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Since this is my last week as AmeriSpan's blogstress, I just wanted to say farewell. This has been an awesome experience, and I know that Connie is going to make this blog a million times better than I ever could. I definitely learned a ton researching my entries and reading everyone else's, and I know I'll be visiting this site often to learn even more about all the places that I would love to visit (and to make sure no one's slacking...). See you around!
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« New Years Celebrations |
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| Learn a Foreign Language : Language Resource »
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For our last entry of 2005, I've compiled a list of all of our resolutions / hopes for 2006. We hope you've enjoyed reading our blog this year, and we look forward to hearing from you next year. Keep your comments coming, and don't hesitate to send us your suggestions or stories. That's all for me. Have a great 2006!
AmeriSpan's Goals for 2006
Anne-Marie
In 2006 I will be starting to study part-time for an MBA, and I want to get my Sailing certificate in spring/summer.
The volunteer department is looking to include new exciting and interesting destinations and projects.
Beth
It is hard to believe another year has come and gone. Looking back I cannot recall ever making any New Years resolutions, there is always a beginning. With that said in this new year I aim to get back into dancing (ballet specifically), quit smoking, and learn to be OK with turning 30. Overall my wish and hope is that this is a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year for everyone.
Connie
For my new year resolutions:
- I want to start reading 2 books a month.
- I want to improve my German to one more better level.
- I want to learn to invest in something interesting.
- I want to belong to 4 different social interest groups in the city.
- I want to volunteer every month.
Dori
1.Continue to take a few classes this winter/spring (and not get too distracted from the focuses on Business/E-commerce and Intercultural Communications - I like them both a lot, but it obviously also comes in handy for the field I'm in). At the same time, work on getting AmeriSpan more and more web savvy, keep up to date on the fast internet changes, take advantage of the many low-cost opportunities, develop/implement new business models, etc.
2. Fit in some sort of exercise on a regular basis. Doesn't matter if it's just walking (fast!) to work a few days/week, some snow boarding while it's till winter, or taking a quick run a couple of evenings a week.
3. Not let stress get to me. Not sure how. Just "decide" on a certain mental state, yoga, concrete steps for improved time management...ideas?
4. Get more work and schoolwork out of the way Mon-Fri so I can spend quality time with my boyfriend who I mainly see during weekends (we're 2 hrs apart).
5. Spend more quality time with my friends, especially during week days, no matter how busy I am.
6. Call family and friends who live out of town and out of the country more often.
7. Not stay up working or studying to all hours of the night, so I can get up early and still be coherent.
8. One of my trips this year is to be to Asia. Have not been to that part of the world in 4.5 yrs. Perhaps a city visit to Beijing, Tokyo, or Hong Kong for a few days, or 2 wks to travel around (the latter would have to wait until the summer probably). I'm also adding on some new AmeriSpan programs in Asia, the timing is good, could visit/evalute some language schools while there.
9. See family in Sweden & Spain. I'm thinking a combo trip for the sake of efficiency :-)
10.Visit my good friend in Seattle again.
11. Keep up to date on the (currently strange) real estate market in this area, and pounce when the time is right.
12. Read my Google online news every day.
Finally, here is something for my wish list, but doubt I can fit everything in.
- Rock climb several times this year. Tried it and now would like to explore it a bit more. Fun and mentally/physically challenging, in a good way.
- Go Latin dancing more often, and take salsa classes with my boyfriend.
- Throw a couple of good parties (I do once in a while, but had no time in 2005!)
- Horseback riding several times this year.
- Enjoy New York City more often, it's less than 2 hrs away.
- Read books in Spanish so I don't lose it.
- Study some French, it's been so long. Maybe time for an immersion program a couple of weeks. Would love to do our French & Wine course in Bordeaux, two (favorite) birds in one stone.
Elizabeth
I'm happy to say that for 2005, I actually achieved 2 of my 3 new year's resolutions (believe it or not, they had been the same for the past 3 years and never got done until now). As such, I've decided on a fresh start and am setting 2 new resolutions for myself.
2006 resolutions:
Get my taxes done earlier than ever before
Finally organize my attic & basement and keep it that way (including cleaning out odd and end clutter that we don't need/use).
Joaquin
- take the time to go and buy fruits and vegetables in the farmer market.
- buy things from the small local stores instead of buying them in the big supermarket.
- finish arranging my patio so I use it more, now that summer is starting in Costa Rica.
- eat less cookies and drink less coffee.
- visit my grandmother and my great aunts more frequently.
- go swimming at least three times a week.
- write at least one short story a month.
- go to bed earlier.
John
I've never been much of a resolution guy but 2006 is different. I have several this year including:
1. Live a more healthy life by eating better, getting some exercise and trying not to work so many hours
2. Keep my Philly sports blog up to date. Note: the Philadelphia Flyers are on the road to the Stanley Cup.
3. Visit Egypt
Linn
2006 - A new year...This is what I am hoping to do:
- See Sweden in late summer when the days are loooong and warm
- Go to many weddings
- Avoid people who try to encourage me to have children :-)
- Get my father to visit me in Guatemala
- Learn how to drive and buy a Guatemalan drivers license
- Buy a piece of land on the Pacific coast and start dreaming about building a small house
- Make more money, so I can build that house :-)
- Finish my thesis
- Visit at least one new country, preferably Costa Rica
Michele
I have to say that 2005 was a pretty good year, so I can only hope that 2006 goes just as well.
My short list of goals:
- To be accepted into one of the schools I'm applying to and start in the fall
It's totally out of my hands, I know, but I've worked hard so I can only hope that it pays off.
- To try to see my family and friends more often
I've become so Type A in my old age that I end up neglecting a lot of the most important people in my life.
- To make more connections in politics
I'm never going to get anywhere if I don't know anyone.
- To finally get my astronaut tattoo
I've been talking about it for, like, two years.
- To learn more HTML to make this blog jazzier
Sue
A year from now you may wish you had started today.
by Karen Lamb
When I was younger, like many people, I always set up new (or repeat!) goals for myself towards the end of the year as New Years approached. And every year, I broke them as quickly as several weeks in to the new year. Whether it was to learn another language, keep up with my laundry or give up a certain tempting food, I consistently gave up several weeks out.
