I know I'm a bit late for the Merry Christmas thing, but at least I got in time to wish you all a Happy New Year. This year has been really wonderful. I would say that the end of last year and most of this one has been the best time of my life. During this time I have discovered a great number of places and cultures, met amazing people from all around the world and probably made friends who will last forever. Now, when I get all these emails and cards wishing the best is when I go back in my memories and recall all the great things that I have been through. Well, not everything has been perfect or good, but after taking all into account I can say the good moments and memories of this year ending win the battle to the sad and bad ones.
So let's celebrate. Let's celebrate how lucky we are of having a life like we do and of having such wonderful people around us, because most of the time they are the ones who make life so amazingly special. This is why not only do I want to wish Happy New Year, but also thank everyone around me and those who are far around the globe but close to me at the same time. Keep being as wonderful as you are. As my awesome roomie once said, "Alberto, you are not the sentimental type". And I guess he was right. But we all have our moments from time to time in which we get sentimental. This was mine.
Have fun and enjoy this special time of the year. As I told Kike a few minutes ago, if the new year is half as good as this one has been, then I'll be glad, because it would mean it is incredible.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
December 30, 2007
December 26, 2007
First days of skiing
Yeah, ski season is here at last! After spending last year in Vermont I got used to skiing three days a week or so. But here things are different. It's way more expensive and the mountains aren't that close. So here you need to get the most out of every time you go hit the slopes. And that's exactly what I did this past weekend. I really wanted to go skiing because I had been without doing it for so long.
I went with my brother and a couple of friends and skied for a couple of days. The weather was wonderful, all sunny and not particularly cold. And well, there was a fair amount of snow. I mean, it wasn't at full capacity but most of the runs were open. Besides, there were few people so we didn't have to wait in any line, making it really worth it.
But I realized it wasn't as skiing in Vermont. I missed a lot of things but in special the people I used to go with. I really missed driving up to the ski resort with Adrian in his green Subaru and then yelling at him in the pistes. Also Anita talking about snowboard and how wonderful Burton is (which by the way is from Burlington), Helene with her cute hat or Torsten getting down fast as hell. Yeah, I have to say I missed the conversations we used to have on the lift while getting frozen in the Vermont cold weather, usually discussing what was for dinner in the famous Harris/Millis.
I have to say I love it. There's few things funnier than going skiing with your friends. There's always a lot of laughing involved. Hopefully I will manage to go again a couple of times more this season. Although it's not easy considering the money it costs and the few free time I have this semester. Last thing: try it and go hit the slopes!!!!!!!
I went with my brother and a couple of friends and skied for a couple of days. The weather was wonderful, all sunny and not particularly cold. And well, there was a fair amount of snow. I mean, it wasn't at full capacity but most of the runs were open. Besides, there were few people so we didn't have to wait in any line, making it really worth it.
But I realized it wasn't as skiing in Vermont. I missed a lot of things but in special the people I used to go with. I really missed driving up to the ski resort with Adrian in his green Subaru and then yelling at him in the pistes. Also Anita talking about snowboard and how wonderful Burton is (which by the way is from Burlington), Helene with her cute hat or Torsten getting down fast as hell. Yeah, I have to say I missed the conversations we used to have on the lift while getting frozen in the Vermont cold weather, usually discussing what was for dinner in the famous Harris/Millis.
I have to say I love it. There's few things funnier than going skiing with your friends. There's always a lot of laughing involved. Hopefully I will manage to go again a couple of times more this season. Although it's not easy considering the money it costs and the few free time I have this semester. Last thing: try it and go hit the slopes!!!!!!!
December 17, 2007
Visiting Iru
Despite all the work and study I had and still have to do these days, I found the time to go and visit Iru in Germany. He's studying there his last year of University and is having a hell of a good time. So Peña and I took a flight from Santander to Frankfurt in the morning. After catching a bus to Darmstadt we finally met Iru. Perfect timing I have to say, because that night there was this big party organized by the Spanish crew there. It was called Spanische Party and was a complete success. Everyone got a little bit crazy and the party got really funny towards the end, specially with Iru (he knows what I mean).
And well, the next day was hangover-day. So we didn't do much. We woke up pretty late and visit Darmstadt in the evening. On Sunday we went to Frankfurt and checked on its Christmas market (Weihnachtsmarkt). And of course I tried that hot wine (glüwein) which I thought was gonna be horrible but actually liked. The rest of the days we visited different cities like Mainz. I don't really remember the name of the small towns we went to, but they were all pretty nice.
I had the chance to meet some German people and it just confirmed what I already knew. They are great guys. The problem now is that I want even more badly to go do my final project abroad. But my stupid University wouldn't give me the chance because I already went to the States. So now, my only option is to do it on my own and hope my Uni will let me. Whatever happens in the end, you can be sure I'll accept it and fully enjoy it.
Thanks Iru for making our stay at your place so pleasant and fun. You were a great host.
