Twelve Things

I have put together twelve photos to sum up the year 2008 & my time here in Spain. It's cool looking back at everything that I've done/accomplished/experienced in these 12 months.

1.DUBLIN-My first Guinness and my first 30 days consecutively with the boyfriend. Crazy, huh?

2.First New Years with Joan-Having a great night out and meeting all of Joan's best friends.

3. Joan's Family. Without them living abroad would be so much harder. They are my family now I love them so much!

4.The day Joan and I "signed the papers" so that I could work in Spain! That changed our life in so many ways. I could stay here and live and have this incredible experience!

5.My grandmothers first visit to Europe! it was so incredible to show her Spain and for her to experience life on the other side of the world. It's an experience I hope she can have more than once!

6. My first trip to PARIS! This was an experience that left me speechless. To be in a city that I heard about all my life and wished to go to for so long-incredibly amazing. Joan did a great job surprising me with this trip!

7. My 21st Birthday and My friend's visit to Spain! August was a great month, busy, but great. I had a fantastic birthday and it was wonderful having girl time after so many months! 8.Living in Lloret. Joan and I were so fortunate to have a beautiful flat with incredible views. That was our first place together and we will never forget all the great times there.

9.Barney. Our first pet together. We saved him from being Rabbit Stew and eventually we set him free in the wild (Joan's property in Lloret) to live and have little Barney's of his own. He was a good guy.

10.The nights out with Joan and his friends have been some of the best nights I've ever had. So many laughs and great Spanish lessons! Joan is so lucky to have such great people around him. I guess I am lucky now too. :) And a shout out to Kindra,( pictured below) one of the sweetest and funniest girls I met thanks to Spanish classes in Girona.

11.The Cuisine. I've eaten more Lobster this year than ever in my life. Paella, Gambas, Calamaris, Champagne, Cava, Vino. I've dined like a Queen in Spain-love it! I've also learned how to cook many new dishes, from mi suegra and from cooking dinner for Joan and I each night. I can say I've become quite a chef!

12.Barcelona. I'm pictured below with a "King" one of the three for the festivities Jan 6th here in Spain. Barcelona has been such a great place, I have so many memories there. It's brought me together with Alison, my grandmother, my friends, Joan, Maribel, friends here in Spain, and numerous others. I've spent New Years there, my 21st birthday, weekends with the boyfriend, shopping. It's a wonderful city that has been a major part of my life here in Spain.However, I do need to include Girona. Joan and I live here now and it is definetly a place to call home. Pictures is the bridge Joan and I take each day when we go to work. Girona is a small but metropolitan city that we really love.

Any Nou

Instead of making a list of New Years Resolutions I'm going to make a list of good intentions. Because, how many people actually keep their resolutions more than a month or two after the strike of midnight? This year has gone by in a flash. I remember the first day I arrived here and the other hundred and five things that happened in 08 like it were yesterday. And soon it will be over. All the more reason to make my good intentions last until this time next year.

You may be wondering what Any Nou is. It's pronounced, Ann- No more or less, and it's Catalan for New Year. Catalan is part of my list of good intentions.

- I want to focus a little more on Catalan instead of Spanish. Both are important to me in different ways but I feel I can really be successful in this language if I study it a bit more.

-To travel more if the budget allows. I'm off to go a good start by going to Bratislava for two days and then to the states for eleven. I love being in Europe and the places I most want to visit is Italy, Germany, Norway and Greece.

-Get back on track with school. This one is more of a must than an intention but all the same something I need to do. Taking a year off has been what I needed and I've had really great experiences because of it. In the fall of 09 I'd love to be enrolled in school. In the spring I want to get my TEFL certificate online.

-To cook more. I made dinner for thirteen people for Christmas. If I can do that, I can cook more dinners in the evening. Again, if the budget allows, I'd love to experiment with recipes and expand my knowledge of cooking.

-Keep in touch with my friends and family better. I did OK given the circumstances but I forgot a lot of birthdays, didn't write or call when I said I would and was just lazy. Part of me doesn't like to call because it's never the same, sometimes there can be akward moments and most of all it makes me incredibly sad that I'm not there. Usually I am very busy and the time difference doesn't help but my good intention is to send more emails and make more calls.

-Achieve. I worked incredibly hard, as did Joan, to get to where we are now. We have a long way to go but I want us to get there sooner. I must work harder, apply for more scholarships, grants, volunteer, teach more English, earn degrees and make more money.

Quite a list of intentions, isn't it? I don't feel pressure though, because they're just that-intentions.

I hope you all have a wonderfully happy any nou and have a list of your own to follow.

Cebado

This morning I had a hair appointment at Cebado. My boss suggested I go to Yatz, the lady that does her hair. I walked in at 10:45, they took my coat, gave me a black silk type robe to put on over me and I waited 10 minutes before Yatz came over to check out my hair. She told me my color was beautiful than the last time she saw it (when I went in for the consulation). She worked wonders with my hair, it's cut to my collar and has layers. My bangs are a bit shorter and well, it's hot. Then she colored my hair. We decided on a shade darker than it was and that turned out great as well. I was told to come back in two months, she would cut my hair again and color it a second time so that I would get the best color for my hair. I agree and I will go back.

I also met a nice girl, Natalia. She is the daughter of one of the hairdressers. She speaks English and was in to get her hair cut today as well. We exchanged numbers and hopefully we'll meet soon.

Overall the experience was great. Three hours of relaxation, scalp massages and a new look. At the end, Yatz had them to my make up. What wonders a little blush, well placed eyeliner and lipgloss can do! I will be ready for New Years thats for sure! A day which we still don't have plans.

Now that I am home, I think I'll make a cup of Hot Cocoa, grab Hemingway's "For Whom The Bell Tolls" and keep up this relaxing day.

Christmas Day Part II

Today was Sant Esteve day as I have mentioned before and it went very well! I overslept this morning and we didn't get to the parents house until 11 but the Turkey was already done so I just had to make the rest. Green Bean Casserole, Candied Yams, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce--the works. At 2:30 everyone had arrived and we ate. I was more nervous than I've ever been but after everyone tried everything and everyone liked it, the weight was lifted off my shoulders. It was my first time making any of this stuff and it went so well. Makes me think I could be a chef.

We opened presents, drank cava and around 5 I took an hour nap in Joan's old bedroom. I missed the Caga Tio (the hitting of the log until it poos) oh well, It will happen again next year.

At 9 everyone left and so did we. We're now at home enjoying our presents (our new slippers from Zara Home, the mass amount of Turon we got and the joy of having internet. Tomorrow I go to Cebado to get my "new look". I'll post pics if it's not a disaster.