Most recently, I've given this topic a lot of thought, especially since Michele sent around an email letting us know that we HAD to write something about this topic [Ed note: I'm a real taskmaster], of which I have had very little success : ) All joking aside though, I came to the conclusion with a BIG sigh of relief that it wasn't that I was incapable of making healthy changes and sticking to them but instead that the timing was off!
So, if you are like me and don't seem to be able to stick to your New Years resolutions no matter what, dig a little deeper because there might be a good reason for it.
Resolutions or not, Happy New Years!
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« Cultural Immersion & Sports |
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| Working in Sweden »
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Travel Abroad Advisor : Meet Linn |
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Say hello to Linn, jack of all trades in our Guatemala office. One of her jobs is director of our Guatemala office. Linn is witty, friendly and extremely helpful. We have had many past clients tell us that Linn was a major factor in making their trip to Guatemala a wonderful experience.
Where are you from?
I am from Sweden, a country I absolutely adore in many ways, but it is all overshadowed by the terrible weather and the cold. Funnily enough when I moved abroad the first time - I was 19 and could finally decide for myself - I went to Ireland. Two years there and even Sweden seemed like a sunny paradise (at least people get tans in the summer, in those desperately few fantastic days we are graced with). Next move was more logical, to Guatemala – the land of eternal spring. Even during rainy season you get 4 hours of beautiful sunshine and warmth per day. I did try to move back to Sweden again, but couldn´t hack the indoor living – now I know that I will never live permanently in a country with bad weather. Visiting home in the summer is lovely, though, and since my Austrian-born father has returned to Vienna I get a chance to connect with my Central European roots when I go there.
What's your sign?
I am a Gemini. When I was a silly little girl I really believed and tried to make myself as much like a Gemini as possible. So at this point I actually am quite the Gemini: intelligent, talkative, well-liked... :-)
How long have you been with AmeriSpan?
I have worked with AmeriSpan Guatemala for almost a year and a half. First as the Assistant Manager for three months and then in one somewhat unexpected go I lost my best friend, who was the previous General Manager in Guatemala, when she moved to the US and was promoted to take over her job. As both of us are Swedish some are whispering about "assimilation by the Borg" (Star Trek fans will understand), but then again recently one of our teachers told a student that he thought of me as a Guatemalan – a compliment, I am sure. I love working with the company and something that I thought would be short-term is turning out to be a place where my Gemini restlessness can finally calm down.
What are your current favorites?
Books: Here I am always recommending a book called Hummingbird House by Patricia Henley. It is set in Guatemala during the civil war and I had one of those almost religious reading experiences with it as I read it recovering from a bad bout of stomach infection that put me in hospital for a few days. I was dragging around the streets of Antigua (I know now how old people feel about walking), left behind by my colleagues who went to work in the highlands, sitting in the same cafés visited by the main character in the book, passing the ruins where she has a run in with the paramilitary and was very impressed by the author´s beautiful writing (she is also a poet).
Movies: Movies/TV-shows: I watch far too much cable. Telling you that my favorites are Desperate Housewives, Cold Case, all the three CSIs, Without a Trace, lo mejor de Sex and the City and Friends, the re-runs of Seinfeld in the morning just before I go to work, and oh, Guatemalan cable shows all the good films too – well, it'll give you an idea of just how much time I spend in front of my beautiful big baby (the TV)...If I just don´t go home after work and collapse in front of the TV, but rather hit the pubs directly I do have a chance to get to see the evening progress including some salsa dancing.
Music: I really like hip-hop and R&B;, old school soul and jazz. I am also reluctantly developing quite a liking for cheesy Latin American troubadour stuff, am partial towards salsa over merengue and even the obnoxious reaggeton has me nodding my head and singing along.
Sports: Never was into sports, except for ballroom dancing. Being away from home I do cheer for the Swedish football teams (and I mean the sport where the ball is kicked with the foot: foot-ball, to some known as soccer). The Swedish ladies got silver in the last World Cup! I also cheer for my friends in the local girls football team who are playing finals this season in Guatemala City (it is a real treat – the normally so groomed girly girls get all nasty). The poor Guatemalan national team is struggling for a chance to get to the World Cup 2006, but I watch it mostly for the enthusiastic company – preferably in a packed local sports bar.
What do you do in your spare time?
I try to travel as much as possible, taking advantage of the proximity to the Pacific coast and to the world´s most beautiful lake, Atitlán. I read, sew, eat and make fresh strawberry daiquiris for my friends at barbeques. At night I dance salsa or watch TV.
What is your favorite place in the world and why?
When I hang out in my garden looking at the humming birds around the bright pink flowers in the trees I think: This is it – this is the most beautiful place in the world. I am also nursing a dream of buying a little plot of land on the coast and build a white house with a terrace where I can sit looking over the blue ocean, the black sand, the green palm trees sipping aforementioned daiquiris...
What is your favorite food?
Ah, food... I just love it – all of it! I will never turn down sushi or any seafood.
What is your favorite drink?
Strawberry daiquiri, if you hadn´t guessed yet :-) It is cheesy, but they just look so good. And are, in fact, nutritious. Yep.
What is your favorite time of year?
Summer. Without a doubt. Seasons are overrated.
If you were stranded on an island, what five things would you have to have with you and why?
I am not much of a camper...
- A comfortable bed (I never travel without my pillow)
- TV (can provide both music and other entertainment)
- A fully equipped kitchen (boring food makes me depressed)
- A palm pilot/phone with internet (wouldn´t have to take too much time off work)
- I am hesitating whether to say my boyfriend or a friend, thinking it would maybe be straining our relationship, yeah, let's say a massage therapist instead...
You know, preferably the island isn't deserted and rather large, like Mallorca or something, with clean bathrooms. As you can probably guess, I would never apply to participate in Survivor (like the one the just filmed here in Guatemala – in Tikal! – good for exploring the Maya Ruins, but not even a beach? euwh!)...
