I JUST HAVE TO SAY I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON BUT THE GRAMMAR IS ENTIRELY SCREWED UP IN THE POST FROM SEVILLE. i THINK WHAT HAPPENEND IS THAT IT WAS TRANSLATED INTO ITALIAN WHILE I WAS WRITING IT IN ENGLISH,,SO THE WORDS ARE IN INGISH BUT IN THE ITALIAN FORMAT. SO DISSAPOINTING. I HOPE YOU CAN STILL UNDERSTNAD. I WILL HAVE TO RE-WRITE IT ANOTHER TIME.
CORRECTIONS: SERENITO SANDWICH...NOT SERENITY SANDWICH
FRIENDS FROM 'PAMPLONA' KRISTEN AND LISE...NOT HARMONY..OR WHATEVER IT SAYS.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
correction
sorry it's late and i'm tired since i've been at the colloseum and pallantine hill all day...i'm obviously not travling around canada..duh...ITALIA!!!! i'm tired...and there u can tell...oh dear.
goodnight.
goodnight.
The beginning of Semana Santa Trip: Seville
It Has Been Almost a week that I've written ... I've been traveling this week and will begin my trek through two more parts of Canada starting tomorrow. I'm doing well, the However lenghth of the semester has hit me, the Lack of my family, and the little things from home or with my dog ... just 'the family unit' Lack is sinking into. I do not know if it's just today b / c it's Easter, But im definitely Gaining excitement to finish things up. That Probably I think this really healthy. I do not even want to think about Saying goodbye to my host family and my german girlfriends, and others that I've met along the way, However at the Same time, there are some i just can not wait to see,,, That Being the family unit. Thank goodness for skype, as i was SO saved to visit with all of theme ... even WAS lady barking into the room on Saturday night. So wonderful. These feelings I'm HAVING Also i know b / c I've Been accomplishing the things I've always dreamed of. You guys,,, Them I'm checking off the list. When the 'look at everything I've done ... all the places I've seen, it's incredible. Frankfurt Germany, Pamplona, San Sebastian, Hendaye France, Paris France, Barcelona, Madrid (Several Occasions), Toledo (Spain), Segovia (Spain), Olite (Spain) Salinas (pueblo-Spain), Seville, Rome, and now my trek across the rest of Italy to Florence beginning tomorrow until Sunday, and then on to Venice, it's more traveling and Experiences Than I Ever Could Have Imagined. It's hard to explain the emotions in my heart, it's as if to say, I'm sad b / c it's coming to an end, But It's to say I'm happy for what it has made me.
On Tuesday night, the two girls That I am traveling with and i Took the train from Pamplona to Madrid, in Madrid and then changed to an all night That We Took bus to Seville. It was very smooth - sleeping on the bus Is not the Same as the bed, but that's Another Thing .. benches from airport to bus seats, I've learned 'how' to sleep without a bed. We Arrived in Seville on Wednesday morning by 8am, and b / c we couldnt check into Our hostel just then, it was fabulous b / c the weather WAS absolutely perfect, the sun WAS coming up, and and we got to walk around the Mary Luisa park. The vegetation in it is just incredible. It is beautiful. We then Went to a small cafe near Our hostel and drank the cola-caused (hot milk with shock. Powder you add), and a bun with butter for breakfast. We enjoyed walking along the beautiful river, and then venturing into the older part of Seville, seeing the Plaza de los torres, doing Some souvenir shopping, people watching, and viewing places Such as El Alcazar, the Cathedral, the Plaza de Triunfo, and watchng to many ppl of the afternoon preparing for the Semana Santa processions. We napped in the afternoon During nap for about 2 hours, then got cleaned up and Went out to watch the processions. I "m telling you if this wasn't a religious / sacred experience, then i do not know what is. I Was incredibly moved. Seeing the nacerenos, the penitent, the Solemn people, quite, and dressed up as if it WAS easter sundy on Tuesday .... It Was Just breathtaking. The streets were so crowded at times you could not even go down one b / c there were so many people. For dinner, I Had The most amazing sandwiches and potato chips at this ethnic spanish restuarant That no-kidding Was a whole in the wall. I Was Glad That Kristen Joined me to eat there, and I Had the best glass of wine to Thus there as well. I Had to 'Serenity' sandwich, Which is Apparently 'the' best thing to get at the restaurant. Upon walking in, i did not know what to get, and now understnad Did not Recognize the vocabulary / descripciones on the menu .. But a very friendly young couple and Another Woman eating with Them there saw me looking at plate, and then asked the Them What It Was They Were eating, and the were so friendly, the Explained everything, and even insisted That I take a bite of Each of Their foods I know That I Could Try and decide what i like. Well I'm telling you, it WAS incredible, so i ordered Exactly What They HAD. The serenity sandwich Which Came with jamon serrano on top as well, potato chips That I Were So Good, free olives ( Also I know amazing), and the best red wine of my life ... I'll say it again .. so fantastic. I slept like a doll That night hehe. Our hostel WAS cute, But We Were surprised with the security b / c It Was Almost non-existent.
On thursday morning, i got up early, and Went for a run in the park The Same In Which We Had Walked The Morning of Our arrival (the Maria Luisa). It Was Such a so beautiful and wonderful experience. Despi The Fact That WAS my right lower leg Hurting me, i chose to forget it and Endure it b / c the park Aroused my senses to an extent That was overpowering to the pain. Were the smells incredibly, as everything and i mean EVERYTHING is in bloom, it WAS early morning-fresh sun-up just sort of sky, green everywhere, canopies of trees, hidden plazas with statues and graceful looking poses Placed Amongst the wildlife, The most pleasing-sounding and birds ... Were Better Than Their songs all the music i have on my ipod, to the Point That I Had to literally take off my ipod b / ci HAD to listen to the amazing sounds of nature to get the full experience. WAS to the grass dewey, and the group on the damp sand, but i laid into it anyway to do my physical therapy and Mat. It WAS an amazing moment and i needed it. After a shower and breakfast, we met up with Kristen Lise M and H, two of my close friends from Extremely harmony. It was wonderful to Have A Change Of Pace in Regards to spending time with Different People, as myself and the two girls I'm traveling with We Are Each Have found 3 very unique individuals who are very different. We toured the cathedral in Seville, and climbed the Giralda, Which is a large tower That get's to the very top. There Is a beautiful lookout of Seville in it's entirety, and it WAS breathtaking. You will enjoy the photos. Following, We Had a picnic lunch in the park and It Was alcazar about 80 degrees F and sunny. Absolutely beautiful. I Took off my shoes and socks, rolled up my pant legs, and used my jacket and purse as a pillow. WAS A distinct type of lilac in bloom, and smelling That put me in heaven. After about 30-40 minutes of off-on napping, Both Kristen's, myself, and Lise headed to watch more of processions, and Megan Went off to do her own thing. We ended up seeing two people who sang and how incredibly it WAS quite the Thousands of People in the Streets Suddenly Became. Even the Children. I Could not believe it .. It Was As If The Singer Had a microphone b / ci Could Them here perfectly. What Was I spiritually amazing about This Was That I Had Chills The entire time, seeing the candles, the faces of the people in the Streets, The Eyes of las nacerenos, the real 'faith' and spirit of Catholics and Christianity. I Had this incredible feeling connected-With All of These people-strangers, friends, foreigners, locals, all in The Same Streets, solemnly remember What Jesus did for us, And Also Celebrating His strength, courage, power, and incredible gift Given to All of Us. He blessed with me with a neat experience after this That I wish to not forget as well. Although I Could look at this as something Flattering, it is more of an 'aura' compliment b / c of the state of the young man. When the man singing on the balcony HAD finished His prayer-song, a spanish man about 65 years old Began Came up to me and speaking to me. I Had no previous acknowledgments with this person before, But When he asked me after 15 seconds of talking if i was de Espana, and I Said 'no' But yo body, 'I Can Understand' and puedo Hable (i can speak), h asked me for a favor. Behind HIM, He Pointed to His Son, Probably about 25 years old, medium height with dark hair and glasses, and well-kept. He Explained to me that he is handicapped and has a disability, But I saw During the procession, and just 'fell in love with me-or my appearance.' The father Continued to ask me if i would say hello to HIM, or just my name Tell Him. Before I Could even analyze the situation of His son, Said of the course, and the son approached and stuck out my hand. I Introduced myself by my first name, and wished a happy easter HIM. I TOLD HIM about studying in Spain, Being from the states, etc.. Whether he Understood the concepts or not, it was really sweet b / c We Were Able to communicate in Spanish, And When I finished talking with HIM, he appeared to be in awe. By this point the mother with the father and WAS Both Were Thanking me profusely for Under Their Breath Merely just talking With Their son, the father and Continued to tell me what the DID WAS Such a Good Thing. But really, what the Took Was the flattery from this That the recieved "Some are from my personality aura of 'friendliness' and wanted to talk with me. If I Could Affect at a minimum just one person a day in this Manner, Life Would Be More Than a success .. life has purpose for Them But Not Only for you When you do this as well. It was really neat, and it is this aura i hope i can bring to my Patients in the hospital someday, to less-fortunate Those who will serve in the country Their Some day.