I'm off to enjoy the rest of the night and the weekend before it's time to go to work again.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day was wonderful. Much more relaxed (for me) than last year. Such a 360. Last year I had been in Spain less than a week before I was meeting his entire family. I didn't speak any Spanish or Catalan, the food was strange etc but this time around...I understand Catalan, I speak more Spanish, I love the food and I love his family!

We went to the grandparents around 2:30 after a wonderful morning of baking with Maribel. We made sugar cookies and party mix. It was a lot of fun and Ari even helped out, I love when her and I are able to talk. We opened presents before going over for lunch. I got Ari some earplugs since her boyfriend started learning how to play the guitar...

Joan's grandfather loves to record. Actually, he's a techie. He has three different DVD players that all do different things, top of the line digital cameras, camcorders, CD players; the works. Each Christmas he videotapes everything. It is pretty adorable to be honest and fun to watch during the next years dinner. Joan and I are watching our spending so we made something instead this year. We burned the new Josh Groban CD to give to everyone. Joan's techie grandfather (He's 80 by the way) loves Christmas Music and has more American artists than even I've heard of-he doesn't understand a word of it but loves it all the same. We put on the music and his grandmother started crying, she loved it so much. His grandfather said he liked Groban better than the Sinatra CD. That's saying something. It's incredible to me that something as simple as that can change the atmosphere of Christmas.
Even the sugar cookies gave a good reaction. Joan's family had always seen people eating them in movies but had never tried them. They loved them.

For a moment during the dinner, when Ave Maria was playing in the background, I took a moment to just watch everyone. Ariandna and Sergi were laughing and joking together. Joan was enjoying his Christmas soup, Maribel and Tony were laughing about something Montse had said. Joan's grandfather was recording his wife bringing out the next course and it was just such a wonderful sight. I was sad I wasn't with my family for Christmas but these people ARE my family. I have two and they are both so wonderful. I am very lucky.

Tomorrow is round II of the festivities. Maribel's brothers and sisters are coming over-everyone on her side that is and I am preparing the American Meal. Candied Yams, Stuffing, Mashed Potatos with Gravy, Cranberries, Brownies, Chex Mix, Lemon and Thyme Roasted Turkey, Green Bean Casserole, Hot Chocolate, Cheesecake and Christmas Punch. I am nervous and excited at the same time. An American Christmas like they have always seen on t.v. LIVE in their home.

It is midnight here and Christmas Day is officially over. Joan and I are in our new robes we got from his Aunt, he is making a "midnight snack" and then we should be tucking in for a goodnights sleep. Tomorrow is sure to be a very fun and long day.

I hope your Christmas was everything you wanted it to be and more.

And So It Continues

I suppose I'm just a junkie that needs more than one fix.
I have started another blog. The other is about anything other than my life. Thoughts, articles, current events, food, fashion-anything under the sun.

Please read and enjoy at:

www.thedailycafe.wordpress.com

Bon Nadal

Happy Holidays Everyone.

With Love-

Time with the Girls

Sunday, during the lunch, Ariana was especially late. This is normal, she tends to always be late but Sunday we were already eating dessert by the time she arrived. Turns out she didn't get much sleep the night before because she and her girlfriends had a sleepover. I guess one can never be told old for those. It sounded like she had a lot of fun, I got to reminicing about nights in the chapter room, sleepovers in Roberta Hall and even sleepovers from birthday parties years ago. I miss those. a lot. I'm thinking that when I go to KC, my friends and I should have one.

" Heather Rose darling, what do you think?"

My time there is short, I only have saturday, but perhaps since the space is limited and everyone goes to bed early it would probably be OK for me to stay over with a friend. Perhaps we could then go to church the next morning and then I will go back to my family's home. Yes, good solid plan. Because one day with my friends just isn't enough at all.

I only have 3 weeks left until the big departure, although it feels like I have months. I think I will get more excited when the day arrives. I feel I have so much to do before then. This Saturday I'm going to the salon to update the hairdo, I need to get a few gifties for the aunties and I really need to get everything at work accomplished and organized before I leave, luckily Joan should have my email set up by then so I will be able to check up on things from my home in the states.

What's everyones plan for New Years? I still don't have one. Last year was amazing and this year Joan and I aren't even going to try to top it. I'm sure we will end up having dinner at home, renting a classic and then we will probably meet up with friends before midnight to ring in the new year. Where? No idea. There ia great cocktail bar near our home, maybe we can go there if it isn't to packed. There is always so much emphasis on this night, all I care about is being with Joan, our close friends and having fun. Besides, my party will start the 15th of of the New Year and that's perfectly fine with me!

The Sunday Blues

I don't know about you all but sometimes I get the blues on Sunday. Not right away in the morning of course. Not when I'm snuggled under the covers, the sunlight peeking through the window and Joan in some crazy position next to me-I like that. Not in the afternoons when we're walking in Girona, having a café on the river or at his parents for lunch. I like that a lot too. Not when we are lazy and decide not to cook so we order take out or McDonalds instead, that's my favorite. It's probably when I get home, it's dark out and I start preparing things for Monday. Ugh Mondays. In my life I learned that it's better to have something special planned for Mondays because it's a hard day, at lesat for me. Especially when Joan has to go out of town and doesn't come back until late.
Tomorrow (the dreaded Monday) I've been given the task to take the girls from the School of Hostesses to the pool outside of town. They have to practice and beat 2:30 in order to get their TCP certificate. The girls are fun and all but it's a bit crazy. Not to mention that I'm supposed to teach Pablo and Carlos and I don't know how I'll do both. Oh Mondays. The good thing is though, is that Tuesday night is the Company Dinner, Wednesday is Christmas Eve, Thursday is Christmas Day and Friday is Sant Esteva Day here, St.Stephen in English and Saint Etienne in France. The bible says that Stephen was tried by the Sanhedrin for blasphemy against Moses and God (Acts 6:11) and speaking against the Temple and the Law (Acts 6:13-14) and was stoned to death by an angry mob that was encouraged by Saul of Tarsus, the future Saint Paul. Stephen's final speech is presentred as making an accusation against the Jews of continuing to persecute prophets who spoke out against their sins. (Thanks Wikipedia for the 411)

So there you have it, and on Saint Stephen's Day I will be in charge of cooking the turkey, the casserole, the stuffing, the salads, the desserts and the beverages. Joan's abuela told me she wanted "An Ameican Christmas like in the movies." I'll do whatever it takes to give her one.

Happy Holidays and I hope you don't have a case of the Sunday Blues.

The Year of A Life Time

Fa la la la la la la one year!