Introduction by Elizabeth Gregory
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« Recipe: Pan de Muerto |
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Travel Abroad Advisor : Meet Joaquin |
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Hello again. It's November already, which means that the holidays are right around the corner. We have another staff introduction for you today, this time from our one-man field office in Costa Rica. Joaquin Lizano is our on-site volunteer/intern coordinator who has been with us for five years. He is a friendly trilingual "Tico" (Costa Rican) who worked at the language school in Heredia; he is funny, polite and always willing to offer a helping hand or lend an ear to a homesick volunteer. Prior to his working with us, volunteers were arriving in Costa Rica and not quite finding what they expected; Joaquin meets new students and volunteers and helps them adjust to their new surroundings. Joaquin is a great conversationalist (he speaks three languages and understands several others!), and he always has great stories. (Hmm...maybe that's a blog idea – Joaquin's funny stories...). Joaquin takes a lot of pride in what he does, and everyone here at AmeriSpan loves him.
Where are you from?
I am from Heredia, Costa Rica.
What’s your sign?
Capricorn.
How long have you been with AmeriSpan?
Over 5 years now.
What are your current favorites?
Books: The Name of the Rose, Hallucinating Foucault
Movies: Memento, The Hours, David Lynch...
Music: Annie Lennox, or any good (?) pop from the 80s
Sports: swimming, yoga and (hopefully soon) windsurfing!
What do you do in your spare time?
I read, write short stories, go out, watch movies, surf (on the web
What is your favorite place in the world and why?
Manzanillo on the Costa Rican Caribbean. It has a huge green vegetation, beautiful beaches, coral reefs and I own a little piece of jungle in that paradise. If not, the Marble Mountains in Taiwan are fascinating and with a beautiful energy. Gaudi Park in Barcelona was a dream come true, so much fantasy transformed into a tangible reality, so much beauty.
What is your favorite food?
Vietnamese or just plain dark chocolate with fruit or just fruit, fresh cheese and almonds...
What is your favorite drink?
Does Coffee count? An espresso dopio with sweet condensed milk in the bottom. ;-) or a big watermelon drink.
What is your favorite time of year?
Christmas. In Costa Rica it is windy and sunny; the sky is blue (it doesn’t rain) and it is not hot, just warm.
If you were stranded on an island, what five things would you have to have with you and why?
- A big notebook and a box of pens to entertain myself writing.
- coffee, fruit and chocolate but maybe I can find those in the island, right?
- A big mattress (does stranded imply that I am alone?).
- A cell phone with an eternal battery to be in touch with my loved ones. Or music...
- tons of sun block cause I burn really easy. Bug repellent, mosquito net...? Sorry, just being too realistic, I guess.
Introduction by Elizabeth Gregory
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« Autumn Recipes |
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Travel Abroad Advisor : Meet Connie |
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Hello again. It's finally Thursday, which means the weekend is upon us. It also means that there is only one more day of September. Time is moving too quickly for me! Today's post will be about Connie Marianacci. She will be starting with AmeriSpan in November, but we've asked her to answer the same questions we answered so everyone can get to know her too. She is from Argentina, one of the countries that AmeriSpan offers language programs in, and she is currently studying in Germany. From time to time, Connie will be writing about her travels, and I'm sure she'll be able to tackle some of the problems that happen to travelers through her experiences. Have a great day!
Where are you from?
I am from Cordoba, Argentina.
What’s your sign?
Sagittarius
How long have you been with AmeriSpan?
I will officially start working at AmeriSpan on November 20. In 2001 I came from Argentina for short-term work experience, and now that I have ended my studies I am ready to come back!
What are your current favorites?
Books: At the moment I have been doing a lot of traveling so my reading has been left behind. I enjoy reading business management books relating to managing staff, projects and so on, books that might inspire you. The last book I read was Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono; I read it in Spanish.
Movies: I have not been to the movie theater in quite a while. I am in Germany at the moment; that means that I will not be going to the cinema I am a beginner in the German language, and the movies are only shown in German. The last movie I saw was Sahara, which I found quite exciting!
Music: Quite an important item in my life since music is one of the few things I can take with me when I move to another country. I am not a fan of any particular band really, but I like to listen to the latest hits from Argentina and the U.S.
What do you do in your spare time?
Even though my life has been hectic lately, I always make sure I have free time to do something I Iike. I enjoy running since it is something that I can do even when I travel. I also like to do social work. Before leaving Argentina, I worked on Oportunidad Educativa, a Scholarship Program I designed with a few colleagues for children of the streets.
What is your favorite place in the world and why?
This is a tough one. I think the impression you have about a place depends a lot on the impact you have received from the people there. I always say that my favorite places are where my friends and family are.
Costa Rica is beautiful, Venezuela and Colombia have great beaches, Argentina has many wonders, Chile has great adventure, Mexico has a lot of history, England is something, Scotland is precious...but are all these places important if what is really important is absent?
What is your favorite food?
I love quite a few things.
- Arepas from Venezuela
- Empanadas from Argentina
- Bean and Cheese burritos (TexMex)
- Pasta in general
What is your favorite drink?
When I go out in Argentina I drink Fernet con Coca!!! I drink water the rest of the time.
What is your favorite time of year?
Summer is my favorite time of the year. I am a person that was made to live in the heat, and I also get to travel and have free time.
If you were stranded on an deserted island, what five things would you have to have and why?
- Water - I like to drink a lot of it.
- A good book to read to feel fulfilled
- Some sort of communication with the world
- An mp3 player to help me remember previous experiences
- My contact lenses - I can’t do without them!
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Staff Stories: Miscommunication |
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Everyone has experienced various degrees of miscommunication at some time. Maybe you thought that someone had said something different than what they were trying to say, or maybe you were not successful in getting your point across to someone who did not speak the same language as you or at the same level of fluency as you did. This is a natural occurrence periodically in life. Experience has taught me that the miscommunications and misinterpretations that occur between native and non-native language speakers can be the most confusing in the moment, but they are also many times the most amusing (sometimes even hysterical) in retrospect. Anyone who has ever seen the movie Lost in Translation knows what I’m talking about.
Granada, Spain – What did she say?
Every Tuesday afternoon during my semester in Spain, a good friend of our host mother’s would come for lunch. My roommate and I never knew this woman’s name, so we secretly referred to her as "the friend". The strange part about "the friend" is that neither my roommate nor I could understand one single word this woman said. She didn’t mumble or have any kind of difficulty speaking, and she was speaking in Spanish. I really am convinced that it was just her voice (very high pitched and very nasal) that made it difficult to understand. We had to try so hard not to laugh through lunch because every week it was the same scenario. "The friend" would ask us a question. We would look at Maria (our host mother) with a blank stare. Maria would then translate (I assume verbatim) what "the friend" had asked. We would answer and on and on it went. Despite four months of Tuesday lunches with "the friend", we never did get any better at understanding her. Lucky for us, this was an isolated case as our overall Spanish skills improved tremendously during our time in Spain.
