Life in Spain

http://ollievalencia.blogspot.com/

Spanish Student Visa: Revisited

Just when I thought things can be finalized and ready after I got my visa

I have a problem with it!!!

But at least I will have a legitimate obligation to go to Andorra, London (or UK in general), or Dublin for like 3-4 days.

I think I'll go to Dublin. Be like the Irish.

天佑台灣，台灣加油！

看見風災肆虐台灣
有死亡
有滅村
有殉職
聽看得怵目驚心

每個人都問
為什麼是台灣？
為什麼遭受慘劇？

在這種毀滅
使人哭了一片海
使人喪失希望及自信
使人無法勇敢的面對未來

但是
我希望從這天災，大家可以走到美好的未來。

我相信
從恐懼的黑暗，能走出一線光芒。
從陰暗的烏雲，能射出一道曙光。
從無情的風水，能洗出一塊新地。
從醜陋的塵土，能誕出一片茂林。
從無理的混沌，能撥出一絲希望。
從絕望的遺失，能建出團結力量。

地震、颱風、種種天災
我們都度過。

我們可以再一次，
一起撐住。

天佑台灣，台灣加油！

Spanish Student Visa: Finale

Got it.

Es este lo que quiero?

Less than a month later I'm off to a new land for a year.

Where I don't know the language, culture, and environment that much.

I think it's going to be the first time I'll feel very foreign.

I've been spending so much time with many close friends.

Everyone is excited for me.

Yet I'm still reluctant to leave.

I'm so concerned for the unknown.

And I don't want to miss out with my friends.

Yet I've come so far to achieve this dream.

It's too late to retrieve or turn back.

I still feel unprepared.

I have mixed feelings.

Es este lo que quiero?

Online Shopping

I think I'm going to avoid that for a while if not an eternity.

Spanish Student Visa: Continued

Application has been submitted!

Just need to wait for approval, which is like 1 & 1/2 months...

Now...

Flight reservation and....

APPARTMENT HUNTING!!!!!!!

:D

Spain Student Visa

Requirements:

- Canadian passport: No problem; CHECK

- Recent picture: CHECK

- Medical record: Weird requirement but CHECK

- Acceptance letters: CHECK

- Criminal record: Okay... I have issues with this. First off, are you suspecting me as a terrorist? I'm sorry that you guys got a terrorist attack resulting in catastrophic deaths, but really I'm not. Secondly, it takes 2-3 weeks to process that record which means ARGHHH. Thirdly, although I've submitted my application to get my record, I remember I accidentally wrote the wrong digits for the address (356 instead of 365). Now I have to go to police office to see if I can change it... Which might be another week longer. GRRR.

- Flight reservation: All right, so I'm supposed to do this but you guys say don't finalize your traveling plans until visa's been approved. WTF... How contradictory and ironic. So maybe I'll reserve a flight but can't go on because I don't have my visa? My flight would have to depend on the date of issue of my visa! Yet they want to know when I'm leaving? What is this???

- Hotel reservation: Umm... still looking around. I have another option, which is private housing... with a letter of invitation from local Spanish police station. WTF. How am I supposed to do it?

- Financial statement: Gosh, this gives me the biggest headache. I'm not going to run off when I arrive in Spain okay? Give me a break.

Oh did I mention it takes about 2 months to process? So based on the waiting time for these required documents, I can only apply until early July, but my school starts on September 21 and I have to be there at least a week to search for apartment and to be acquainted with the city. It's gonna be a rush....

Plus, the Consulate of Spain only opens form 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. I can't believe they actually apply their siesta here in Canada. And Spaniards are slowwwwwwww. I understand they like to enjoy life but please not at the expense of others...

Sigh... Bureaucracy with a Spanish flavour is not that tasteful.

Smile

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though its breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you

:)

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

=)

That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, whats the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

:D

The Taiwanese Dream

First, World Health Assembly

Now

2010 WorldMUN

March 15 - 19, 2010

Taipei, Taiwan

http://www.worldmun.org/

Can't hardly wait.

It's time to shine for the future leaders of the world, Taiwan!

