"That's SO Spanish!" (emails from abroad)

Dear friends,

Was my last email short? This will make up for it, in case any of ya'll were saddened. Some of you may be surprised to be getting an email, given my plans for a vacation weekend in the Canary Islands for my birthday. Unfortunately, this trip didn’t end up happening at all.

The circumstances of this have caused me to rave like a bit of a lunatic, and I thought I would share with you the feeling of culture shock that just now has hit. The theme of the weekend has seemed to be, "That's SO Spanish!" (side note: I love Spain, Spaniards, and the culture here... this is just me venting a bit of my frustration for the purpose of humor. laugh damnit!)

I stood in Barajas Airport, with bag in hand, ready to check in, a proper 1:30 hours before my flight, sweaty from the heat and the crowded metro, and tired from a very limited amount of sleep the night before ("That's SO Spanish!"). The ticket agent looks up my name, and brings up nothing. We try my legal name. We try my nickname. We try the initials on my credit card. We try my middle name. Nothing. I hold up the paper copy of my confirmation to show her I have a flight, and she shrugs, "You have to go to sales. Maybe they can tell you more." I walk across to the other side of the gallery and the man at the sales desk tells me my ticket was canceled. "Some problem with the internet transaction. It got cancelled automatically 24 hours after you booked the flight." I point to my printed confirmation. He shrugs. Apparently this means nothing to him... I keep asking for some sort of concession so I can enjoy the birthday trip on the beach that I have long been looking forward to. He smiles and offers me a one-way ticket for 300€. Hmmm. That’s not gonna work. "NEXT" he shouts...

"That's SO Spanish!"

Being extremely frustrated, I sit down, thoroughly angered and confused, and decide that I need to investigate other travel measures for the weekend. I walk to an information station, where I find out that the busses have gone on strike (That's SO Spanish!") and train travel is extremely expensive because of added security since the attacks, and extra crowded because there are no buses. Looks like I am sticking around Madrid.

Granted, it has been a gorgeous weekend, and I made my mind up to enjoy myself thoroughly, and further ignore the work that is heading my way with the end of the semester. I have picked up the 4th Harry Potter book, which is like offering your brain crack: it only wants more. So I took to the public parks for 4 days in a row, enjoying the most fabulous sun I have seen in a long time. I have also seen some of the most extreme use of PDA (public displays of affection) I believe is legal (some that shouldnt be).

Actually, PDA doesn’t quite describe what is going on. My friends Katie and Erin have decided that we are going to call it "hoovering." I often wonder if I am watching a display of CPR gone horridly wrong. "Should I jump in and help, because he definitely isn’t doing the chest compressions right...?" Since most Spaniards live with their parents until they are 35 (on average), they like to get it on in public spaces. Ever seen a couple walking and kissing at the same time? I still have to work on chewing gum. (while walking... not while kissing) "That's SO Spanish!"

And, why don't Spaniards get out of their parents' basements sooner? Well, most complain about a housing shortage. I usually respond saying that it took me all of three days to find a great apartment (although my landlord is un gillipolla). It actually has much more to do with their dislike of the working class. I guarantee that of the students in our academic building, of those who have EVER held jobs, 95% of them would be the American students. I have a friend who wonders at the fact that I can get into a number of clubs for free and without waiting in line, and that the bartenders often hook me up. That may have something to do with the fact that I look them in the eye and know their names. That is unheard of. Sooo, if they hate working blue collar, and wait to graduate college to get a job, hmmm... can't imagine why they are still at home.

And finally, I was out buying a couple shirts to expand my summer wardrobe, we'll call them birthday gifts, (aka "If I can't go on an island trip, I’m buying some clothes damnit!") And I went into a shop featuring a display of buttons. Among them one that read, "F%*k America." I calmly walked around the store for about a half hour, picking up about 300-400€ worth of merchandise, and as the clerks were really starting to dote on me, I saddled up to the register, put the clothes on the counter, and they started to ring me up. Only then did I pretend to see the button for the first time.

"What is this?" I asked. "How would it be appropriate if the roles were switched, and you were in my country? Would you not consider it ill-educated and ignorant?" The shop clerks kinda just brushed me off ("That's SO Spanish!") I stopped the man who was ringing me up, and told him I wanted the button. He said "Sure," and went to add it to the other things. I corrected him. "No, I JUST want the button." He paled. I paid 1€ for the button, and threw it into the garbage right there as they all stared at me. I turned on my uppity heel, and walked out. That is perhaps the most blatantly patriotic I have ever been.

So these were some of my very Spanish experiences, ones that are wonderful if for no other reason than the laughter they inspire. I am increasingly getting ready to be back to my life stateside. After registering for classes, applying for a columnist spot at the Tribune, applying, receiving and turning down another campus job, and winning the Gay/Straight Alliance Presidency (yeah!!!) my head has been re-centered in Milwaukee. I am enjoying every moment here, but it now feels much more like an extended vacation rather than an immersion experience. That’s cool, I can enjoy the vacation, and feel I have been thoroughly immersed (submerged?) in the culture. I love it, but it is not mine.

