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June 28, 2012

First Impressions (de Espana)

I'm in Madrid, Spain!



I still can't believe it. After almost an entire day of traveling, Jasmine (another study abroad student) and I have arrived in Madrid, Spain! It's a really beautiful city with really beautiful people. I'm loving being surrounded by all things Spanish - it's actually a little difficult to write this post in English after spending the day in Madrid. First impression of Madrid = kind of like a classic, warmer, more colorful version of downtown Atlanta. But everyone speaks Spanish and you can just feel the cultural difference while walking through the streets. Enough talking, pictures are always more fun <3!

Packing for Spain was a challenge within itself!

At the ATL airport before our flight

At the Charlotte, NC Airport for our layover, fun times!

This was our "dinner" that was served at 6pm (ATL time). The salad was great...that meat/potatoes?/carrots combo...not so great. But it would be my last meal for 8 hours, so I ate it!
On the plane to Madrid! We met another student, Celia, who studied in America for a year and a half and was returning home to Spain. She was super sweet and a great first impression of her country!

At 11:54pm (ATL) time, we were preparing for landing in Madrid, and they served us breakfast! My body was super confused. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go to bed or try and wake up - sleeping on the plane was not the easiest.



It took us a while to get to our residence,
so when we finally did, I was praising God!


Our rooms, very quaint decorations!
The outside of our residence, love the blue and white!

Jasmine posing in el centro de Madrid!

First meal in Madrid, yum - I'm never too tired to eat!

Panini tostado (goat cheese, peppers, onions)

Little known fact: I collect Starbucks mugs from different cities. It's a useful and fun item to collect and a great way to remember all of the places you've been! I also have an Atlanta mug :)

Ordering from Starbucks is even more difficult in Spanish! I just knew I wanted something with helado (ice)!

We found a store! The moment I felt at home :)

Lace seems to be popular world-wide, me gusta!


Young people ride bikes and walk here, it's fun!

Um, delicious. There were about 50 more that I couldn't fit into the picture.



At another store, kind of like a boutique version of Nordstrom...way too expensive.

Happy with some Starbucks and new items! Look at that huge flag in the background!

The set up of the stores is very cool.

Madrid is full of small cars speeding around everywhere! My SUV wouldn't survive. 

Everyone in Madrid smokes. Boys, girls, teens, men, women, the elderly. Yet, they appear physically healthy - maybe the everyday walking & small portions? This was one of the many posters advertising hypnosis to help people quit smoking. It's definitely part of their culture.


Walking to dinner at 9pm

Jasmine's little cousin, Taylor, who lives in Madrid. So adorable!

Oh, just having an early dinner at 9:30pm! Lots of trendy young
adults were hanging out here too. Pregaming, I suppose!

Bite sized local sandwiches and chips for dinner!


Headed to Paris tomorrow! <3




June 27, 2012

The weekend line up {6/28-7/1}

It's only Wednesday, but I bet you're already looking forward to the weekend - can't blame you! It's sure to be a jam-packed and super fun weekend in the A, typical :)
Check out what's going on in our city!

Thursday


Friday


Saturday


Sunday

Feel free to comment with any other fun things happening in the city! 

June 26, 2012

RCSOATL goes abroad!


I can't believe it's already June 26th...which means tomorrow is June 27th (the day I leave for my study abroad trip!) I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to study abroad in Madrid, Spain through a month long program at my college! While in Spain, I will take two Spanish classes in order to complete my Spanish minor, que fantastico! About 20 other students, two professors, and a program guide will also participate in the trip.

Besides living in Spain (amazing!), I will also travel to Paris, France and to Morocco! It still hasn't hit me...but I know it will feel real once I'm on the plane tomorrow headed to a country I've dreamed about visiting since I first learned of its existence. I will share my journey abroad via this blog while still keeping you posted on all things ATL - it will be a bi-cultural experience for us all

My last meal at Chick-fil-a before I depart...sad. I will miss this.


These past few days have been loco, but it will all be worth it once I finally arrive in Europe. I have about 18 more hours until my flight to Spain so I'm soaking up my time in Atlanta. I will miss my city during the month of July, take care, ATL! <3

Perceptions of {ATL}

Due to the recent premiere of the reality show, Love and Hip Hop ATL, on VH1, several Atlanta writers have aggressively and brilliantly voiced their thoughts on how Atlanta, women, black people, and our society have been portrayed on television. These authors have also discussed the detrimental effects of negative media portrayal and how reality 
television could be and should be a platform for positivity and social change. 

Below are the links to two articles, both fantastic.
I really want to meet Erin Harper & Kelly Smith Beaty - or at least feature them on my blog :)





What are your thoughts on these issues?