Following experience this, us girls las Continued on to view murals in the northern part of the city, and then megan met up with us. We got caught by A Few more processions, But I'm telling you They never get old. I can not wait to show you the picures. We then Were planning on going to a local-but 'hidden' 'local' bar for an 11pm flamenco show. A Few of the girls Picked up food along the way quickly, But I Was So Happy That Kristen M wanted to go out with me. I figure, why buy food at the Quick Stand When You Can Actually Find It For The Same Price, have it cooked for you, Also be authentic, and Have a real-experience to enjoy it with the atmosphere. I guess for me the atmosphere is really important to make the experience good, i dont care how good or bad the food is. Kristen M and I sat outside the cutest outdoor table at the right in the plaza, the Night Life Was hussling bussling But at a relaxing and peace, and we drank a glass of wine, jamon serrano and ordered sandwiches, with The most amazing white cheese Could you image. It was fantastic. We Made It To The Flamenco show with ample time to share, and the other girls HAD saved us a seat. Our Friend Taiwain Basille met up with us as well (he studies with us in Pamplona and Seville in WAS too). We ordered a pitcher of Sangria, and dry thoroughly enjoyed the flamenco performance. I liked it better than no i thought i would, and i was amazed with her SO Ability to move her upper body so grace-fully while tapping her feet and forcefully know QUICKLY at the Same Time. The guitar player was perfect, and the Man Accompanying the flamenco woman WAS outstanding as well. It Was a free show-and i believe The most local, real flamenco seville You Can Have experience when you're on a budget. :) The night ended with Some chocolate from a small market on the way back to the hostel, Which hit the spot-thick white chocolate from Spain, and of course, my favorite White Chocolate with hazelnuts ... However choc.s right up there now hehe.
Friday morning myself with megan and kristen f and prepared to check out, and Went for a walk along the River Once Again As We HAD to be out of the hostel by 11:30 But HAD time to spare, we know Took in some-more sun, and Carried Our towels to dry. We are limitd space for this trip b / c We have one luggage That We Are and sharing it can only way 15 kg. Which is about 30-35 lbs. The company is very cheap for airline tickets, But if you are over weight in on luggage, They totally get you and charge you. Thank God megan has a weigher Weighing Specifically made for luggage, so We Had It Right at 15 kg., However we could not put wet towels in there b / c They Would weigh more .. I know we got some funny looks walking on the Sidewalks as Our Arms Were rack laundry dryers.
We Took a bus to the airport in Seville, and although WAS Our plane delayed by 1 hour, Flew out in-route to Rome with no trouble what-soever. That I just pray this will continue on Friday night When We leave Venice and fly with the airline company Same back to Barcelona. I Have Learned how to layer on many shirts to wear, to hide things in my jacket Such as extra pieces of clothing or souvenirs That Might Be weightful, and i have to eat the food ahead of time .. even if I'm not hungry in order to weigh less ... haha ... if That Makes Sense. NO, But It does to me I know I'll remember this hehehe .. It Was silly b / c we HAD to make sandwiches for food in the morning, and even though we'd just eaten lunch at 12 pm, we where eating Our 430 or supper at 5 pm again b / c we Knew we would not get anything else the rest of the day, nor did We have the room to bring it. We Arrived in Rome about 830pm, and Took bus to the center of the city. There We Were Able to buy train tickets for Our Florence (Which we will use tomorrow), and got on bus Another Which Brought us to a location nearer to Our hostel. We are staying in an old Nunnery, But The building is beautiful, the room has 5 beds in it But it is HUGE, we each GET a huge closet with a key so security there is very good, breakfast is very good, hot showers are , facilites are alway stocked and clean, and my bed is Extremely comfortable. More Than my comfortable bed in Pamplona. What a shame .. heheheh But I'm on vacation so i need to enjoy it.
Really though ... i know other's look at this as a vacation, But It's starting to get hard to llook at it like that b / c we aare in charge of so much; of What We Eat, Where we are going to sleep, how we are going to get here and there, keeping safe Each Other, Our purses in huge huge huge crowds of people, how we are going to pay for things (Our scattered money), with tricky travling-weight-limiting Airlines, etc., , it really is a lot ofwork. It's wonderufl, and i am so blessed to get to see so much. I would say it is more like school But without travling class home-work. The homework is to learn how to interact with the world, to think logically, to communicate Effectively with the other cultures to get along with people You Have To Be With Who are COMPLETELY Opposite Than You and hard to deal with at times, to watch out for you, take care of you (number one) Basically we can say responsibility and global-minded-ness. It'sreal-world living not only 101, But 202, 334, and I'd say I'm in 404 now. I "m graduating. I'm ready to go home, to hug my mom and let her spoil me with food, a back-rub, and a girls-night movie in bed. I'm ready to spend time with dad and well and lady. .. to get her kisses on my cheek, and just to be with my family unit. Do not get me wrong I'm happy and I'm experiencing ,,,,, The most amazing things, But Things Are coming full circle, and now not a day goes by That I dn't think about my return. I'm scared for it, I'm scared for how i will feel when i am home, how i will feel about the people there , my town, the Lack of my life spain Being 'Alive and Present' in my life. But I will adjust again.
Have I still 1.5 months left, and many wonderful things to Occur, But I'm ready to finish up classes for sure. Because it really is perfect to end i am looking forward to the trip to Lanzarote with my guy-friend, and then 3 days later i wil head home. I'm not looking forward to studying all summer, But It Will Be OK. I will jump back in and be fine.
As for now, I've Spent The entire weekend out and about in the ancient and beautiful city of Rome. I can not believe i leave here tomorrow Already to move on to Florence, But It Was a great experience. I know i prefer over Rome Seville (as do as Comparing cities), but i still Have two more to judge. I will write to you about Rome in the coming days. I must go to sleep.
Happy Easter: He is Truly Risen!
Amen
Lauren
On Tuesday night, the two girls That I am traveling with and i Took the train from Pamplona to Madrid, in Madrid and then changed to an all night That We Took bus to Seville. It was very smooth - sleeping on the bus Is not the Same as the bed, but that's Another Thing .. benches from airport to bus seats, I've learned 'how' to sleep without a bed. We Arrived in Seville on Wednesday morning by 8am, and b / c we couldnt check into Our hostel just then, it was fabulous b / c the weather WAS absolutely perfect, the sun WAS coming up, and and we got to walk around the Mary Luisa park. The vegetation in it is just incredible. It is beautiful. We then Went to a small cafe near Our hostel and drank the cola-caused (hot milk with shock. Powder you add), and a bun with butter for breakfast. We enjoyed walking along the beautiful river, and then venturing into the older part of Seville, seeing the Plaza de los torres, doing Some souvenir shopping, people watching, and viewing places Such as El Alcazar, the Cathedral, the Plaza de Triunfo, and watchng to many ppl of the afternoon preparing for the Semana Santa processions. We napped in the afternoon During nap for about 2 hours, then got cleaned up and Went out to watch the processions. I "m telling you if this wasn't a religious / sacred experience, then i do not know what is. I Was incredibly moved. Seeing the nacerenos, the penitent, the Solemn people, quite, and dressed up as if it WAS easter sundy on Tuesday .... It Was Just breathtaking. The streets were so crowded at times you could not even go down one b / c there were so many people. For dinner, I Had The most amazing sandwiches and potato chips at this ethnic spanish restuarant That no-kidding Was a whole in the wall. I Was Glad That Kristen Joined me to eat there, and I Had the best glass of wine to Thus there as well. I Had to 'Serenity' sandwich, Which is Apparently 'the' best thing to get at the restaurant. Upon walking in, i did not know what to get, and now understnad Did not Recognize the vocabulary / descripciones on the menu .. But a very friendly young couple and Another Woman eating with Them there saw me looking at plate, and then asked the Them What It Was They Were eating, and the were so friendly, the Explained everything, and even insisted That I take a bite of Each of Their foods I know That I Could Try and decide what i like. Well I'm telling you, it WAS incredible, so i ordered Exactly What They HAD. The serenity sandwich Which Came with jamon serrano on top as well, potato chips That I Were So Good, free olives ( Also I know amazing), and the best red wine of my life ... I'll say it again .. so fantastic. I slept like a doll That night hehe. Our hostel WAS cute, But We Were surprised with the security b / c It Was Almost non-existent.
