Tunes: The Decemberists

This city can change drastically on game day. My friends always joke about how you can never park anywhere illegally, because you’ll get a ticket within 5 minutes; however, on game day, people park on sidewalks, in flowerbeds, hugged up against dumpsters, and behind other people, blocking them in.

This was last night. Also, the city was FULL of police officers, and each one had a riot helmet and a baton hanging from their belts. They don’t mean to mess around. Don’t worry Andrew, I’ll get my chance.

I went with my friend Morten, a guy from the hostel, to a bar close to the stadium for their big screen and 3quintos/1euro deal. Really festive night--it was great to get some decent man time in.

Well, not too much going on over here. It's a beautiful day, so I'm probably going to walk around the beach. Tomorrow, I'm going to Sueca to stay with some new friends. I don't know quite what to expect, but that's the fun of it. In a few weeks, they want to go camp in the mountains and watch the stars. THAT's my kind of thing. Super friendly people. From the first time I sat down with them, they made me feel at home.

And yeah, I'm hanging with the "frikis" aka the nerds. Super genial.

To today,

Josh

Healthy

Tunes: Crowder

Man, that was a crazy 24+ hours. Got sick Tuesday, was in class and felt like my stomach was going to explode, so I went outside to lay in the sun. After a few hours of almost-napping, I felt completely drained of energy, but I had to go to a class. So, I tanked up on water and Lipton tea, and struggled through class. Success. I was burning up. So I went home, bought some medicine, watched a movie, then fell asleep by 7:30PM.

It's crazy what one's mind can do in such a state. I woke up a few times in the night, took some more meds, then went back to sleep. After about 15 hours in bed, I woke up and felt completely better (more or less). No more fever, a bit of strength, and an appetite. My fever had to have been above 100º Tuesday night, and I was completely better the next day.

That little episode was quite humbling to me. My mom often tells me that I have an invincibility complex, which I can't really argue. I often see dangers/obstacles in life, but they are never the major factors in decision-making. My short bout of sickness, combined with many days of new experiences here in Spain has just pointed me back towards the extreme might of God. I remember waking up in the middle of the night, and praying "God, I am completely helpless. I'm at your will. Please bring me to health."

I've climbed cliffs, played the most dangerous sports, spent days in the elements with my supplies on my back, canoed in dangerous rapids, spent at least a few months-worth of time traveling in cars and planes, and probably will continue my life in the same manner. However, none of that proves anything. My life can be snuffed overnight.

I've spent the last 5 days reading all of the specifics in Exodus & Leviticus about how God wanted his ark and such built, how to consecrate his people, and how to make everything holy, etc. Man, that got boring after some time... but everything kept layering and layering a depiction of the perfection of God. In order to experience the presence of God, Moses had to do this, and that, and that, and that, rinse, repeat... Humbling. We are not worthy of the greatness of God.

Enter the gospel. The good news. Motivated by love, God sent his son to make it possible for us to be in His presence. That just makes the greatness of God even larger, and me so much smaller.

Hell, I know this sounds strange to many people, but because I experience God in such a way, and trust him, it gives me so much joy. God is bolstering my depiction of him. He's refining it to be closer to who he really is... and he's doing it every day. Because my eyes are being opened to this, it makes the difficulties of life pale in comparison (just like that Rob Bell video from earlier). I get to tap into the most perfect being, and kick it with him.

Now, let's keep it on that track. That'll be nice.

My pants are beginning to wear in the crotch. All that biking... really makes me sad. This pair just started to become on of my favorites... and this is the second pair to do that this year.

I'm in the library, listening to some good tunes, and eating my smuggled ham sammich. About to read, and then class at 5.