Yesterday marked ONE YEAR that I've been living abroad in Spain. This time last year I was in Dublin, Ireland with Joan and about to board a plane to meet his family for the first time. I'll never forget the first moments in the city of Dublin, my first cocktail in Hard Rock Cafe and certainly not the first words my new family said to me, "Welcome to your home".

The first days with Joan's family were difficult. I'm sure any girlfriend meeting the parents is an experience but not speaking the same language and in a whole new country, well it makes the stakes a little higher.

Since living here, I've learned so much. Someone asked me the other day, how I would describe my experience here. All I could think to say was "across the board" Any emotion you can think of, I've probably felt it and then some. Overall-it has been incredible. I see people that have now become my friends and think that if I never would have met Joan or even decided to come here, I wouldn't have ever known about these people and their lives. I look at Joan's friends who have treated me with nothing but kindness and I wonder how I could have gone my life without meeting them. Not to disregard the wonderful people I met at Northwest. I know when I go to visit them next month I will feel that same way all over again. I see Joan's mother, how she has treated me like her own daughter, she and Joan's dad have learned English for me! They have progressed so much in fact I'm embarassed my Spanish isn't any better by now! And Joan's sister, a year ago, even two months ago we were still strangers. Ever since our trip to Granada she has become like a sister-n-law and I hope we can continue to grow closer as the months continue.
I've also learned so much about culture, for obvious reasons. Traveling to many new countries, not only for pleasure but for business as well. Learning firsthand about International Relations and Business has been more beneficial than anything in a classroom would. My job has given me a chance to stay here with Joan. If it wasn't for this job, I wouldn't be able to use my English and I'm not sure if I even would have found a real job to begin with. Teaching English has been a great experience as well. I've met wonderfully amazing people and have learned so much about the English language along the way. When I began I taught Rosa, the Public Relations professor and her husband Jordi. I met a wonderful family through teaching Pablo and Carlos, I've met a talented surgeon through Antoni and wonderful girls who are aspiring flight attendants through the Hostess School. Wonderful people who in small ways have changed my life. Even my boss, who I taught Business English lessons to today. She is an extraordinary woman who took a chance on hiring me just because of where I was from and didn't care that I hadn't finished my studies yet. Now I'm working on my own courses, doing a great job I might add and Joan has been promoted to Managing Director. We've come so far in a year.

Not only career wise but financially as well. We still aren't rolling in dough, but we're far better off than when I arrived and we're still improving. We're living in a gorgeous flat in the historic and posh neighborhood in Girona. We have a warm home to come to at the end of each day, food to eat each night and clothes to wear, most of all we have each other; something we didn't have for almost two years.

My grandmother told me the other day a great truth, she said, "You are doing what you've always wanted to do, travel Europe!" She is absolutley right. I always dreamed of this and now it's happening. It's true God doesn't always answer your prayers in the way you might expect. I always wanted to be rich and travel the world, I'm not rich yet and I haven't conquered the world but-I'm so much closer than before and I'm working hard for it too which says something.

Next month I'm going to Bratislava for work with Joan. We'll be staying over two nights. Slovakia has a bad rep but we're booked in a very nice hotel in the city center so while we will be very busy, we will also have time to see the sights. We're also going to have a layover in Milan for six hours so who knows, I may get to see a little bit of Italy too!

All in all, Spain has changed me; for the better. I'm working in a successfull company at 21, full time and starting school in the fall, I'm independent and also learning two new languages. I never would have thought I'd be at this point, this early. But I'm glad for it. If you want to be successfull in life you have to work for it and there's no better way than starting early.

I don't know what 2009 has in store for me or Joan but I can only hope it will be as fun and exciting as this year has been. I'm looking forward to seeing my friends and family next month-something that is long overdue. I miss you all very much.

Best Wishes for the Holiday Season

-Love Always-

All Sorts Of Calling Going On

I started off with a phone similar to this one; nothing special at all. A basic phone so I could call Joan and feel safe when I walked around the strange new town I now lived in.

Then I had this one, the Prada touch screen. Very feminine yet as I told Joan, acceptable for a metro male to carry around, especially for business purposes which he later did when I bought me the next phone instead:

All my life I wanted a Blackberry, something about it screams business woman, doesn't it? I'm very happy with it so far and wouldn't trade it for anything-except maybe the phone Joan is supposed to recieve in the mail today: This one:

The new and very popular Blackberry Bold, I don't know if the same exists in America, under a different name but I can tell you Joan couldn't be more excited. Since he recieved a promotion he also is recieving this nice little gift. So he'll have this and this:

I've had Sprint, Verizon, Nextel and now I have Vodafone and Joan will have Orange. Eh, phone companies. I don't know why the kick on phones today but it's all I've been hearing about from Joan lately, who can blame him? He hasn't been this excited since he got this in August: Yes, an IPOD Touch, and he says he never gets anything good. He got me didn't he?

Anyway, for those of you with Blackberry's we can email each other anytime and it's free Blackberry to Blackberry! So let me know!

European Wines

In the states I never drank wine, unless it came from a box and was hidden in Heather Rose's purse as we walked around the AG parties. Now, being in Europe I have become an aficionado of wines, at first, against my will. It started out with Lambrusco. This is a sparkling wine,quite inexpensive and at one point was very successful in the U.S.

The next was Marenco Scrapona Moscato D'Asti Marenco Scrapona Moscato D' Asti. This is a very aromatic white wine with fruit flovers, including melonand honeyed overtones. This is best served with dessert, in my opinion.

The love affair with wine continued and while I cannot remember all the names of the wines I've tasted, I do know that I will never go back to boxed wine. Joan has really opened me up to the world of wine which is quite easy here. Across from my home is a wine bar, down the street is a winery with a cellar, stone walls and a very informative genteman who is willing to tell you anything from the history of the wine to how to pour it and in which glass.

On Sundays, we often have a glass of wine with lunch, during the week, Joan may pick up a bottle after work and we enjoy a glass with dinner. When a friend comes over to visit-they are rarely without a bottle of wine. It's the way of life here and I've grown accustomed to reading the wine menu before deciding what to have for dinner. I'm learning which cheeses go with which wines and which ones definetly don't. I'm far from being knowledgeable about the subject but I have learned that a glass a day will keep the doctor away. Wine is heart healthy and I promote it highly.

Another beverage that I've grown fond of is Moet & Chandon, a Champagne, a delicious champagne that I will continue to drink the rest of my life. It's a pity it's so darn expensive! But, as I say, you get what you pay for in these circumstances.