On thursday morning, i got up early, and Went for a run in the park The Same In Which We Had Walked The Morning of Our arrival (the Maria Luisa). It Was Such a so beautiful and wonderful experience. Despi The Fact That WAS my right lower leg Hurting me, i chose to forget it and Endure it b / c the park Aroused my senses to an extent That was overpowering to the pain. Were the smells incredibly, as everything and i mean EVERYTHING is in bloom, it WAS early morning-fresh sun-up just sort of sky, green everywhere, canopies of trees, hidden plazas with statues and graceful looking poses Placed Amongst the wildlife, The most pleasing-sounding and birds ... Were Better Than Their songs all the music i have on my ipod, to the Point That I Had to literally take off my ipod b / ci HAD to listen to the amazing sounds of nature to get the full experience. WAS to the grass dewey, and the group on the damp sand, but i laid into it anyway to do my physical therapy and Mat. It WAS an amazing moment and i needed it. After a shower and breakfast, we met up with Kristen Lise M and H, two of my close friends from Extremely harmony. It was wonderful to Have A Change Of Pace in Regards to spending time with Different People, as myself and the two girls I'm traveling with We Are Each Have found 3 very unique individuals who are very different. We toured the cathedral in Seville, and climbed the Giralda, Which is a large tower That get's to the very top. There Is a beautiful lookout of Seville in it's entirety, and it WAS breathtaking. You will enjoy the photos. Following, We Had a picnic lunch in the park and It Was alcazar about 80 degrees F and sunny. Absolutely beautiful. I Took off my shoes and socks, rolled up my pant legs, and used my jacket and purse as a pillow. WAS A distinct type of lilac in bloom, and smelling That put me in heaven. After about 30-40 minutes of off-on napping, Both Kristen's, myself, and Lise headed to watch more of processions, and Megan Went off to do her own thing. We ended up seeing two people who sang and how incredibly it WAS quite the Thousands of People in the Streets Suddenly Became. Even the Children. I Could not believe it .. It Was As If The Singer Had a microphone b / ci Could Them here perfectly. What Was I spiritually amazing about This Was That I Had Chills The entire time, seeing the candles, the faces of the people in the Streets, The Eyes of las nacerenos, the real 'faith' and spirit of Catholics and Christianity. I Had this incredible feeling connected-With All of These people-strangers, friends, foreigners, locals, all in The Same Streets, solemnly remember What Jesus did for us, And Also Celebrating His strength, courage, power, and incredible gift Given to All of Us. He blessed with me with a neat experience after this That I wish to not forget as well. Although I Could look at this as something Flattering, it is more of an 'aura' compliment b / c of the state of the young man. When the man singing on the balcony HAD finished His prayer-song, a spanish man about 65 years old Began Came up to me and speaking to me. I Had no previous acknowledgments with this person before, But When he asked me after 15 seconds of talking if i was de Espana, and I Said 'no' But yo body, 'I Can Understand' and puedo Hable (i can speak), h asked me for a favor. Behind HIM, He Pointed to His Son, Probably about 25 years old, medium height with dark hair and glasses, and well-kept. He Explained to me that he is handicapped and has a disability, But I saw During the procession, and just 'fell in love with me-or my appearance.' The father Continued to ask me if i would say hello to HIM, or just my name Tell Him. Before I Could even analyze the situation of His son, Said of the course, and the son approached and stuck out my hand. I Introduced myself by my first name, and wished a happy easter HIM. I TOLD HIM about studying in Spain, Being from the states, etc.. Whether he Understood the concepts or not, it was really sweet b / c We Were Able to communicate in Spanish, And When I finished talking with HIM, he appeared to be in awe. By this point the mother with the father and WAS Both Were Thanking me profusely for Under Their Breath Merely just talking With Their son, the father and Continued to tell me what the DID WAS Such a Good Thing. But really, what the Took Was the flattery from this That the recieved "Some are from my personality aura of 'friendliness' and wanted to talk with me. If I Could Affect at a minimum just one person a day in this Manner, Life Would Be More Than a success .. life has purpose for Them But Not Only for you When you do this as well. It was really neat, and it is this aura i hope i can bring to my Patients in the hospital someday, to less-fortunate Those who will serve in the country Their Some day.
Following experience this, us girls las Continued on to view murals in the northern part of the city, and then megan met up with us. We got caught by A Few more processions, But I'm telling you They never get old. I can not wait to show you the picures. We then Were planning on going to a local-but 'hidden' 'local' bar for an 11pm flamenco show. A Few of the girls Picked up food along the way quickly, But I Was So Happy That Kristen M wanted to go out with me. I figure, why buy food at the Quick Stand When You Can Actually Find It For The Same Price, have it cooked for you, Also be authentic, and Have a real-experience to enjoy it with the atmosphere. I guess for me the atmosphere is really important to make the experience good, i dont care how good or bad the food is. Kristen M and I sat outside the cutest outdoor table at the right in the plaza, the Night Life Was hussling bussling But at a relaxing and peace, and we drank a glass of wine, jamon serrano and ordered sandwiches, with The most amazing white cheese Could you image. It was fantastic. We Made It To The Flamenco show with ample time to share, and the other girls HAD saved us a seat. Our Friend Taiwain Basille met up with us as well (he studies with us in Pamplona and Seville in WAS too). We ordered a pitcher of Sangria, and dry thoroughly enjoyed the flamenco performance. I liked it better than no i thought i would, and i was amazed with her SO Ability to move her upper body so grace-fully while tapping her feet and forcefully know QUICKLY at the Same Time. The guitar player was perfect, and the Man Accompanying the flamenco woman WAS outstanding as well. It Was a free show-and i believe The most local, real flamenco seville You Can Have experience when you're on a budget. :) The night ended with Some chocolate from a small market on the way back to the hostel, Which hit the spot-thick white chocolate from Spain, and of course, my favorite White Chocolate with hazelnuts ... However choc.s right up there now hehe.
Friday morning myself with megan and kristen f and prepared to check out, and Went for a walk along the River Once Again As We HAD to be out of the hostel by 11:30 But HAD time to spare, we know Took in some-more sun, and Carried Our towels to dry. We are limitd space for this trip b / c We have one luggage That We Are and sharing it can only way 15 kg. Which is about 30-35 lbs. The company is very cheap for airline tickets, But if you are over weight in on luggage, They totally get you and charge you. Thank God megan has a weigher Weighing Specifically made for luggage, so We Had It Right at 15 kg., However we could not put wet towels in there b / c They Would weigh more .. I know we got some funny looks walking on the Sidewalks as Our Arms Were rack laundry dryers.
We Took a bus to the airport in Seville, and although WAS Our plane delayed by 1 hour, Flew out in-route to Rome with no trouble what-soever. That I just pray this will continue on Friday night When We leave Venice and fly with the airline company Same back to Barcelona. I Have Learned how to layer on many shirts to wear, to hide things in my jacket Such as extra pieces of clothing or souvenirs That Might Be weightful, and i have to eat the food ahead of time .. even if I'm not hungry in order to weigh less ... haha ... if That Makes Sense. NO, But It does to me I know I'll remember this hehehe .. It Was silly b / c we HAD to make sandwiches for food in the morning, and even though we'd just eaten lunch at 12 pm, we where eating Our 430 or supper at 5 pm again b / c we Knew we would not get anything else the rest of the day, nor did We have the room to bring it. We Arrived in Rome about 830pm, and Took bus to the center of the city. There We Were Able to buy train tickets for Our Florence (Which we will use tomorrow), and got on bus Another Which Brought us to a location nearer to Our hostel. We are staying in an old Nunnery, But The building is beautiful, the room has 5 beds in it But it is HUGE, we each GET a huge closet with a key so security there is very good, breakfast is very good, hot showers are , facilites are alway stocked and clean, and my bed is Extremely comfortable. More Than my comfortable bed in Pamplona. What a shame .. heheheh But I'm on vacation so i need to enjoy it.
Really though ... i know other's look at this as a vacation, But It's starting to get hard to llook at it like that b / c we aare in charge of so much; of What We Eat, Where we are going to sleep, how we are going to get here and there, keeping safe Each Other, Our purses in huge huge huge crowds of people, how we are going to pay for things (Our scattered money), with tricky travling-weight-limiting Airlines, etc., , it really is a lot ofwork. It's wonderufl, and i am so blessed to get to see so much. I would say it is more like school But without travling class home-work. The homework is to learn how to interact with the world, to think logically, to communicate Effectively with the other cultures to get along with people You Have To Be With Who are COMPLETELY Opposite Than You and hard to deal with at times, to watch out for you, take care of you (number one) Basically we can say responsibility and global-minded-ness. It'sreal-world living not only 101, But 202, 334, and I'd say I'm in 404 now. I "m graduating. I'm ready to go home, to hug my mom and let her spoil me with food, a back-rub, and a girls-night movie in bed. I'm ready to spend time with dad and well and lady. .. to get her kisses on my cheek, and just to be with my family unit. Do not get me wrong I'm happy and I'm experiencing ,,,,, The most amazing things, But Things Are coming full circle, and now not a day goes by That I dn't think about my return. I'm scared for it, I'm scared for how i will feel when i am home, how i will feel about the people there , my town, the Lack of my life spain Being 'Alive and Present' in my life. But I will adjust again.
Have I still 1.5 months left, and many wonderful things to Occur, But I'm ready to finish up classes for sure. Because it really is perfect to end i am looking forward to the trip to Lanzarote with my guy-friend, and then 3 days later i wil head home. I'm not looking forward to studying all summer, But It Will Be OK. I will jump back in and be fine.
As for now, I've Spent The entire weekend out and about in the ancient and beautiful city of Rome. I can not believe i leave here tomorrow Already to move on to Florence, But It Was a great experience. I know i prefer over Rome Seville (as do as Comparing cities), but i still Have two more to judge. I will write to you about Rome in the coming days. I must go to sleep.
Happy Easter: He is Truly Risen!
