1a ENTRADA: Primeras impresiones sobre mis primeros días de práctica

Todavía, no puedo creer que yo tenga la oportunidad de hacer prácticas en un hospital aquí en España. Esta semana, he empezado a trabajar en el Hospital de la Caridad, cual está muy cerca de El Centro Norteamericano, donde voy a las clases. En realidad, no es hospital actualmente; hoy en día es una residencia para casi ochenta hombres mayores que han agotado sus recursos. A mí me encanta la idea de contribuir a una empresa de caridad, con un propósito inspirador en la ciudad de Sevilla.

Al principio, yo estaba muy nerviosa a empezar en el hospital. Cuando fui con Marta por la primera vez la semana pasada, no podía entender a mi supervisor, Rocío, bien. ¡El acento sevillano es muy difícil a entender! Sin embargo, cuando llegué el lunes para conocerle a Rafa, el enfermero con que voy a trabajar y observar, él me ayudó mucho a entender lo que dijeron los médicos y pacientes. Me sorprendió que con Rafa, no solo aprendiera el lenguaje del médico, sino las causas y los efectos de las enfermedades, también. Por ejemplo, los lunes, el oftalmólogo viene para atender a las residentes. Durante nuestro tiempo libre este lunes, Rafa me enseñaba no solo las palabras que dijo el médico--por ejemplo, miopía-- pero también la causa de la miopía, y los efectos y tratamientos de la enfermedad. Claro que voy a aprender muchísimo de Rafa en mis tres meses aquí. En mi opinión, es mejor trabajar con Rafa que un médico especializado, porque puedo aprender sobre cada especialidad de la medicina en que Rafa ayuda y practica.

Hospital de la Caridad, Sevilla

 

 Me siento muy bienvenida en el Hospital de la Caridad. La gente me acepta con sonrisa, y a las personas que hablan inglés les gustan practicar la lengua conmigo. Aunque en los Estados Unidos, como estudiante, la clientela de una residencia quizás se siente nerviosa a permitirme a ayudarle con cosas médicas porque no tengo mucha experiencia formal, los residentes del hospital están ansiosos para darme la oportunidad a aprender con ellos. Ya no he conocido a un residente quien no tuviera confianza en mí (con la supervisión de Rafa, por supuesto...), y por eso, yo tengo más confianza en mí mismo sobre mis prácticas este semestre. Creo que es crucial; una paciente se necesita poder tener confianza en su médico, no solo para recibir los diagnósticos correctos, sino a veces, para creer que se puede recuperarse de una enfermedad o situación relacionada con la medicina o salud emocional o mental. Mi madre siempre me dice que la actitud el lo todo, lo más importante. Especialmente en la medicina, la actitud y la confianza es todo, para los médicos, pacientes, y todas sus familias y amigos. Sé que en mi tiempo aquí, voy a desarrollar una actitud nueva, pero mejor, sobre la medicina y mis habilidades a ayudar a otros a vivir bien.

And the good times just keep on coming.

A few awesome things that have happened in the past few days...

I finally got my Sevici card in the mail! Seville is great with public transportation. Sevici is the city-wide bike-sharing system of Seville. For 30 something euros, I purchased a card that allows to me use a bike 24/7, for the year! Of course, I'll only be here for 3 months, but it still is such a great deal. There are stations with bikes all over the city, and with your card, you can take a bike from any station and use it for thirty minutes before you have to return it to another station. Pretty handy if you ask me!

One of the Sevici "bici" ("bike," short for bicicleta in Spanish) stations in Seville. So convenient! Saves me lots of time when I'm running late to school.

A complete surprise... my best friend from Lehigh, Dana, sent me a package filled with things I love. Especially chocolate. I'll definitely miss her a lot when she is abroad next semester in Ireland. What a great friend!

ERMAHGERD a package.

One last announcement... kinda scary... my next blog post will be in... duh duh duh duh... Spanish! For my internship at the hospital, I will be blogging in only Spanish. Stay tuned!

Wussup, yo?