Ciao

Coffee talk

About to head into my philosophy class. Just wanted to throw down two notes I wanted to share

-Yesterday, in my US lit class, our teacher was trying to explain how humans need love, physical contact, and words of affirmation and such as an essential part of child development. We're reading The Bluest Eye (a very tragic story of an unfortunate girl who has no love). Our teacher made us hold hands with our neighbor, look into their eyes, and say (loudly) "Qué guapo/a eres, ¡coño!" It was hilarious. She encouraged hugs, kisses, but made sure no clothing came off (hah). Our teacher is a riot. Every day, she has something shocking to say/do.

-Okay, so there's a lady who works at my faculty's cafetería, who's gotten used to me ordering a café americano every time I come. Now, before I can even get up to the register, she yells ¡Americano! This morning, she yelled it as soon as I walked into the door. By chance, she was working in the psychology faculty's cafetería a few hours later. So, of course, I was thrown for a surprise when I was in a different building, and the same lady was yelling americano at me. I think it's hilarious. I really enjoy the many random ways I connect with people. I hope that relationship will grow past one word.

My eyes are heavy. I couldn't go to bed, because I was sucked into watching The Usual Suspects. I just saw it about a month ago, but Kevin Spacey wouldn't let me go to sleep. Oh well, great film.

My first motion picture

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jtysonwilliams/4379647207/

More

She's still singing and whistling. She knows every lyric to every song. I think this is going to be my way to get a smile when I really need one.

I Want You (She's So Heavy)

I just played the above song, and upon pushing play, Bea started to sing and pound on the wall. I almost died laughing. She has Beatles posters ALL over her room, Beatles coffee cups, Beatles clothing... Now she's walking around the house humming along and singing. So great.

} I wanted to post what I had written for yesterday (Saturday)

I went to see the Valencian Firebats, Valencia’s American football team, play today. It was very fun. I burst out laughing in joy when I got my first glance of helmet and shoulder pads. Who’da thunk that could be so enjoyable? The whole time I was there, I was entertained. The Firebats destroyed their competition, with 40-0 at half time. There was a group of English-speakers who basically set up camp in the stands with bags and bags of food, lots of beer, a few curious dogs, and a homemade stove to keep warm.

Watching the team played reminded me of middle school or freshman football. Even though the players were 20+ years old, when I looked at them, I saw children. Their big smiles, the way they celebrated… everything. Also, the skill level was at about that level too.

} Back to the present. My hands are cold, and my stomach is full. Bea is still singing. Oh, the little things in life. The little things in my life. I really liked this weekend. That's about it. I'm putting it in my pocket.

Class tomorrow. Happy Birthday, sister.

<3
Josh

Friends and pastries

Tunes: Something that's perfect for an 80's aerobics class.

I think I'm going to greatly miss the pastries here. I'm really surprised at how much I haven't been talking about all the food I've been eating. I'm not sure if I've written about this yet, but there is a pastry called a "Napolitana dulce." It's the same pastry dough as a croissant, but it's shaped like a large hot pocket. It's filled with super creamy chocolate, and topped with honey and chocolate sprinkles.

There's a bakery called El Horno de Los Borachos, literally translated as the oven of the drunks, that is only open from about midnight to about 7am. There are many such places. Well basically, now whenever I'm about to go to bed, I crave a napolitana dulce. My mouth is watering right now. I don't understand why, because just before writing this entry, I licked my fingers from the napolitana that I just finished. Damn. So good.

God is answering my prayers. I've been quite lonely, but I'm making some friends. Today, the very talkative guy in my English class (the one who only talked in English. Josep.) invited me to come sit with him and his friends. We talked from about 3pm to 6pm. I got to practice my spanish, learn some catalán, talk about Walker Texas Ranger/Family Guy/Star Wars/other pop-culture, laugh it up, and bond with some locals. I think this is a group I can kick it with

I was considering traveling to Alicante this weekend, because I had nothing else to do. However, Josep and his friends invited me to their town this weekend to hang and see EL HOMBRE LOBO aka THE MAN WOLF. Hehe. I'm excited to see what this town is like. I'm excited to see what the more rural Spanish life is like.