Amen
Lauren
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Palm Sunday
Today was a beautiful day for los Ramos (palm sunday). Julia and i went to la misa (mass) at 11:45 and got our palms and stood outside in la plaza, where all the people were gathered. It was so beautiful outside. All of the priests walked outside (the procession) and the rest of the people followed. I was in awe b/c there were so many people. I've never seen so many people try to fit into one church,,more than xmas time. It was so cool, even the little kids were just dressed to adorable and behaved EXTREMELY well. Julia and i didn't get to sit next to each other but we could see each other, so every once and awhile i'd look over and smile at her. There where the cutest 2 little girls prob about 4 or 5 thathad to stand the entire mass with their mom and grandma (b/c there were so many ppl, ppl wer standing in the aisles) but i couldn't believe how well behaved they were. For the entire 50 min they stood and listened, and i would look over and smile at them every once and awhile, and they would smile back hehe,,but they were so well behaved. and their mom had them dressed so cute. My little girls are going to be just as well behaved someday if they have to stand the entire mass at church, and i'm going to dress them as cute too heheh. Oh i cant wait!
Julia and i had a nice photo taken of the two of us afterwards with our palms in la plaza...i asked a stranger just b/c i thought that we looked so nicely dressed, etc. We walked over to Maribel's house afterwards, and they had just gotten home b/c they spent the night in Salinas last night. We are all worried and frustrated a bit with Inoa, b/c in the last month she's lost 9 pounds, and continues to not want to eat. Maribel is so stressed (let only she is a biology professor so she has that stress and now Inoa), so Inoa was in the house, and we talked to her a little. I had a talk to her last night in Salinas, just the two of us, about how i regret doing some of the behavior when i was younger b/c now i am paying the price as i'm having such problmes with the bones in my legs. Man if i would have only known, i would have eaten and drank so much more milk. I hope that she shapes up. Julia's mad at her too. or more worried. we also think she is starting to suffer from depression. It is hard for me to see that b/c it reminds me of someone i know so well who went through that same thing with the same behavior. I recognize everything. It's so amazing how one grows and and changes and realizes however. I know fully understand the importance of when my mom would and does tell me "Honey i know because i've lived longer". I never wanted to believe her b/c i thought i knew it all, but really i dont. Those who are older really do know so much more, and man the things we can learn and take from them if we would only just listen and take what we hear as truth. I tell Ainhoa, but she doesn't want to hear me.
I came home after that, and i went straight to my desk to begin my finalizing for italy. I'm so stressed since we'll be gone for over 12 days, but everything will be fine. I was just mapquesting, doing some banking business, and making sure we know were we are going, have our documents, plane tickets, checking the weight allowances for luggage, things like that
Then this afternoon i worked on my research for the debate i'll have to give after semana santa vacation. This afternoon i went for a run in the park. I was just so mad b/c my legs hurt, but i sucked it up and just went b/c i was mad enough about it. Whether that was good or not..prob not,,i went anyway. God punished me though, b/c it started pouring rain...no kidding...like a downpour rain. I just laughed and kept going until i got to the bridge and i went under it and stretched and waited for the downpour to pass. It was actually really nice for me to just chill, think, and clear my head. Then, all of a sudden, the sky's cleared, and i saw a small rainbow. the sun came back out, and i went one more time around the park. I felt better upon my return :)
For some reason, i was homesick today, really missing mom, dad, ben and lady. I think it's just the anticipation since i know i'm going soon, and im just preparing my self for classes, leaving spain, saying goodbye, etc. It's not going to be easy eiether way i llook at it, b/c i don't want to say goodbye, but i also miss them. I got to skype with mom and it was so wonderful just to see her voice. And ben's too :) and dad. they are just going on with life like usual, but it is so comforting for me to see them. If i've learned anything about life since i've been here, it's this: regardless of how many friends you have, how many boys mis-treat you or hurt you, how many hardships or setbacks you've had to go through, and how many people you've made mistakes with, your family never stops loving you. They never stop caring, believin in you, supporting you, and caring for you. Even when you don't see it, they are still there, loving you and waiting for you to see them. If i could teach anything in this world, it would be this--because it is so true,,and so often we don't see that.
I got my hair cut last week--a real European style haircut. I couldn't look at the floor when he was done however b/c there was SO much hair on the floor omg. i don't even want to think about it. But guys i LOVE it, it is so much cuter..still long, but i have layers ALL over, and my hair has so much more body now! It has been fun wearing it down b/c of this, and it will be so fun when i get home to use my curling iron hehe . I really nice Spanish guy cut it for me at this peluqueria near my house. Now after all my friends saw it they want to go there too, so that is good. And it was so cheap..just 9,50 Euros! My friend Maribel from the med school (we go to class their together) came with me just since i was so nervous and wanted a good speaker to accompany me incase i needed help explaining. But we did a good job :)
Tonight i just finished some homework, so i think i will just go to bed since i will have a very busy day tomorrow with classes and preparations for the trip.
I wil bring my laptop along since i have to do some homework (unfortunately :( ) but that way i'll be able to update you as we go.
All my love,
Lorena Beatriz
Julia and i had a nice photo taken of the two of us afterwards with our palms in la plaza...i asked a stranger just b/c i thought that we looked so nicely dressed, etc. We walked over to Maribel's house afterwards, and they had just gotten home b/c they spent the night in Salinas last night. We are all worried and frustrated a bit with Inoa, b/c in the last month she's lost 9 pounds, and continues to not want to eat. Maribel is so stressed (let only she is a biology professor so she has that stress and now Inoa), so Inoa was in the house, and we talked to her a little. I had a talk to her last night in Salinas, just the two of us, about how i regret doing some of the behavior when i was younger b/c now i am paying the price as i'm having such problmes with the bones in my legs. Man if i would have only known, i would have eaten and drank so much more milk. I hope that she shapes up. Julia's mad at her too. or more worried. we also think she is starting to suffer from depression. It is hard for me to see that b/c it reminds me of someone i know so well who went through that same thing with the same behavior. I recognize everything. It's so amazing how one grows and and changes and realizes however. I know fully understand the importance of when my mom would and does tell me "Honey i know because i've lived longer". I never wanted to believe her b/c i thought i knew it all, but really i dont. Those who are older really do know so much more, and man the things we can learn and take from them if we would only just listen and take what we hear as truth. I tell Ainhoa, but she doesn't want to hear me.
I came home after that, and i went straight to my desk to begin my finalizing for italy. I'm so stressed since we'll be gone for over 12 days, but everything will be fine. I was just mapquesting, doing some banking business, and making sure we know were we are going, have our documents, plane tickets, checking the weight allowances for luggage, things like that
Then this afternoon i worked on my research for the debate i'll have to give after semana santa vacation. This afternoon i went for a run in the park. I was just so mad b/c my legs hurt, but i sucked it up and just went b/c i was mad enough about it. Whether that was good or not..prob not,,i went anyway. God punished me though, b/c it started pouring rain...no kidding...like a downpour rain. I just laughed and kept going until i got to the bridge and i went under it and stretched and waited for the downpour to pass. It was actually really nice for me to just chill, think, and clear my head. Then, all of a sudden, the sky's cleared, and i saw a small rainbow. the sun came back out, and i went one more time around the park. I felt better upon my return :)
For some reason, i was homesick today, really missing mom, dad, ben and lady. I think it's just the anticipation since i know i'm going soon, and im just preparing my self for classes, leaving spain, saying goodbye, etc. It's not going to be easy eiether way i llook at it, b/c i don't want to say goodbye, but i also miss them. I got to skype with mom and it was so wonderful just to see her voice. And ben's too :) and dad. they are just going on with life like usual, but it is so comforting for me to see them. If i've learned anything about life since i've been here, it's this: regardless of how many friends you have, how many boys mis-treat you or hurt you, how many hardships or setbacks you've had to go through, and how many people you've made mistakes with, your family never stops loving you. They never stop caring, believin in you, supporting you, and caring for you. Even when you don't see it, they are still there, loving you and waiting for you to see them. If i could teach anything in this world, it would be this--because it is so true,,and so often we don't see that.
I got my hair cut last week--a real European style haircut. I couldn't look at the floor when he was done however b/c there was SO much hair on the floor omg. i don't even want to think about it. But guys i LOVE it, it is so much cuter..still long, but i have layers ALL over, and my hair has so much more body now! It has been fun wearing it down b/c of this, and it will be so fun when i get home to use my curling iron hehe . I really nice Spanish guy cut it for me at this peluqueria near my house. Now after all my friends saw it they want to go there too, so that is good. And it was so cheap..just 9,50 Euros! My friend Maribel from the med school (we go to class their together) came with me just since i was so nervous and wanted a good speaker to accompany me incase i needed help explaining. But we did a good job :)
Tonight i just finished some homework, so i think i will just go to bed since i will have a very busy day tomorrow with classes and preparations for the trip.
I wil bring my laptop along since i have to do some homework (unfortunately :( ) but that way i'll be able to update you as we go.
