Adiós Europa...

What a wonderful way to end my trip, right where it started all those years ago. My passion for Spanish, my love of traveling, and the chance to really get to know myself. I have had an amazing six weeks treking all across Europe and have met so many wonderful people and been able to experience so many awesome things, and I come back here to Alcalá for the perfect finish...where everybody knows my name! It feels like coming home here..in the same house surrounded by the same caring and loving españoles. It's incredible that after all these years nothing has changed, I am and will be their friend just like always. ¡Que buena gente son!


Thanks to all of you who have read this blog. It has been my honor to share this once in a lifetime experience with you. I hope you will take something with you as I have shown you just a peak of what this awesome world has to offer. Until my next trip..I leave you with this..

"I fear you will follow this same inclination in the future and thus fail to discover all the wonderful things that God has placed around us to discover. Don't settle down and sit it one place. Move around, be nomadic, make each day a new horizon...God has placed [joy] all around us. It is in everything and anything we might experience. We have to have courage to turn against our habitual lifestyle and engage in unconventional living."
-Into the Wild
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Calle de Lugo,Alcala de Henares,Spain

Last Day in Granada

Today was out last day of classes and we went out with a bang! Thanks to a couple of ladies in the group we got to have a farewell sing-along that included all of our favorite moments of our group while we were together. What fun and what a good way to say goodbye!



After class Rachael and I got super ambitious and decided we needed to hike the Sierra Nevadas before we left. So we hurried and got our tennies on and headed for the montañas. What a pretty hike it was...just a 20 minute busride outside of the city in Mocochil, we were able to hike along the river for as long as our little hearts desired. A definitely needed total submersion into nature!!


Spent the late afternoon packing up my stuff...so weird to have to move again after being in the same place for 3 weeks. Spent the night with the girls getting our last tapas and then off to bed to catch the early train to Alcalà in the morning. This has been such a good experience and I have loved getting to know all these other awesome Spanish teachers! Can't wait to visit them! ;)


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

La 'bici'

Today after a visit to the local cathedral, Cassandra and I planned a trip up to the pueblo, Pino, 'en bici' (riding bikes). I rented a bike for the rest of the day and we were off to the river. It was such a nice ride, 2 hours outside of the city, completely emersed in nature.


As we passed over little bridges we saw lots of people refreshing themselves in the river. I don't know how they do it becaue all I did was stick my toes in and they were about frozen! I guess that's what you have to do when it's 105 degrees outside and no one has air conditioning.


Anywho it was a so refreshing to be outside enjoying the day and the rushing sound of the river. I do think I will be paying for this tomorrow though, my body is starting to ache...totally worth it! Picnic tomorrow at the pool with the girls!!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:El campo, Granada, Spain

Las Alpujarras

Our trip to las Alpujarras started on one side of the Sierra Nevada and ended on the other. As we climbed the switchbacks of the Sierra, we visited three different small villages that are placed ever so carefully on the side of the mountain. They were cute little towns and mostly known for their sheep hearding, that's probably why they had so many rugs for sale!


When we finally got to the top, we had a very authenitc Alpujarran lunch that included an awesome fried bread soup, costa, 'papas a la pobre', and of course you can't forget the jamón serrano! Delicious! We were free to walk around the town after our meal and take in all of the awesome views that the Alpujarras have to offer. Great day!


I can't believe I only have one week left!! Gotta take in as much as possible!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Las Alpujarras, Granada, Spain

La Playa de Nerja

This morning the girls and I headed off to Nerja (about a 2 hr bus ride) to enjoy the beaches for the day! When we got there we went right down to scope out the best place to set up camp.



We found these awesome caves where the waves would come up just about to the edge of our towels and crash up against the rocks. It was a perfect place because it was almost like we had our own part of the beach to ourselves.


After a bit of the beach some of us decided that we wanted to go into town to see the famous 'Cuevas de Nerja'. We were able to walk way down into the still-living caves that were discovered 50 years before and see the the process of how they form. Very interesting.


Then back to the beach to make a picnic and swim in the waves! This was so refreshing because I think we were there on the most humid day of the year!! We also played a bit of paddle ball and who can forget the watermelon cutting contest! Haha! What a fun day!



We really enjoyed ourselves even without much sun...tomorrow off to Las Alpujarras to see the pueblitos and a good view of the mountains!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Vista del Albaicín

Tonight my class and I took a tour up to the Albaicín to get a good view of the Alhambra in both the day and the night. We started climbing at around 8pm and as we got higher up we could look back and see extraordinary views of the Alhambra as well as the city of Granada.


This part if the city is also very unique becuse of it's all white houses with flower pots decorating every window!



As the sun was setting we decided to stay in a plaza near by and enjoy some tapas and wine. As the sun set over the mountains and the sky changed from blue to purple, we sat and took in the views from all around us! So pretty!


