Planes, trains, and automobiles

Now before I begin, I should mention that the following post has been written in two different parts of the world aka not all of it was typed at once.  I began typing while sitting in  the airport in Lisbon, Portugal and then finished it on my couch in Seville, Spain.  You'll understand better after reading it.

WARNING: The following post was written after being awake for the last 25 hours with only three hours of sleep.

(Lisbon, Portugal--14 hours of delirium)
I have a love/hate relationship with international flights.  I actually love a lot of it.  Like when your airplane is right above the clouds particularly during sunset/sunrise.  Or the free alcohol.  The TVs built into your seat don't hurt either.  I've also been rather lucky when it has come to seating; I always manage to get a window seat and an empty seat next to me.

What I hate... The smelly people.  And the fact that eight hours of flying while seated in a confined place is rough on the body. (Sore back anyone?)  Also, after this last flight, I think I've accepted the fact that I will never be able to sleep on overnight flights no matter how hard I try. THEY JUST KEEP FEEDING YOU!! How do they expect me to sleep when every hour I get served a snack, then dinner, then another snack, then breakfast.  I also think airplanes should have a built in tissue box with every seat.  The movies always manage to make me tear up.

With all of that said, I was pleasantly surprised with TAP Portugal (my airline).  I had extremely low expectations since the online reviews were not very good.  I really expected a rinky dink plane with dirty seats and no TVs. (Sorry, I'm really spoiled by the whole TV thing when it comes to international flights.)  The seats were spacious by airplane standards and the food wasn't a ham and cheese sandwich as expected.  I happily feasted on salmon, spinach, roasted potatoes, crackers and cheese, salad, bread, and a brownie.  That was just dinner folks!  The free glass of red wine made the meal even better.  TAP also surprised me with the big fleece blanket I got to use.  It really is the little things. Especially because airplanes are ALWAYS cold and the blankets are typically only big enough to cover one leg.  Did I mention that this one was made of fleece? Still kicking myself for not smuggling this blanket into my carry on.  This was the first flight where I had someone sitting next to me.  It was not as bad as I thought either!   I was still lucky to be sitting next to a man around my age from Germany who enjoys spending his summers in America (New Jersey specifically.)  He made the long flight go rather quickly, and he tolerated my constant need to fidget throughout the duration of it.  Along with my new German friend, in front of me sat my temporary adoptive grandpa.  He made sure to check on me all night long, got me drinks from the back of the plane, gave me lectures, told me stories, and more-- everything a Grandpa would do.  Lastly, I had my first experience flying above a thunderstorm.  It was a tad bumpy,  but because we were above it, you couldn't hear or feel much.  But looking down and seeing the clouds light up was super cool and gorgeous!

Thanks TAP for the wonderful flight!

(Seville, Spain-- 25 hours of delirium)
My expectations (or rather nightmares) about TAP finally came true!  After saying goodbye to my German friend, I headed to my gate to board on the plane.  And by plane, I really mean airplane shuttle.  The airplane shuttle brought us to the middle of the nowhere.  Here sat an itty, bitty, rinky dink plane.  AHHH.  These planes kind of scare me since it seems that at any moment they can just fall out of the sky. Anyway, I sat down in my seat (about the size of one of the chairs from an elementary school classroom), and found a box (comparable to the kind you get at KFC) with ear plugs, a water, and a HAM AND CHEESE SANDWICH.  The seats were dirty and ripped.  They made all of us wear the ear plugs since the plane was so loud.  And when I say all of us, I mean the nine people and myself.  ANDDDD we could see into the cockpit.  No doors.  Nothing.

So I put in my ear plugs, said a prayer, and before I knew it we were in the air.  And I am happy to report that I am alive.  I still can't believe how accurate the reviews were though; right down to the ham and cheese sandwich.  Soooo the verdict: international TAP flights are awesome.  Short TAP flights suck.

On another note, I am officially in Seville in a nice apartment with two girls also on this crazy adventure.  IT IS BEAUTIFUL! After being lost in the middle of the city with 9 pieces of luggage amongst ourselves, Ignacio, the owner of the apartment, came to our rescue.  The apartment is wonderful and the epitome of Spain.  We're headed off for some Tapas in a little bit.

 

**Things to remember—people don’t say bless you in Europe.

Just in case anyone was wondering.. My allergies still exist in Spain.

 

 

Adios America

Maybe it's the teacher in me but right now I feel like the character in the book "Goodnight Moon."  Except my version of the story goes like this...

Goodbye Bed
Goodbye House
Goodbye Friends
Goodbye Family
Goodbye American coffee
Goodbye....

And the list goes on and on.

The last 48 hours have been insane with goodbyes.  And it finally hit how much I am going to miss home.  (Is it possible to be homesick before even leaving??)  Don't get me wrong; I am still super excited.  But again, 10 months is a very long time.  But today is the day, and I leave for Spain in approximately five hours whether I like it or not.  For those of you who haven't heard my spiel already, below I listed the different ways to keep in contact with me.  Like most people, I do not want to give Verizon anymore of my money than I have to so by using the apps, we can talk/text/video chat for free!