Europe is indeed a class apart in these categories, Italy is known for the Chianti, the Marsala, the Soave and the Valpolicella. The Marsala for example, is quite popular and is normally served after dinner with postres because of it's sweet taste. Asti Spumante is a sparkling wine and the world's choice after champagne of course.

When living here, even for as short a time as I have, wine becomes entwined in daily life and even in special circumstances. People cook with wine,drink wine, bathe in wine and even have wine massages. There are wine academies and schools in which one can learn about European wines. Joan and I plan to have a wine cellar in our future home because he loves it so much.

So tonight, if you are able, have a glass of wine tonight with dinner or dessert. Kick back and relax and enjoy a bit of the European way of life!

By the way HRF, we are going to hit up Better Cheddar and pick up a bottle ;) for old times.

Back In The Swing

Yesterday a good time was had by all as Ariana, Maribel and I went to La Roca Village. For Christmas, Maribel bought me a glamourous black coat from Bimba & Lola, a shop I never heard of before but it's Montse's favorite. It's a pretty fun website if you take a look. Anyway, I love it but was told to forget about it until Christmas Eve. Ari and I continued to bond and we have come a long way from a year ago. Sunday evening after lunch, Joan and I rented The Dark Knight-finally. I really missed renting movies so we did it for old times, I'm going to encourage that more.

This week is a little bit crazy as Christmas is approaching, I am teaching Pablo and Carlos tonight, the Doctor tomorrow and Norma and Cristina Wednesday. I'm giving exams so I still have to make those.

It's a fairly calm day at the office, Joan and I are the only ones here aside from Pilar. I like it-I'm getting so much more work done without all the interuptions.

Speaking of which....hope your day is going well.

Ciao

It's Sinking In...

I found out yesterday I would be coming home to visit and I am still beyond excited. However, the reality of the situation has set in. First, I have a lot to plan. Seeing family and friends spread out over two states won't be an easy task. Especially when the first full day in the states will be spent driving to Orlando and then flying to Kansas City, possibly with a layover in between. I will be there for three days, one day devoted to friends-an event that is already being planned. The other two days will be spent with family, Aunt Missy, Aunt Kelli and the uncles. Grandma will be there as well in the mix and it will be so hard to devote quality time with everyone! Woe is me.

The following week I am soaking up everything in America, other than the people and the English. I'm talking about Taco Bell, Wendys, Target, Chilis, Red Lobster and Olive Garden. Delicious! And oh the stores! American Eagle, Express, J.Crew and Victorias Secret! I think Joan will start worrying as soon as he reads this....How much damage can I do in 10 days?

Anyway, I'm excited,nervous,scared....it has been one year exactly since I've been home. So many things happen in one year...but that's a whole other post.

Today we're in Lloret, Joan slept in after our dinner with the boss. We didn't get home until 2 a.m! A 5 hour business dinner! It was fun, informative and we are both feeling very positive about the future, I'll leave it at that for now. I'll just say I absolutley love my boss and I can safely say she feels the same about me. If I just do my job well-good things will happen!

Tomorrow I'm going to La Roca Shopping Village with Maribel and Ariana. I'm thinking some new pieces for my work wardrobe, black is always safe, right? Tonight Joan wants to go to Shabir's to watch the futbol match, I'm not so inclined. I would love to rent some movies and watch them with mi suegra but I'm not sure of her plans either.

Hope your weekend is splendid as mine has been so far!

A Great Suprise

Joan and I were leaving work to go home for lunch, as usual we were leaving late; 1:10, 1:15, then he comes into my office and tells me we have to drop off an envelope somewhere. This is a common occurance so I think nothing of it and we go.

We stop in front of a parking garage and he tells me this is the place and hands me the envelope. I'm confused. I look down into the dark alley of the parking garage and ask, "Here?" He looks at me, eyebrows raised and tells me to open the envelope. I pull out the contents and the first thing I see is Delta and my name.

Thursday, Jan 15th 2009 I leave for the states! I am beyond thrilled! Only a month away! I'm sad Joan can't go with me but he wants to come for Thanksgiving next November so that's super great news! The boss already gave us the OK for vacation time so even better!

This will be a very busy trip, I'm even flying to KC for three days to see my friends and family and then it's back to FL. When I used to visit FL from KC I tried so hard to see everyone and go everywhere. This time however, I won't have time. I'll have my grandmothers car but I definetly don't want to be driving all over the state. So, if anyone wants to see me they can come to my town.

There are so many things I want to do, so much food I want to eat and shopping! Also I am more than ready to see my little brother.

Tonight is the big dinner with the boss and her husband! I think it will be very good, informative and fun! I'll let you know...

Fa la la la la la la la la.

Tis the season for madness, isn't that right? Things are crazy in the office right now. I'm trying to get references sent before the holidays approach and it's proving to be quite difficult. Tonight I will be dealing with the students when they come to the office after their class ends at 6:00. I just want all the paperwork to be perfect!

In other news I recieved the package from my grandmother yesterday. The box smelled like my home in Florida Joan said; A mixture of vanilla,cinnamon and detergent. I started to cry when I sprayed the Cinnamon Home Scent from Bath and Body Works-my family uses that at home and it just made me so homesick. She sent me lotions and creams, scented oils and the Josh Groban Christmas CD. She also sent me a lot of boxes for baking, brownies and bluberry muffins, marshmellows,Stuffing Mix and so much more. It made my week! It's beginning to feel like Christmas.

This weekend I am going to La Roca Village with Maribel and Ariana, Joan might come along as well. A good dose of shopping at the Mango store and Burberry is greatly needed. I still want to get things for Maribel and Arianna as well. Oh the holidays.

Seasons Greetings!

Blog Blogger Blogging Blogged

I wish my friends would blog. Or blog more. I know one other person that keeps one and frankly that isn't enough to feed my hunger. I scour the internet for blogs that are interesting and fun and while I do find many; I would much rather read about the lives of my friends. It does take time, not that much, depending on how long your post is of course. It's a fantastic way to keep in touch and really is very thearaputic. I don't care if strangers read it-I'm not spilling any secrets. Besides, I doubt very many people are interested in my thoughts as this blog really isn't that riveting. So, friends and family, if you're reading this and have ever put any thought into creating a blog-just do it. It's easy and a great way to document life if you hate taking pictures and have a bad memory. I love that I can look back at any post and have a great story about all my adventures I've had here in Europe. I love that five or ten years from now I can look back and remember how I felt on the first day I arrived here.
Anyway, I'm all for blogs and if you check out "Blogs of Note" on the Blogger Dashboard you're sure to find some good ones.