I'm in my school's café. I like being here. Many people, cheap and delicious coffee, cheap and different sandwiches (I want to try each one), and a really funktastic radio station. It plays old, poppy American music, that's really catchy. I find myself bobbing my head... The lady sitting behind me has been humming for the past 20 minutes.

I met t Ukrainian lady who works at the café. She's very sweet, and I love listening to her accent. She has a daughter who lives in Chicago (Alyx!). She's visited Valencia before, and said she loves Chicago way more than this town. Well, I guess that means I need to pass through the windy city.

I'm reading and eavesdropping on a conversation between a Spanish girl and an American girl. They're mocking different English accents.

Back to my book(s), then to bike home in the rain,

Josh

It's looking like a beautiful day

Tunes: But, of course

I think there have been rumors going around, so I wanted to clear things up about yesterday. Yes, it’s true: I have new pants. Charcoal, close-fitting, and on discount from 50Euros down to 14.95Euros. I couldn’t resist such discounts. Also, I was immediately taken by the amazing salesmanship of the man working there. I asked him what size I needed, he took a glance at my waist, and responded: 32. Damn. He’s good. He almost talked me into some snazzy blue sneakers, but alas, they didn’t have size 47.

I quite enjoyed going to the store. It’s about a mile away, and I hadn’t gotten any exercise in, so I ran. It was frigid outside, so I wore my smartwool, running shorts, another shirt, and a cap. I believe I looked goofy.

While stepping out of my door, “One Day Like This” by Elbow came on my ipod… perfect.
"So throw those curtains wide!
One day like this a year'd see me right!"
About it being frigid--it was probably about 40º, dark skies, and raining. One might say, that song doesn't seem too fitting.

I think that day was another landmark. I felt free. I raced a cyclist, and leaped over puddles. I dodged people and smiled at prolonged looks. Bravo to our Lord for finding strange ways to display himself.

A Short

I think I'm going to try every type of juice they have in the stores. It's cheap, and there are so many flavors to choose from. This week: Mango. Nomnom

Speaking of Nomnom, these two video segments were dear to me today:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35bVnpVwon4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vXU6xd9G-I

Always love me some Job

Rain and rain

Tunes: My own

I'm in a musical mood, and I don't have much to do today. So, I mandate: skip-in-rain-read-and-play-music day.

One of my Spanish classmates made fun of me today, saying I look like I'm ready to hike in the mountains. I'm okay with that--while everyone else is running around with their non-waterproof jackets, I'm rocking my eyesore of a rain jacket, my Merrell shoes, and my Chrome backpack. Btw, my backpack has been treating me well. Perfect on the shoulders and back, and keeps my stuff secure. Never again will I have to worry about getting my compute wet.

I finally put my family photos on the wall behind my desk, so I have love staring down at me. One step closer to home.

^_^

Micro Brewery

Tunes: John Mayer Trio & Gnarls Barkley

Just wanted to drop a few quirky shorts I had scribbled down. Friday, when I was in the school's café, the ladies who worked there sang happy birthday to one of the workers. Afterwards, they took birthday shots. School café.

I keep seeing all of these old dogs around. Even if this dog walks as if he has four wooden legs, people walk them all over town.

I talked to this Spanish student after my translation class on Friday. He's quite a character. No matter how much I tried, he wouldn't talk to me in Spanish. He wanted to get as much English practice as he could have. I look forward to future conversations with him. He always has a big smile on, and talks and talks and talks.

I've noticed something here. So, you know when you walk into a public bathroom, and someone really brought some destruction? Well, the few times I've caught wind of it, it smells completely different. It smells almost like sulfur. I don't know--just some immature side note.