Next weekend Portugal and then heading back to Barcelona, Manresa, then finals... Much fun!

All my love my friends, hope all is well in the cities I miss!

Christian

Marathon Traveling (emails from abroad)

Hey there Folks--

There is SO much to say, and I dont know how to even begin it properly. Since the last time I wrote, I have visited Paris and London with my wonderful family, and then Venice, Florence, Rome and Pompeii with my friends. I saw some of the most incredible artwork of my life, and we had many many adventures. Details would become devastatingly long, but just know that I had an incredible time, and am now back in Madrid, just for the time being.

This upcoming weekend I am going to the Canary Islands for a bit of fun-in-the-sun, and then off to Portugal the weekend after that. Then with only three weeks left in school, I still have a weekend in Barcelona (I LOVE that city) and a couple papers to focus on. Then I come pretty much to the end of May. SCARY!!! My time here is wrapping up pretty quickly, so I am all the more thankful that I have some reflection time in June during a spiritual pilgrimage. But all-in-all, I am in the home stretch now. I will be back state-side on June 28th, and then I get to see about making some money!

Since I am skipping through much of my travels, this will actually be one of my shortest updates, but I dont think I am going to hear any complaints. Life is good, time is short, and I am going back outside to enjoy the day. Love to all,

Christian

Buleria Buleria (emails from abroad)

Hey all!!

It is I once again, sending a message that is hopefully a bit more upbeat than my last update. Life here has been progressively been returning to normal, thank God, and I am back to enjoying my time here whole-heartedly.

After three days of mourning that was both profound and intense, we all had to go back to our mid-terms, which I finished up today. With only 4 subjects, one would think that I would be able to really focus on what I have. (is anyone else laughing yet?) Let's just say that I am getting a "cultural education" more than anything else though. I'm just glad that I have a Dad (and a scholarship advisor) that lets me get away with that. :-)

Last week was a bit of a doosy, in that the Tribune quoted me out of context, and I had to put out some major fires because of that. Damn. Then I went to go talk to a local priest, and he started to say some really vile things about gay people and such, and I couldnt stand up to him, so I was in a very anti-church mood for about a week. But yesterday I got an email from my Spiritual Director that put everything in perspective. "He's an idiot. Dont listen to him." Something sooo simple really worked to make me feel worlds better.

Last weekend our program took us on a divinely timed trip down south to the magical city of Granada. There we saw the burial sites of the Catholic Kings, Ferdinand and Isabella, and the Alhambra, led by the quirky, faux-fur (aka carpet) wearing local guide Carmen. Then we went to a site to watch Flamenco. The mini-bus ride there was led by an Argentinean who terrified all of us ripping around the ancient Muslim streets. It was actually quite entertaining to see my life wiz by my eyes so quickly: I’ve had a fun life!

The actual Flamenco took place in a narrow cave, with the spectators lining the walls, and the dancers in the center, literally inches away from our tender tootsies with their hard-wood heels. The best part was a woman had to be 70 years old who got up and "got her Flamenco-groove on" (in the words of a friend)

I have been a slug the last couple days, preparing (hah) for my last exam and visiting the Royal Palace (cool weapons collection) and getting ready for my big travelling stint this weekend. I feel as though I am saying goodbye to many of my Spanish friends because tonight is the last night I am going to see them in three weeks! Wow. It may be hard to leave this place.

Tomorrow, I meet up with Dad and Carey in Paris. I cannot describe how stoked I am to see them. I recently re-cut the mohawk, so you'll all have to ask them what they thought. After a few days hopping around Paris (Carey wants me to teach her to dance... we're gonna have a blast! two lanky white Eichenlaubs in Paris) we are going to London for a couple days. After that, they fly back home, and the 4th I fly to Italy to spend Holy Week there with some girlfriends. All in all, I wont be back in Madrid until April 13th. Im sure I'll have much to write about then.

I simply cannot believe that I am this far through this experience. While I long for my family and friends back home, and the University I love, I am going to relish every moment left of this time. Looking toward home, I am currently running for President of the Gay Straight Alliance. How, you ask? Through wonderful supportive friends. I am also thinking about applying to be a columnist next year for the Tribune, the school paper. I have all my classes figured out, and so I guess I am ready now for my Senior year. (very scary)

So, I guess that is it for now,
As I will be travelling, I will not be able to check my email for a good amount of time. I will be in contact when I get back.