Take A Breather

I just arrived back at the office from collecting paperwork from the students of the course all morning. I have a TON of work but writing helps me relax and it is something I definetly need to do.
Yesterday was insane as well, I spent the work day preparing everything for today; I taught Carlos and Pablo and after I did a favor for Xavi. He came over to the house and interviewed me about the U.S. Elections for his Journalism class. After the first 25 minutes he found out it never recorded so we did it again. At 10:00 I was finally eating dinner and then managed to stay up for a bit of CSI and head to bed. At 7:30 this morning Joan realized he forgot to give the keys to the Ryanair Interviewer, ( at 10 last night he was supposed to come by the office and drop of the keys to Lazlo and he forgot) so this morning he was a wreck, we dropped by the hotel we supposed Lazlo would go to and the company paid, then went straight to set up, give the presentation and collect paperwork. Now I am the only one here as Joan is still with the students at the Uniform Fitting and everyone else went to lunch. I still have to prepare my two hour english lesson for the doctor tonight while filing and recording the four binders of documents and I only have three days to get it all done.

I'm not complaining mind you, I really do like this job and I'm so thankful to even have one! Joan and I both said that by 10:00 tonight we will be sleeping and hopefully tomorrow will be a bit less stressful. For those of you that read the blog (Iknow who you are. I think) I want to write you/call you but today is not the day. I have a million things to do and not enough time to do them and I still don't have internet at home nor a calling card.

I hope the holidays were wonderful and I will be getting in touch with you all soon, (KT, Heather, Aunt Missy etc) ok? Love you guys.

Ciao

Let's Make This A Real EuroTrip

Joan and I want to take full advantage of the perks of working for a major airline company. Beginning in Janurary of 2009 we are going to try our hardest to visit all the cities/countries Ryanair flies to. This includes Gothenburg City, Fes, Stockholm, The United Kingdom,Marrakesch,Brussles,Prague,Paris,Frankfurt,Dusseldorf,Budapest,Bari,Florence,

Pisa,Rome,Cork,Shannon,Dublin,Venice,Verona,Malta,Eindhoven,Bratislava,Ibiza,Alicante,Madrid,

Malaga,Glasgow,Edinburgh and tons more. The first few months our budget will be quite small as I'm planning to go to the states for two weeks and I know I will need money. Hopefully we can squeeze a budget trip sometime in Feburary for our Anniversary/Valentines and after March begin our weekend expeditions. Although Oslo is one of the places I'd love to go first while the powder is fresh on the ground (pictured above).

Work is always getting busier but I have more responsibilities now as does Joan so let's hope better pay goes along with it. I am very lucky to have a job now, we both are. Times are tough and a lot of people are out of work. A few of my friends here don't have jobs because they aren't EU Citizens. I thank God everyday for the blessing of work. Elizabeth reminds me of this often. So, whichever job you have hold on to it!

Anyway, traveling is a big goal I have for this year as well as many others but I won't get ahead of myself, I will need a New Years Post after all.

This weekend I'll be "traveling" to Lloret for Joan's mother's birthday festivities and will probably spend time with Shabir and Albert. Poor guy is going through a lot right now, more than any person should have to deal with: and I haven't seen him in quite awhile so that will be nice.

Kind Regards to all of you in the states

Ciao Bellas

photos courtesy of visitoslo.com and ryanair.com

Internet

Joan and I have been waiting almost a month for our internet to be installed. I long for the days of sitting on the couch with the laptop and researching things like, how to bake apple pie, celeb gossip, news in the states or searching blogs. It's a love hate relationship though. I would love to have internet to surf the web, use skype to talk with friends, check my email at night etc but also I hate having it because either Joan or I are glued to it. Since we haven't had it, I read more, we do more around the house or we go out of the house. Besides, being on a computer all day at work doesn't exactly make me want to jump one another once I'm at home. However, I would be able to upload all my photos from the last month if I had internet-I'm way behind. I also wouldnn't have to write quick blogs inbetween my work during the day, I really do hate having to steal seconds to check my email and well, write this post.
If Joan's calculations are correct, we will have internet sometime next week. I will try to set boundaries on time alloted to blogging, surfing and facebooking but I realize in the beginning I will be like a moth to the flourescent light of a bug zapper. Blogging is like breathing, I've heard another wise blogger state, I feel that same way. It is my relaxing moment in a not so relaxing day.

Ciao

Me Encanta

GRACIAS
DeNADA

was wonderful. I learned a lot, drank some of the best wine in the south, walked all over the city, shopped in the best boutiques in the city, spent quality time with my sister-in-law, relaxed in the Arab baths, visited the Alhambra and had experiences to last a lifetime.

More to come.

Granada...Flamenco...Fiesta

This weekend I am going to Granada. I don't think I could be more excited. Maribel, Pepi, Adriana and I are going to have a wonderful time. The first night we will land late so we will just have dinner, walk around the city and get our rest because tomorrow night is the fiesta.

We will go shopping at the markets for most of the day, see the sites and go out for lunch. For dinner we will go to a Flamenco show and after out for drinks. Saturday night will be a late night. Pepi is from Andalucia and loves to party. She is crazy, hilarious and loves to have fun. Sunday we will (try) to wake up early to see the Alhambra. We already have our tickets so everything is ready. I arrive a bit late but Joan promised he would have the house clean, laundry done so I could just go straight to bed although I have a feeling I will be up all night telling him everything that happened. I will take as many pictures as Maribel allows....and post them when I can!

Ciao

Rockstars

Saturday evening Xevi stopped by to see the apartment. The Montessori School that Xevi, Shabir, Lain and Joan went to were having a dinner at The River Cafe near our home. So, Xevi came by and hung out for awhile. Joan and I weren't going to the dinner because Shabir was coming over to have dinner with us. Pizza, we decided. So, around 9:30 we met at the Lion's Ass in Girona and showed Shabir our place of residence while the rest of the Montessori alums got personal. Shabir loved our place (who doesn't?) and we ordered Pizza Hut. Pizza Hut was terrible. Nothing even close to the states at all. I'm sticking with Telepizza or Dolce Vita. Anyway, it was quite a scene. Shabir, Joan and I on the couch in our reasonably posh piso, eating pizza and drinking Moet & Chandon. Shabir said it perfectly, "We're like junkie rockstars eating pizza and drinking Moet."

After dinner we walked to The River Café and joined Xevi and Lain for the festivities. I even made a couple friends that actually Joan didn't even know. Virginia and MariaRosa. Virginia goes to Lloret on the weekends so we might meet up one day, very nice girl and great English which is a plus for me. After the River we went to a club, the name escapes me at the moment but it was huge and packed. I remember having a good time. I also remember asking Xevi to walk me down the aisle should I ever have a wedding in Spain. He was honored and agreed on the spot.