1. Whatsapp  This app you can download to any smartphone and is for texting only.  Just sign up by inputting your phone number, and you can text to anyone who has the app for free. 










2. Viber Like Whatsapp, you can download this app to any smartphone.  It can be used for both calling and texting.  Again, you have to input your phone number and then you'll be able to talk to anyone who also has the app (for free.)







3. Skype I used this program in college, and I plan to use it again while in Spain.  You can download the app to your smartphone and/or to your computer.  It allows you to video chat and make calls to anyone else who has it.  My username on Skype is kfed421.





4. Facebook Ahhh facebook.  Most people can navigate this site, so I'm not going to go into much detail here.  Facebook message me!





5. Email and This Blog and Carrier Pigeon

So I leave you all with an "Adios."  Anyone and everyone is more than welcome to come visit-- free place to stay!!  I only ask that you bring collateral such as bagels and books in English!

                ADIOS AMERICA! HOLA ESPANA!



 

The 7 Questions You Are Guaranteed To Be Asked As An Auxiliary

13 DAYS!!!! AHHH!!

 

With that said, over the past four months I have been asked a million, billion questions about this trip.  Now I understand that some of the questions are out of pure curiosity which is part of human nature.  And I do appreciate every one's interest in what I am doing.  But when you get asked the same questions over and over and over again, you start to feel like a robot reciting the same answers 2, 3, 4, or more times a day.  Below, I've compiled the list of questions that myself and every teach in Spain participant has repeatedly heard:
 

**Future auxiliaries beware**

1."Do you know Spanish?" 

This question has been asked by every single person I have come into contact with, and I'm sure the same can be said for the others.  My answer has been well rehearsed after answering it so many times I literally feel like I am speaking robot bee boop.  I would also like to make mention that I am going over to Spain to teach in English and only English.  And while knowing Spanish is beneficial and imminent, it is not something you necessarily need to know before going over there.   

2. "Make sure to find a Spanish Boyfriend."

Yes, I am aware the above sentence is not formatted to be a question.  It is rather a statement every single girl will hear when embarking on a trip to Spain.  (I cannot speak for the men on this one.)  I would like to make everyone aware that I did not sign up for this trip with the intentions of finding a boyfriend/husband/soul mate/lover/novio.  If it happens, great.  But the fact is, travelling has become my new priority.  And it's going to take one hell of a guy to tie this coffee addict down.  The chances of me bringing home a third suitcase are higher than the boyfriend thing.  Sorry world.   

3. "Are you all packed yet?"

Now at this point in the game, this is a plausible question.  But when people ask you this 3 or 2 months before leaving, you are left to look at them as if they have two heads.  This is also the type of question that the same people ask over and over again each time you see them.  I don't know about you, but I HATE packing!  I will not be packing until the day before I leave.  This has been a successful strategy for me with past trips and the college years. 

4. "Are you scared?!"

OF COURSE I'M SCARED! What normal human being wouldn't be scared about giving up their current life to move across the ocean over a thousand miles away??  However, most of us like to stuff this fear away into the deepest, darkest part of our beings.  No matter how much you scare us, or how scared we are, we are still going to go.  My excitement is greater than my fear will ever be.  So as a normal human being, I rather you did not ask this question so that I didn't have to recognize that I am a little, teensy, tiny bit terrified. 

5. "When do you leave?"

This is the most popular and expected question.  The answer is August 29.  13 days.  Yes, I have a countdown.

6. "When do you come home?"

Can I just get to the country first please??  Sheesh.

7. "Can you get ____________ there?"

Fill in the blank with whatever random thing people can think of at the moment.  _And we're talking random... "coffee", "bobby pins", "shoes", "towels", "a gym", "TV", etc.)  ATTENTION EVERYONE: Spain is not a third world country!!  I know, I know.  Hard to believe that there is another country in the world aside from England and China that has all of the same things we do.  Like with any country, there are some exceptions. (i.e. peanut butter, reeses peanut butter cups, ranch dressing, bagels, etc)  And with that said, my next rant begins with....
ATTENTION NEW JERSEYANS & NEW YORKERS: Bagels do not exist outside of the tri state area!  Another thing that is hard to believe.  I get it.  You may find a bagel randomly in Georgia or at a gas station. And you can always go to the food store and purchase the Thomas bagels.  But finding good bagels is an impossible feat.  As a bagel connoisseur, I've tried.  I truly thought this was common knowledge but I guess not (maybe it's the traveler in me.)  Congrats, you have just given yourself a reason to get up and travel!



Again, I understand that you're all curious and want to be nice.  But what we wish you would ask...

Why??
Not the condescending, mean why.  But the "why" where you are genuinely happy for us and curious as to why we would embark on this life change.  This type of why is guaranteed to make us stop and think.  I promise you, it will be a breath of fresh air to stray away from the monotonous questions we get asked currently.  And what makes this question even better, the answer can change at any moment!


Any questions that I missed that should go on the list? Are there any other questions you wish people would ask you?

Hasta la VISA

Yes, I'm aware that it's actually "Hasta la vista."  But considering that this post is about VISA's, I figured it was appropriate.