Prague, Czech Republic – Playing Charades
My brother, plagued with allergies, found himself surrounded in every hotel by feather pillows and down comforters. He was staying in mostly smaller hotels that did not have staff with strong English speaking skills. At first, he did not want to make a big deal and be the ugly American yelling at the housekeeping staff in English for "NOOOOO FEA-THER PILL-OWS." So he kept quiet, until the third night where he could not stand the allergy attacks any longer. The maid came to the room and he got a pillow off the bed, gave it to her and proceeded to shake his head no violently while flapping his arms and clucking like a chicken. After a few attempts at trying to get his point across with no visible response, he gave up and started fake sneezing. The maid finally caught on to what point he was trying to make, and gave him a non-feather pillow. This technique worked throughout his trip in Europe. Finally, he did stay in a larger hotel and proceeded with the standard reenactment as usual. He was very embarrassed when they asked him in English, "Why don’t you just tell us you are allergic to feathers?"
Frankfurt, Germany – Who’s Alice?
It was my first day in a beginner German class. The class consisted of myself, a girl from Japan and two boys (one from Russia and the other from Turkey). The teacher was a native German speaker. The class was conducted entirely in German. I was clueless for most of the class until the end, or so I thought. At the end of class, I thought I was starting to get the gist of what was being said. The teacher started with a long list of examples (I will translate from German from where I thought I was starting to understand).
"And you know, if it’s this way, then Alice will be this way, and if this happens, then Alice will do that." This went on for the last few minutes of class. She kept talking about all kinds of things that Alice could do. I sat in utter confusion wondering to myself "Did I miss something? Who’s Alice?" I looked at my notes since I wrote down the teacher’s name (Katarina) as soon as she said it. "OK, I thought. She’s not Alice. The Japanese girl isn’t Alice, she just called her by name. Wait! Does she think my name is Alice? Who is this Alice person? The character in the story we just read was Hans. What is she talking about?"
Class finally ended, and I left shaking my head knowing how confusing and frustrating the next 2 weeks would be. I trudged back to my host family and decided to ask my host mother a simple question to try and make some sense out of everything. "Was beduetet Alice?" (Translation: "What does Alice mean?") My host mother looked at me and said in English "it means – everything." I started laughing and couldn’t stop. I felt so stupid. I explained to her what transpired in class. We both had a good laugh at that one. That night, I re-told the story to my dad who had taken years of German in school. "Come on, Elizabeth," he said "It’s pronounced ahl-less not Alice." Whatever, dad. I’m still sticking to the fact that it sounds like Alice with a German accent!
By Elizabeth Gregory
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« Meet Dori |
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| International Cuisine »
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I think I speak for everyone here when I say TGIF because it's been a looooong week. I hope that this weekend is as lengthy as everyone needs it to be, and hey, if two days is enough for you, I applaud your efficiency with your free time. Our final "Meet AmeriSpan" entry for the week is all about John. He’s the President and Co-founder of AmeriSpan, and he’s the most recognizable because he’s the only guy here. To sum John up in a few words, I’d say he’s committed, focused and maybe a little crazy for the amount of time he can sit in front of a computer. I’ll stop before I get fired... Anyway, have a great weekend!
Where are you from?
Born near Detroit on August 8, 1963
What’s your sign?
Leo - Anne-Marie and I are both born on the same day.
How long have you been with AmeriSpan?
Since it was called Study Programs and its office was in a one bedroom apartment. Feb 1993, Mar 1993 was incorporated as AmeriSpan. Still remember desperately cleaning the apartment when one of our first clients and her father wanted to stop by "the office" in May 1993.
What are your current favorites?
Books: Guerilla Marketing ~ Jay Conrad Levinson, Hawke ~ Ted Bell, Jitterbug Perfume ~ Tom Robbins
Music: In the car it is WIP Sports Radio. The Darkness, old Oasis, early Prince but usually whatever my wife is listening to.
Television: The Shield, Boston Legal, Best Week Ever, Saturday Night Live and Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List
Movies: Good Will Hunting, Silverado (favorite western, yes, I like Westerns - thanks dad) The Sixth Sense, The Lord of the Rings (don't tell my wife!!!)
Sports: Flyers - hockey is my favorite sport. Season tickets. Phillies, usually listen to every game and as usually my heart is broken. Like the Philly Fan Misery index here.
What do you do in your spare time?
What spare time? I work 15+ hours/day. I read about current events and follow the local sports teams. Like to travel - obviously...
What is your favorite place in the world and why?
Has to be Philadelphia. A big city where you know everyone. Iguazu Falls is the best natural wonder I have seen. Inca Ruins in Machu Picchu, Peru is the coolest man-made thing and Saquerema, Brazil has the best beaches I've seen...great body surfing
What is your favorite food?
Spaghetti as evidenced by my waistline. I love eating at my in-laws' who were born Italian and usually have two full kitchens in their house. Opt for Chinese and Indian takeout often, but I really miss the following three things from Michigan:
- Pink Peppermint Ice Cream (found at Stroh's Ice Cream Parlor in Birmingham, Michigan)
- WinSchueler's Cheese spread and crackers
- Vernors soda, especially when I'm sick
What is your favorite drink?
Lemonade. Yuengling Lager
What is your favorite time of year?
Fall - usually get to travel and relax a bit after busy high season. I like the cooler temperatures but still not too cold yet.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what five things would you have to have and why?
I don't need much...
- Stuff to read
- A comfortable chair to lounge
- Marina (my wife) - she makes me laugh and "gets" me
- Access to the sports scores - at least baseball and hockey - I'm addicted to sports.
- A fan if it is hot
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« Travel Abroad Advisor : Meet Sue |
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| Meet John »
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It's said that Thursday is the most popular day of the week. With one day left to struggle through, it's easy to want to party Thursday night and nurse a hangover on casual Friday. Not that I’m condoning that, mind you. Have a great Thursday night everyone! I, for one, look forward to it weekly. Today’s featured employee, the exotic and friendly Dori (short for Dorioara), is the co-owner and CEO of AmeriSpan. She comes to us from Sweden, home of Ikea. Dori is well-traveled, fashionable, and fluent in Swedish and English. If you are interested in anything having to do with advertising, marketing, hip musical acts or the latest lip gloss, she’s the person you need to speak to.