It was a great weekend that ended with Joan and I having a great lunch with his parents in Lloret on Sunday. It was Adriana's 26th birthday so we had a mini celebration for her as well.

I can happily say things are going well. Besides Joan and I not feeling 100% lately, being incredibly busy and often tired-life is good.

A Scoop of London

The last few days have been pretty crazy but Friday was amazing. Joan and I woke up at 3 a.m. to drive to the airport and catch our flight which was at 6:25. We were able to board the plane first-very V.I.P and we chose the first row of seats, the best ones I think. So, we were sitting the plane, I was looking forward to buying my books and drinking my Starbucks when Joan asked the flight attendent if he could buy tickets for the STN Express. "Are we going to London?" "Yes" I started crying immediatly. I've been wanting to go to London my entire life and now I would be. I was laughing and crying and kissing Joan and giving him hugs. It was such a nice moment. For Joan too, he actually suprised me and I had no idea it was coming. Except for this morning when he told me to bring the camera for "taking pictures in the airport." I was a bit suspicious but only for a second and I brushed it off, we couldn't be going to London, right?

After going through security we went to see Tom, the Supervisor for the IDs we make. I got my Security Pass and we went through the employee tunnel, underneath the airport to not have to go through Security. We arrive and Joan's pass is "parked" as they call it. Deactivated. He hasn't used it in awhile and that's what happens. So, we walked back to the office which is a few meters away from the airport. We waited and waited until Tom activated it and we took the tunnel back to the airport. Getting through security in the employee area is exhausting. They checked everything. They even turned on my camera. I was felt up by a woman and Joan was scrutinized as well. After 15 minutes of that nonsense, we could finally get through to Tom's office, have him sign the papers and our work was done. We had to go back to the ID office to return my pass. Joan warned me to make sure it was with me because if I lost it and we were in the restricted area-the police would come. The police in the airport walk around with machine guns. Scary.

Finally we were boarding the train to go to London. Arriving to Liverpool Street Station was an incredible feeling. We took the metro straight to Westminister Abbey. As soon as we stepped out I saw Big Ben. Not as big as I thought honestly. It was beautiful though. I saw the London Eye as well. The weather was amazing not cold at all and incredibly sunny. We walked over to Buckingham Palace and watched the changing of the guards. We practically ran across the way to the gate when we noticed they were doing it. We took pictures by the fountain, walked through St.Jame's Park and dreamed of owning a nice flat overlooking the park. We only had four hours so we took a taxi to Piccadilly Circus. Once out of the cab I saw Dolce and Gabbana, Chanel, everything. We had to eat so we found this posh restaraunt next to Starbucks and enjoyed a great meal. I actually had a proper cesar salad and cranberry juice! I miss cranberry juice. After we walked around a bit, I went to Cinnabon as well and we just enjoyed it. We soaked everything up and Joan promised we would return one day very soon. He told me, "Think of today like a scoop of London-just a taste before you decide if you want the whole sundae." We decided we want the sundae. London was brilliant and we will return soon and for the weekend.

We made it back to the airport with plenty of time so I bought two books, "Second Glance" by Jodi Piccoult and "The Book Thief " by Markus Zusak, I believe. I'm almost through with The Book Thief and it is an incredibly amazing book. I also bought a Good Housekeeping Mag that came with a recipie book for the holidays-I'm in love. Before we boarded the plane, Joan got me a Gingerbread Latté, the perfect ending to the perfect day.

I will always remember our four hours in London. Our little scoop of British life.

Oh Shucks

Have you ever heard someone under 85 use that expression? I don't think I have and I really don't recall ever using that in my life. However that's what came out of my mouth this morning when I slipped on the bridge on the way to work. "Oh Shucks." I then quickly threw in a Spanish curse word to make myself feel better but really? Where did that come from? At least no one was around like the last time I let a "Golly" slip out. I think I may be possessed by a 90 year old woman at times like that. That can only explain the lingo from 1940s and my falling on the bridge this morning. A man on a bicycle gave a very enthusiastic "oh whoa whoa" as I was mid-fall. He kept on going. I then called Joan and woke him up and told him my new boots sans heels still weren't good enough for slippery bridges in the morning-so the hunt continues. I also spilled my coffee this morning once I arrived to the office, I did manage to squeak out a decent "whoops" which I think anyone can say as long as it doesn't have "a daisy" attached. My new obsession with words is growing as I'm teaching new vocabulary to my students and each week they pick up the things I say. I feel responsible for choosing the best words before sending them out into the English Speaking world. So, phrasel verbs have been my life lately.

Tomorrow I am going to Stanstead with Joan for work. We're only on English soil for a few hours and then we're heading back in the evening. I hope to find a couple more books for my Jodi Piccoult collection and get a Mocha Frapp from Starbucks. Ah, simple dreams.

Sundays are Fundays

Today was a really wonderful day. Joan and I were up early enough to give the piso a good clean and to go to mass at St.Feliu church. I understood only a bit as it was in Catalan but being a Catholic church, it translates. At 1:30 his parents and brother came from Lloret to see our place and then we went to a great place for lunch. The dishes were very catalan but delicious. I had a mousse of eggplant with four cheese sauce. I thought I would hate it but it was like nothing I've ever had-delicious. We had dessert, wine and lots of laughs. Joan's mom loved the area, the gardens and all the little shops. She plans to come again one Saturday so I can show her more of Girona as she is more familiar with Barcelona.

Sergi's birthday was yesterday so we had a mini celebration at our place after lunch. I loved that his parents came today, they were so excited to see our place and for us it was a nice change to lunch in lloret at the house. We had a feeling that his parents were very proud of us. We're living in the city, in a very modern,very posh area in a beautiful apartment, working hard and just doing well. We did work hard to get to this point. Anyone can see that we've come along way from last December when I arrived. With only 1000 euros in my account, we didn't have jobs or a place to stay and look at us now. In 10 months we'ce grown a lot.

Tomorrow will be a busy day as usual, I'm working and teaching three English classes. Tonight I want to relax with a glass of wine and watch a movie with my sweetie. It's going to be a long week.

Hope all is well where you are.

Ciao

Why Friday Is Great

Here's the scoop:

1.I found out I'm going to Madrid with Moises on November 20th for Recruitment-yes!
2.The girls in my English class are doing very well and one of them wants private lessons
3.The boss and I are getting along well and she told me I would be doing Recruitment and IDs from now on which is great news
4.I'm doing a bit of shopping today which is a long time coming! My extra money from Acadomia really helps!
5. My grandmother is sending me Christmas things from home, bath and body works scents, baking goods, music and I'm thrilled!
6.Joan and I are getting our new plasma t.v. today from the man that designed our piso!