Blessings,
Christian

"And if I was perfect, I wouldnt need mercy, I wouldnt need God. When will I learn to accept my mistakes? When will I learn to accept your grace?" Jars of Clay

regarding our converstaion yesterday (letter to the A&S Dean after Madrid bombings

Dean XXXXXXXX,

Below is a (slightly) edited version of the original letter. It is still a bit more angry than I am completely comfortable with, but the facts and concerns remain the same. Again, please let me know if I can help to make positive changes in any way with this process,

Christian

Dear Dean XXXXXXX,

I write this letter in regards to my telephone conversation with you yesterday, in further hopes that our overseas programs can live up to the integrity of what Marquette would call them to be. Again, this comes not just from me, but about ten other students who were willing to sign this letter (or some form of it) so that it could be seen that improvements are indeed called for. I would also ask you to regard this letter as private information, and not share it directly with the director, with OR without my name.

Because of the attacks here in Madrid this last week, several faults have been noted by many of the students here, and I believe that they are solvable problems. In the mindset of Cura Personalis, it is my belief that Marquette should put every effort forth to insure the comfort of students in times of tragedy, much as we saw on our campus after the 9/11 attacks.

First and foremost, the day of the attacks, an administrator at Marquette called our parents and told them that we had all been accounted for. While this was a wonderful touch on the part of the university, at that point several students had yet to have any contact with the director of the program. There was no way that he could know that we were safe and accounted for. At least one student who lived in that area of the attack, assures me that she had NO contact with the program, the university or the director that day. The university should be extremely concerned about this action in particular. This is both ethically and legally dangerous.

The second complaint that I believe needs to be recognized was the apparent lack of emergency protocol for the director of this program. For this reason I believe that Public Safety needs to be consulted for our international programs. Very little was said or done to consol students about their own safety and the emotional impact of the events. This could stem from the fact that the director is a trained professor, and not a long-term professional administrator. Without any protocol to turn to, he was just as shocked as the rest of us.

The most concrete example of this is that there was no group communication up until Saturday when a group email was sent out planning a discussion of the events for Monday. Several students had requested this meeting on Thursday, and again on Friday. This meeting should have been IMMEDIATE, to help students assess their own safety concerns and comprehend what was happening in the situation around them. Should we have been taking the metro? Was it still safe to go to the soccer game that MU had bought tickets for? Was it safe to go to the peace rallies? All of these concerns were brushed off on an individual basis, leaving students very confused and anxious with the state of affairs. And as is well known in these circumstances, the more anxious a situation, the more stressful it becomes, and the more dangerous.

With no guidance, several students went to the peace rallies, although that was the one thing the Embassy warned against (information found out through individual students, not the program). Students also continued to use the metro system up until another bomb was called in. Both these actions put students in danger. Both could have been averted by a meeting with the group explaining the current dangers and investigating student concerns.

The director was also ill-informed about what was actually happening at the university were we have classes. Classes were canceled Friday, the day after the class, but apparently our director was the LAST person to know about it. He claimed that we definitely did have class, causing much confusion. Part of this is that he does not come to work until about 10:15 every day. While he claims that no-one knew about the decision to cancel classes until 9am, it was in the newspapers that morning, and every other program seemed to be well informed (part of that may be the result that they come to work at 9am, when classes start). The emotional strain of this situation should not be down-played. Waiting around a near-empty University the day after a terrorist attack for your director to wander in produces a certain amount of anxiety.

It should also be noted that within the country, the director should know that email is not a productive mode of communication for ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­urgent events. Because of the sporadic availability of email to students, phone contact would seem much more appropriate. However, very few students have had any contact from the director by means other than the group email mentioned above. Although the director is accessable to us if we call him, I feel the initiative should be taken in this situation by the director to call each and every one of the students. American students from most of the other university programs who I talked to all received at LEAST one call from their directors. So much for BE THE DIFFERENCE.

When we finally did meet with the director on Monday, the discussion was purely academic, focusing on the facts, events and the consequences. There was NO overview of security status or advice (although the embassy had then changed Madrid to a “danger zone”). Never, at any point, did the director ask, “What do you need?” In my limited knowledge of emergency situations, this seems to be the FIRST thing required, so that needs can then be assessed. There was also no discussion of the emotional or spiritual aspects of these attacks. Students were told to see him privately if they would like to speak over such issues. I need not point out that the comfort of group solidarity is simply not present in that sort of situation.

Finally, and perhaps most personally important, is the lack of spiritual guidance and counseling available to the students of this program. As a Jesuit program, I would like to see a priest involved in some area of our activities over here. Many of the students of this program are extremely reliant on there faith (myself included), and it is harder than it sounds to walk into an unfamiliar church and ask for someone to talk to in a foreign language, about events as emotionally profound as these. Ideally, it would be wonderful to have one of the local Jesuits as a spiritual-liaison to the program. The effects of this would be felt throughout the program, which I feel has lost some bearing on what it means to be part of a Jesuit institution.

It is my hope that these complaints have illustrated enough reason to implement some sort of emergency protocol for ALL Marquette study-abroad programs, and review the administrative training given to the directors of those programs. In that the threat of terrorism does not seem to be going away, it seems that it is now more important to rectify these gaps in training and preparedness.

Again, I would like to make this as constructive as possible, so if you have any questions for me, please feel free to ask either by the email address above, or at my number in Spain (34)660-XXX-XXX.