I went to a bar called Portland Ale House with a friend from church today. American place with a ton of English speakers. The owner came here with the dream to provide Valencia with damn good beer (most of what I've found is only half decent). After 4 years of paperwork, he will be coming out with 3 of his microbrews in a few weeks. Every Wednesday, there's a cultural exchange where Spanish people come to talk to native English speakers. If you're a native, you get a coupon for 4 free beers. It looks as if I've found my little corner.

That's about it for today. Nothing profound, just a a few moleskine notes.

It's officially Valentines day over here! My love goes out to you,

T

Good Will Hunting

Tunes: [ ] by Bon Iver w/ Sarah Siskind

Just earlier, I was thinking about what sort of character I would be if I were to live in a co-op here. If French House was in Spain, which type of foreigner would I be? Kind of a fun thing to consider. I often walk without a shirt off, and since it’s been cold I’ve been lugging my large blanket around with me. My hair is getting longer, but I don’t know a good place to get it cut and I don’t enjoy using product, so I sometimes wear a beanie to fix my bed hair. (I’ll eventually cave) I eat peanut butter often, I drink water from the tap, and I battle to improve my Spanish by practicing on my roommates every chance I get.

I'm in (almost) full swing with classes. The school system here is pretty backwards compared to ours. You go to a bunch of different classes, and then you pick which ones you like the most, and then you register for them weeks later. Not how I like to do things, so it's a good stretch.

I went to my first English literature class (I need my E316K credit). I came a bit early (which nobody does), and I sat in the right side of the class room. One-by-one, everyone filed in, but they all sat on the left side. Apparently, that's the side the teacher uses. So the teacher walked in, saw me, and asked me if I was new. Yes. Erasmus? Yes. From where? The United States. She flipped! "WE HAVE A NATIVE!!!" she screamed multiple times.
She made me come to the front of the class, and asked me multiple questions, tried to embarrass me, and had the students ask me questions too. I think that took up about half of our class time. Unfortunately, I was going to her other English lit course as well, and she did the same thing there too.

What a first class, eh?

Anyway, lots of smiles over here. I believe things are falling into place, and it's bringing me joy.

Catch you guys later. I have places to be, things to do. About damn time.

I'm Lazy

Really lazy. And tired. So I'm going to give you an outline. Hopefully, I'll give you a better entry tomorrow.

-I went to this café called Zakata. They serve dark chocolate with their coffee. I now like dark chocolate.

-I signed my lease. It took 30 minutes for my roommates to argue with the landlord about a broken window cover. Herein lies Bea's description of Spain's work ethic.

-America's Cup kicked off on Sunday with a spectacular fireworks show. These Valencians sure know how to do fireworks! I have a video...

-I finally had my orientation today, and went to my first class! Looks like I'm going to be a teacher's assistant for two English classes.

-The elevators in this country don't have a close door button.

-I stepped in poop today, and two days ago. Mierda!

-The cafés on campus serve beer on tap.

-I need to do laundry tomorrow.

mkthanksbye!

Tengo tos

A bit under the weather, so I've been resting most of the day. The day stretched on, as I was without sun but with tissues. However, this day has turned out to be one of my favorites, thanks to small adventures, experimental cooking, and great film.

The adventure: I hope I haven't led you to think that there is some sort of magical adventure that I went on. Or maybe that is closer to the truth than I think. Every outing is an experience. I needed some medicine, so I wandered to a few locations where I thought there was a pharmacy. A man taking the same path as I to avoid a family taking all of the sidewalk, a little unleashed dog that ran ahead (only to be scared by very large men walking by), sounds of a private party in a closed pizza shop, and old men sitting around a table, playing poker with coffee beans as chips.

The cooking: I made some elbow pasta, and topped it with a sauce that sounded delicious. Cooked some freshly-diced garlic in olive oil, then added a can of tomato paste. Added pepper, green onions, a bit of ham, and more garlic (can never get enough). With a corner of a baguette, it turned out to be quite a feast.

The film: The Lives of Others. A german film about an official who gets involved with the people he's supposed to be keeping tabs on. I won't say any more than that, because you must watch it. (That means I highly recommend it. Highly.)