Hope you are having a great Friday as well!

Back to the Blog

I'm currently in the library at the School of Languages here in Girona, my class was cancelled until tomorrow so I am making use of my time to catch up on my correspondance.

First, OBAMA! I woke up at 7 a.m. on November 4th, ran downstairs, turned on the news and I saw the best thing to happen to the white house since JFK! A young, open-minded leader full of hope to change our country for the better. Every station was covering the news, the newspapers today all have pictures of Obama and his family, polls, just about everything and anything to do with the election. People may not realize that the rest of the world (Spain specifically) was also waiting anxiously for the results. Right now, the states and Spain do not have good relations since the President of Spain decided to pull out the troops in the war and Bush disagreed. Obama wants to ( I have to say it) change that and that is something people here really care about.
I don't want to talk politics anymore so...

Joan and I are settling better into our new home. There have been some surprises such has the power going out when we turn on the oven, building my closet (this was quite and adventure that involved Joan borrowing the truck from the furniture store to bring back the what they gave us because it was wrong and then getting home to realize only two pieces were the wrong color and we could have fit them in the car) moving furniture, getting into a routine and getting organized, as well as getting locked out of our house last Friday.
We are so close to having everything in its place. What we really need though is a desk. I am teaching six english classes a week and need a place for all my lessons etc. I'm still in Spanish class and would love a place tp study. Hopefully this weekend we can search around.

Next week Joan has to drive from here to Reus which is almost two hours with Casandra and then take a plane to Santander for Recruitment. He will be going overnight which means take-out and movie night for me! We will also be going to Stanstead next week as well. I will have to meet the Ryanair people, learn my way around the airport so next time I can go by myself. I wish we had time (and money) to go to London, sometimes being so close is worse than not going at all. Although I do love buying books in English, eating "more American" like foods including Dr.Pepper and Joan and I always stop at Starbucks. It isn't a bad time at all.

All in all things are going well. I am always busy but I am working full time at Cavok and teaching, I will be obtaining my TEFL certificate through a accredited online course so I can be more informed about grammar, lesson planning etc and be able to get a better job teaching English as a second language if I want to in the future. Early next year I also plan to finish my degree through a distance course with Dublin University. After all that happens, Joan and I want to move back to the states. I've said this before but after two or two and a half years here we may want to give New York a try or perhaps in Kansas City. Time will tell.

Joan ordered our internet package today and they say it could take up to 30 days for them to install everything. I will have to resort to short time periods at the library to blog and check my emails.

Until next time-

A moment to spare

We still don't have internet. After work Joan and I will go start the process of getting Internet a landline and digital t.v. in our new home. I am forced to check everything at work and don't have much time to do so!

I look forward to speaking with all of you soon! I will definetly have more stories to tell!
Ciao


------So happy that Barack Obama will be President-----

One Moment of Bad Luck equals 50 euros

I've never believed much in "luck" bad or good but lately I have been wondering if it is possible. Yesterday, Joan and I had an extremely long day. We slept in our old place the night before so we could get up early and pack the car; as I stated in my previous post. Well, after a few hours of walking up and down 5 flights of stairs carrying heavy things we were finally done. We drove his father's truck to our place, Elizabeth came to see the place and to keep an eye on the apartment while we carried everything in and out. We also had to make a trip to the furniture store to buy a big closet for my clothes, our place came with a very small one; perfect for Joan, not me. After that, Joan had to drive the truck back to Lloret so I stayed home and unpacked everything. Stress was high as I was overwhelmed, Joan was in a mood and later we were supposed to meet Carlos and Gemma to go to los firas and watch the castells that were taking place in front of the Cathedral. Something I had been waiting years to see. The castells were taking place 5 minutes walking from our home at 9:00 so everything was perfect.

8:15 that night Joan was just entering Girona. 8:25 he had parked and was walking from our parking to our place, a good 30 minute walk on a normal day. Last night was one of the biggest nights of Los Firas so there were tons of people and a bit of rain. So, 45 mintues later he was home. Tired and wet but jumped in the shower for us to make it there on time.

At 9:05 I recieved a text saying that the castells had started and we were going to miss it if we didn't hurry. At 9:10 I walked out the door, 9:11 Joan shut the door and at 9:11 and three seconds we realized we were locked out.

Rewinding back to 8:45 when Joan had arrived and I had unlocked the door for him-the keys were left in the door. We didn't think anything of it afterwards. When Joan closed the door at 9:11:03 he realized when he check the lock that he couldn't turn the key. I remembered my keys on the other side and that was that. We borrowed a guide book from the neighbor, I cried and eventually we found the number for a locksmith. We missed the castells, it was raining, and once the locksmith came we would be out 50 euros. We tried and tried to open the door by sliding a piece of plastic through, anything but it took the locksmith two seconds to open our door. He had a special piece of plastic, thinner than a credit card and much stronger. Our single moment of bad luck was very expensive.

Carlos and Gemma arrived a bit before the locksmith had and waited with us outside. We showed them the flat, which they loved and we went to get a bite to eat. It was the end of a very long day.

Now it's Sunday and we just finished lunch with Joan's parents. We have to go to our old place and clean up. Thankfully we have Monday and Tuesday off.

Hope all is well and remember to check the doors before you leave.

Crazy Turn Of Events

It is officially official, Joan and I are moved in to our new place! However, I am at our old place this morning. We moved in Thursday evening after work, first stopping by the IMO to get the keys and sign the contract. Joan read through it as if he were a lawyer and asked a few questions to our realtor, Joanna. In the end, everything seemed fine and we were in a hurry so we signed and that was all. As this was happening, Joanna told us that the washer wasn't exactly finished and if Joan could just attach the tube "muy facil" she said. Joan shot back with a, "If I can't do I'm not touching it because then it's my fault and you'll charge me for it." 1 point for Joan. Then she said that legally they didn't have to attach the accessories, the toilet paper holder and the wrack for the towels. Other than that, everything was ready. So, with that in mind, we left the IMO wondering what we would find.

It was a little after seven when we arrived to our piso. It really is a beautiful place. Hardwood floors, completely new kitchen; gorgeous. Upstairs we noticed the bed still wasn't made, the plastic was still on the mattresses (two twins pushed together by the way) so Joan got busy working on that. After a couple hours we walked three minutes to our favorite restaurant Konig. Joan, the wonderful guy that he is, suprised me by taking me to the festival that is in Girona now. I didn't think we would be able to go until this Sunday so it was a great surprise. Los Firas have games, great food, not- so- great-but-delicious-food, lots of white tents with different drinks and even castanyas or chestnuts. Roasted Chestnuts! Joan walked me over to the Ferris Wheel and we went on a ten minute ride and from the top we could see all Girona, the Cathedral and St.Feliu, really romantic and amazing. We walked around the fair, ate chestnuts and people-watched. It was so much fun after a long day of work and moving. So, thank you again Joan for the wonderful surprise!