I died laughing when my 65 year old or so host mom said that to me when I walked in the door a few days ago. Accent and all, perfectly executed. Afterwards she said, "so modern, huh?" For some reason, I think when people tell jokes in another language, they are just that much funnier.

Well, well. Where to even begin? I have been keeping myself busy for sure-- the way I like it! Last week was the last week of our "Intensive Period," which focused only on language while we adjusted to life in Seville. Yesterday, I started my classes that will last the remainder of the trip, the "Continuation Period". I am taking a class called "Spanish for the Health Professional," which is right up my alley. I love learning Spanish that I know I will find useful. I am also taking a literature class, which isn't really my cup of tea, but I like the professor so far and it will be a nice change of pace from all my science classes at Lehigh. Dance class is also going well! It's different than any type of dance that I've ever tried, and the rhythm is hard to get used to, but now I can only see it as a challenge and I'm determined to be able to dance the Flamenco.

I think I am most excited for my internship at a Spanish hospital. I will be shadowing and working at Hospital de la Caridad, a convenient five minute walk from my school in Seville. The hospital is more of a nursing home than a hospital, and is for elderly men who have ran out of resources ("caridad" = "charity"). While I've only had one day on the job, I can tell I am going to learn so much. And not just in medical vocabulary, but biology and medicine, itself, as well. I follow a male nurse named Rafa. While I was disappointed to hear that I'd be working with a nurse instead of a doctor at first, now I can see that this will be an even better experience than I could have ever expected. Rafa assists each of the specialists who practice at the Hospital, meaning that he can answer pretty much any question I could have about a disease or the human body-- in any of those doctors' specialties. Definitely one of the smartest people I have met here, to date.

I've also finished planning out my travels around Europe. The flights, anyway. In the next three months, I'll visit Morocco, Paris, Italy, Granada, Barcelona, and Malaga. Wheeew. It wears me out just trying to remember all the places I'll visit! Really though, how in the world did I get so lucky?

Something else that I am so excited for-- tutoring Spanish children in English. Not only do I get paid to play games with three adorable children, but it gives me a chance to teach. I LOVE teaching little kids. It amazes me how many people here know English, and how early they start teaching English here. My tutees are in first, second, and fourth grade, and can speak English better than even some college Spanish students I know. There is such an attitude difference towards foreign languages between Spain and the United States. While in the US several people are of the opinion "if you come to my country, speak my language," here, it's the complete opposite. I feel like everyone here sees learning a language, especially English, as crucial. People are eager for the opportunity to be able to communicate with me. People see me in the streets and want to practice English with me every day-- definitely an eye-opener. But anyway, the kids are great. Not to mention they live right down the street from my apartment here. Perfect.

Also perfect...

Real Alcazar de Sevilla, a palace where the Spanish monarchy stays while in Sevilla. This amazing building (and its patio and gardens, pictured) are only twenty minutes from my apartment here. The building has several different artistic influences and has sections characteristic of various time periods. I mean after all, it's been around for a few centuries. So cool!

A jumper that I bought and am SO excited to wear. #soeuropean.

Paseo en Barco: boat ride on the river! Such a great view.

Roman ruins of Italica, located just outside of Spain. I'm so glad the trip was mandatory, because otherwise, I probably wouldn't have known to go. These are legit Roman ruins, people. Really. Ruins from the Romans. It blows my mind that they made buildings that have lasted for so incredibly long. Moreover, they were the first to think of these things. Ever. To me it seems that all modern inventions are merely a modification of something we already had-- we haven't really come up with anything revolutionary and completely new. Who has thought of something like a, say, world's first water transportation system lately?? Sorry folks, we just aren't that impressive.



La Romeria, in a pueblo outside of Seville. It was so fun to watch and almost be a part of a centuries-old traditional festival of Spain. We followed the parade of horses through the streets and watched "the virgin" be paraded by toros.

