other side, I'm pushed to ask if its even about being remembered or about making something else big? What about God? I know that as a daughter of Christ, I have been chosen by Christ, not by my own work but out of his pure grace and mercy. For this reason, I know that my life and soul are counted as precious, but what's the point in making my own name or any of my achievements important if this whole world is going to pass away. There will not be a u-haul behind my hearse. Matthew 6:19-21 tells us,
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy,and where thieves break in and steal.But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." God is showing me that there is no way that I will ever find contentment in this world if I continue to store up my treasure here. By Christ's strength, If everything I live to do is to serve and glorify the Lord, I am storing up my treasure in heaven--a place that will never fall away but is a "kingdom that can never be shaken." Jesus tells us that wherever were storing up our treasure, there our heart, desire, and love is. We have two options: the fleeting world or the Lord's eternal kingdom. Even as I'm writing this, I am being convicted of how much I fail and choose the world over Jesus. I choose to continue walking and not offer a smile. I choose facebook over quiet time. I choose to worry about exams and not give God praise for going to school. This is when I look toward the cross and am reminded that everyday my sinful heart desires to not choose Jesus but that He reached down to me and told me that I don't have to strive to be prefect or important. He has made me perfectly righteous through His sacrifice! Even when I feel like the people in these painting, I can look to the cross and be reminded that with and through Christ, He will push and teach my sinful heart to store up my treasure in heaven. He is teaching me that this world is about making Him famous, and about leaving a legacy by telling others about the radical, beautiful, in changing love that Christ has for every person.
Abigail
Monday, September 3, 2012
Estoy en Espana!
HOLA AMIGOS!!!!
So here goes my first crocus lane blog post (Katie’s and my
super sweet shared sisters blog!)! I am currently in my apartment in Madrid and
I will be in this lovely city for the next 87 days.. but who is counting?! It
has been a huge adjustment but I’m starting to really, really like it here! The
fabulous Cameron Simon lives with me in our 5th floor apartment that
belongs to our Senor, Rosa. I am so thankful that we are living together as I
cannot imagine being here alone. Also, Cameron is a vegetarian too, and living
in a meat loving society like Spain, its way easier for Rosa to cook for us
both being vegetarians.
Spain’s whole eating schedule is
really different than the US’s, and that’s been one huge adjustment for me.
Breakfast, aka my favorite meal of the day, is nonexistent. Dang it. Most
Spaniards take a cup of coffee or tea and go, and so far that has not been
enough to satisfy my seemly endless pit of a stomach. Lunch is at about 3 and
dinner is at 10 so my struggle is that I feel like I don’t get enough food to
feel normal during the rest of that time. Although I brought some special K
protein bars, I believe a trip to the supermarket is in store! Apart from the
food, I’m really like the culture and learning a lot of Spanish already. One of
Rosa’s favorite words is traquilla, which means calm or relax—definitely an
area that Spain focuses on! I hope that I’ll be able to learn to adopt this
mindset and hopefully bring it back to Furman and the Scheid house.
Overall, the culture is just
fabulous and I can’t help to think about how each of these people are complete
strangers to be that speak and totally different dialect, yet function normally
in their own lives. It would seem by chance that they were born in Spain and
thus adopted this culture as their own, just like we have in the United States.
Even as I am listening from my window to a father talking to his sons, I am
learning quickly that we are all in a huge part what we learn from our culture.
The beautiful part of that is that our sovereign God has specifically chosen
where we will be born and unto which family.
“which he will display at the proper time—he who is the
blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords” -1 Timothy 6:15
Jesus knows me and the small details about my life in
Louisville, Greenville and Madrid, but He also know and cares about these details for every single person in Madrid.
Although they may seem like random strangers that are products of their
culture, each and every soul is a beautiful masterpiece that reflects Jesus’
endlessly creative mind and His unwavering love and grace for each of His
people.
Praising our Lord that He is the one and only controller of all the details
in each of our lives no matter the circumstance or place.
Besitos para todos!!
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