Tchuss
And well, the next day was hangover-day. So we didn't do much. We woke up pretty late and visit Darmstadt in the evening. On Sunday we went to Frankfurt and checked on its Christmas market (Weihnachtsmarkt). And of course I tried that hot wine (glüwein) which I thought was gonna be horrible but actually liked. The rest of the days we visited different cities like Mainz. I don't really remember the name of the small towns we went to, but they were all pretty nice.
I had the chance to meet some German people and it just confirmed what I already knew. They are great guys. The problem now is that I want even more badly to go do my final project abroad. But my stupid University wouldn't give me the chance because I already went to the States. So now, my only option is to do it on my own and hope my Uni will let me. Whatever happens in the end, you can be sure I'll accept it and fully enjoy it.
Thanks Iru for making our stay at your place so pleasant and fun. You were a great host.
Tchuss
December 04, 2007
UVM memories
As 
most of you may know, I spent last year studying in the US. To be more specific, I studied in the tiny state of Vermont, which hosts UVM. I have to be honest, before they told me I was going to Vermont, I didn't even know this was a state. I mean, I had never heard of it or anything. But once I knew, it was everywhere. I started to notice it on TV or in books I read and of course, I did some research. It seemed to be a cool (and really cold) state, different in a lot of ways to the rest of the US. I met a guy from my home university who studied there the previous year, and all he told me was: "you're gonna love it up there". And I really did.
After the end of summer, fall came. Just beautiful! with all those colors in the trees. And the campus was lovely. I lived in a dorm. Maybe a house off-campus would have been better, but I personally think the experience of living in an american dorm was worth it. My column in the building was D-Low and I can assure you it was the meeting point if you ever wanted to go out at night. There was always movement and something going on there. I'm not really gonna talk here about the people or suitmates because I think I already did in other posts, but don't worry, I'll do it in future posts when you had already forgotten about it. The thing is that during first semester it was mostly about discovering. Discovering the country, the state, the people, the university, and really important, the culture. Classes at first seemed weird to me, but after a while I got used to the silly questions, the lack of respect towards the professor, etc.
One of the things I really loved about UVM was the vast amount of clubs there were. I mean, you had from salsa club to outing club going thru ski club and so. I was member of the ski and snowboarding club (I even have a t-shirt), the salsa club and went on a couple of outing club trips (have you ever wondered what would it be to build a snow shelter and sleep there? well, I did it in Vermont). And I've never skied so much in my whole life. In part thanks to Adrian and his car rides to either Bolton Valley or Jay Peak.
And of course I have to mention the American parties. First time I've ever been in one and I loved it. I enjoyed talking to everyone in the party and meeting new people there, specially if they were of the opposite sex. But also hanging out in the bars downtown after a late shift at the library. Oh, and working in the library. So many good memories with Devin and Alex (the supervisors) who were crazier than any other employee. I shouldn't forget about Angus, who made it possible for me to work there, although in the beginning I didn't like him that much.
So I guess I'm gonna miss all that. At least I have my photo albums to remember that great year I spent in that beautiful little state called Vermont. And thank you everyone there for making it so wonderful. If you ever get the chance, don't hesitate to visit it. And gosh, I have to say it, UVM is aweeeeeesome!!!!
most of you may know, I spent last year studying in the US. To be more specific, I studied in the tiny state of Vermont, which hosts UVM. I have to be honest, before they told me I was going to Vermont, I didn't even know this was a state. I mean, I had never heard of it or anything. But once I knew, it was everywhere. I started to notice it on TV or in books I read and of course, I did some research. It seemed to be a cool (and really cold) state, different in a lot of ways to the rest of the US. I met a guy from my home university who studied there the previous year, and all he told me was: "you're gonna love it up there". And I really did.After the end of summer, fall came. Just beautiful! with all those colors in the trees. And the campus was lovely. I lived in a dorm. Maybe a house off-campus would have been better, but I personally think the experience of living in an american dorm was worth it. My column in the building was D-Low and I can assure you it was the meeting point if you ever wanted to go out at night. There was always movement and something going on there. I'm not really gonna talk here about the people or suitmates because I think I already did in other posts, but don't worry, I'll do it in future posts when you had already forgotten about it. The thing is that during first semester it was mostly about discovering. Discovering the country, the state, the people, the university, and really important, the culture. Classes at first seemed weird to me, but after a while I got used to the silly questions, the lack of respect towards the professor, etc.
One of the things I really loved about UVM was the vast amount of clubs there were. I mean, you had from salsa club to outing club going thru ski club and so. I was member of the ski and snowboarding club (I even have a t-shirt), the salsa club and went on a couple of outing club trips (have you ever wondered what would it be to build a snow shelter and sleep there? well, I did it in Vermont). And I've never skied so much in my whole life. In part thanks to Adrian and his car rides to either Bolton Valley or Jay Peak.
And of course I have to mention the American parties. First time I've ever been in one and I loved it. I enjoyed talking to everyone in the party and meeting new people there, specially if they were of the opposite sex. But also hanging out in the bars downtown after a late shift at the library. Oh, and working in the library. So many good memories with Devin and Alex (the supervisors) who were crazier than any other employee. I shouldn't forget about Angus, who made it possible for me to work there, although in the beginning I didn't like him that much.