For those of you who are currently going through the motions of the VISA process, newly embarking on it, or  waiting for the stupid thing to simply arrive in your hands... There is a light at the end of the tunnel!  I promise!

This post is mainly geared towards helping my future self if I ever need to obtain a VISA again.  So as a warning, some of the information is for residents of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Connecticut because it aligns with the guidelines for the Spanish consulate in New York City.  However, most of it is general information that anyone can use.

To start, there are two types of VISA's-- Long Stay and Short Stay.

A Short Stay VISA is for people travelling/living less than 180 days in a particular country.

I'm sure you can guess what the other type is but just in case... a Long Stay VISA is for people travelling/living more than 180 days in a particular country.  This type of VISA grants entrance into the country for up to 90 days.  In this time, you have to apply for residency in that country which will allow to stay for the amount of time needed. (In my case, 10 months.)  There are also particular situations that align with each Long Stay VISA, so you must fill out and meet the proper requirements.

I had to apply for a Long Stay Student VISA.  Even though I am no longer a student, my future job is considered graduate assistant work therefore it falls under this category.  (You do not need to be currently enrolled in Grad school for this.)  Once you figure out which type of VISA you need, the next step is to do an internet search what consulate you are required to go to. I made a list below of current (July 2013) states and consulates:

Washington D.C. Consulate: Maryland, North Caroline, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Virginia
 
San Francisco Consulate: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington State, Wyoming, and California (except Southern Counties)
 
New York City Consulate: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Connecticut
 
Miami Consulate: Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina
 
Los Angeles Consulate:  Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and California (Southern Counties)
 
Houston Consulate:  New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Texas
 
Chicago Consulate: Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin
 
Boston Consulate: Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Vermont


Once you've figured out which consulate you need to go to, visit their website for the list of requirements you need to bring with you to obtain the VISA.  Almost all consulates require a Background check notarized and apostilled, a medical certificate stating you are in good health, proof of health insurance, proof of finances, 2 passport photos, and a letter of appointment.  Some consulates require additional paperwork such as a translation of your background check and/or your medical certificate, a money order, specific label requirements (UPS or Express Mail), your Drivers License, and/or copies of everything.

The Long Stay Student Visa:

Step 1: If your consulate requires one, make your VISA appointment as soon as you can, especially if you are trying to obtain it during the Summer months.  This is the time that most people are attempting to get a VISA, so appointments fill up fast!  I booked my appointment back in May for an appointment in mid July.  You also want to make your appointment early enough to receive your VISA back in time prior to leaving.  They say it takes about three weeks to get the VISA back in your hands so plan for that. 


Step 2: Get started on the paperwork.  The first thing I began with was the Background Check.  The New York Consulate requires that it is a State level one.  One way to do this is to pay money (around $70) to get fingerprinted which will produce a background check.  I did not go this route so there may be additional steps.  The other option is to visit your State Police Barracks and have them write you a letter saying your record is clean blah, blah, blah.  They then just have to get it notarized by a State Notary.  This took about 3 weeks.  But it was free!  I then sent my Background Check to my State's Division of Revenue and Services to have it apostilled.  Pretty much an apostille is just your State's way of certifying that your Background Check is legitimate (not forged) and signed by a registered Notary.  Just do an internet search to figure out where exactly you are supposed to send it to.  I printed out an apostille application, filled it out, enclosed it in an envelope with my background check, a letter stating what it was all for, and a $25 check.  Three weeks later, I had my background check notarized and apostilled ready to head to my VISA appointment.  While your background check is being passed around your State, visit your Doctor to get the medical certificate typed up.  I had to also get a physical done for my program so I did that too along with getting my prescriptions settled.  Killed three birds with one stone!  And lastly if you need, get your passport photos taken.

SIDENOTE: Make sure to make copies of EVERYTHING for your own documentation purposes!!  That includes each step of the process in case there are any hiccups with your paperwork. 

Step 3: Patiently wait (or if you're me, check your mailbox every day) for the letters outlining your proof of income, proof of insurance, and your Letter of acceptance from the Spanish Government.

Step 4: Print and fill out two National Visa Applications.  And then make copies of everything for both yourself and the consulate.  Get a money order from either your bank, post office, or local food store.  Lastly, for the NYC Consulate, visit your local UPS store to get a prepaid shipping label. (They keep your passport at the consulate while they approve your VISA.  Once your VISA is attached into your passport, they mail it to your house unless you're close enough to return and pick it up.)  Don't forget to double check the Consulate's requirements to make sure you have everything.

Step 5: Breathe.  You're almost there. 

Step 6: Visit your consulate.  My appointment was at 11:15 am.  I showed up 20 minutes early.  They took me in immediately.  Within five minutes, I was walking out of the consulate.  I should also mention that in New York, the consulate employees were extremely helpful and funny!  I almost had fun at my appointment.  (Who would have thought?!)  I've heard that most consulates run similar with their appointments. 

Step 7: Wait three weeks (or in my case one week and two days) for your VISA to be completed and attached to your passport.


Now you can rejoice at the fact that you won't be deported upon attempting to cross the Spanish border!!