Spice it up a notch

I find it very difficult to decide what to write on my blog. I know I have been diligently undating it as much as I would like recently. But life has been hectic between school, basketball and friends. Any who, this post is more so regarding things that are different from Canada, just general innuendo's I find interesting.

Looking back on my first weeks of school, I found piercing of any sort rather strange and was rather shocked with the amount of mental found on my fellow spanyards faces. If my school were to have a metal detector, WE WOULD HAVE A PROBLEM. Almost every boy has 2 earrings, and some even have their nose and or lip pierced. It like a fashion somewhat. I was the minority, when in Canada i would be the majority. Considering I barley ever wear earring. The strangest piercing I have seen thus far is through the tooth or in between the gums, or in between your eyes, or the skin on your face beside your ear. I can't imagine how painful any of these would have been. Funny thing is, I no longer think anything of it. I guess you would classify it as one of the things I have adapted to.

On to the next subject matter...

I grew up thinking that Europeans were 'natural' and women rarely shaved their armpits, legs, etc. Well SUPRISE, quite on the contrary here. Thankfully the women shave their legs, well most of them do. But, so do the boys. Infact the guys not only shave their legs, but arms, armpits. The first time I saw a boy in my class with shaved legs, I was confused. Soon I discovered it is normal, and that more boys shave their legs then those who don't. This is probably more shocking then the piercings for me, as I still find it very strange. It is just another thing I need to adjust to.

Some funny, amusing or entertaining Spanish things that would be totally unacceptable in Canada are as follows:
People walk around in the streets all night, they drink on the streets (regardless of the hour), and I don't think the drinking age is really enforced. It is VERY relaxed here.
Also, the people drive more insane here then New York City. Well some are crazy here, but I've kind of forgotten what is 'safe' driving. Although my parents and brother are flawless drivers, so I don't have to worry. Although the bus drivers, are occasionally a bit more risky. Also the speed limit is 120, WISH I COULD DRIVE. I was made for speed, which I am officially restricted of here, although I have got some wind on my sweet bicycle that my dog continuously pees on... aja

Due to all the hills, (as long as your going downhill) you can pick up almost as much speed as a vehicle. mom I am sure you'll love to hear that :) But don't worry, I usually walk, take the bus, or the tranvia.

Also regarding parking in Canada, we are big time on car insurance and if someone hits your car, your gonna be broke and your insurance will shoot THROUGH THE ROOF and probably loose a few teeth(people care more in Canada about the appearance of their cars, so they will probably try to slug you one to the chops), so hopefully you not only have car insurance but also health insurance or just move to a trailer park, and your golden. Here, you back into someones car, its more along the lines of "hit and run". The idea is accepted and probably almost preferred here, I guess the people here would rather avoid the confrontation and stress. How nice. The car's are also in outstanding condition, I think I have only seen a handful of cars without smashes to the exterior! ajaaja

School: This is the most suprising

High School in Canada meant, more freedom then elementary school. You were now allowed to leave school property for lunch, and going to class was now your responsibility. Well here, rather different. My school is quite opposite to highschool in Canada. My school somewhat reminds me of a prison, but then against, security is much more strict in Spain. Every house you will see here, has bars on the windows as well as electronic blinds. My school as pictured below, has a large electronic metal gate. You can only enter if you buzz the office and they allow you in. Once you gain entrance you must enter the door to the inside of the school which is also controlled my a buzzer to the main office, and is a barred door. On recess you are not allowed to leave to go out for lunch, you are trapped in their until 2.

By the way, My school starts at 8am, and ends at 2. I think I prefer the time, because you have so much time after school to do things. Although at first the 8am start was a bit tough, don't worry I adapted immedietly.
Now on to the teachers, although they are very nice and helpful. Due to the spanish schooling system, if they don't feel like coming to school for a week, they just don't come. I did not have a historia teacher until after the first month. Our first examen was today, it was really fun. Also I got my mark back from my fundamentos examen, I beat a bunch of people in my class again. GREAT FEELING, I must say! :)


About me, Life is great, I love it. Although currently I have strep throat and a head cold. SUPER FUN. thank you amazing immune system for saving me once again. This is the 2 1/2 - 3rd time and counting I have been sick. YAY! But other then that, loving life. Friends are great, went to a friends birthday party last night who lives really close to my house. It was really fun, also another interesting Canarian tid-bit for you all, in the canary islands potatoes are the MOST favourite food.(i realize that is grammatically incorrect, my apologies. but it stresses how important they really are) For dinner usually, or lunch you eat potatoes boiled in salt water, and eat them with your hands. Sounds strange, but in reality, delectable!
ENCANTA TENERIFE, ENCANTA ESPANOL, ENCANTA MI FAMILIA Y MI AMIGOS!
te heco de menos padres, familia, y amigos en Canada - un beso, y te quiero todos :)