Progress!

The past 24 hours have probably been the best so far in terms of progress. The past week I’ve been focused solely on finding an apartment, which turned out to be insanely difficult. 2 reasons:

1.       September is typically the time when many university students and visiting scholars come to Barcelona. The flux in demand somehow turns into a seller’s market. One place I called was listed for rent at 10am and by the time I called at 1pm it had already been leased for the year.

2.       I’m picky, and rightfully so. I’m not in college so I have no reason to live in a dump, especially for the next 9 months. I also wanted to live with native Spaniards, which turned out to be pretty difficult. And finally, I wanted my own double bed in a room larger than a closet with a window. Not too much to ask, right?

After viewing at least 20 flats, I found the one. Tuesday night at 10:15 I go to see the flat and end up being interviewed by the 3 roommates. They didn’t care if I liked the place; they only cared if they liked me. Great. I was grilled with questions for nearly 30 minutes and they finally showed me around. The room was large, with a terrace, a double bed, huge bathroom (shared), nice living room, in the center of the Born/Gotico District (old town Barcelona). Furthermore, the roommates were perfect. All 3 were between 28-31 and native Spaniards. Elena is a ballet instructor from the South of Spain; they guy (nombre?) is an architect from Madrid, and I forgot what Christina does.

I charmed the hell out of them. I was smart, funny, and just plain awesome. It helped that Christina lived in NC for a year growing up. Maturity is a different age in Spain. Since it typically takes Spaniards longer to finish school, someone who is 24-25 isn’t considered an adult, they are usually a fresh graduate who goes crazy and parties. I, on the other hand, am and old soul. Most people think I’m 30-ish anyways so it’s only fitting. I leave the apartment about 45 minutes later like the most awkward end to a first date ever. I’m not sure if they like me, if they’ll call me, will there be a second date? I don’t know…I just didn’t know. I get home and my phone rings. It’s Christina. She says “Hi Kam, wanted to let you know so you can sleep easy tonight…the place is yours! We would love for you to join our family!” VICTORY! I found the perfect piso!!!

That wasn’t the only good that has happened in the past 24 hours. Derek, TJ, Alex, and Will booked their tickets to come to Spain in Feb-March. We’re hopefully going to make a trip to Lisbon and Marrakesh. Danny will likely join as well. LH and her sister are also planning a little visit around early January. I love hearing these good things from you all is it makes me feel less distant from home. Think of the Atlantic as a large puddle…all you have to do is jump it!

I went to the bank today to retrieve my ATM card which I ordered last week. I spoke with my man/banker Arnau for a quick minute, asked him how is vacation was, etc. etc. I’ve learned that you have to take a legitimate interest in people’s lives here. Afterwards, I asked him about some of the fees on my account. The bank charged me 10Euros to give them money, ridiculous, I know. He felt guilty, and gave me a refund! Without asking, I got the hook up!

Best part of today was my first day at work. I’ve been pretty antsy to get started and settle down into some sort of “normal” routine. I had my first meeting with Dr. Miro today and we sat and talked about my research plans and goals over the year. We began discussing Spanish healthcare in general, and I realized I have a lot to learn. The system is so different here. I’m doing my research at the top research hospital in Spain with the largest ED (over 70 beds, 120,000 patient visits per year). The staff were very excited that I chose them and were honored to help out a Fulbrighter.

Dr. Miro introduced me to 3 other individuals who I will work closely with. Dr. Joan Salmeron was the Medical Director of the ED and he approved my research last year. He has now been promoted to the Assistant Medical Director at the Hospital Clinic. Dr. Miguel Sanchez is the new Medical Director of the ED. He’s a guy I emailed last year when I thought of this proposal but never heard back from. Small world! And finally, Maria Asenjo, the Administrator of the ED who will be my top contact.

Aside from meeting all of these very accomplished individuals, Dr. Miro made a few calls and opened up possibilities for me to extend my research. He is the Editor in Chief of Spain’s National Journal on Emergency Medicine so all the top researchers submit articles for publication to him. He made calls to colleagues in the Canary Islands (off the coast of Africa), Andorra (small Principality between Spain and France), Cordoba (Southern Spain), Valencia (South of Barca), and Basque Country (between Spain and France). All have invited me to visit their facilities for 1-2 weeks to see the differences in departments between regions. This is awesome because I wanted to travel to all of these regions and I have fellow Fulbrighters living in many of the cities so there is a lot of potential. I already wrote to the Commission for extra funds…hopefully it all works out.

I also had my first menu del dia today. The menu is typically a fixed 1^st and 2^nd course with a dessert served during lunch (from 2p-4p). It’s typically very filling as lunch is the most important meal of the day in Spain. Afterwards, I completely understand why Spain has siestas. I couldn’t keep my eyes open. No studying today…I made too much progress and headed home to my couch.

Tonight will be a little sad. I’m moving out of my flat with Paula and Amar. I’ve gotten to know them very well and I know they will continue to remain close friends of mine. Maria has been nice enough to put me up until my flat is available…she lives on the beach so I don’t expect the next few weeks to be extremely productive. My friend Esther from Stockamp is in town so I’m meeting her for dinner. What a day…talk soon friends.