The only thing that's not absolutely perfect is my roommate situation. It seems like she's feeling a lot better now, which is definitely great. We still have very different routines, though... while I'm a night owl, Ally prefers to go to bed much earlier. I'm sure with a little compromise it will work out, but it's definitely a tough adjustment for me. Ay!

One last thing before I let you huge audience x-outta here. We watched this video last week in class-- it's making fun of something a Spanish politician said. Regardless of whether or not you get the reference, it's hilarious. (For those who don't know Spanish, café con leche is coffee, literally "coffee with milk/cream.")

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-27R3fJDHhQ

Don worry. Be hoppy.

This second week in Sevilla has made me feel so incredibly lucky. I almost feel guilty about being able to see so many sights and do so many exciting things!

 

Last weekend I went to Algarve, Portugal-- definitely the prettiest beaches I have ever seen in my life. The first day, we were on the island of Tavira. The water was crystal clear and full of life-- seeing a real live sea cucumber was probably the highlight of my trip. I also enjoyed going to Sagres, "El Fin del Mundo," which was once thought to be the end of the world y mapmakers, etc. before the times of Columbus. I never thought of Portugal as a place I wanted to visit, but I am so glad I decided to go in the end.

 

La isla de Tavira, Portugal

 

I decided this week to drop my cooking class because I felt like I had signed up for too many extras. I am excited to tutor children in English, though, especially because I love little kids! Dance class is becoming significantly less frustrating and I'm trying to take it as kind of a challenge now. And my regular intensive period classes are going well. I hope I enjoy my continuous period classes just as much-- I have a feeling I'll enjoy my Spanish for the Health Professional class, but not so sure how I'm feeling about the literature one. I'm also excited to visit the hospital in the morning, Hospital de la Caridad, where I'll be doing my "practicas" this semester. Thank goodness Marta is taking me, because I know I would get lost going by myself.

 

Today, I went to Doñana, southern Spain. We visited a popular Catholic pilgrimage site, but I definitely preferred the beach and horseback riding later on. I felt like I was in a movie scene. Crazy! My horse was named Deseo.

 

 



 

My señora's husband is away for some time, so it's just me, Ally (my roommate), and Sarah (my señora) in the house. Now that it's getting easier to talk to my señora, I am getting to know her better. She is so funny, and love to say little phrases or words in English. Yesterday when the internet was broken, for example, "Don worry. Be hoppy."

 

And that's just what I'll do for the next week. Some of the negativity from some people in the program is starting to get to me. It's hard for me to tell people how I feel sometimes, but I hope I can get better with that through this trip. Communication is key, as they say.

And We're Off! ... Algarve, Portugal

 

So I don't have too much time to post, but this past trip was so amazing that I had to post about it! I went to El Catedral this past Thursday as part of the intensive period of the study abroad program. The history in this city amazes me! Above is a picture I took of the tomb of Christopher Columbus-- who knew he was here?! I was so amazed when I saw this that I had to ask the guide two or three times if it was really his tomb. The guide told us that Sevilla became a very important city because of its access to the river, and consequent access to the Americas. Fun fact-- about 70% (?) of the world's gold has passed through Seville, because of its transport and distribution to the Americas. 

 

 

A beautiful view from the top of the tower of El Catedral

 



Tomorrow morning I'm going on my first trip-- the beaches of Algarve, Portugal. I feel so lucky to have the chance to go to such a beautiful place so easily. It is so strange to me that I can so quickly get to another country... can't wait to see what it's like!

Los primeros días, 9/4/13

I think it's pretty safe to say that I'm I what they call the "honeymoon" phase of culture shock. I am feeling not only excited about the program and the things I have planned for the coming weeks and months, but physically well, too. While its hard initially to fall asleep at midnight (hence me writing this blog right now), I haven't had any problems with adjusting physically, which I know can be an issue due to the time difference. I think not sleeping after my flight and waiting until the following night to sleep really helped me beat jet-lag! It was rough, but definitely worth it.