Where are you from?
Jönköping, Sweden
What’s your sign?
Aries
How long have you been with AmeriSpan?
Since the beginning - I'm one of the owners and founders.
What are your current favorites?
Books: Have not read any fiction in a while, unfortunately. A little consumed right now with literature related to e-commerce and intercultural communications. The most recent 'fun' book I read was what my sister sent me, which you may have heard about, He’s Just Not That Into You, there was quite a bit of buzz about in the press. On my bookshelf, waiting to be read at some point is Hocus Pocus ~ Kurt Vonnegut, Crime and Punishment ~ Fyodor Dostoevsky, which I started quite a while ago but never finished, and a continuing version of Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, but it's geared toward the workplace - bought it in Panama in Spanish, for the sake of practice. Otherwise, some general favorites are Jitterbug Perfume ~ Tom Robbins, several of Isabel Allende's works, Madame Bovary ~ Gustave Flaubert, Memoirs of a Geisha ~ Arthur Golden, To Kill A Mockingbird ~ Harper Lee (trying to catch up on American classics since I'm not from the US).
Music: These tend to catch my attention lately: The Black Eyed Peas, Lenny Kravitz, Ojos de Brujo, Juanes, Gwen Stefani (so fun), Missy Elliott, Ray Charles, Kinky, Green Day, and always Prince, U2, and Ella Fitzgerald.
Television: Don't watch much TV. Tried to get into Six Feet Under and Entourage. Still miss Sex and the City.
Movies: Some favorites are Life is Beautiful, City of God, Amelie, Swingers, Billy Elliot, The Pianist
Sports: Don't really watch sports but get into it when the Eagles, Sixers or Flyers are doing well (otherwise I tend to use it as background noise when reading). Philadelphians are passionate fans so it makes for some good parties. Like going to a Sixers game once in a while and if they would win more often I would go more often.
What do you do in your spare time?
What I really like doing and what I manage to fit in on a regular basis differs a bit. But let's see...Spending time with friends and boyfriend; going to restaurants, bars, art galleries, parties, the shared beach house; snowboarding in the winter; love to horseback ride but it doesn't happen too often unfortunately, maybe because I live in the city; reading business & management books; watching quirky independent movies; food & wine; shopping/fashion; running; occasional yoga classes; and last but not least, my big passion - travel. Wish I went dancing more often nowadays (merengue, salsa, swing, club).
What is your favorite place in the world and why?
No way I could pick one. Does not help that I've been to 34 countries(just counted). Andalucia/southern Spain. The roaring Igazu Falls in the lush South American jungle (they let you get way too close...it's great). A gorgeous vineyard and estate in France. In front of a fireplace in a cottage at the foot of a volcano in Ecuador. Lost amongst the medieval, windy streets somewhere in Europe. Mystical, breathtaking Machu Picchu. Sweden on Midsummer's Eve when it's still light outside in the middle of the night. My place when all my friends are there for a party. Boyfriend's couch in the countryside/mountains with his two huge German shepherds next to us. At the top of a mountain with tons of powdery snow to board on. On a horse in the woods, galloping fast. In a field full of wild flowers to pick (that must be the Swede in me). In the middle of a bustling/vibrant/large/fun city. On a dance floor with a great dancer. The big Zara store in Barcelona and Sephora by Times Square NY (OK, not really, but it's a close call). I could go on.
What is your favorite food?
I'm definitely a so called foodie, plus love trying anything new (restaurant reviewer would be a great job!). Favorites include lobster, crabs, croissants, aged cheeses, sweet corn on the cob, sushi, any berries, apricots, kettle-cooked potato chips, pickles, German potato salad, Marabou milk chocolate, black licorice candy, Latin/Caribbean fusion, Vietnamese, Asian food in general.
What is your favorite drink?
Coffee, water, wine (including Champagne and Prosecco...)
What is your favorite time of year?
Late spring, almost summer.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what five things would you have to have and why?
In order of importance:
- Somebody I enjoy spending time with, to help me stay sane (hard choice between one of my dear girlfriends or the boyfriend...he should probably not see this :-)
- Sunscreen. I'm pretty light and might catch on fire without it.
- Something to read, the bigger the better, almost anything. Can't be too picky on a deserted island you know. Wait, I know. Something in a foreign language I only have basic knowledge of. That would keep me busy for a while.
- An ingenious phone that works even on a remote island (techies, get to work).
- A fan if it is hot
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« Travel Abroad Advisor : Meet Beth |
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| Meet Dori »
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Travel Abroad Advisor : Meet Sue |
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It’s Wednesday already? Short weeks always throw everyone off guard. Before you get into a work groove, it’s Friday already. The weather has been beautiful and cooler, with the sun shinning in a bright blue sky. I’m excitedly counting down the days until autumn (15 days!). I hope those in school have enjoyed their first days back. Our employee introduction for today is the multi-talented and always cheerful Sue. She has been with AmeriSpan for 2 years. Before then she was a nurse. She has traveled to Guatemala to experience our program firsthand and has spent the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico. If you have a question about volunteering abroad, she’s the lady you’ll want to talk to.
Where are you from?
I'm originally from the "City of Brotherly Love" (not too original!) and now live "across the bridge" in South Jersey.
What’s your sign?
For whatever it's worth (I'm not an astrologically-oriented individual), I'm a Libra.
How long have you been with AmeriSpan?
Well, this is a bit complicated so the short version is that I've been working here since May '03 and have loved every minute of it!! (Thanks, guys!)
What are your current favorites?
Books: Too many to name (sorry!)
Music: In my 20's, I could tell you some names of bands / groups but now music is only something I listen to in the car from time to time or at home when relaxing...I do like to listen to the oldies, 90's Latino dance artists and R&B;, to name a few.
Television: Six Feet Under, Grey's Anatomy, Sex & the City, Starting Over (reality tv), The Amazing Race, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and "back in the [not-too-distant] day": Mr Bean, Melrose Place, Dr Katz and Bob & Margaret (on Comedy Central), Mind of the Married Man
Movies: Noises Off!
