¡ESN cómo mola, se merece una ola!

September 22, 2012

This is a typical slogan of the student organization ESN UAX sung by ESN students. Literally, it means ‘ ESN so cool, it deserves a wave! ’ Translated it doesn’t sound as cool as in Spanish but I think the idea is clear when you imagine a whole crowd singing it and making a Laola wave.

After more than a week with ESN UAX, you get to know a bunch of people that are excited to start their Spanish student life. And soon you’ll realize that ESN UAX will always be there, also in your dreams.

Last time I told you how excited I was about the Introduction Day and the time with ESN UAX. That Friday I walked to uni through a desert.

Just kidding. There is another path with many trees that provide shade on sunny days. I arrived around 11 a. m. and entered a hall full of Erasmus students. Some of them seem to know each other but most of them were quite reserved, looking around with a facial expression saying, “…hmmm…booooring…”.

In contrast to that, the ESN UAX coordinators were cheering and showed the way to the actual room.

During these minutes we were introduced to the university, its facilities and lecturers in Spanish. An hour later we gathered outside to take the first picture with all Erasmus students. While groups were formed for the campus tour, I talked to an Italian girl that couldn’t speak any Spanish. So she talked in Italian and I in Spanish, which worked out surprisingly well. Really funny.

We went to several buildings, to the library, and finally to the cafeteria where snacks were waiting for us. So delicious! And a man dressed like a British butler served fresh soft drinks in a nice glass with ice cubes. Having recharged my batteries with Spanish food, I went to the Spanish language exam.

Sightseeing in Madrid

8:30 a. m. Meeting in Villanueva de la Cañada to take the bus to Madrid city center. First stop at the metro station La Latina. Outside at the metro station we met the other students living in Madrid. Before we went to the Rastro market, a big market in several streets with many thing, from clothes, to jewellery, and special souvenirs. We got only one advise. Madrid is supposed to be a save place but not that area because of the pickpockets. So boys and girls put their bags in front of them as if they hugged a teddy bear. We walked past this man who mystically floated in the air. What a miracle!

Only five minutes later we met a camera crew of Telemadrid. We waddled close to each other like smiling penguins through the lively streets while our coordinator Dario gave an interview about ESN UAX.

Lunchtime! Our coordinator Sergio waited with hungry eyes like all of us in front of 100 Montaditos. Every Wednesday and Sunday you can get small baguettes and drinks for 1 Euro each. Just perfect for a hungry student with a few coins in the pocket.

Thereafter, we had some time to walk around. At 7 p. m. we met at Mercado de San Miguel where you can buy any kind of food from fruits and vegetables to sweets.

At 19:00 we relaxed at a tapas place called TragaTapas. Special: 6 Euro for a bucket full of drinks and a plate with tapas. My favorite is Rosca de Calamares, which is a roll with fried squid rings, lettuce and sauce. Yummy! Super tired we got the last bus from Madrid to Villanueva at 11. 30 p. m.

Flag Party at T Gusta, Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid

ESN organizes theme parties every Tuesday at T Gusta in Calle Jacinto Benavente 5. Mostly, it starts around 9 or 10 p. m. and ends at 2 a. m. As the last bus to Madrid city center leaves at 11:30 p. m., there is a special bus leaving around 2 a. m. People who live in Villanueva either go home or go further to Zoe, a club with a bar a dancefloor in the most famous street Calle Cristo, and continue until 6 a. m.

Yellow shorts, red top, and black hair. Yes, I chose to represent Germany, but yellow and red could also be Vietnam. Everyone got a flag painted on the arm or face or somewhere else. After greeting the Spanish way, kiss on the right and left cheek, my face looked as if I put on make up in the dark. Colours everywhere on my face. Hilarious!

Sightseeing in Segovia

An ancient city built on a hill and is located 100 km from Madrid. No more comments. Let the pictures tell the story. Enjoy!

Sightseeing in Salamanca

About 200 km further from Madrid is Salamanca a university city that belongs to the Unesco World Heritage. We stayed their the whole weekend.

Close to a river was a Roman market where you could buy handmade products, such as clothes, jewellery, and tools, or… food.

After dinner we got ready for the city. Our coordinators led us to Kandhavia. First I thought it was just a discotheque but then I saw couples dancing on the dancefloor… And it … was … SALSAAAAA! What a great surprise!

The next day, we went through Salamanca again. I couldn’t believe my eyes but it was really that hot. Ice cream was just perfect for the end of the trip.

Last Wednesday I signed up with my Spanish housmate Mentxu for a ChaCha/Bachata/Salsa course in Madrid. Looking forward to the next class. And my study will start the coming Monday. Let’s see how it goes.

¡Adiós muchachos!

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