As we finished up we went back to 'el mirador' (the lookout) to get a good look of the Alhambra when it was all lit up at night. We took a few pics and I was even able to get the moon in some of them! Then we made our way back down the mountain and into town. What fun! Tomorrow classes and botellón in the park and Saturday early rising for the beaches of Nerja!! Can't wait!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Calle del Campo Verde,Granada,Spain

A la Alhambra...

Today after classes and a shortened siesta we took a visit to the Alhambra. It is so crazy to think that I live close enough to it to walk there!! We had a guide, one of the art history professors from school, and he walked us through all of the history that the Alhambra has to offer.


It is a 14th century Arabic palace that was later taken over by the king and queen of Spain. The intricate workings if this place are amazing and they even built their own aqueducts so that they could enjoy gardens on the top of the mountain where the palace is. Incredible!!


The gardens and the fountains were of course my favorite part. There were all different kinds of flowers blooming in every direction that you looked! Oh yeah...and the view from up there is amazing! You can look down on the entire city of Granada and see all of the different barrios that makes it such a culturally unique place to be.



Looking forward to getting to see the view at night in a couple days when we visit the Albaicín!!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Calle Parraga,Granada,Spain

Fun Fun Fun

What a fun weekend of celebrations and meetings with old friends! I arrived in Madrid on Friday and did a bit of shopping and sight seeing in the Plaza Mayor before heading to Azuqueca and Casa Rubén. Saturday morning I woke up well rested and ready for the fiestas to begin. We hung out around the pool all morning and then Rubén's parents prepared an amazing lunch and BBQ, Spanish style. We ate, drank and talked the day away....so wonderful!!





Then we prepared for the next round where 40 people would be coming over to celebrate Enrique's birthday!! Everyone brought a different authentic Spanish dish and we were able to try all of these different amazing foods! The party went on and on with dancing and music until the wee hours of 4 in the morning!! So much fun!






Today, Sunday, I went to meet up with my Madre Española from when I lived in Alcalá 4 years ago. We had a wonderful lunch close to Plaza Cervantes on Calle Mayor. What memories that brought! We had so much fun talking about our past together and what the future may bring...I told her to send Aroa, my hermanita, to the states in a couple years so I can show her the same hospitality that they showed me all those years ago!! I know it was a while ago but it just seems like yesterday...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Azuqueca, Madrid, Spain

¡feliz cumpleaños a mí!

¡Celebramos! What a great birthday and what a way to celebrate, with new friends and in a brand new city! It was the first time that all of had decided to go out and really experience the nightlife of Granada.



So after classes I did some 'siesta-ing' and Pilar even made me a little cake with candles!! She is so sweet!! We all met up at the pool and got some sun in the afternoon and then it was time to get ready...



The ladies and I met up around 9:30 (how early, no? Haha!) We hit a couple of tapa places, got some ice cream to celebrate and then off we went to 'los bares'. Of course you can't go 'dancing' until at least 3 or 4 in the morning so we spent some time in a place called Hannigan's having great conversations with all different Spanish people. What good practice!


So finally...we were able to go to the 'disco' and dance the morning away! I was so fun and of course everyone is still hyped about the 'campeones del mundo' so we heard some 'waka-waka' and of course the theme song of the world cup! It is so cool to see them so proud of their new title!! So we finally retired around 5am and headed home. Great day(s) of celebration!! Now off to Madrid for a weekend of fun! Más viajes... :)

Thank you all for your sweet birthday wishes!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Granada, Spain

On top of the world..

Another day of clases, siesta and lunch, then off to the pool with the chicas. Not to rub it in but this is the pool we get to use while we are here.


It is on the 5th floor and we can look out over the entire city of Granada while we cool off from the outrageously hot afternoons. What a life we at living here. Tomorrow a class of Flamenco and out for drinks and tapas with the European teachers that leave this Friday.


Oh yeah and I would like to introduce my newest housemate, Violeta! ¿Qué linda, no?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Calle de la Alhóndiga,Granada,Spain

New home in Granada...

After a night of chants, horns and fireworks I woke up suprisingly refreshed and ready to go. My house mom, Pilar, made some breakfast and off I went walking about only about 10 minutes to the campus.


My house is right in the center of town, great location. After classes I went home for a siesta and then enjoyed some delicious homemade pallella!


At around 4pm as all the streets were closed for siesta some friends and I took a walk by the Alhambra and enjoyed some amazing views of the city! I really like this town because even if the city is blazing hot you can look up at the mountains and see snowcaps!! Now, out to enjoy a walk around town and then retire to the house for some good conversation with Pilar and her perrita, Violeta. :)


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Calle del Campo Verde,Granada,Spain

¡Campeones del mundo!

After a quite confusing day of figuring out my living situation here in Granada I was welcomed with open arms into my host family's house. I arrived just in time for the opening minutes of the big game. We all gathered around the TV to watch and see if this would be a mark in history we would never forget...and it was!