Sports: Ugh...(need I say more???)
What do you do in your spare time?
Everything but what I should to be doing : ) Seriously, though: Scrapbooking, reading, artsy Ritz movies, Photography, Barnes & Noble, craft stores, dreaming of new craft projects, traveling, speaking Spanish and decorating my home.
What is your favorite place in the world and why?
Sitting in a booth at Panera's sipping an iced tea (of course! See: Question # 8), reading an inspiring book, writing in my journal or dreaming, with nowhere to go. This allows me to rejuvenate my mind and an opportunity to explore my inner world without distractions.
What is your favorite food?
Anything Italian and Puerto Rican (& other Latin American cuisines), especially beans & rice!!!
What is your favorite drink?
I'd say hands down my favorite drink is iced tea (just ask anyone!).
What is your favorite time of year?
Definitely the fall, light jacket weather!! You've gotta just love the cozy sweaters and throw blankets, the beauty of falling leaves, earthy (muted) colors (of clothing, leaves, etc) and stews/soups this time of year!
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what five things would you have to have and why?
1. Books
2. Photos
3. Unlimited rice and beans
4. Iced tea
5. Six Feet Under DVDs
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« Travel Abroad Advisor : Meet Anne-Marie |
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| Travel Abroad Advisor : Meet Sue »
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Travel Abroad Advisor : Meet Beth |
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Happy Tuesday! We hope that everyone’s return to the daily grind hasn’t been too difficult. With the start of school, it’s only a matter of time before the weather really begins to get cooler and the leaves begin changing color. Our “Meet AmeriSpan” spotlight is on Beth today. She’s the one to call if you need anything regarding our study abroad or teen programs, though she generally has the answer to any question you may have (as I have learned plenty of times!) Beth is funny and sweet and quite the snappy dresser, and she has a real eye for typos so beware, friends who write comments and guest bloggers. Well, I should be signing off. Have a great day!
Where are you from?
Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania and bred in Philadelphia, PA
What’s your sign?
I am the tenacious and witty Capricorn.
How long have you been with AmeriSpan?
Going on five years....
What are your current favorites?
Books: The Time Travelers Wife, The Sun Also Rises, and every book by Nicholas Sparks
Music: Big Elton John fan, also enjoy disco, classical, jazz..you name it. I have a very eclectic taste in music.
Television: Recently I got hooked on the Bravo show Blow Out, I really like The Amazing Race, Will and Grace and of course Sex and the City.
What do you do in your spare time?
I love to read, plan and cook dinner with my boyfriend, shop, check out new restaurants and areas of interests, happy hours with girlfriends
What is your favorite place in the world and why?
Philadelphia because it is home
What is your favorite food?
Cheese, all types of cheese
What is your favorite drink?
Red wine
What is your favorite time of year?
I love the change of seasons because you get to have it all, but I most prefer Fall. The air is crisp, skies are clear blue and the ever changing color of the tree leaves is pretty spectacular.
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« Travel Abroad Advisor : Meet Elizabeth |
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| Travel Abroad Advisor : Meet Beth »
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Travel Abroad Advisor : Meet Anne-Marie |
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Happy Labor Day! We hope everyone is having a great long weekend and enjoying the unofficial end to summer. Next up in the “Meet AmeriSpan” spotlight is Anne-Marie, who works with us from Spain (she has quite the commute...bad joke). As you’ll read, she’s been all over the world with AmeriSpan and in her own travels, and her stories are fascinating and fun to read. Anne-Marie is incredibly sweet and funny, and she’s super tall so don’t mess with her. I hope you enjoy reading about her as much as I did because she certainly had a lot to say for someone who claimed to not like writing. (Just kidding, Anne-Marie!) Without further ado, here’s Anne-Marie. We'll see you tomorrow!
Where are you from?
Eindhoven, the Netherlands
What’s your sign?
Eh? Zodiac sign? Leo. Very, very Leo!
How long have you been with AmeriSpan?
That depends how you look at it. I started with Spanish classes through AmeriSpan in Antigua, Guatemala in May 1999 and 4 weeks later started an internship at AmeriSpan's field office in Guatemala. Had an absolutely fantastic time with "the girls" (the Guatemalan staff, who is largely responsible for my Spanish skills: 'Can I borrow the scissors please?' 'Huh? You're here to learn Spanish-we won't listen to you if you don't say it in Spanish...' 'Ok... Puedo prestar los.... los.. los...estos [those] por favor?' 'Ah! Necesitas las tijeras?' 'QUE???' 'Las ti-je-ras'. 'Puedo prestaj las ti-je-jas poj favoj [I have trouble with the 'r']?' 'Si, claro, aqui estan'.) Needless to say, every working day was exhausting, but there were the breaks from the Spanish when interacting with the AmeriSpan clients for which we organized activities, trips and general services (Oh, my English and German improved a lot too during that time!). A then recent hire of the AmeriSpan head office in Philadelphia, Elizabeth came to Guatemala to get to know the country, the schools and the people, and she says I struck her as “that crazy Dutch girl who just luuuuuurved Guatemala”. I hope some of our summer 1999 students remember me; they helped make that summer one of the best in my life.
Then, during a paint job of the office, I had the shortest job interview in history (I like to think so, anyway :-). 'We need an office manager after Sally goes... You have experience as an office manager, right? 'Yes' Do you want to stay on? 'Absolutely! ...but I first want to finish my trip around the world' 'Sure, just be back by February.' So, after traveling Central America, Mexico, a bit of the US, and Australia, I came back to Guatemala. Got to know much more of this wonderful country, and it's even more wonderful people, even struck up a friendship with the indigenous women of the weaving cooperative we visited regularly with our students. I felt truly privileged that these people shared their home with me; they are extremely poor, have very a pure lifestyle, values and morals and have managed to maintain that despite 500 years of oppression. Amazing.
After about 2 years, though, I felt it was time for me to return. Only I didn't want to go back to Holland (too rainy), so I was thinking about Spain. Lucky for me there became a position available to run the European operations of AmeriSpan from Madrid (Me! Me! Me! Take me!..... and they did :-) ). So, in 2001 it was on to Madrid, after a stop-over of a couple of months in Philly. Madrid was interesting. Very hard work in developing the business and managing our European wholesalers accounts, but I enjoyed the responsibility and freedom (no boss looking over my shoulder hihihi) and the contact with so many different people from different nationalities. Also made quite a few trips 'up North' to give presentations and trainings so I could satisfy my traveling bug and my need to talk (a lot). Of course I did my AmeriSpan duty of getting to know very well the places our clients travel to, and made a special study of the Madrid (and Barcelona, and Valencia) nightlife (those sacrifices one makes for the job, right?!).