In the hopes that this situation will never again need to be dealt with,

Christian Eichenlaub

When the laughter dies (emails from abroad)

Dearest Friends,

I write to you primarily to relate to you that I am indeed safe, healthy, and extremely thankful right now for both those things. There is no need to worry about me. (any more than normal)

I also wish to communicate the first hand emotions of this tragedy. This will probably be the most profoundly sad of my memories here in Spain. We seek consolation and there is simply none to be had for an act this devastating.

Classes were cancelled today. We all sat on the floor and tried to comprehend what had happened to our joyful Spain, our exuberant Madrid. So full of life, bustling with an energy and zest of which I have never seen the like. And to see that energy forced into a conversion to solidarity in grief, a solidarity that quieted an entire metropolis for five minutes today at noon, is one of the most prominent losses I have felt in my young life. The streets that normally bustle with nightlife stood morbidly empty last night, as I'm sure they will again tonight.

Because I live in a sort of technological hole with neither television nor radio and only occasional internet access, the emotion of the events of 3/11 did not fully hit me until I saw today's newspapers. The numbness of human atrocity that I am familiar with only through 9/11 resurfaced, only this time with an edge of personal fear. This is a city I consider very much my own. This was a place that I have been to many times. The last bomb, found minutes ago, was in a Metro station I had used this morning.

An overwhelming, helpless fear overcomes me. What can I do? What can I say? Pray? My prayers feel altogether too weak to touch my sentiment, too feeble to soothe the pain of so many, too frail to forgive such an atrocity of men.

A few of us laughed. We took to laughter to soothe the rawness that we each felt inside. We had to laugh, otherwise we would dissolve in the salt of our own tears. But it was soon pointed out that our laughter was insulting to Spaniards on a day of such grieving. We are indeed foreigners here, and I respect the need for a healing sadness so encompassing that it covers the country like today's low-hanging stratus clouds.

So what is left? What happens when we have lost our laughter? We cry.

We cry for those who awoke yesterday in love with partners, in arguments with parents, in joy with the pleasure of another God-given day, only to be ripped from this world so furiously we all question our humanity.

We cry for those who no longer have their parents, lovers, friends, children, because we know how many have touched our own lives, and how horrendous it would be to have one, just one, of those threads torn from our tapestry of friendships, to leave us in ravels.

We cry for those who have lost so much of their human consciousness so as to be able to commit such an act. We cry that these people exist all over the world.

But we also cry in the bittersweet fact that although so much is lost, mush is also found in the Promise of our Lord. Those who died in faith will continue to live in faith. But we still cry.

I cry.

My friends. You all have blessed me continually in my life, and I am so grateful for you all. Please keep me and all those affected by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers. I send you all my love, and hope for a better world through forgiveness,

Christian

The rules of traveling and such (emails from abroad

Here I am, reporting in again! I have had a phenomenal couple of weeks, and have much to write. (I will try not to make it as long as the last one however)

First off, major claps to my little sis, Carey. I have to brag big-time… This girl is so unbelievable! Not only does she kick so much butt in her classes that she rarely needs to go anymore, and is a social mover/shaker at school, but she walked away from the ACTs (having only finished about 3/4 of the test) with a 30!! For those of you away from academia, that is a pretty damn good score, especially for the first time. Watch out colleges, you’re gonna have to fight for this one!

Not far from the academic scene himself (actually more immersed than any I know) my father is still teaching, and finishing up a Masters program in Education Technology. Believe me, he is working harder than I am right now, fo sho.

As for me, I just got over what the doctor described as an “indeterminate lung infection.” Not much fun, but nothing a little antibiotics couldn’t handle. (that’s a literal translation: penicillina—little penicillin) So, as I am starting to get over this sickness, do I lay low? Ha! You all know me better than that! I decide, no, not to go to a warm Spanish coast, but up into the snowy Sierras (mountains) with my boyfriend. It started off as quite an adventure in a house that had no heat. No prob, we’ll build a fire. But then we discovered there was no water… Okay, we can survive that… Then about midnight, the electricity went out. But I just kept evoking my Boy Scout spirit, and we actually enjoyed ourselves quite a bit (can you believe this guy had never seen snow falling?)

When I got back that night I went with a group of friends to Palacio Galviria, an old Bourbon Palace which has been converted into a disco. Copies of all the original artwork had been put in, and this spot was just amazing! With free entrance passes (it pays to know people) we all had a blast on a late Sunday night.

Last week was pretty uneventful, except that we are all starting to look at mid-terms (I actually started to do some reading!!) which begin this week. I also found an AIDS prevention group that distributes condoms around the bars, and so I am trying to see if I can get involved. Then Friday I stayed out until 7:30 in the morning at COOL, a simply amazing disco with three floors, and unreal lights and music.