In my spare time I've explored Sevilla a bit and seen some beautiful buildings. Below is "La Plaza de España," which is just a few minute walk from my host family's apartment, and a beautiful view on my way to and from the center every day. Yesterday, a large group of about 70 people were playing horns and drums in the plaza. When I asked my host family about it, they told me about "La Semana Santa" (Holy Week, before Easter) and that they practice for the festivals year round. Amazing! I wish I could figure out how to add a video in here so I could show the clip, but I think I have enough tech issues at the moment, as it is- ha!

La Plaza de Espana

Since classes haven't kicked in yet, we've had time to stop in shops along La Avenida de la Constitición-- I must say I love the ice cream pit stops! Speaking of, that leads me to another thing I've learned about the culture of Sevilla-- shops ("tiendas" en español) tend to be both specialized and seasonal. In other words, if you need a book, you go straight to the bookstore; if you need batteries or something for your computer, you could probably only find what you're looking for at an electronics store. I personally think it makes shopping very easy and much more interesting. I've stopped in so many different little shops for that reason. And I guess I'd better get that ice cream and gelato while I can, since ice cream shops for the most part close with the end of summer. 

El Catedral

Of course t is also strange (but really cool) that the drinking age in Spain is 18 years. I went with a few friends to a bar where we sat on a roof overlooking the river.the four of us shared a pitcher of "tinto de verano," similar to the oh so famous sangría, and named for the summer. What a view!

Since it is now officially my birthday in Spain, I can't wait to see some more neat places to celebrate with new friends--I hope my roommate feels better so that she can come and experience some of the awesome nightlife of Sevilla! (Seriously though, even the little kids are out walking around with their parents well past midnight! The US could really take a lesson or two from this whole siesta thing..) She has been really homesick and physically ill, too. I definitely need to stay positive so that I can take advantage of my precious time here. While I see that it is easy to dwell on the obstacles of the trip, I have to remember that my time is limited and that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. As a person who usually takes a long time to adjust to new places, I am taking extra care to be more outgoing than I would normally be-- I don't want to miss a thing!

¡Hasta pronto, amigos!

Me han dado el mundo

It's official... I'm in Spain! I can't believe it.

As a student without much travel experience, the flight was a bit stressful. We hit a lot of turbulence-- so much that the pilot asked that all the flight attendants remain seated and "follow procedure" as we went "through this period of moderate to severe turbulence." While I was kissing the ground when we landed, I am glad that I had a friendly traveler next to me on the plane. He really helped to keep the mood light-- "Oh come on guys... it's just a little wind!"

I flew into Madrid on Friday and spent the day there with my friend, Corey. She and I spent the day exploring-- my favorite sight was definitely el Palacio Real de España. There is so much history to this country-- it is absolutely amazing.

El Palacio Real de España, The Royal Palace of Spain

I am enjoying living with my host family so far. I am living with an older couple in an apartment in Sevilla, Sarah and Pedro. They have six children that are all grown and three grandchildren. Alvaro, their grandson, is visiting tonight! I can't wait to meet him. I also have an American roommate named Ally. It's nice to have someone here who is in my shoes!

Life in Sevilla is definitely an adjustment from life in the US. One aspect of the culture that is especially different is the food and eating schedule-- I've learned quickly that we eat very late in Spain, with lunch (the biggest meal of the day) is around 2:30 PM and a smaller dinner at 9:30 PM. Breakfast is also very small here. Many people in Spain like to go out in the afternoons or evenings for "tapas," which are like appetizers or small platters as a snack. I am especially enjoying my "siesta" every day, a nap after lunch. Most stores in Spain even close for siesta because it is very hot, and reopen around 5 PM. 

I started classes today at the center. While I'm a little rusty with my Spanish, I can tell that my classes will be very interactive and help me improve my skills quickly. The professors are all very helpful and I know I will enjoy my studies here. The building itself is beautiful-- I look forward to having the opportunity to study there!

It was very hard to say goodbye my family, but staying busy at the beginning of my program helped a lot. Three months may seem like a long time, but I know it will fly by. I miss them, but can only thank them, in every meaning of the phrase, for giving me the world.