Friday we had to work but it's only a 20 minute walk from the piso which saves us so much time! The hours d r a g g e d on as we worked and waited to get to our flat again. In the end we decided to stay in Lloret since our piso, at the moment, has no television, radio, or anything-it's too quiet. We relaxed a bit at the piso and Joan then decided to try the oven. As soon as it was on, the power went out. We did it again, power went out again. Everything is so new that it is normal that there are some problems. Joan called Joanna and let her know of the new situation. We have free days next week and are hoping and praying that the telefonica man, the man with the t.v. and the man to fix the oven and washing machine will be able to come one of those days. Que lio!

That brings me back to now, Joan is at work and it is pouring! It has been windy and rainy since last night. Which is terrible because today we were going to move the rest of the things from this piso and go to buy another closet for our place. Now, we're not sure what to do. Elizabeth is coming over to see the piso at 3:30 and I had hoped to be there before but now I don't know what is going on. Joan is very stressed which is completely normal. The poor guy doesn't need any more stress. We did have this picture-perfect idea that we would move in, with sunny weather, everything working and it would be so easy. Life is never that easy, is it?

I feel good about everything though because we fought so hard to get this place. Saving the money, making all the arrangements, getting my job, etc. So, I know we can do it-we can fight our way through any situation.

Speaking of "getting my job" I do have some great news on that. Here, they are big on contracts. You have a contract for 1 year, 6 months etc. This means you have this job and it is harder for the boss to fire you, basically she can't unless there is a major reason. Anyway, it is good to have a long contract, you can quit if you want but it means the boss wants to keep you for as long as she can. I have had two month contracts that have been renewed a few times, a three month contract and now-an indefinite contract. How wonderful is that? I'm so happy, I don't have to be a waitress or work in a department store, I get to work for Ryanair making good money and I get to be with Joan, travel and live in Girona. I know it won't be forever but for the next couple years I will stay and just soak up this great experience.

I miss the states so much of course and I do want to go back but it's so much more complicated than just picking up and moving. Jobs, money, the economy, a place to live, bank accounts, a car, Joan's paperwork for him to live there and be able to work-many things. We have to decide where we would want to move as well!

Anyway, it is only 9:30 a.m. here, still raining hard, but all the same I should start packing and be ready for when Joan arrives!

I hope you have a lovely day wherever you live

Ciao

Tomorrow's The Day

Joan and I are moving tomorrow!

A fun day of packing is ahead of us.....

Wish us luck!

Ooobama

Lou Reed was on television last night, I quote:

"Obama, Obama,Obama,Obama,We need to vote for Obama. If you can't vote for Obama. We all just need to move to Barcelona."

Abeja Occupada

Yes, Joan and I are busy bees. At least I am. At least I feel like one. Luckily Joan and I had a day off last Friday and a few days coming up at the end of this month and the beginning of the next. Unfortunately we won't be flying off to France. We will be moving those days but the festival of St.Narcis will be going on for 10 days so I hope we will have time to enjoy it. I will post more about that once I experience it all first hand. It is Girona's most famous festival, one known world-wide!

Until then, I'm working five days a week at Cavok, two days a week teaching English, also making time to study the presentation for work, Spanish lessons, and be the amazing woman I am by preparing dinner, keeping the house clean, packing each night for the big move and making time to call the family. I suppose it is better to be busy than bored!

My main focus is Oct 30th, the day Joan and I move in. I will be up all night unpacking. Luckily for me I will just have to unpack clothes, books, movies and a few dishes. Everything else is ready! Joan will unpack the electronics and get the speaker system set up. So by the 31st we can enjoy the festival and our new piso!

It is midnight here already, my goal was to be in bed by this time so I should probably go. I've done well up to this point.

Hope all is well and I hope to update with some exciting news soon!

I'll leave you with a picture of us. Me in my new glasses and Joan being guapo as always! ha!

Barcelona Will Never Get Old

Yesterday I went to Barcelona to see Alison. She came to visit David and since America's Health care System is absolutely terrible get her medicines as well. Joan and I arrived at 1:00 and went to see Xevi at his office and then met David and Alison for lunch at this amazing Japanese Restaurant near La Ramblas. I want to go again soon, they had section where your food could be cooked on the wok or a la plancha, as well as sushi, salads and desserts. After lunch Ali and I walked with Xevi back to La Rambla and David and Joan went and did their own thing for a few hours. It started raining so we ducked inside a nearby Starbucks and had our cafés and talked about everything possible. I love to just soak up the time with her and the city of Barcelona, there is always something new to see. We made it into H&M and Mango, drooled over all the amazing clothes and felt terrible about ourselves while seeing the beautiful Spanish girls pull off any look so effortlessly while the same shirts on us made us look pregnant. We walked in and out of shops, went to the top of La Pedrera and had a coffee at another Starbucks later.

The boys were supposed to meet us at 6:30, well, Joan called and said they were on the way. At 7:00 they were still with their friends across town. At 7:30 they still weren't on the way. So, we decided to walk to them.

Asking the woman at La Pedrera, "Donde esta Callé Arago?" "GOING DOWN" she replied. First of all, thanks for the great directions, secondly, if we asked you in Spanish please don't insult us by speaking in English. whatever. So, we made our way down and decided to do an experiment and ask random people and see if they responded in Spanish. The rest of them did. An old man in a suit said "bajo" A well dressed Spanish woman at a bank didn't know but spoke Spanish with us and finally a very nice woman pointed us in the right direction, spoke in spanish, slowly and wished us luck. And who says the Spanish aren't nice? We called Joan and told him were by the big Burberry store on Callé Aragon and were on the way, Ali talked to David and he told her to take a taxi. We didn't want to spend the money so we started walking.

Fifteen minutes later we get a call and the boys are at Burberry! Seriously? So, after they told us to take a taxi (which we could have and would have had to pay for) they walked to where we were instead. We finally made it to them and hopped in the car to go to see the fountains of Montjuiic.

The fountains weren't working last night. Just our luck. So, we called it a night and dropped Alison and David off at his home. I hate saying goodbye to her so much but I also love that I get to because that means I was able to see her again and she was able to visit Barcelona, a city she loves. I have no doubt one day she will live here. She would appreciate every second of it.

Here are some photos of Ali and I in Barcelona.