The next day, I left for Salamanca with my boy. It is a fascinating city, with incredible history, a lucky frog, and lots of bones of dead saints (a little creepy??). Its main claim to fame is that it has the oldest university in Europe (1240). I must make a confession though. I broke the first (few) rules of traveling:
1) I left Dorey (and my camera) at home. Duh!
2) I went on this trip with shoes I had bought the day before and had stayed out all night before. My feet were KILLING me by noon on Saturday. At least they weren’t heels I suppose. :-)

But now I find myself back in Madrid, actually looking forward to the academic challenge that will be the next couple weeks, then a paid trip to Granada and a RealMadrid soccer game. Fun times.

On a semi-political note, I am attaching a comic that I think is funny, ignore it if you like. Here is also a website for a great photo commentary (pure sentimentalism to be sure) about the San Fran weddings… www.ephemera.org/justly (check out the flash movie... and thanks to the absolute WONDER of a girl who made my day sending this too me)

That’s all from my end for now, Miss ya’ll

Christian

P.S. There are fotos up now if you want to check them out... new ones coming soon too(http://members17.clubphoto.com/christian810649/owner-4f86-1.phtml)

“The only time we waste, are the moments we think we are only.” The Five People You Meet in Heaven

A constitutional ban?? (emails from abroad)

I am sorry folks, but I just can't let this slide.

Bush endorsed a Constitutional Ban on same-sex marriage yesterday. So much for the Republican ideal of "States' Rights." Man o man. Most of you know how ticked off I am about this right now. First of all... talk about messing around with the constitution. And for what reason? A mostly religious one. Geez its a good thing that we dont have a seperation between church and state. Oh... Wait...

Okay, now that I have gotten that off my chest (sorry grandparents, I know you are shaking your heads right now), but I also wanted to let you all know that I have established a site so that you can see my photos, (or photos of me I have stolen from friends). I have, however, yet to post any of them. I should get to that in the next day or so...

So here is the site:
http://members17.clubphoto.com/christian810649/owner-4f86-1.phtml

Like I said, it will be a couple of days till you get to see the mohawk, but it should be there soon!

Love to all!

Christian

>>>If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans<<<

My first cloudy day... (emails from abroad)

Here I am on my first cloudy day in Spain. I have been here for about a month and a half, and it has yet to rain (in a city where I have been) or even be cloudy, until today. And seeing as I dont have anything else to do today, (classes only Wed, Thurs, Fri), I figured it would be a good time to send a much needed update.

First of all, I am, indeed, going to classes. And loving them. How wierd is that? We finished up with our Orientation class (the easiest three credits of my life...) the last week in January, and I am now taking 4 classes. I start my day with a Spanish Lit course (it is my major after all) then head to Dialect-ology which is WAY interesting, then to the Theology of the Letters of St. Paul (learing a ton) and then to a call of Political History of the 20th century. That class is like storytelling where we learn a lot. Every class I literally leave wanting to know more. How cool is that?

But don't fret, I would never let my studies get in the way of my traveling. Since my last update, I have seen about five cities, and have much to tell.

After orientation finished, many of us celebrated by going to a club named "Camas," which literally had beds on the dance floor. It was a fun time, full of models and those who wish they were. But the next day we took a bus ride to the Costal city of Valencia. This city is way cool, and I had the time of my life just exploring it. We had the neccessary Paella, and I may have stripped to my boxers for a quick dip in the Medittereanian. (sp? Im dumb) This was a splendid city, and so far my favorite (finished) Cathedral that we have seen, mostly because it lacked the extreme decadence I have seen in many others.

From there we went to the cliff-city of Cuenca. Cuenca essentially hangs from a range of cliffs and is magnificent to see the ancient houses supported my ancient lumber embedded into the side of a mountain. It also has a fairly creepy church (it has become a running joke with our group that if a city doesnt have a church we can see, apparently it isnt worth stopping).

That week classes started, and I made some arrangements to spend Holy Week in Rome, Florence, and Venice. Should be a pretty good time all in all. Then at the end of that week, I went with 3 girlfriends on an incredible trip to Barcelona. There was just so many incredible experiences to be had there. I met up with an old friend from Venezuela the first night, went to go see the UNREAL Cathedral of the Sagrada Familia (still not even 50% done, started in 1882 by Gaudi) and the Picasso museum, as well as many other sites, and then went to a disco on the sea. Just incredible. The next day we went to a park where there was live drumming by a very cool ensemble, and the entire place was just this bohemian festival.

Listen up Jesuits: the following day I made it to Manresa!!! We have heard so much said about this little place in the last years of my education, and yet we found that there was not a single word said about this pueblo in any of our travel books. So we said a prayer, and kinda traveled blindly into the most brilliant, incredible city ever! We made the mistake of going there on a Monday, when everything was completely closed up, but it was still a spiritually profound place to be, and simply beautiful. There is no doubt in my mind that the beauty of this place facilitated St. Ignatious in his writing of the exercies. The presence of God was almost palpable.