Again, 2 years later (2003), the challenge was gone and it was time for something new. I accepted an offer to come to the Philadelphia head office to manage the Volunteer and Internship department, in addition to the European Wholesalers. I packed my bags yet again (funny, come to think of it; I went to Guatemala with 1 backpack, to Spain with 3 bags, to the US with 4 and returned to Spain with 5!!!) and on to the States I was. Here I could very much satisfy my need to talk to people, as we spent much of our days on the phone (in Europe people really don't call that easy, let alone internationally. Was much more email over there). :-) I loved finally working day to day with coworkers I'd known for years, I was excited about developing new areas and working towards goals, but I mostly enjoyed motivating prospective interns and volunteers to have a life-changing experience working in Latin America!
Of course, as always, 'stuff happens' and what happened to me is that I reconciled with an ex-bf (actually, he realized that I was the love of his life. Duh! What took him so long?!?!) and as work permits for the US are not exactly for the taking, after many months and an excruciatingly difficult time, I decided I needed to be with him. So I left this February (2005), heading for Spain again, and although I had to give up my dear Volunteers, I am very happy to say I continue to collaborate with AmeriSpan, in yet a different position. Right now I'm translating the website into Dutch and German and run the chat service in the mornings (when the US is still sleeping), so we can serve our European clients in their own languages. Come and chat with me sometime!
So, to answer the question 'how long have you been with AmeriSpan' can be answered by: 6 years now, in 6 different positions, working in 4 different cities, spread over 3 continents... Yes, I'm a lucky girl. No, I will not be on maternity leave anytime soon :-)
What are your current favorites?
Books: I am always reading about 3 books at a time, so it's hard to pick a favorite. Books that I always return to are the detective novels of the English writer Dorothy L. Sayers, featuring Lord Peter Wimsey. Funny, clever, and the setting in the 30-ies upper class give just that little romantic touch. Also enjoyed very much reading Spain is Different by Helen Wattley Ames which helped me understand a bit more about why Spaniards are who they are. A challenge I haven't mustered up the courage to face is reading 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez IN SPANISH! Reading it in English(not my first language either) was very difficult, and although I'm fluent in Spanish, I'm still a little hesitant to tackle this one. Any encouraging words anybody?
Music: Everything except for rap music and similar. Brrrrrr.
Television: Must admit to a slight addiction to CSI, but other than that don't watch much television. TV in Spain sucks big time anyway (is this appropriate wording for a blog?) mostly panels consisting of 6+ people all shouting at the top of their lungs. Am taking a liking to the nature shows on Canal 2 (nicely calm and quiet) but that's a Catalan channel so I don't understand most of it. And I *do* want to know exactly how the pink Flamingo finds it's mate, you know....
Sports: Nothing really. Speed skating is entertaining, but only with my family on a cold winter Sunday morning. Did watch the Netherlands-Germany soccer game a couple of weeks ago of course. I was in Germany actually. We lost. Again. In the last minute (we were ahead 2-1 for most of the game). As always. Need to stop getting my hopes up.
What do you do in your spare time?
Making furniture! I never thought I'd ever say that, actually. Usually it's traveling. As much as I possibly can. But just half a year ago I moved to Spain and my boyfriend and I moved in together. He's an Architect and I just simply have expensive taste, and we found out that our likes didn't fit our budget (sound familiar?). So we had the choice between 1-Sucking it up and buying less expensive furniture in Valencia, 2-Driving to IKEA in Madrid or Barcelona (3-4 hours away), 3-Making the furniture ourselves. Number 1 wasn't an option (you'd understand if you see what they sell here. I guess you could call it 'Rustic'. Pretty scary stuff if you like modern, straight lines), Number 2 is what everybody does who likes modern stuff (see 1), although we still ended up making the trip for some necessities (which turned out to be a full van. I'll tell the story another time), sooooo we were naturally inclined to Number 3. Lucky me, the BF actually knows carpentry (that architecture education does come in handy sometimes) so he could design AND make the stuff. So now, 6 months later, we have everything designed (awesome, magazine-worthy designs), a couple of things are almost finished, and we just turned in an order for 600 pieces of material (all different sizes of course) to be cut. (and another 100 pieces will probably have to be custom-made by a professional carpenter if we want to keep our sanity). Hey, I never said I was normal! I'm not bad at carpentry actually, contrary to what I thought (am especially good at filing I've found out. Which is the start of another story.). Of course we run about 6 months behind schedule already, but even that was to be expected I guess. Anyway, it eats up most of our free time (so no deep tan for me this summer) but we're having lots of fun. Do expect pictures soon! (Or soon-ish. Or sometime. When it's finished. If it ever gets finished. Let's say the pictures will be posted 'manana')
What is your favorite place in the world and why?
White Heaven Beach on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Apart from being breathtaking (sorry, no Caribbean beach comes even close), you can only get there by boat (a couple of days sailing) so it's very peaceful with only natural sounds, and I had an epiphany there.
What is your favorite food?
Hard to choose. I like variety. If 'goodies' count: then it's easy: Chocolate. Belgian of course. Don't even think to pawn off a Mars Bar as chocolate to me. Yes, I'm a Chocolate Snob (another one from my coworker Elizabeth. Yes, she's full of unforgettable sayings)
What is your favorite drink?
A freshly-made strawberry, orange, maracuya, unsweetened yoghurt smoothie. Hmmmm yummy
What is your favorite time of year?
Warm, sunny weather. Wherever, whenever.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what five things would you have to have and why?
