Life in the O-V-D

Little bits and pieces from my life in Oveido and how I spend my days

Living in Oviedo has been some of the most relaxing four months I have had in a long time. Spanish life here is laid-back, with no need to rush and plenty of time to explore the city. I would say a typical day in Oviedo is not too-shabby at all. Here’s a little glimpse as to how I spend my days in this lovely city which has become my second home.

_{Looking up the street at La Catedral, a symbol of Oviedo}

8am? I don’t even know what that looks like anymore. Since nothing in Spain opens until 10am, there’s no need to wake up at the crack of dawn, like we do in the States. I start my mornings off around 10am with some toast and coffee, and then I head out a morning run. The city is very pedestrian friendly, so I take this opportunity to explore new places and try to find new statues (there are statues all over the city). Then its home to get ready and head to classes. Typically, classes are from 2pm-6pm, depending on the day.

               _{One of my favorite statues in Oviedo}

After classes and on the weekend, my friends and I find ways to entertain ourselves around the city. Typical ways to spend the day for us include hanging out in Parque San Francisco, which has lakes, fountains, swans, ping-pong tables, swings, a skate-ramp, lots of grassy knolls for picnicing, and the infamous peacocks which roam about the park. Quite often one of us has a sweet tooth that can only be satisfied with CHURROS! Basically, its dough covered in sugar and it’s a staple of Spain.

_{Inside a bag of my favorite Spanish treat: Churros!}

_{Chasing after the peacock in Parque San Francisco}

Other days, we hit up Calle Uria, where some of the best shopping in Oviedo is located. I have spent many a Euro on that street, keeping up with the Spanish fashion. Other days, I visit the art museum, which is free on Fridays, and spend hours walking around listening to my Ipod and admiring all the art.

_{Shopping at H&M, a good spot for cute, cheap clothes}

_{Belles Artes Museum in Oviedo, Spain}

Of course after all that walking around, I’m in need of a café con leche break. Isla de Cuba is a favorite among the students, where everyone does “know your name”, even the waitresses.

_{Allie and our favorite waitress Janella, with her birthday coffee at Isla de Cuba}

After dinner with the host family at around 9 or 10pm, we hit the streets with friends at around 11pm to experience the night life. Nights normally begin on the famous Calle Gascona where Sidra is served, Asturias’s claim-to-fame. They hold the cup down low and pour from up high without looking. Asturians know to take the whole drink at once, leaving a little in the cup, which you then throw on the street.

_{Sitting on Calle Gascona with my first bottle of sidra}

Then it’s off to local hot-spots among students on and around Calle Mon, where much of the local night-life happens. On the more tranquil nights, you can find a bench in la Plaza de la Catedral and people watch for hours, or a table at the a jazz club and take in some good local music.

_{Street sign on the infamous Calle Mon}

The city is pretty cozy and relatively small, but after 4 months here, I’m still finding new things to do and new places to see. And as my final month here closes in and the sun is shining longer and brighter, I hope to spend my time taking in every last drop that Asturias has to offer.

_{View from a hill, looking over the city of Oviedo}