After a few more sites, we returned to Madrid to get healthy (we found ourselves a bit wearied) went to a couple days of classes, and then took a group trip to Siguenza and another small town. The cathedral there was simply freezing (they dont hold mass in this giant church 8-9months out of the year beacuse it is too COLD... what does that tell you) and we all lost a bit of interest as the life drained from our limbs, but the rest of the city was a pretty cool example a old-Castellan villages. Then, to finish up the St. Valentines' sites, we went to another city (practicaly nameless from all we could tell) and climbed to the top of a hill adorned with an ancient castle. The view was incredible, and seemed to be a very real glimpse of the exact things one could see 500 years ago.

Tommorrow I am probably going to go to the Escorial, which is an old royal palace adorned with incredible artwork, and then this weekend I head down to Cadiz (way far south) to get a taste of the 2nd biggest Carnaval in Spain.

Along with all the other traveling I will be doing, I am very excited to report that I am planning to do a spiritual pilgrimage called the Camino del Santiago (St. James). I will finish classes up late May, and then spend the next 20-25 days walking the northern coast of Spain to arrive in Santiago de Compostello. I am SOOO extremely stoked about this trip, for what it means for me spiritually and everything. I may even comemorate it with another tatoo. (gasp!) If you want some info about this, a good site I found is, www.xacobeo.es Also, for a good gift idea, I am gonna need some stuff for this, including spiritual and logistical guides.

Other than that, I feel I need to mention, and give thanks, for the top 3 things I could not live without in Spain:

1) my MP3 player. this thing is AWESOME!!!
2) my Nalgene bottle... I hate to be one of THOSE people, but thanks Carey, this is the perfect size and I dont think I could live without it
3) my Swiss army.. the BoyScout in me is reemerging I think. Hehe. Good stuff. Can I live without a compass?

Okay, this is deadly long now, although i am sure I am forgetting some good stuff. Any one who has survived must love me very much. Happy thought! Oh and Yeah for Massachuesetts, and Yeah for the possibility of another Catholic President! Waahoo!!!

All my love,
Christian

"We Love because first God Loved us." 1 John 4:19

"You referred to my mom as an albino gorilla for five days...I will refer to your mom as whatever I damn please." Nikki--- when Mom jokes go too far. :-)

mini-mohawk? (emails from abroad)

Well my friends, I can tell it is time for me to send an update, as I am starting to get an influx of messages wondering how life is. So here it is: Life is fantastic. I have much news, and have already had many adventures.

Two weekends ago, our program took a day trip to Toledo, one of the most widely recognized historic cities in Europe. It was a gorgeous day, and as with many Euopean cities, we saw many many churches. Our tour guide, a many with an incredible forest of nose hair protruding from both nostrels, was able to go for hours about many of the sites. This many has such a profundity and breadth of knowledge, that we were all tired by the end of the day, simply from what we had learned. I took many photos, and have to come up with a way to get them online so that everyone can see. But Dorey appeared in many of the photos (we wouldnt want her to forget that she was there after all.

We have been having about 3 hours of orientation classes the last two weeks. They are pretty laid back, and cover culture, language, art, history, and we even had a cooking class. (They taught us how to make a darn good sangria if nothing else). But this last weekend I found that I wanted to get away again, so I joined a student tour to Seville. I took the 7 hour bus trip (on a short bus of all things) with 22 strangers, and came back with some pretty decent friends. Again, this city was simply amazing. The cathedral is the 3rd largest in the world (thanks to some Muslims, who we stole it from).

Anyway, it was in Sevilla that I had an amazing conversion experience. It is one that I will remember for all time, and one that has effected me proofundly. I got a haircut.

Not just any haircut, but a mohawk. Before you freak out (Justine) or get too thrilled (Ben), you must take into context the "moda" (fashion) here. Right now, it is the very in thing to style either a mohawk, or a mullett. Or often both. Now, there is just so far that I am willing to compromise myself for the sake of culture, so the mullett was definitely out of the question. But after going out on Friday night to a club, I saw the perfect Mohawk. I actually took notes so that it could be reproduced later.

That next morning I woke up (WAY too early) and marched into the barbers. Now here is a quick thought: never go to a barber for a stylized haircut... Anyway, I did my best to explain what I wanted, and thought I had succeeded until he grabbed the shving brush. No No No.... Nothing was to be shaved. So I explained again, and ended up using perhaps too many dimunitive words so that he wouldnt overdoo the mohawk itself or shave the hair around it too short (I didnt want to end up looking like G.I. FAG). So in the end I ended up with a semi-mohawk of sorts, which actually looks really good, although it is not quite what I was going for.

