Siestas and Sangrias: March 2013

Not physically, of course. Never physically. But mentally, emotionally, spiritually...heck yes.

Terms

Siesta: Nap. Traditionally, Spaniards would take a siesta in the afternoon. Today, while people don't necessarily sleep, many businesses close for 2-3 hours during which they have lunch and relax. Typically begins at about 2:00 p.m.

Sangria: Wine punch typical to Spain. Normally consists of wine, chopped fruit, a little sweetener, and a splash of brandy.

Embajadores: Literally ambassadors. Located in the southern part of el centro ciudad, it is the cute little melting pot that I call home for the next 9.5 months.

El Centro Ciudad: City center. It's a pretty touristy area. Lots of things to do, though.

ESL: English as a Second Language

ETA: English Teaching Assistant. My official title.

Madrileño(a): Name for natives of Madrid.

Habitacion: Room in a home.

Piso: Apartment

IES: Institucion de Educacion Secundaria (Institute of Secondary Education)

Huelga: strike

Out in the Cut: a location [slightly] removed from the metropolis

Corte Ingles: an overpriced department store in Spain. Has lovely merchandise, but definitely comes at a price.

Farmacia: pharmacy

Lavapies: maybe a five minute walk from where I live, it's a nice little melting pot that seems to be home to tons of Indian restaurants and African hair stores. It seems to be the most efficient way to get your hair braided and eat some curry immediately thereafter.

Throw Shade: to publicly denounce or disrespect

NIE: residency card. Since I'm living and working in Spain for longer than 90 days, I had to become a resident of the county.

Puerta del Sol: literally, "gate of the sun." One of the busiest, and most touristy, places in Madrid. Has a long history in the city and the bell that is rung to announce the New Year (among other landmarks) is located here.

Siestas and Sangrias

Labels

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Black and Christian in Spain

Saturday, March 9, 2013

That Moment When I Felt As Though I'd Birthed 12 Children