So I guess I'm gonna miss all that. At least I have my photo albums to remember that great year I spent in that beautiful little state called Vermont. And thank you everyone there for making it so wonderful. If you ever get the chance, don't hesitate to visit it. And gosh, I have to say it, UVM is aweeeeeesome!!!!
December 01, 2007
Don't cry for me Argentina
The end of my study year abroad is almost here. I still haven't figured out what I'm going to do afterwards. But one thing is for sure, I'm definitely not going home yet. The road-trip through the States isn't gonna happen so I have to find something soon. And Miguel (Miguelito if you 
studied in Vermont) comes to give me the solution. "Why don't you come with me to Argentina?" and I'm like, yeah sure, it's not like far or expensive at all you know. But the idea stays in my head and keeps coming up. So I go to Miguel and ask: "ok, what's the plan and budget then?" After talking with him I've already decided I'm going to Argentina and eventually to Chile as well.
So when school is finished we take a couple of flights and land in Buenos Aires. Incredible city I have to say. There we stayed with Mikel and Aitziber, lovely guys from Pamplona. He's friends with Miguel and are doing an internship there for six months. Tracey has the best idea ever. Catching a plane to Iguazu and stay there for two days in order to discover the astonishing waterfalls. I don't even have words to describe it. Being there surrounded by the jungle and with those gorgeous natural wonders is just one of the best feelings in live. It starts raining while we are there, so the falls carry five times more water than usual. Just awesome!
It's time now for a different kind of natural wonder: The Glaciers. We get a flight to Bariloche and there rent a car to drive down most of the Patagonia region to end up in El Calafate. The car ride is two days long thru a desert land with extreme weather. Always having to be careful with wild animals crossing the crappy road or with Aitziber driving, hehe. Once in El Calafate we go to Perito Moreno Glacier and to some more. Wonderful! Well, I think the pictures speak for themselves.
After staying a couple of nights in Mendoza on our way to Chile (crossing the Andes by bus) we arrive to Valparaiso. There Paulina is waiting for us and makes us feel at home. Her family is so nice and sweet that our stay there is perfect. We visited that beautiful city and partied a lot (just like during the rest of the trip). And finally, our last stop, Santiago de Chile. Here we stayed at Santi's place. Another guy from Pamplona so helpful and kind who showed us the whole city.
I have to thank Miguel for offering me this opportunity. It was a great experience. I feel like I'm forgetting so many stories and experiences, but I don't like huge posts. I rather prefer people to explore these places by themselves. I just give some hints about what I did and how I enjoyed it. Then is each one's decision to try it or not. But if I were you I'd try to travel us much as I could. I know a lot of people who think like me (Julen, Mauro, Anita, ...). So just do it!!
studied in Vermont) comes to give me the solution. "Why don't you come with me to Argentina?" and I'm like, yeah sure, it's not like far or expensive at all you know. But the idea stays in my head and keeps coming up. So I go to Miguel and ask: "ok, what's the plan and budget then?" After talking with him I've already decided I'm going to Argentina and eventually to Chile as well.So when school is finished we take a couple of flights and land in Buenos Aires. Incredible city I have to say. There we stayed with Mikel and Aitziber, lovely guys from Pamplona. He's friends with Miguel and are doing an internship there for six months. Tracey has the best idea ever. Catching a plane to Iguazu and stay there for two days in order to discover the astonishing waterfalls. I don't even have words to describe it. Being there surrounded by the jungle and with those gorgeous natural wonders is just one of the best feelings in live. It starts raining while we are there, so the falls carry five times more water than usual. Just awesome!
It's time now for a different kind of natural wonder: The Glaciers. We get a flight to Bariloche and there rent a car to drive down most of the Patagonia region to end up in El Calafate. The car ride is two days long thru a desert land with extreme weather. Always having to be careful with wild animals crossing the crappy road or with Aitziber driving, hehe. Once in El Calafate we go to Perito Moreno Glacier and to some more. Wonderful! Well, I think the pictures speak for themselves.
After staying a couple of nights in Mendoza on our way to Chile (crossing the Andes by bus) we arrive to Valparaiso. There Paulina is waiting for us and makes us feel at home. Her family is so nice and sweet that our stay there is perfect. We visited that beautiful city and partied a lot (just like during the rest of the trip). And finally, our last stop, Santiago de Chile. Here we stayed at Santi's place. Another guy from Pamplona so helpful and kind who showed us the whole city.
I have to thank Miguel for offering me this opportunity. It was a great experience. I feel like I'm forgetting so many stories and experiences, but I don't like huge posts. I rather prefer people to explore these places by themselves. I just give some hints about what I did and how I enjoyed it. Then is each one's decision to try it or not. But if I were you I'd try to travel us much as I could. I know a lot of people who think like me (Julen, Mauro, Anita, ...). So just do it!!
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