After 116 minutes of waiting in total suspence in a 0-0 game...España is the new champion of the world! What an awesome thing to be part of..my apartment is right down town in the heart of the city and it is crazy!!!


Everyone is singing, chanting, honking and dancing through the streets, it's quite a sight! And I'm betting the fireworks are going to last all night! So glad I'm here to celebrate and be part of this awesome energy...qué locura!! :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Av de Madrid,Granada,Spain

A night in Alcalá

After a relaxing day at the hostel de Rubén sharing tortilla and lentejas with the fam we decided to hit the streets of Alcalá!



How surreal it was to go back to Alcalà, back down the streets I used to walk everyday and of course the Plaza de Cervantes!!



It was just how I left it, people out on the plaza, walking, talking, enjoying the night. What a beautiful thing!!

Later we all gathered in the park and had a botellón for Chino's birthday. Good times with good friends and unbelievable to have 5 of us from Tucson all here in Spain together!! So excited to go back next weekend for the big birthday/anniversary bash!!

Tomorrow off to Granada and orientation for classes...school?! What was I thinking?!? Haha!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Back in Spain!

Arrived in Spain this afternoon to a warm welcome from Rubén and his family! Was very excited to get on the train and pass through all of our old stops..Atocha, Chamartín, ect. Relaxed in Ruben's oasis of a backyard and then quick get ready for a night of tapas, wine, and good Spanish conversation!


Oh how I missed this old time tradition of enjoying drink, food and the people you are with...this is probably one of my favorite things about the Spanish way of life. Can't wait to enjoy the rest of my time here!



Botellón tomorrow evening in the park in Alcalá..takes me back my friends!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Av de Enmedio,Azuqueca de Henares,Spain

A night in Paris...

This afternoon while waiting for the sun to go down to see the magnificence that is Paris by night, I was treated with a whole other side if Paris that I wasn't expecting...Paris by sunset! How beautiful to see the sun setting down over the city creating colorful views and bringing the scorching sun to an end.





I was stunned to find all new views of Paris at this time of the day that were absolutely striking!




As the day came to an end and night finally fell around 10pm..I walked up from the Louvre to the Eiffel tower, enjoying views of the Arc de Triumphe as I passed. When I finally got to the end of my journey the Eiffel Tower lit up on cue..I felt like I belonged in a movie! It was so surreal and such an awesome experience. Tomorrow flight to Madrid and off to the old stomping grounds of Alcalá!!! It's been almost four years...can't hardly wait!! :)







- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Quai de l'Oise,Paris,France

Seeing the sights...

Very productive day in Paris...the rundown consits of all this! Eiffel Tower and a picnic of cheese, bread and fruit in Champ de Mars (park beside the tower).


Then to the Arc de Triomphe, Avenue des Champs Élysées (the Rodeo Drive of Paris), a look around the outside of the Louvre.





There we decided to dip our toes in the fountains by the pyramid to cool off! It has been quite warm..but that hasn't slowed us down! After a cool down, we walked through the Tuileries Garden and enjoyed the greenery. I have really liked that about Paris..all of the gardens and parks to break up the vastness of the city.


A quick jump across the river to check out Notre-Dame Cathedral and then to the Luxembourg gardens. All this before 8:30pm when we had to find a place to watch the Spain game! Amazing game and met some fun people in the Latin district. Crépes for dinner and a bit of Paris nightlife. It makes me exhausted just recounting the experience!! Really good day though, enjoyed Paris fully and got to see everything I came for! Tomorrow more of Paris and a tour of all the sights by night!!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Rue Seveste,Paris,France

First day in Paris...

After much confusion of where to stay in the so popular city, we finally got settled in and got to do a bit of exploring. My hostel is very close to the Sacré-Coeur (beautiful church pictured here) ...you can even see it out my window!! So pretty and quite the view! Steph and I grabbed some wine, bread, and cheese and hiked up the stairs to sit and enjoy the view over the whole city! Relaxing afternoon after a crazy morning.





I am staying in Monmarte so we visited Moulin Rouge as well, just to see the big flashing lights and take a few pics. Trying to use a bit of French in the restaurants and shops, but that darn pronunciation is getting me..haha! Tomorrow Eiffel tower!!




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Rue Seveste,Paris,France

To the port...

Early rising this morning and off to Kinsale for a day of sail boats and Irish history. Did a walking tour through downtown and learned all about the days when Kinsale was a busy port town. Beautiful views surrounding us, we walked through the old coast houses, churches, and castle. All of the houses in town are painted all if these interesting colors which gives this town a very charming and fresh appeal.














After our history lesson we shared a delicious lunch at the 'Spaniard' and then strolled down to the docks to view the weekend festival.Beautiful weather, great friends, amazing landscapes!! Last day in Ireland is a success...but let's face it anything that gets you out of Cork for the day is a success! ;)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Kinsale, Cork County, Ireland