Mosaic

1. First name?
2. Favorite color?
3. Favorite food?
4. Favorite drink?
5. Dream vacation?
6. Favorite hobby?
7. When you grow up?
8. Love most in life?
9. One word to describe you?

Some Shots of My Life

1. A picture of you in your room.

My chair, desk, bed, couch, closet and everything else is behind me.

2. A picture of you posing with someone you don't actually like.

That's a bit harsh. And plus why would I want to see their face again???

3. A picture with a former crush.

Which one? ;)

4. A picture of you very drunk

It was at Liz's party. Enough said.

5. A picture of you with a parent or two.

Don't have pictures of me with my parents

6. A picture of you on your birthday, or your favourite holiday.

New Years Eve '08

7. The youngest picture you can find of yourself in digital form.

Coaching Middle School Volleyball, Fall 2005. Good grief what was I???

8. A picture of you in one of your favorite outfits.

I enjoy wearing suits.

9. A picture of you making a goofy face at the camera.

Never remembered this photo taken, but love it nevertherless!

10. A picture you miiiiiight have edited to make yourself more attractive.

I kind of did.... not a lot though!

11. A picture of you and a team or club you're in.

IDS Crew

YMUN

12. A picture of you showing off a new haircut (even if it's an old haircut now)

First time ever getting a buzz cut. Now it's crew cut.

13. A picture of you truly being yourself.

Being true to my roots, of course!

14. The most recent picture of you.

Taken April 17.

15. A picture of you being absolutely ridiculous.

A bit too much.

16. A photo that you are tagged in that you aren't actually in.

17. A picture of a time in your life that's over, but you wish it wasn't.

World MUN Love forever!

18. A picture of a time in your life that's over, and you couldn't be more thankful that it is.

It was good to grow up.

19. A picture with your oldest friend.

Friends and neighbours since birth.

20. A picture with your newest friend.

Taiwan

hearts

Venezuela!

21. A picture of you when you were anything but happy, even if you were smiling and did your best to hide it.

Why would I show it here?

22. A picture of you that you had no idea was being taken.

What a scandalous shot...

23. A picture of you when you were a different person than you are now.

Junior Carnival, Fall 2005. I was soooo different.

24. A picture of you in a fashion "DON'T".

Is that even possible? With me???

25. A picture of you in a swimsuit - whether you love it or loathe it.

I never did like going to the beach except for tanning. So no pics of me in it.

26. A picture of you taking a shot / chugging a beer / downing some sort of mixed drink.

People do it, all right?

27. A picture of yourself that you hate.

That may be a lot...

28. A picture of you with someone you love.

29. A picture of how you'd like the world to see you.

:)

30. A picture that describes how you would like to spend everyday.

Don't judge

31. A picture of a time when everything was changing.

Quebec, Summer 2007

32. A picture that makes your heart hurt.

Nope. Again, why would I show it here?

33. A picture that makes your heart smile.

There's too many of them.

34. A picture of one of the best nights or days of your life.

Only between you and me, Mimi.

Let's Get This Over

This semester, I mean.

It's been too long.

I just want summer to start

To work

To prepare

and to go to Spain.

La Nova Alegría

Alegría
Como la luz de la vida

Alegría
Como un payaso que grita

Alegría
Del estupendo grido
De la tristeza loca
Serena
Como la rabia de amar

Alegría
Como un asalto de felicidad

Birthday Wishlist

1. Apple Classic iPod

Okay, just to let you know, my iPod was stolen when I was in Amsterdam. *TEAR* I really want to get a new one, but me no have money......

2. Shoes

Athletic, dress, casual. Whatever the style they may be. I really need to renovate my shoe drawer for sure. It's been the same since I left high school

3. Cake

I haven't had a LARGE cake to myself for a long time. Okay, I know this sounds so selfish since birthday cakes are to be shared with friends, but I have this urge to have a 16" cake all to myself......

