Follow me on my journey through my first two years of University abroad in Madrid, Spain at Suffolk University Madrid. Here, you will find entries about my travels around Europe and Africa, life in Madrid, Spain, observations, hot spots around the city and Europe! If you have any questions about my experience, feel free to post it up and I will be sure to respond. Enjoy!
March 27th, 2013
NEW PREVIEW of the track I worked on with Portuguese duo FREIK. Check it out and if you like it, reblog, share, like, comment, etc. We need and appreciate your support!
“NEVER GONNA STOP!”
February 24th, 2013
“Second Chances”: An NYU Short film Written & Directed by Rachael Brandon
Hello fellow internet friends! I am currently fundraising for my Intermediate narrative project at NYU Tisch School of the Arts and I need YOUR help! Please visit my Indiegogo by clicking the link above, and donate any bit you can.
If you cannot donate, please help me spread the word by reblogging this post and sending it to anyone and everyone you know! I need to raise $1500 by mid-April and I’ve already got a good start.
There are lots of fun perks involved for those who donate, including props used on set mailed to you, signed DVDs, and YOUR NAME in the credits!!
I would really appreciate any and all the support I can get on this one so I can go on to make bigger and better films! Every little bit helps :)
“Second Chances” Indiegogo Campaign from Rachael Brandon on Vimeo.
Thanks!! xx
October 12th, 2012
Tapapies: De Tapas por el Mundo sin Salir de Lavapies
“Tapas from the world without leaving Lavapies”
October 12th, 2012
Footage from my trip to Amsterdam!
October 12th, 2012
That all depends on whether you are a Freshman or not. If you are and applied directly to Suffolk Madrid, I believe you have your options of residency, apartment or homestay. Why do you not want to do Homestay? I did both homestay and an apartment so I’ll give you my opinion on both.
Homestay is very beneficial in learning about the culture, practicing the language, and finding a ‘home away from home’ or ‘second family’. If you are open to the idea and really make an effort to be a part of that ‘family’ it can be great! Sometimes you’re able to go out with your host family, some people traveled with them, they can fill you in on good places to go, they do your laundry, clean and cook for you too. Plus, if in the future you ever want to go back and visit, they may offer their home up for you. I lucked out with my host family (one woman and her daughter) and a few others enjoyed their time with their host family as well- others did not. Some people had bad experiences with host families that only hosted American students as a form of income and didn’t really care. Most of the people who complained though were not open to the cultural differences and assimilating rather than rebelling. So I’d definitely reconsider.
I lived in an apartment my second year and it was so comfortable for me. I lucked out and got the master bed & bathroom, it was in a great neighborhood only a 10 min walk from ‘campus’ and right near a bus and metro that took you straight to Gran Vía. We were given 115 euro on a card and 115 euro in cheque gourmet (meal tickets with euro amounts you can use at select restaurants in Spain) for our food- so we had to cook and could eat out. The only downside to living in an apartment is that you are with all Americans (unless you’re living with foreign students), speaking English all the time and you end up losing part of the experience of studying abroad by experiencing the culture as much. That’s probably my biggest regret, is that I didn’t improve my Spanish as much as I’d hoped and I didn’t become friends with as many Spaniards as I’d hoped. It is nice to live in an apartment with barely any rules though and you don’t feel like you’re intruding in someone’s house.
So in short, if you’re a first semester freshman that didn’t apply directly to Suffolk Madrid, you have to do homestay for AT LEAST the first semester, then you can move. If you applied directly to Suffolk Madrid or are study abroad, you can choose residency, apartment or homestay. A lot of people find issues with the housing director but that’s just because they’re typically rude and high-maintenence. Get on her good side and you’re in the clear ;)
Anyways, I hope that answers your question. If you have any others, feel free to ask!
February 13th, 2012
Video footage from a Yelle concert back in October 2011. Enjoy!
January 28th, 2012
“ReinCarmenated”
My visual sample submission for USC School of Cinematic Arts
January 16th, 2012
Restaurant Review: Nano el Mexicano
Being from Southern California and living 45 minutes from the Mexican border, the best Mexican food is more plentiful than Starbucks. Many people think because of the common language, Spain and Mexico share the same food, to which they are mistaken. So when I stumbled upon Nano el Mexicano on Just-eat.com- a food delivery service many restaurants are a part of- I figured I had to try. I am SO glad I did!
The prices are great! Most Mexican food around Madrid is so expensive and not that great or authentic (at least to my standards. I suppose for many it is a great step up from Taco Bell or Chipotle). The price range is from 5.50 euro for an order of mini nachos or tamales to 20 euro for the sampler menu, making the average range to be 7-13 euro.
The past two times I have ordered from here, I have gotten tacos Volcanes (two fried corn tortillas with marinated pork roast, beans and melted cheese), guacamole, and Ceviche Mexicano (grouper, lime, onion, tomato, cilantro, avocado and chips). The tacos were good, but not your typical street tacos. They were super cheesy- which I love- and came with guacamole, lettuce and tomatoes making for an extremely messy meal. They were so filling, although I’m not sure I would order them again (unless I was really in the mood). I consider myself a guacamole aficionada, and let me tell you- they got it down! Definitely some of the best guacamole in Madrid (still doesn’t beat my mom’s!). And the ceviche…ohhhh the ceviche!! Grouper is my favorite fish of all time- only found in the warm waters of the Caribbean and Mediterranean seas.
The service is quick and the employees are pleasant. I haven’t actually eaten in the restaurant, located in Tetuán, but if you are looking for some great Mexican food, check it out- you won’t be disappointed!
Calle Lérida, 8 - 28020 Madrid
December 14th, 2011
The essence of you
The more people you meet from around the world and share your life stories with, the more you realize what makes you you, what makes you special and what is truly important to you. Travel not only makes you appreciate other cultures, but it helps you to appreciate your own.
November 17th, 2011