All my love,
Lorena Beatriz
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Life just keeps moving forward
Well,,,it's been almost 10 days since i've blogged. That's because i've been so busy traveling and preparing for Italy, teaching, writing papers, going out with my friends, meeting new friends, planning new travels, being with Julia, being with her kids and grandkids, walking in the park, eating, dancing with Ruben, talking with Marion, and dreaming right along as i'm having the most incredible experience of my life. Today we lose an hour, so it's really 1 in the morning instead of midnight. I am so tired b/c i came home at 4am this morning, but i went out and had such a great time with my german girlfriends and other exchange friends at a bar. Every Friday night they do a different cocktail special, and last night it was carribean, so it was enjoyable, and there was a lot of fun people there that i love spending time with. It was also cool b/c i met some knew people..including two Spanish men (who i must add were VERY handsome). This was good to just get out b/c i wasn't going to at first, but it was one of those nights were you are SO glad you did when you;re on your way home. It's so funny b/c these to guys are number 5 & 6 who ask for my number within the last 3 months. I guess that has just never happened to me with such frecuency like here,,but boy the one from Valencia is guapisimo. We will see haha. The music was fun last night too, and I was with my best friend Marion and her sister who is visiting this week, eva, saskia, jan, paul, skyla, her roommates, another concordia girl here visiting (that was so cool to see a familiar face i just hugged her so long haha!), Nerea, Leslie, Sharmaine, everyone. It was fun.
I slept so good last night, and slept in this morning. I hurried to get ready b/c Julia and i left to go to Salinas today to have a big birthday party for me and her son Carlos. I'm telling you, i think it was the best celebration i've ever had and i'll never forget this day. Last night, after just 1 caramel chupito (shot), 1 pina colada, and 1 baileys, i was still feeling 'nice' today..a little tired...but that changed once i got in the car. The sun was out, the most beautiful blue' tint to the sky i've seen, and mom...a straight line flying high in the sky. It was so fun to ride in the car in the back seat and just look out the window. I forgot how much i miss riding in the car! And the roads are so nice and smooth here. Julia's son Javier and his wife Angelina picked us up and we would meet everyone else there. Javier and Angelina are so good to me...i just love them. Between Maribel (Julia's daughter), and two of her 4 sons (Carlos and Javier), they treat me like their own...like part of the family. It is such a cool feeling and i'm so blessed to have this time with them. We got there, and the dads (carlos and Inaki (maribel's husband)) already had the wood fire burning in the beautiful backyard, a fire built in a pit in the wall entirely made of stone...so beautiful words can't describe it ..i took photos. The pig (ham) was cooking in there all afternoon. So amazing. Maribel and Ainhoa and Inaki (the 11 yr old son) were there, as well as Carlos' wife Eva and their kids Jon (18), Alaine (12), and Julin (7). I just love them. So us kids hung out this afternoon, and it was so cool b/c i got to play tennis with Ainhoa and Alaine, lay in the sun and look at the mountains, listen to the birds--and also nothing at all but the sounds of nature :) ,,smell the fresh air, feel the pleasure of my heart and soul all around me. It was just awesome. I wasn't even thinking of all the homework i have to do, packing and planning i still need to do, nothing...b/c it was just pure bliss/pure heaven. For lunch (la comida: this is the biggest meal of the day eaten around 2 or 3 everyday), we had an amazing traditional meal of Spain. I ate salad with olive oil, Anchovies soaked in olive oil with peppers and garlic that you put on bread, white asperagus, the best cheese i've ever eaten in my life (it was like really old, RICH RICH RICH tasting), and i think the best red wine i've had yet, from a vineyard right here in Navarra. Then, the dads brought in the meat, and it was like ribs from the pig (or that's how i'll describe it b/c we had to eat it with our fingers and bite the meat off if you know what i mean hehe). For dessert, Angelina had made Notilla (a custard that is SO amazing i just am in LOVE with it, and there are my favorite cookies that i'm addicted too in there. Its so good b/c then they are soft and have soaked up all the custard.) It's amazing. Julia had also made Hornijadas filled with Chocolate: so good...i am in love with this too. I still need to go to Beatriz and buy some before i forget :) Later one, we went on a bikeride all around the pueblo! Oh man it was so nice to ride a bike,,,i just missed that! and then we took a walk to a little pueblo about 20 -25 min down the road from Salinas. We walked along el camino de Santiago path, so that was really historically cool for me, and it was breathtaking the views. ON one side of me were pine trees, leaves, decidious trees, and familar smells from Itasca state park back home, and on the other side i was looking out at some breathtaking mountains just a reach away, a wine vineyard were the grape plants are placed in there perfect rows and look so precise, and at a little pueblo with it's lights starting to come on (since it was dusk), and of course the moon was out tonight (as if it wasn't already cozy enough!!!). We walked there and back in about an hour, talking, and then at times not saying anything at all. I really enjoyed talking with Alaine the 12 yr old grandson. He's really awesome and it was enjoyable for me to talk with him b/c he did a great job of explaining things to me, answering my questions, etc. we talked about deer, grizzley bears, what types of animals are here in their woods, school, classes, just great topics for interesting discussions. The stars came out when we got home, and they took me to a river just 5 min from la casa *the house), where there is a natural spring fallin gffrom the mountain and is known by the people as the place you can take a drink of natural real-earth water. So, it was my first time drinking actual 'water' from the earth without having been through any processes, and it was very good actually :) Then we went back to the house since it was getting a bit cold. By this point, after all the activity and fresh air, the sofa was SO appealing, and all the parents were sitting at the table still talking, smoking and drinking their wine, the kids in their own rooms (the boys playing piano and guitar in the other room, and Ainhoa on the coach with me finishing a wii game on the tv.). So i laid down thinking i would just relax, and you guys i fell asleep! Like a hard sleep, and it felt so good. The fire was crackling, and i felt like i was in that cozy house in our favorite movie the Holiday. The entire house (walls inside and out) are made of stones, so it is just SO amazingly cozy. When i awoke, everyone was really happy that i'd fallen asleep though hhe. I was a little embarrassed, but i just felt so at home and comfortable. For me to fall asleep like that..i guess i really know now i was feeling at home :) I thought to myself, why don't i do this more often at home in Moorhead. I really need too.
I had some more notilla and bread and meat for la cena (a little supper at about 1030pm), with some wine. My camera battery died right when i got to Salinas today :( , but lucky for me Javier let me take his camera all around with me and take as many photos of everything that i wanted, and then he's going to come over and we're going to put the photos on my pen drive so i have them! He is so nice. Then, Maribel and her daughter gave me this bag from Zara, and i just couldn't believe it ! (Zara is a very expensive but AMAZING GORGEOUS AWESOME clothing store here in Europe). We dont ahve them in the states...there is only 1 in NY. Anyway, when i opened it, they bought me a really cute dress grey European looking dress, and a really nice creme colored/hazelnut colored sweater. Seriously, maribel must have paid about 60 Euro for everything. I just couldnt believe it. I thanked them over and over profusely, and bless her heart she kept telling me,,here is the reciepts, and you know where Zara is so if you want to change anything you just do it ok sweetheart"...Then they all sang this song to me in Spanish about being a "sweet girl who they are happy to know and for this i recieve their loves and gifts"..I will never ever ever forget this night for the rest of my life. I know there will be great birthday celebrations, but what a unique, amazing way to begin the next decade of my life. I"ll NEVER forget it, along with these people. And i'm so happy, b/c since mom and i extended my time here, I'm going to go back out to Salinas in April or May b/4 i go to las islas canarias to enjoy the flowers and walk somemore..and def take a nap on that couch that i'm in love with.
Yes,,its been so long i haven't told you that i'm staying in Spain longer :) by about 12 days. It's really amazing how this opportunity came about, but my really great friend took me out on our weekly dates for supper again last week, but this time he presented an all inclusive trip to Lanzarote, an island in the canaries that is known for it's beaches and volcanoes and hiking, snorkeling, trails for biking, and warm weather. I couldn't believe he had already gone to the travel agent, found out all the information and cost so he could be ready for every question i would ask, etc. However, in the price covers my plane ticket, all the food and drinks i want, and the 5 star hotel that we'll stay at. I must say, don't get the wrong idea..he is my friend :)...we've been 'going out ' on casual dates for about 1 month, and he hasn't kissed me the lips hehe, so i'm VERY sure that his intentions are not for just one thing with me. He has gone to these islands before with his family, so i am very lucky b/c he has so much excitement he said to show me around and 'in essence' be a 'tourguide'. It is this big extra thing, but then like i thought, it isn't everyday that i'll have an invitation to do this, let alone be so close to the islands already. It would be alot more hassle and money to fly here just to do this from the States..and money is just money. I can't take it with me to the grave, i have my whole life to work, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am so blessed, and i can't thank you God enough. Thank you.
Last weekend, i went to Madrid, Toledo, and Segovia for a three day weekend with Kristen M and Kristen F from Concordia. We took in a bullfight in madrid on sat night, ate the most AMAZING food at a traditional spanish restuarant (paella, chorizzo, other unique pinchos like empanadillas de atun (tuna), bread, sandwiches, and of course sangrias. We ate there both fri and sat night. Guys,,,i' think im not losing weight anymore haha..and it doesn't help that my legs are back to the swing ofgiving me pain again. I'm hoping that the injections i can recieve in my legs this summer will help. Anyway, i will be back to eating normal soon enough, so i just am going to continue to eat and try and be open to anything presented to me.
Ha...my waistline isn't going to get too much help this upcoming week b/c we are going to seville on Tues night until Friday, then flying to Rome fri night, in rome until monday night, then train to Florence for 4 days, and then train to Venice for one night until we are back in Barcelona ..on to pamplona late fri/early sat morning April 9. It should be a trip of a lifetime as well, however i have a paper i'll have to write during my time :( and i'm stressed about packing. I still have 3 days though.