Well, back to tissues and John Galt's speech. Great way to enter into dreamland.

The footsies above

So aside from living at Jester for my freshman year, this is my first time living in a place with people above and below me. It's an interesting thing, being aware of the ruckus of my neighbors. I know that there is at least one child above me, because I occasionally hear a light and quick poom poom, poom poom. And usually, the mother wakes me around 9am with her push-vacuum cleaner. Perhaps it's the novelty of it all, but I rather enjoy the creaks and clamors. I wonder if my neighbors are aware of us in the same manner.

Today, I made two more inches of progress with my course registration. Basically, that means that I'm going to be somewhat okay with missing a few days because some courses have already started. What kind of school system is this?? Oh well. As I was returning home, two Polish girls, Monika and Ola, stopped me because they had no idea what to do for registering. I showed them what I did, and told them about how much I don't know, and we ended up walking to the historical center of town for a bite to eat. They asked if I was from California.

I parted with them to catch up with a bunch of hostel friends & new friends at the beach. Still nippy, but warm enough to wear a tank top. I think I got a good hour of sun, so that should boost my vitamin E levels. It was fun flopping around and attempting to play soccer, and then playing volleyball with a ball that nearly bruised all of us. Mediterranean: until we meet again.

Update on internal journey: "And to love [God] with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbors as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." Mark 12:33 I'm positive that almost everyone is struggling with this concept. It's been sitting in my lap most of my life. He wants my trust, not my works; my broken and contrite heart, not my sacrifices; my faith. It's much more that doing. It's loving, submitting, and trusting that He will meet my needs and satisfy me with his steadfast love.

Goooooooaaaaal

Just went to my first soccer game here in Spain. It was Giacomo's team against some other club team. I think I was the only spectator. Probably because the game was at 10:30PM. I really enjoyed myself. Brisk night, lots of movement, and one goal scored--only, the goal was scored against Giacomo's team. Pobrecito. Apparently it was his fault. I think I heard the players shout "vale" about 300 times.

Today was really great. I made some headway on finding classes, and I got to talk to some very good friends. Even this far away, I'm getting some great truth and wisdom from my loved ones. I feel cared for, really.

Two things: One, I'm going to the beach tomorrow to play beach volleyball. I'm very excited, because it's supposed to be somewhat warm. Two, I had a pizza today, and it was topped with jamón serrano. I don't know why that isn't a staple in the US. It's probably the most delicious meat I've ever had. Also, it was one of those store-bought pizzas, and it was one of the best I've had. And trust me, I've had good pizza.

Two more things: One, happy birthday Ingrid. I can't express how much I enjoy watching your video blogs. Two, I've been writing more. Progress.

G'night

Rainy Day

Tunes: For You & Fix You by Coldplay

I've been motivated by reading a friend's blog to open up a bit more. I can honestly say that the closest friend I have here is God. Such a bold statement, isn't it? This is a difficult thing to say, because I wouldn't even say to myself that I let him be close to me. I read so many statements of how God wants intimacy with me, but when I can't hold it in my hand, it seems to flutter out of my grasp. God has been giving me this opportunity to 'lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and run with endurance.'

I have a great task in front of me: embrace this time for personal growth and learning. Yes, I am in a breathtaking city, but I sometimes find myself seeing a spectacle, and wishing that I could appreciate it more. It's as if all of the drastic changes in my life recently have left me with a boundaries on my heart.

As I have been reading in Matthew & Mark, almost every time Jesus heals someone, he makes a note that he did it because of their faith. Faith first, healing after. That's a scary thing to trust.

I have been keeping a count of the number of times I find "steadfast love" in Psalm. The count is getting pretty high. You see, I believe with my mind, that this is who God. It makes sense. However, I don't think my heart has fully grasped on. This is why I have had so much difficulty recently. This experience of being abroad has put a magnifying glass over my life.

