Thursday, September 6, 2007

you´re wearing that? and, my chest is on fire!

the phrase, "you´re wearing that?," often spoken by my mother before i would leave the house, runs through my head on a daily basis here. i always feel completely underdressed. to say that spanish women "get dolled up" would be an understatement. every day before leaving the house, they put on their best clothes. they would never be caught dead in public in running attire, unless they were actually running. even jeans here are very casual unless you are wearing three pounds of jewelry on your neck, arms, and ears to take the attention away from your jeans. anyone who knows me knows that this is not my style, so i am sucking up the curious, "she must be american" stares i receive on my walk to and from school, and rolling with it. occasionally, i get a little dressed up, but that is increasingly becoming an impossibility as my señora has yet to do our laundry. packing only one suitcase seemed like a good idea at the time, but now i desperately wish i had more clothes! at least my undies supply is holding up...we´ll see for how long, though.

in other news, i literally ate fire yesterday, or so it seemed. after lunch and before siesta, a common practice is to eat la merenda (or afternoon snack). we hadn´t done this until yesterday, when my señora brought us out pieces of the breakfast bread i´ve been eating every day. it´s kind of like a marble pound cake and is delightfully delicious. when i saw it i thought, "nice. finally something i recognize and enjoy." that thought was quickly replaced with terror and confusion when as we started to pick up our spoons to eat it, our señora shouted, "espera!" which means wait. so we waited as she went to the cupboard and pulled out a bottle of liquor that i took to be a sweet liquor that accompanied desserts. i waited with excited anticipation to try the spanish delight as she doused my cake in this deceptive clear liquid. i took a large bite and my mouth exploded as though i had done a shot of fire water. i thought, something is terribly wrong here. i can´t feel my tongue and my lips might just fall off. my señora said something at this point which i could not hear due to the intense ringing in my ears. i don´t know what it was, but i know that after i finished the cake i found myself checking to see if i had hair on my chest. each shot-filled bite made me wish i had gone in for siesta when i first had the notion to. needless to say, i slept soundly after the approximately two shots of mystery booze that had accompanied my dessert...

7 comments:

allison said...

well that's exciting there. I totally know what you mean about feeling underdressed. I feel underdressed in this county, but europe was like one long walk of fashion shame. I was constantly waiting for some european undercover makeover show to capture me and take me hostage for being such an afront to their style and beauty. But the one suitcase thing will be a good idea in time, trust me, you'll be glad you have room to take more home. For now just take on that european scent, embrace your b.o. and share it with the world!

Unknown said...

JO!

I love reading your blog. It might become my daily soap opera. I'm very proud of how receptive and excited you seem to be about Spanish culture! Have an awesome weekend in Sevilla!

Amy Williams said...

Bwhahahah
I do hope that your lips don't fall off, and that you don't start sprouting mystery hair on your chest. I would worry at that point.
Man, that sounds like the worst surprise.
I can just imagine you strolling down the cobble stone streets in your sandals, t-shirt and skirt - looking absolutely adorable. That's the way it sort of was in Lithuania too. All the girls wore high heels everywhere. I don't know how they navigated through the cobble stone streets there... I would never attempt it, nor advise it. *sigh* Tonight I'm going to bed early, it's a delightful treat before the weekend I think. I hope that you have a good weekend! : ) Miss you.

Kristen! said...

okay, so this post just totally made me laugh. you have a future in writing, my dear! i love reading your blog! keep on keepin' on . . i love you, girl!

Nicky Driscoll said...

My goodness Jo, so much excitement! Reading this blog makes me miss you ever so much. At the same time, I am happy you are having crazy Spanish adventures. Keep posting delightful anecdotes and stay away from the mystery booze ;-)

mama said...

Hi Joey,
Ok,The only time I would say that phrase to you was when I wanted to get a rise out of you. Besides someone has to be a fashion cop and God appointed mothers and wives for that task!! Hey don't let anyone make you feel out of place. You always look nice prec. Remember: You Are AMERICAN And Proud Of It!! Besides no amount of classy clothes can cover up the smell wafting out from under them! The ave.American may not dress the best but at least we don't smell.
All we could think of when we read about your "hot" snack was that chili contest joke. Would have loved to see your face when you took that first bite. Reminds me of the time I ate a whole jalapeno. Thought I'd died and gone straight to hell.
Are you going to Cordoba this weekend. Know your schedule says that. Is that where the bull fight is? Anyway hope you have a good time. My advice don't wear anything red! Hope you don't run out of clothes. Thought you were to get things washed once a week.May have to say something to Maria. Maybe Miguel has to run out of undies before she washes. You'll know it is wash day when he comes out in just his button down shirt. Can't wait to read your next blog. Dad says you have some of you sister's creative writing skills. Must get it from me. Yeah ok you can stop laughing now. Mama loves

MWill said...

Hey Sephina, are you taking pictures? I expect you to post more pictures. Though not of Miguel in his undies, unless he bears a striking resemblance to Antonio Banderas. As for your dirty undies, I wouldn't worry about them too much. If laundry day doesn't happen soon, just go au naturel. Take a stand and make a statement about the superficial fashion world - two birds, one stone, I say.