4. Summer Job

Stupid York International did not accept me for intership just because:
a) I'm second year student
b) I have too many international experiences (growing up in Taiwan, learning French in Quebec, World MUN in Netherlands...) that they just assume I don't need it. Biatch.
In addition, I'm having a hard time finding jobs that start in June since our sememster is extended because of the strike. Another biatch.

5. Books

I'm really sick and tired of reading textbooks. And I haven't had time to renew my bookshelf of novels. What books should I get?

Dare to Dream. Dare to Enjoy. Dare to Be Inspired

These are the three ideas that came to my mind after World MUN. It was an amazing experience. I was very happy that I made the decision to participate though there was only 3 total from our university and I had to miss a week of school (Now I have so much to catch up!).

Dare to Dream

When MUN club went around to recruit and advertise, they mentioned their participation in the yearly World MUN, and it was to be in The Hague, Netherlands. I immediately told myself that I will join the club and will attend World MUN, however hard it may be for me. I've always wanted to go to Europe, and this was my chance to fulfill it in a diplomatic and academic way.

There were originally 25 people who signed up for World MUN, but I kept on hearing people dropping out that I felt I was going to be the only one (I was actually fine if I was the only one from York). In the end there were 3, including me. I was at first a bit disappointed that we are going as a smaller delegation, but really it's not the size of the delegation that determines the fun of the trip, right?

Dare to Enjoy

Before I left, I was really concerned about the work I am leaving behind.  I had requested extension for two papers, but I was scared that after this trip I was unable to concentrate.  However, I told myself, it was the first time in Europe, in World MUN, and I'm going to see old friends again.  I must not worry about the things back home.  Must enjoy.

I was really fortunate to have my friend Rowan and his family offering me their house in The Hague to stay during the conference. No pennies spent on accommodation. How blessed am I! Not only that, his aunt, uncle, and grandpa visited the family during my visit. I felt like I was adopted into a new family, ha!

Before the conference started, Rowan's parents took us around the country side and most of all, Delft, the small town that is known for its porcelain and connection to the Dutch Royal Family. I was really grateful that they treated me food during those trips.

When the conference kicked off, it was committee sessions after sessions, parties after parties. I practically slept like 5 hours everyday. It was exhaustive, but it did worth it! I must say I have to give a lot of credit to the host team for organizing so many fun events every night. I don't think I know how they did it. It must have been really stressful too!

Dare to Be Inspired

With 2500 people attending this conference, you definitely will find future leaders, diplomats, and your own personal inspiration. I have been very honoured to have attended this conference and to have met so many people that have inspired me. Here are just a few that I'd love to share.

The Venezuelans

Honestly, contrary to media portrayal, the Venezuelans in this conference are all anti-Chavez. I've met two Venezuelan students while I was in Montreal, and it was definitely nice to see them again. In addition, they also introduced me to their other delegations. Quite frankly, there were about 3-5 Venezuelan universities represented in the conference, and each school won at least two awards. It's amazing. Whenever I'm in the committee sessions, the Venezuelans are always the ones eager to speak and to approach other delegates on draft resolutions. They seriously deserved it, and I have learned a lot about good performance in the conference. It would definitely nice to see them again in the future.

United States Military Academy

What can I say? Every student in this school is a born leader. It's amazing how much confidence and wisdom they project whenever they speak on the floor. One of them is a friend of mine, Cristin Browne. I got to know her in my committee in McGill MUN Conference. It was my first conference, and I honestly learned so much about MUN performance and procedure by observing her. Whenever she talks, you'll definitely listen. She won the best delegate in McGill, and again at World MUN. If you want inspiration, just listen to her speak. It will be awesome to meet these West Point students again in the future, and I believe they'll all be successful.

 

The African Americans from Gio-jah!

They must have been the happiest group of delegates in the entire conference. I was somewhat not expecting about 3-4 schools all just from Gerogia (and all blacks too, lol!) One school in specific, Moorehouse College I think, had different dress code each day. One day, the guys would all wear suspenders; the next day, bowties. The girls had ribbons in their hair; the next day, on their waist. They were really warm, funny, and approachable in and out of the committees. Although neither school won an award, they definitely enjoyed the most of all the schools at the conference.