Back to the whole trust thing... I think it's coming, but it's taking quite some time. Time that I am not comfortable with, and change that I don't understand. I have seen some progress with my heart. Yesterday, for the first time, I wrote a poem about God. I've thought about doing it before, but nothing of that sort has left me through the tip of my pen.

I thought about apologizing for the seemingly debbie downer-esque entry, but I find that it's only fitting and proper. You have seen the pictures and landmarks of my exterior. These are the pictures and landmarks of my interior.

Chest out, eyes looking up

Jackpot & People

Tunes: The Decemberists' album Picaresque

I went on a long walk today, and wound up in a big shopping mall. I didn't bring much clothing, because I wanted to only have one suitcase. SO, I wandered and wandered until I found some spamtastic deals. T-shirts. Nice ones. 1.99 euros each. That's $3/per t-shirt. Gift from God? I submit, yes.

I'm really enjoying my walks. If I wanted, I could take a different street every time I go out. Always different people, different styles, different buildings, and different parks. I'm finding beauty in may different ways here. One of my favorite things has been seeing the old man friends walking slowly together and talking up a slurred storm. I think I saw 3 such pairs today. They move at their own pace, and stand to me as candy for my soul. I think I might start taking pictures of them.

Some other things that have been noteworthy are the big, old doors, a younger man tossing the ball for his two dogs, a park playground that was overflowing with people, another park that had so many pigeons that you couldn't hear the outside world, and the sandwich I made for lunch. I challenge you, reader: This week, walk with your eyes up, and heart open. Wander too much, and don't pay attention to your gait. See what happens. See what your Father will show you.

It's 1:09AM here. Early night. Tomorrow, I plan to get some sort of course schedule banged out. Vamos a ver.

Blankets and Full Stomachs

We celebrated Mateo going away last night with 3 lasagnas, many new wines, and lots of old punk rock music. I know, you're like 'did he say punk rock?' Yeah, I said punk rock. Apparently Giacomo really likes old punk rock and ska music, so he blasted our ears with it for quite some time. Back to the food: I made guacamole because only one person had ever tried it. Apparently, it was "de puta madre," and that means "good."

I'm really just waiting around right now, until school starts. Yesterday consisted of eating, reading, grocery shopping, reading, getting the Spanish version of hot chocolate (very good), reading, working out, making guac, then Mateo's dinner. Today, I'm not sure what I'll do. I want to find the campus gym.

Oh yeah, when I came into my room last night, there was an extra blanket on my bed from Bea, that said "Para que no tengas frío." She's so sweet--we don't have a heater, and I've been sleeping with one sheet two small blankets, and a sleeping bag. Needless to say, I slept in a warm bed with a warm heart.


G'day

Vale

Tunes: ZzzZzz

Today, I went to the beach. There have been many times that I felt closed off, due to language barriers or lack of companionship, but today I experienced freedom. It was 55ºF, so definitely not swimming temperature, but perfect for a jacket, scarf, rolled pants, and sandy feet. I must've walked for quite some time, because I listened to the waves for a long spell, then a 45-minute sermon by John Lynch, then two of my favorite albums (Aha Shake Heartbreak & Fever to Tell).

I didn't have anywhere to be, anyone to see, or anyone to watch. Today was a gift from God. This sort of solitude is quite amazing. I feel like my eyes have been opened to seeing the opportunity that it contains. I take today, and put it in my pocket.

I'm about to hit the sack, but I'm excited about tomorrow, so I wanted to share. One of Giacomo's friends, Mateo, is leaving to Italy tomorrow. So, Giorgia (italiana, who's mom is a professional cook) is going to cook Lasagna for everybody. My favorite food. Mom, I preemptively apologize if I return and say that hers is better than yours. We will see. I'm going to make guacamole, because they've never had it before.

Bed.

Love and licks,

Josh