So, now I am sure that you are all ready to see what I look like, and unfortunately I can't show you right away. But I am told that if you go to this site XXXXXXXXXXXX and click on Seville in a couple days there will be photos. Now... I havent seen these photos yet, and I didnt misbehave too much (other than getting a mohawk) but just wanted to let you know that you are seeing the uncensored version (the PR guy in me is shuddering right now). Oh, and you are probably going to see photos of us at with a few Pirates. NO, I did not go to Disneyland. Saturday night we stayed out until 4:30 (early night) at a Disco that had a Pirate theme. There was even a sword fight. That was definitely a first for me. (no Pirates were harmed in the making of this email)

Next weekend our program is taking us to Valencia, and the weekend after that I plan to meet up with an old friend from Venezuela in Barcelona. Fun times ahead. Classes will be starting soon, so I guess I may need to buckle down eventually. Yeahh... That'll happen.

Okay... well it is time for me to run off now! Miss you all! I just finished "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" and at one point it says, "The only time we waste on this earth is the time we spend thinking we are alone." Thank you all for proving that to me!

Oh, and PS--An article was recently written about the BagBoyz (the program I do in Milwaukee) check it out at http://www.jsonline.com/news/metro/jan04/201960.asp


Yours,Christian
"All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen"--- Ralph Waldo Emerson"Keep your mind on ice & your heart on fire" -J. Campbell

Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming, Just keep Swimming Swimming, Swimming (emails from abroad)

I have already fallen dreadfully behind in my emailing, so yet again it is time to fill you all in. I was in the Metro today waiting for a train, and just thinking how incredibly blest I have been so far in this journey, and I saw a news spot about Britney Spears marriage (and then annulment) Wow! How did I miss an event like that? I am now living without a television, and without a computer, so you all have to keep me updated on stuff like that. I mean, whats more important than that?!

I am now in Madrid, after an 18 hour train journey from Amsterdam. I was extremely blessed during this journey with wonderful people to talk to and two different guides during a quick spell in Paris and later on my virgen voyage on the metro of Spain. I am staying with a friend from the program until tommorrow, when I am required to join the other incoming students at a hostel. But I have been able to accomplish SO much in just the last two days here.

Yesterday my big accomplishment was to buy a telephone. Incoming calls are free, so if you have some extra money you want to drop (or can figure out how to make international calls from campus phones..hehe) feel free to call me. The number is 34-660-XXX-XXX. I am so proud that I have already memorized the number. (Hard to believe for my friends who have referred to my memory as that of a fish).

My second goal was to find an appointment to stay in more the rest of the semester. Honestly, if there was one thing that I was stressing out about in my voyage here, it was this task. I spent all of yesterday looking at different places, exploring and making appointments. I had to consider how much, what part of town, was it with a family or a shared flat or a seperate apartment... a lot of things to consider on my second day in Madrid. And after looking at more than 10 places and situations, I found one that I consider pretty ideal. It is in an INCREDIBLE part of the city, is very bright, and my friend Julia is very jealous of the balcony overlooking the street. This was SUCH an incredible God send, and I feel so incredible having a pair of keys in my pocket, and a place to call my own.

My third goal was equally important, as my sister well knows, and that was to find a pair of fashionable, euopean-style pin-striped pants. This was no small task in the U.S., but with the help of the Holy Spirit (its okay to invoke Grace in your shopping adventures, isnt it?) I found a Zara that was 5 stories tall. My friends from Venezuela know just how cool that is for me. I love love love this store! And it happens to be about a block away from my apartment. Job opportunity maybe??? Anyway, I found a very cool pair of pants on sale! What more can a boy ask for?

I am also so pleased to be using my Spanish, which seemed to spring right back to where it was in Venezuela after only a couple hours. That feels great.

Okay folks, keep me in your prayers, because it is certainly working so far. I miss you all,

Yours,Christian

Beginings (emails from abroad)

The journey has begun! I sit now in the heart of Amsterdam's Red Light District at an internet cafe. I am dealing with a little bit of jet lag, but not bad all in all. The flight was FANTASTIC and I am just having a blast so far. I got to the Anne Frank House yesterday, and today I hit the Master's Exhibit seeing some of Rembrandt's more famous works and the Van Gogh museum to be wowed by his incredible collection.

I am slowly adjusting to the fact that I am alone. I went through the adjustment in Venezuela, and have learned that it simply takes the right attitude, and I am getting there, but it feels a little ackward at first not to have anyone to relay thoughts onto.

On Tueday I take the train through Paris into Madrid, where it looks as if I am going to be staying with another one of the Marquette students before our program starts. Very cool!

Merry Christmas to All! (emails from abroad)

Well, this is probably going to be the first of many group emails in the near future. As most of you know, I am going to be in Spain this next semester, and I am leaving for this grand adventure in 5 days. Wow. This last semester flew by faster than I ever could have imagined, and now I am just decompressing a little before I start my trip.

So this was my Junior Semester. I kicked butt academically, and made some good money, working three jobs most of the semester, trying to save for Spain. I was waiting, bartending, and of course Tour Guiding. I learned a lot, and a lot about myself. I was part of a planning team for a weekend long service retreat for Sophmores, and it really couldnt have gone better. We had a tremendous team, and a lot of fun (learned a little too). I also received a generous scholarship from the Cream City Foundation for my journalism work in the field of gay/lesbian issues. That is always nice. I had to then say goodbye to many wonderful friends and a University that I now consider a true home, so I packed my van to the brim (Thank God for Justine!!!) and with tears in my eyes, left my little Milwaukee apartment for a while.