1. Chocolate
2. Chocolate
3. Chocolate
4. Books
5. Lots and lots of Sunblock
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« Study Abroad - Meet Jennifer & Michele to Help You |
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| Travel Abroad Advisor : Meet Anne-Marie »
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Travel Abroad Advisor : Meet Elizabeth |
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Hello again. We’re all working hard, looking forward to the extended weekend. Labor Day is considered the unofficial end to summer even though the official end is the 21st. Our thoughts are slowly moving toward cooler days, leaves changing color and longer nights. To continue with our employee introductions, today the employee we will be focusing on is our Vice President, Elizabeth. She is the lady with the answer to any question, especially regarding Salud, Maestro and group programs. Prior to her six years at AmeriSpan she was a Spanish teacher; Elizabeth has many stories about being recognized by former students in the oddest of places. Always optimistic, friendly and funny, Elizabeth is the glue that holds this place together.
Where are you from?
Originally from Watchung, NJ
Lived in Naperville, IL for 6 years
Resident of PA most of my life
What’s your sign?
Sagittarius
How long have you been with AmeriSpan?
6 years
What are your current favorites?
Books: The American Agent ~ Richard L. Holm,
The Master of Disguise ~ Antonio J. Mendez (usually CIA-based stuff)
Movies: Jerry Maguire
Music: All kinds, favorites include Counting Crows and Eminem
Television: Alias and The Young and the Restless
Sports: E-A-G-L-E-S
What do you do in your spare time?
Read, play piano, go out and, unfortunately, deal with the necessary evils in life like cleaning, etc.
What is your favorite place in the world and why?
Disney World because it really is the happiest place on earth!
What is your favorite drink?
Diet Coke
What is your favorite time of year?
Summer
If you were stranded on an deserted island, what five things would you have to have and why?
If you arrange for me to go all expenses paid to a beautiful tropical island (maybe just for a weekend), I’d be happy to answer this for you when I get back. :)
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« Sprachreisen & Sprachschulen |
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| Travel Abroad Advisor : Meet Elizabeth »
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Study Abroad - Meet Jennifer & Michele to Help You |
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Welcome to the new and improved AmeriSpan Blog. We will be using this space to inform you, to entertain you and to help you get to know us. Don’t forget to visit us often because we will be updating this blog daily with lots of great travel advice and information as well as peeks into the lives of the staff at AmeriSpan. On that note, we're kicking off the month of September with 10 questions to give you that first look; the first set of answers comes from your blog hostesses (blogstresses, if you will), Jennifer and Michele. We are the girls behind AmeriSpan.net, and we will be posting content, researching information and being all-around computer savvy. Thanks for visiting!
Where are you from?
Jennifer: New Jersey...no it's not that bad.
Michele: Philadelphia - the cradle of liberty!
What’s your sign?
Jennifer: Scorpio
Michele: Libra
How long have you been with AmeriSpan?
Jennifer: 2+ years
Michele: Not quite a year...
What are your current favorites?
Jennifer
Books: Weird Like Us: My Bohemian America ~ Ann Powers, Fast Food Nation ~ Eric Schlosser
Movies: Night of the Living Dead, The Last Temptation of Christ
Music: The Creek Drank the Cradle ~ Iron & Wine, Ultraglide in Black ~ The Dirtbombs, The Blackened Air ~ Nina Natasia
Television: Deadwood
Sports: ::crickets chirping::
Michele
Books: Attention.Deficit.Disorder ~ Brad Listi, The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century ~ Thomas L. Friedman, Stepping Up To Power: The Political Journey of American Women ~ Harriet Woods
Movies: Airplane!, Pi, Glitter, Rocky IV
Music: Greatest Hits ~ Luther Vandross, The Emancipation of Mimi ~ Mariah Carey, Electric Version ~ The New Pornographers, The Repulsion Box ~ Sons and Daughters
Television: Gilmore Girls, The O.C.
Sports: I’m generally a basketball fan, but since it’s almost football season I have to say E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles!
What do you do in your spare time?
Jennifer: Knitting, reading, writing, playing video games, drinking with friends
Michele: I like hanging out with my friends, reading and going to concerts, but it will soon be all homework all the time.
What is your favorite place in the world and why?
Jennifer: Portland, Oregon - That is where my heart lives.
Michele: I don’t know if I’ll ever love another place like I love Philadelphia. There is so much history here, and it’s just so real...I love the lack of pretension and the fact that you can just be yourself here. Forget what you’ve read. No one here considers Philly the sixth borough of New York.
What is your favorite food?
Jennifer: Vegan Chinese Food
Michele: Pizza, Wawa cheese hoagies...I’m the worst vegetarian ever.
What is your favorite drink?
Jennifer: Stongbow Cider
Michele: Acme Iced Tea, PBR
What is your favorite time of year?
Jennifer: Autumn. I'm a sucker for colorful leaves and Halloween.
Michele: Autumn is my favorite time of year because of all the change that comes with it...the start of school, my birthday, etc.
If you were stranded on an deserted island, what five things would you have to have and why?
Jennifer
1. Knitting Needles - I can't imagine a day going by without knitting.
2. Yarn - I need to knit something.
3. Computer - I can play video games and connect with the world all in one wondrous machine.
4. Lip Balm - I'm addicted. I can't go an hour without it.
5. ipod - I need something to listen to.
Michele
1. My iPod - I can’t live without music.
2. An unlimited amount of books - Reading the same thing all the time would get boring.
3. My cell phone - My deserted island would have cell phone service so I could talk to my friends...and call someone to rescue me from the island too, I guess.
4. A really effective bug repellent - I have an insane fear of bugs.
5. Sunscreen - I don’t want to look like I'm 70 when I’m 50.
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« Cultural Immersion Abroad - Travel Etiquette |
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| Study Abroad - Meet Jennifer & Michele to Help You »
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Sprachreisen & Sprachschulen |
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Sprachreisen & Sprachschulen means language journeys and language schools. We have launched a German language version of our website to better assist our German speaking clients. In the future we hope to introduce sites in Dutch (Talenreizen) and in Swedish (Språkresor)
German version: www.amerispan.de
Swedish version: www.amerispan.se
Dutch version: www.amerispan.nl
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Study Abroad Blog Launched |
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We at AmeriSpan Study Abroad are pleased to launch our new Blog where we'll keep our readers appraised of what is happening in the travel and study abroad world. You can easily link to our RSS Feed by right clicking on the RSS Feed button or add our blog to your "My Yahoo" page by clicking on the My Yahoo button. We invite you to email us study abroad journals and other relevant blogs so we can link to them and share their knowledge and experience with the thousands of past, present and future AmeriSpan participants.
John Slocum President
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