Anyhow, its passed an hour already so i best get to bed, but i'm sorry i've slacked with updating ou guys. life has just been so full and busy, but i love it that way, and i'm so happy. I happy to say too, that i am now sure i'll be ready to come home when it's time. It feels so healthy to have come full circle, to have experienced all these emotions, changes, and takes on life. But i'll be ready :) I'm getting there more and more with everyday. I am so blessed. Tomorrow i am going to church with Julia at noon and it is palm sunday (de los ramos) here, so i am excited for this. I will miss my family over easter, but guys i will have so much to share with you when i come back. It overwhelms me with how much i've learned, how much i now know about myself, who i am, what i want, what i like, what i can do, what i won't and dont stand for, and how lucky i am. The friends i have here, the family i have here, they ahve touched my life in a way that no other person or experiece could have done...they have brought out a Lauren that I love, that is truly me,,that i'm going to keep around forever. I can't wait for you to meet her.
Goodnight, and all my love,
Lauren
I slept so good last night, and slept in this morning. I hurried to get ready b/c Julia and i left to go to Salinas today to have a big birthday party for me and her son Carlos. I'm telling you, i think it was the best celebration i've ever had and i'll never forget this day. Last night, after just 1 caramel chupito (shot), 1 pina colada, and 1 baileys, i was still feeling 'nice' today..a little tired...but that changed once i got in the car. The sun was out, the most beautiful blue' tint to the sky i've seen, and mom...a straight line flying high in the sky. It was so fun to ride in the car in the back seat and just look out the window. I forgot how much i miss riding in the car! And the roads are so nice and smooth here. Julia's son Javier and his wife Angelina picked us up and we would meet everyone else there. Javier and Angelina are so good to me...i just love them. Between Maribel (Julia's daughter), and two of her 4 sons (Carlos and Javier), they treat me like their own...like part of the family. It is such a cool feeling and i'm so blessed to have this time with them. We got there, and the dads (carlos and Inaki (maribel's husband)) already had the wood fire burning in the beautiful backyard, a fire built in a pit in the wall entirely made of stone...so beautiful words can't describe it ..i took photos. The pig (ham) was cooking in there all afternoon. So amazing. Maribel and Ainhoa and Inaki (the 11 yr old son) were there, as well as Carlos' wife Eva and their kids Jon (18), Alaine (12), and Julin (7). I just love them. So us kids hung out this afternoon, and it was so cool b/c i got to play tennis with Ainhoa and Alaine, lay in the sun and look at the mountains, listen to the birds--and also nothing at all but the sounds of nature :) ,,smell the fresh air, feel the pleasure of my heart and soul all around me. It was just awesome. I wasn't even thinking of all the homework i have to do, packing and planning i still need to do, nothing...b/c it was just pure bliss/pure heaven. For lunch (la comida: this is the biggest meal of the day eaten around 2 or 3 everyday), we had an amazing traditional meal of Spain. I ate salad with olive oil, Anchovies soaked in olive oil with peppers and garlic that you put on bread, white asperagus, the best cheese i've ever eaten in my life (it was like really old, RICH RICH RICH tasting), and i think the best red wine i've had yet, from a vineyard right here in Navarra. Then, the dads brought in the meat, and it was like ribs from the pig (or that's how i'll describe it b/c we had to eat it with our fingers and bite the meat off if you know what i mean hehe). For dessert, Angelina had made Notilla (a custard that is SO amazing i just am in LOVE with it, and there are my favorite cookies that i'm addicted too in there. Its so good b/c then they are soft and have soaked up all the custard.) It's amazing. Julia had also made Hornijadas filled with Chocolate: so good...i am in love with this too. I still need to go to Beatriz and buy some before i forget :) Later one, we went on a bikeride all around the pueblo! Oh man it was so nice to ride a bike,,,i just missed that! and then we took a walk to a little pueblo about 20 -25 min down the road from Salinas. We walked along el camino de Santiago path, so that was really historically cool for me, and it was breathtaking the views. ON one side of me were pine trees, leaves, decidious trees, and familar smells from Itasca state park back home, and on the other side i was looking out at some breathtaking mountains just a reach away, a wine vineyard were the grape plants are placed in there perfect rows and look so precise, and at a little pueblo with it's lights starting to come on (since it was dusk), and of course the moon was out tonight (as if it wasn't already cozy enough!!!). We walked there and back in about an hour, talking, and then at times not saying anything at all. I really enjoyed talking with Alaine the 12 yr old grandson. He's really awesome and it was enjoyable for me to talk with him b/c he did a great job of explaining things to me, answering my questions, etc. we talked about deer, grizzley bears, what types of animals are here in their woods, school, classes, just great topics for interesting discussions. The stars came out when we got home, and they took me to a river just 5 min from la casa *the house), where there is a natural spring fallin gffrom the mountain and is known by the people as the place you can take a drink of natural real-earth water. So, it was my first time drinking actual 'water' from the earth without having been through any processes, and it was very good actually :) Then we went back to the house since it was getting a bit cold. By this point, after all the activity and fresh air, the sofa was SO appealing, and all the parents were sitting at the table still talking, smoking and drinking their wine, the kids in their own rooms (the boys playing piano and guitar in the other room, and Ainhoa on the coach with me finishing a wii game on the tv.). So i laid down thinking i would just relax, and you guys i fell asleep! Like a hard sleep, and it felt so good. The fire was crackling, and i felt like i was in that cozy house in our favorite movie the Holiday. The entire house (walls inside and out) are made of stones, so it is just SO amazingly cozy. When i awoke, everyone was really happy that i'd fallen asleep though hhe. I was a little embarrassed, but i just felt so at home and comfortable. For me to fall asleep like that..i guess i really know now i was feeling at home :) I thought to myself, why don't i do this more often at home in Moorhead. I really need too.
I had some more notilla and bread and meat for la cena (a little supper at about 1030pm), with some wine. My camera battery died right when i got to Salinas today :( , but lucky for me Javier let me take his camera all around with me and take as many photos of everything that i wanted, and then he's going to come over and we're going to put the photos on my pen drive so i have them! He is so nice. Then, Maribel and her daughter gave me this bag from Zara, and i just couldn't believe it ! (Zara is a very expensive but AMAZING GORGEOUS AWESOME clothing store here in Europe). We dont ahve them in the states...there is only 1 in NY. Anyway, when i opened it, they bought me a really cute dress grey European looking dress, and a really nice creme colored/hazelnut colored sweater. Seriously, maribel must have paid about 60 Euro for everything. I just couldnt believe it. I thanked them over and over profusely, and bless her heart she kept telling me,,here is the reciepts, and you know where Zara is so if you want to change anything you just do it ok sweetheart"...Then they all sang this song to me in Spanish about being a "sweet girl who they are happy to know and for this i recieve their loves and gifts"..I will never ever ever forget this night for the rest of my life. I know there will be great birthday celebrations, but what a unique, amazing way to begin the next decade of my life. I"ll NEVER forget it, along with these people. And i'm so happy, b/c since mom and i extended my time here, I'm going to go back out to Salinas in April or May b/4 i go to las islas canarias to enjoy the flowers and walk somemore..and def take a nap on that couch that i'm in love with.
Yes,,its been so long i haven't told you that i'm staying in Spain longer :) by about 12 days. It's really amazing how this opportunity came about, but my really great friend took me out on our weekly dates for supper again last week, but this time he presented an all inclusive trip to Lanzarote, an island in the canaries that is known for it's beaches and volcanoes and hiking, snorkeling, trails for biking, and warm weather. I couldn't believe he had already gone to the travel agent, found out all the information and cost so he could be ready for every question i would ask, etc. However, in the price covers my plane ticket, all the food and drinks i want, and the 5 star hotel that we'll stay at. I must say, don't get the wrong idea..he is my friend :)...we've been 'going out ' on casual dates for about 1 month, and he hasn't kissed me the lips hehe, so i'm VERY sure that his intentions are not for just one thing with me. He has gone to these islands before with his family, so i am very lucky b/c he has so much excitement he said to show me around and 'in essence' be a 'tourguide'. It is this big extra thing, but then like i thought, it isn't everyday that i'll have an invitation to do this, let alone be so close to the islands already. It would be alot more hassle and money to fly here just to do this from the States..and money is just money. I can't take it with me to the grave, i have my whole life to work, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am so blessed, and i can't thank you God enough. Thank you.
Last weekend, i went to Madrid, Toledo, and Segovia for a three day weekend with Kristen M and Kristen F from Concordia. We took in a bullfight in madrid on sat night, ate the most AMAZING food at a traditional spanish restuarant (paella, chorizzo, other unique pinchos like empanadillas de atun (tuna), bread, sandwiches, and of course sangrias. We ate there both fri and sat night. Guys,,,i' think im not losing weight anymore haha..and it doesn't help that my legs are back to the swing ofgiving me pain again. I'm hoping that the injections i can recieve in my legs this summer will help. Anyway, i will be back to eating normal soon enough, so i just am going to continue to eat and try and be open to anything presented to me.
Ha...my waistline isn't going to get too much help this upcoming week b/c we are going to seville on Tues night until Friday, then flying to Rome fri night, in rome until monday night, then train to Florence for 4 days, and then train to Venice for one night until we are back in Barcelona ..on to pamplona late fri/early sat morning April 9. It should be a trip of a lifetime as well, however i have a paper i'll have to write during my time :( and i'm stressed about packing. I still have 3 days though.