June 25, 2012

#wheninatl

Months after discovering this site (http://wheninatl.tumblr.com/) I'm still in love. Check it out and see that you're not alone in your thoughts about our city. Forever I love Atlanta!

Here are a few of my favorites :)

"When I hear that it's going to be almost 90 degrees today."

"Seeing the line at Chipotle on Ponce."

"When my friend asks me to take them to Hartsfield at 5:30pm on a Friday."



June 24, 2012

Why {Ray Lavender} loves ATL


Ray Lavender 

Music Artist

Ray Lavender


What's your favorite spot in Atlanta: 

Actually, my favorite spot of all time here is Lake Lanier. I go all the time. It feels like the country out there and I get to fish, BBQ, be around the water, trees, and deer. I go every weekend I am home and recently moved close enough that I can walk to it.

What's your favorite restaurant in Atlanta: 

My favorite restaurant of all time is All Island Cafe off Memorial Drive. They have the best Jamaican food in the world. Tell them Ray and Drew and Akon sent you. I've probably spent four million dollars in there (lol).


Why do you love ATL:

Atlanta is versatile. There's a lot that goes on in the city, but then there are areas further out that feel like you're in the country so it makes me feel like back home in Louisiana.


I can't get this song out of my head! Check out Ray Lavender's "We Love" video
 that just premiered on 106th & Park! Love it! <3


Follow him on Twitter @DAREALRAYL

FOREVER {WE} LOVE ATLANTA 

For the chance to be featured on RCSOATL, send an email including {your name, your favorite spot in Atlanta, why you love our city, and a photo of you in Atlanta} to rcsoatl@gmail.com - Open to all ages!

June 22, 2012

Why {aaron greenwood} loves ATL


Aaron Greenwood 

Ph.D. Student


Aaron at Historic Fourth Ward Park


     What's your favorite spot in Atlanta: 

        With its beautiful views of the old Sears Building and its incredible pond, my favorite spot in the city is Historic Fourth Ward Park. While it doesn't get the same attention that Piedmont Park gets, it's got a lot of the out-of-the-ashes character that Atlanta is known for.  Just a few years ago, it was a series of overgrown vacant lots and now it's one of the crown jewels of the Beltline, a 22 mile loop of trails, transit, and parks that's slowly changing the city. Fun fact: building this beautiful park actually saved the city money: they were going to spend $15 million more to keep everything underground. What a waste that would have been!


             Why do you love ATL:

      After decades of decline, people are moving back into Atlanta, and all of its beautiful historic neighborhoods are coming back to life.  From Inman Park to Washington Park, folks are realizing that the real secret to the good life in Atlanta is to enjoy what's nearby and leave the suburbanites to drive themselves crazy in Interstate traffic. And with big transformational projects like the Beltline, the Streetcar, and the complete streets projects that will come if the transportation referendum (hopefully) passes, the city's going to become an even better place for people not just to reside, but to really live.



FOREVER {WE} LOVE ATLANTA 

For the chance to be featured on RCSOATL, send an email including {your name, your favorite spot in Atlanta, why you love our city, and a photo of you in Atlanta} to rcsoatl@gmail.com - 
Open to all ages!

June 21, 2012

The weekend line up {6/21-6/24}

It's almost Friday, ATL! Whatever you do this weekend, enjoy it :)



Thursday


Friday

Saturday


Sunday

Leave a comment with any other fun events happening in the city this weekend <3!

June 19, 2012

ATL loves {ikea}

It's super convenient that we have a HUGE IKEA store located right in Midtown Atlanta - lots of trendy and cheap home goods! Plus, going through the store is like going through an amusement park...insane



But, it's super annoying when it's time to go back to school and EVERYONE and their best friend in the south eastern region is shopping at IKEA at the same time! I started college in the summer and bought items for my room around this time of the summer...great idea! If you already know the dimensions of your dorm/apartment, I definitely suggest thinking about decorations now instead of later.

Here are some of my favorite picks from IKEA...I'm hoping some will end up in my apartment! :)



Stenklover Duvet cover & pillows
Tvabald Duvet cover & pillow
Gaspa Duvet cover & pillows

Bedding










Emmie Land Duvet Cover & pillows








Storage

Odda 3 Drawer Chest
Malm 6 Drawer Chest
Antonius Laundry Bag

Hemnes Chest   

Antonius Frame Drawer
 


Rugs


Eivor Cirkel Rug
Emmie Parla Rug
Hampen Rug (looks like grass!)


Gislev Rug
Lusy Blom Rug



Enjoy <3!