Start of Regular Classes

Today I finally began my Anthropology classes at the University of Barcelona. Well, I have been to one, the other isn't until 8pm, but I didn't think I would have the energy to write a blog when I am back at 10pm. The anthro class I had this morning is on gender and feminism. I, with my incessant need to be on-time, left for class over an hour before hand, took 5 minutes to walk to class, another 3 to find the room, and then sat for an hour in one of the strange benches in the courtyard that curiously faces a cement wall. I passed the time twiddling my thumbs and watching a young American hippie-man scouring the ground for used cigarettes and talking to himself. I am sorry if this is too much detail for a blog, but it did in fact take up a good portion of my morning. The class was....interesting. Very different than what I would have imagined, or at least than what I am used to. The professor showed up 15-20 minutes late, which is regular as a sort of passing period between classes, however I don't think the grace period applies when it is the first class of the day...Anyways she didn't strike me as the professor type, I was surprised when she walked up to the desk. The classroom setting is 100X less formal than in the U.S. I mean from the relaxed time schedules, to the physical presentation of the professors, to the evaluation process. I had a hard time understanding the professor because she talked so quickly and really slurred her words. Then, when she told us the title of the book we are required to purchase, I was temporarily relieved when she wrote it on the board, and then concerned again when she revealed a messy combination of squiggles and dots that I would argue do not belong to ANY language. The class was made up of an interesting mix of students. I am pretty sure 90% of them are graduate students, most are older than 30 actually. The professor's introductory class began with talk about a tribe in Argentina and women's power of childbirth, and I was ready to call it a day about 15 minutes in. For evaluation we will be writing a 10-15 page paper and presenting in front of the class on some topic that personally interests us among the lines of gender differences. Nothing is due until January, so until then I expect that the class will be interesting and confusing, probably way over my head at some points, but by January I should have a firm grasp on the subject matter and be able to turn out a good final project. Tonight my class is Urban Anthropology, which I know could be interpreted in a multitude of styles, so I really don't know what to expect, but the title sounds promising.
My tutoring job hit a snafu with my class schedule, but the family is so nice and willing to accommodate my schedule, so luckily I will be able to keep it throughout the year. ALSO! I forgot to mention such an important detail in my last blog about my new apartment: I WILL BE LIVING WITH A 10-MONTH OLD GOLDEN RETRIEVER!!! I am so excited, her name is Layla and she is so bouncy and energetic and fun! The owners are leaving for England for the year and leaving her here for the first 4 months, so during that time I get to have a puppy in my house! It will be so fun to be able to take her for walks and play, it makes it feel so much more home-y. (Annie-don't worry, you're still number one).
The Merce festivals have officially begun today, although during the beginning of the week all that entails are exhibits and free entrances into museums and government buildings. However, beginning Thursday, at night there are tons of shows, performances and concerts, and during the day there are cultural displays of sorts and tons of activities. This will for sure be a busy, fun-filled weekend!
On Saturday we went to Montjuic again, there is seriously so much to see and do there, you could spend a week on that hill alone! We walked all through the parks and gardens, and checked out the amazing view over Plaça España, but by the time we were ready to go to the museum we were too tired and had only 2 hours before it closed, so we are making an all-day trip back to the Museu D'Art on Friday. In the meantime, here are some photos:

Rachel, Claire and I

Trees reminiscent of central park, NYC

Museu D'Art

View over the plaça
Then, yesterday Rachel and I went back to Parc Güell, in hopes of finding a less tourist-infested version of what we had previously seen. Unfortunately I don't think that will ever be possible, in fact there were tons more people than last time, but it was still beautiful. We found a hiking trail behind the park and meandered for a while, the hills looked a lot like California, and since I have been missing hiking and camping since I have been here, it was nice to discover this little patch of central-valley-like terrain. Here are a couple of pictures:

Tonight I am headed to my new apartment to trade the deposit for my set of keys! Then, off to my second new Anthropology class of the day. Tomorrow I start my job tutoring, and hopefully by the end of this week I'll begin to settle into this new schedule. I hope everyone is doing well, more soon!! Love, Megs