Now I am at home in Michigan for precious little time, trying to squeeze in moments with Carey (who is now swim team captain) and my father (who will be completing his masters in July). We have had a wonderful Christmas so far, and at mass tonight the priest reminded us to see Christmas "through the wonder of a child's eyes," and really take in the awesomeness of Christ's birth. It was a powerful message.

I fly out of Chicago on Jan. 1 to Amsterdam, arriving the next day. I have a hostel there for a couple of days, and dont need to be in Madrid until the 10th, so who knows? I am just gonna let the spirit guide me. I will be studying there until May 31, and then hopefully I will intern with the State Dept. in either Madrid, London or France until August. That's all kinda up in the air though.

I will be updating every once in awhile about my adventures through these mass emails. I apologize if they seem impersonal, but I suck at emailing, so please dont feel you ever need to respond to these emails, because I likely wont get back to you for months. Do keep me in your thoughts and prayers, and for those of you at Marquette, make sure to watch over MY university for me while I am gone. ;-) I miss you and love you all,

Merry Christmas

Welcome to Sophomore Service Project!!!

Welcome all you wonderful, talented, service-oriented Sophomores!Our team is extremely excited to announce all the members of the project, and welcome you to the incredible weekend that is to come. We know that most of you are going full-on with projects, papers and tests, so remember that this weekend is an excellent way to focus on that which is really important in this life: service to others.A few things we need to run through:Please let us know if any of the following applies to you:---are you under 18?---if so, please call OSD (8-1412) and ask for Dave, so that we can get your parent's permission for this weekend---do you have any dietary restrictions?---if so, please respond to this email, so that meals can be planned accordingly---decided that you can't make it?---if so, we understand and will miss you, but please let us know ASAP so that arrangments can be made to include others in this project (call 8-1412 and leave a message for Dave)Additionally, we wanted to make you aware of a few things:---Friday night dinner--- may be served rather late, depending on your service site. Our program will begin at 4pm in the AMU (more info will be sent later), but dinner may not be until 7-8pm. Please be aware. We are asking you to bring a snack to share, so hopefully, you can make it through to dinner.---Return on Saturday--- return is tenatively scheduled for around 8pm on the 22nd. If this is a problem for you, let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate.---Clothing--- please be prepared to wear ratty clothes for much of the weekend, but know that there is one site where you will be required to wear dressy black pants and a dressy white shirt. See if you can scrounge something up between now and next weekend.---Donation--- one of the sites is asking that we also bring some canned goods for a Thanksgiving meal it is putting on. If you can get your hands on anything for donating, be it a bag or a single can, it would be great.---Lastly--- For anyone who would like to sleep (who are we kidding?) you should bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and please, for the love of Pete, bring a toothbrush. (and any other neccessary toiletries)We will be sending out another email between now and next weekend, but if you have any questions give us a call or shoot us an email. We are SO stoked about this experience, and look forward to getting to know all of you.Sincerely,Your 2003 Planning Team,--Tom Sivak--Annmarie Hansen--Lori Brichler--Christian

start of an important relationship

Dear Christian,

My name is XXXXXXX and I’m a freshman here at Marquette. I read the article a few weeks ago in the Tribune that kind of told your life story and what it’s like to be gay. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking since I read it, and decided I had to try and contact you. The reason being I’m gay. I’ve known it for as long as I can remember. But I can’t come out. My family, my friends, and especially my church keep my sexuality a secret.

I know they have clergy, counseling, and support groups available at Marquette, but I’m just not ready for that right now. What I’m asking for I guess, is someone to talk with about things I can’t seem to talk to anybody else about. And I think you might be able to help me do just that. If I’m asking too much, or you’re just not interested, that’s okay too. I know I’m not in this alone: “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you,’ so we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.”

I think it goes without saying, but I also wanted to ask you not to tell anyone else about this just yet.

I am living this life that’s happy and normal, and let me be the first to say I’m as happy and normal as they come, but there’s a big part of my life that I’m not able to show anyone and it would mean the world to me if you want to help me out. I understand you’re a junior and probably an incredibly busy person, as I am, so I realize time is something you may not have a lot of, but I just thought if anyone here would know exactly what I’m going through, you would.

Please let me know what you think, and thanks in advance.
God Bless, XXXX

__________________________________________________________________

Hey there XXXX--

I would absolutely have no problem finding some time to talk to you whenever you want. I am actually pretty free the mornings of this week, but I also have a fairly open weekend. So just let me know when would work for you.

Please know that everything that you say or write will be kept in strictest confidence. I am not new to this sort of situation, so I understand just how precious privacy is. No worries there, okay?

Anyway, let me know when you would like to meet up, and I hope you have a wonderful week,

Christian