Anyhow, its passed an hour already so i best get to bed, but i'm sorry i've slacked with updating ou guys. life has just been so full and busy, but i love it that way, and i'm so happy. I happy to say too, that i am now sure i'll be ready to come home when it's time. It feels so healthy to have come full circle, to have experienced all these emotions, changes, and takes on life. But i'll be ready :) I'm getting there more and more with everyday. I am so blessed. Tomorrow i am going to church with Julia at noon and it is palm sunday (de los ramos) here, so i am excited for this. I will miss my family over easter, but guys i will have so much to share with you when i come back. It overwhelms me with how much i've learned, how much i now know about myself, who i am, what i want, what i like, what i can do, what i won't and dont stand for, and how lucky i am. The friends i have here, the family i have here, they ahve touched my life in a way that no other person or experiece could have done...they have brought out a Lauren that I love, that is truly me,,that i'm going to keep around forever. I can't wait for you to meet her.
Goodnight, and all my love,
Lauren
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Busy day on 2 hours of sleep
Hi all!~
I just thought' i'd say hello once more before i take off until Sunday night. We are going to Madrid tomorrow, then taking another bus to visit the small but cute pueblo Segovia. We are staying in a hostel in madrid Fri and Sat night, and it works out well b/c segovia is only about 30 min away. Then on Saturday, we plan on getting up early in the morning and taking another bus to Toledo, another pueblo that is supposed to be gorgeous. I'm excited!--even though i've been traveling non-stop. I can't believe i'm holding up as well as i am hehe. Sat night and Sunday we will relax in Madrid and explore..(we've already made our list of 'must-do's and then everything else is extra.). I already went to Madrid just yesterday with my culture and civilization class. It was a long day let me tell you--i really enjoyed it, but it was unfortunate b/c we spent about 9 hours in the bus for the duration of getting there and back, and got just 5 quick hours to explore. We crammed alot in though, and we got a tour of the Senate building (which was awesome), a detailed tour of the National Library of Spain (so cool!!..it made me actually WANT to study ..there! in a library like that!), and then we went to the National Museum of ARcheology. It was pretty cool, however i'd seen alot of that stuff already at the Louvre museum in Paris. We ate our packed lunches in the hot sun outside the library, and i'm telling you, we all came back with red noses and cheecks. It's so fun to look in the mirror and have color on my chest and face...and hands!!! I think Spring is really coming b/c it's warmer now and it's so nice. I can't wait to run in the park next week. Then when i got home, ok now this is going to sound crazy bc it is crazy, but i went out to a discoteca after ALL of that. And i got home at 5am. And i had class at 830am. And i went. and you know what's best of all, i've felt great all day!! I don't get it. I had so much going on tho, so i've been very preoccupied and busy studying and getting stuff done for school, dealing with cord. registration problems, packing, teaching, etc. So to go out and dance was a blast. i went with my friend David, and danced the night away. It was a Saint Patricks-themed party so there was a lot of the green hehe.
he walked me home & .... :-)
Today was a busy day b/c i had class at 830 and again at 10, then i went to the library, then home to work on registering. For lunch i had my favorite sopa del col once again, and then also these amazing meatballs in Tomato sauce with bread. God it was SO good to dip the bread in tomato sauce! something familiar. I took a 20 min nap, in which i seriously think i reached REM sleep mode b/c i'm getting so good at making use of oppportunities for quick sleep...and then i went to teach the little girls next door. It was so cute b/c there mom had just left (she leaves when i come hehe..! i'm like a babysitter too, but' i love to help her), and we played cards, hair salon..(mom they played with my hair and told me stories...god i missed you so much when they were doing this b/c that was me n u),, and then i helped the 6 yr old with her math homework. I'm so proud of her (Iraiti is her name). She was working on adding and subtracting today, and she's doing SO great. Then it was cute b/c the 4 yr old was sitting around the table trying to be apart of it too, and the 9 yr old sister was great at explaining too!
After i made a trip to the market and bought my favorite crackers that i'm addicted too for the weekend. I' also bought some carrots, choc, etc.stuff for the bus/backpack. I had dance class tonight and it went pretty good, but that was when the tired-ness started kicking in. It was warm though, but i got a good workout. I just can't wait till i have time again to go the ciudadela to work out. NEXT week for sure! I've just been flying around like super=woman traveler for the past 3 weeks, so i'm actually looking forward to a down week..even though i'll be studying and writing papers. That's my life in school here hehe..but i love school here! Ruben helped me afterwards correct one of my papers that's due next week so i feel better about that. I just have one more to write but i'll do that after this trip this weekend. Us 3 girls decided we're going to make it nice and relaxing, and not try to rush and see everything..but re-coup and just have'us-time' if that makes sense :) I'm very excited. I am in love with this country and this place in general. The ipod is all charged, and i'm packing my suitcases now. I can't wait to look out the window once again tomrrow,,i will also sleep hehe
Other than that, life is good. Mom, Dad, and Ben,& Lady, i miss you guys like crazy. I know it's been like 1.5 weeks since we've talked or 2, but i've been thinking of you guys more than you know. I've got another big round of postcards going out to you all from Barcelona, i just didn't get a chance to get to the post office today, so i'll hopefully go in Madrid this weekend. Just so you know tho..they're on their way. Anyway,,All is well..i'm just content at the moment..that is how i'd explain the feeling in my heart.
I think of you all alot, and thanks again for following me and thinking of me <3
All my love,
Lauren
I just thought' i'd say hello once more before i take off until Sunday night. We are going to Madrid tomorrow, then taking another bus to visit the small but cute pueblo Segovia. We are staying in a hostel in madrid Fri and Sat night, and it works out well b/c segovia is only about 30 min away. Then on Saturday, we plan on getting up early in the morning and taking another bus to Toledo, another pueblo that is supposed to be gorgeous. I'm excited!--even though i've been traveling non-stop. I can't believe i'm holding up as well as i am hehe. Sat night and Sunday we will relax in Madrid and explore..(we've already made our list of 'must-do's and then everything else is extra.). I already went to Madrid just yesterday with my culture and civilization class. It was a long day let me tell you--i really enjoyed it, but it was unfortunate b/c we spent about 9 hours in the bus for the duration of getting there and back, and got just 5 quick hours to explore. We crammed alot in though, and we got a tour of the Senate building (which was awesome), a detailed tour of the National Library of Spain (so cool!!..it made me actually WANT to study ..there! in a library like that!), and then we went to the National Museum of ARcheology. It was pretty cool, however i'd seen alot of that stuff already at the Louvre museum in Paris. We ate our packed lunches in the hot sun outside the library, and i'm telling you, we all came back with red noses and cheecks. It's so fun to look in the mirror and have color on my chest and face...and hands!!! I think Spring is really coming b/c it's warmer now and it's so nice. I can't wait to run in the park next week. Then when i got home, ok now this is going to sound crazy bc it is crazy, but i went out to a discoteca after ALL of that. And i got home at 5am. And i had class at 830am. And i went. and you know what's best of all, i've felt great all day!! I don't get it. I had so much going on tho, so i've been very preoccupied and busy studying and getting stuff done for school, dealing with cord. registration problems, packing, teaching, etc. So to go out and dance was a blast. i went with my friend David, and danced the night away. It was a Saint Patricks-themed party so there was a lot of the green hehe.
he walked me home & .... :-)
Today was a busy day b/c i had class at 830 and again at 10, then i went to the library, then home to work on registering. For lunch i had my favorite sopa del col once again, and then also these amazing meatballs in Tomato sauce with bread. God it was SO good to dip the bread in tomato sauce! something familiar. I took a 20 min nap, in which i seriously think i reached REM sleep mode b/c i'm getting so good at making use of oppportunities for quick sleep...and then i went to teach the little girls next door. It was so cute b/c there mom had just left (she leaves when i come hehe..! i'm like a babysitter too, but' i love to help her), and we played cards, hair salon..(mom they played with my hair and told me stories...god i missed you so much when they were doing this b/c that was me n u),, and then i helped the 6 yr old with her math homework. I'm so proud of her (Iraiti is her name). She was working on adding and subtracting today, and she's doing SO great. Then it was cute b/c the 4 yr old was sitting around the table trying to be apart of it too, and the 9 yr old sister was great at explaining too!
After i made a trip to the market and bought my favorite crackers that i'm addicted too for the weekend. I' also bought some carrots, choc, etc.stuff for the bus/backpack. I had dance class tonight and it went pretty good, but that was when the tired-ness started kicking in. It was warm though, but i got a good workout. I just can't wait till i have time again to go the ciudadela to work out. NEXT week for sure! I've just been flying around like super=woman traveler for the past 3 weeks, so i'm actually looking forward to a down week..even though i'll be studying and writing papers. That's my life in school here hehe..but i love school here! Ruben helped me afterwards correct one of my papers that's due next week so i feel better about that. I just have one more to write but i'll do that after this trip this weekend. Us 3 girls decided we're going to make it nice and relaxing, and not try to rush and see everything..but re-coup and just have'us-time' if that makes sense :) I'm very excited. I am in love with this country and this place in general. The ipod is all charged, and i'm packing my suitcases now. I can't wait to look out the window once again tomrrow,,i will also sleep hehe
Other than that, life is good. Mom, Dad, and Ben,& Lady, i miss you guys like crazy. I know it's been like 1.5 weeks since we've talked or 2, but i've been thinking of you guys more than you know. I've got another big round of postcards going out to you all from Barcelona, i just didn't get a chance to get to the post office today, so i'll hopefully go in Madrid this weekend. Just so you know tho..they're on their way. Anyway,,All is well..i'm just content at the moment..that is how i'd explain the feeling in my heart.
I think of you all alot, and thanks again for following me and thinking of me <3
All my love,
Lauren
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
accepting reality while living in a dream
I just have to write again tonight, even though it's my 3rd time today. Today was just a heart-wrenching afternoon/evening, not in a bad way, but i want to write to save those feelings and experiences i had today b/c they are important to me.
This afternoon like i said was just beautiful, and i sat at my desk working on my paper, looking out watching the spaniards walk outside my window, carrying their jackets, the leaves green on the trees, and i just had to smile. Dance class was wonderful as always, but it is coming to an end. I have 3 classes left, and i just cannot believe how fast time flew. I swear to god this was the best thing that i could have signed up to do. NOt only did i meet a great new guy friend, but also my teacher is amazing, & i've never laughed so hard with my girlfriends and the other girls there in all my life. There is another session following that goes from April 8 to May 27, and i want to sign up so bad, but i'm just crushed bc i am scheduled to leave May 11, and i would miss 3 weeks (so six classes). I don't know,,i might still go and sign up just to be able to experience it more..and since it's the same teacher and my Spanish friends are continuing. I'm going to talk with Nerea on Thurs about the class (she's the teacher)
Then tonight my guy friend took me out again after class...it was so fun..we have a great time talking and he only speaks spanish, but it is so great for me. I have a really hard time trusting men in general now, b/c the majority of them i've been with have been absolute jerks, so my expectations are low for things to go anywhere, however i'm not exactly looking to make that happen either..I justfeel like now, whatever is meant to be will be and i'll just guard my heart and enjoy the ride at the same time. The "One" is gonna have to work hard i guess unfortunately when he finds me since of the 'jerk's i've met and passed time with.
After he kissed me on the cheeks and told me we will go anytime i want, i just walked home under the stars thinkingabout how awesome this is and has been for me. I was already feeling a bit emotionally/ or sentimental when i got home, and then Julia and i had a heart-wrenching conversation about when i'll have to leave. We talked about how i'm leaving earlier than the kids normally do here, and how it will go fast..but what really touched me was what she said after that. I told her that th day i leave i'm going to cry all the way to the United States..She looks at me and says "oh no..everyone cries, but once you get on the plane, you'll be thinking about your life back there". But then she continued" but i will be sad for a long time" She then continued..."You are so special to me" "When you are gone, i wont have a reason to get up in th morning b/c i won't have u here to make breakfast for" "I wont' have your clothes to wash, your sheets and bed to tend to, or hear your voice in the house".."YOu keep me company, and i am not lonely when you are here"..SErioulsy, we just looked at each other, and all i could think about was "God"..i mean..i would have never in all of my biggest and greatest imaginations imagined that i would find myself so much and fit in so well in this country, with these people. I think we both could have just cried at that moment, and to prevent it i changed the subject quickly an just said"well i stil have about 6 wks lef). but that is so short, and my heart breaks thinking about it already. Don't get me wrong, i love my life in the United.States., and i wouldn't trade my American citizenship for anything, however i have two lives now. Coming to spain, i found more than just a semester abroad. I've been living the culture of the Spanish, eating their food, speaking their language, listening to their music, following their traditions day by day; accustomed myself to this way of life, this way of thinking, studying their history and culture, celebrating their traditions, praying their prayers, dancing their traditional dances, and falling in love with the people. I have a family here, i have best friends here; a part of me is here,,and what is more important is a part of me has 'become' into existance here, a new part that i love, that i never knew existed; a part that i've found and i am so happy to have encountered. Just the way i think, the way i interact with the people, the way i look at the world and what i have, what i want, and what is important to me. It's unbelievable. For this Spain is a part of me as well. It is not a temporary trip or study that i will leave or lose. I will return, perhaps frequently, b/c there is more than a piece of me here. There is a girl here who i love, who i want to keep and take with me forever, wherever i go, whatever i do, whoever i'm with, in whatever country i'm in.
I don't know which road my life will lead me down, but the amount of gratitude i hve for the life i've encountered and developed here in Spain i'll never be able to measure, because it is immeasurable. And i am not going to keep it a dream, but acceptit and be thankful for it as a real-life reality that i can have for ever, and continue with.
I will accept reality when i have to, i will continue on with my life in the United States b/c i have a dream there too, i have people i love, who love me back, the best family i could ask for, and many things to be thankful for. But this is apart of me know too, in a large way, and i'm going to keep it that way. I think the two can complement each other. I will make sure the do
I will be in Madrid tomorrow at the governement buildings for my civ/culture class, but i'll fill you in in a few days
all my love
LB
This afternoon like i said was just beautiful, and i sat at my desk working on my paper, looking out watching the spaniards walk outside my window, carrying their jackets, the leaves green on the trees, and i just had to smile. Dance class was wonderful as always, but it is coming to an end. I have 3 classes left, and i just cannot believe how fast time flew. I swear to god this was the best thing that i could have signed up to do. NOt only did i meet a great new guy friend, but also my teacher is amazing, & i've never laughed so hard with my girlfriends and the other girls there in all my life. There is another session following that goes from April 8 to May 27, and i want to sign up so bad, but i'm just crushed bc i am scheduled to leave May 11, and i would miss 3 weeks (so six classes). I don't know,,i might still go and sign up just to be able to experience it more..and since it's the same teacher and my Spanish friends are continuing. I'm going to talk with Nerea on Thurs about the class (she's the teacher)
Then tonight my guy friend took me out again after class...it was so fun..we have a great time talking and he only speaks spanish, but it is so great for me. I have a really hard time trusting men in general now, b/c the majority of them i've been with have been absolute jerks, so my expectations are low for things to go anywhere, however i'm not exactly looking to make that happen either..I justfeel like now, whatever is meant to be will be and i'll just guard my heart and enjoy the ride at the same time. The "One" is gonna have to work hard i guess unfortunately when he finds me since of the 'jerk's i've met and passed time with.
After he kissed me on the cheeks and told me we will go anytime i want, i just walked home under the stars thinkingabout how awesome this is and has been for me. I was already feeling a bit emotionally/ or sentimental when i got home, and then Julia and i had a heart-wrenching conversation about when i'll have to leave. We talked about how i'm leaving earlier than the kids normally do here, and how it will go fast..but what really touched me was what she said after that. I told her that th day i leave i'm going to cry all the way to the United States..She looks at me and says "oh no..everyone cries, but once you get on the plane, you'll be thinking about your life back there". But then she continued" but i will be sad for a long time" She then continued..."You are so special to me" "When you are gone, i wont have a reason to get up in th morning b/c i won't have u here to make breakfast for" "I wont' have your clothes to wash, your sheets and bed to tend to, or hear your voice in the house".."YOu keep me company, and i am not lonely when you are here"..SErioulsy, we just looked at each other, and all i could think about was "God"..i mean..i would have never in all of my biggest and greatest imaginations imagined that i would find myself so much and fit in so well in this country, with these people. I think we both could have just cried at that moment, and to prevent it i changed the subject quickly an just said"well i stil have about 6 wks lef). but that is so short, and my heart breaks thinking about it already. Don't get me wrong, i love my life in the United.States., and i wouldn't trade my American citizenship for anything, however i have two lives now. Coming to spain, i found more than just a semester abroad. I've been living the culture of the Spanish, eating their food, speaking their language, listening to their music, following their traditions day by day; accustomed myself to this way of life, this way of thinking, studying their history and culture, celebrating their traditions, praying their prayers, dancing their traditional dances, and falling in love with the people. I have a family here, i have best friends here; a part of me is here,,and what is more important is a part of me has 'become' into existance here, a new part that i love, that i never knew existed; a part that i've found and i am so happy to have encountered. Just the way i think, the way i interact with the people, the way i look at the world and what i have, what i want, and what is important to me. It's unbelievable. For this Spain is a part of me as well. It is not a temporary trip or study that i will leave or lose. I will return, perhaps frequently, b/c there is more than a piece of me here. There is a girl here who i love, who i want to keep and take with me forever, wherever i go, whatever i do, whoever i'm with, in whatever country i'm in.
I don't know which road my life will lead me down, but the amount of gratitude i hve for the life i've encountered and developed here in Spain i'll never be able to measure, because it is immeasurable. And i am not going to keep it a dream, but acceptit and be thankful for it as a real-life reality that i can have for ever, and continue with.
I will accept reality when i have to, i will continue on with my life in the United States b/c i have a dream there too, i have people i love, who love me back, the best family i could ask for, and many things to be thankful for. But this is apart of me know too, in a large way, and i'm going to keep it that way. I think the two can complement each other. I will make sure the do
I will be in Madrid tomorrow at the governement buildings for my civ/culture class, but i'll fill you in in a few days
all my love
LB
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