Vamos!

HOLA!

It has been a while since I have updated my blog. Sorry to those who have been reading it and haven't seen a new post, but here it goes...

MI CASA....

The days are going by so fast in Spain. I wake up and it's a beautiful day and than when I blink my eyes it's time for dinner. It's insane. Despite the pace of the days I am still embracing every moment here. I definitely do not regret choosing a homestay AT ALL. I have come to this comfort level at my house with my Spanish family and couldn't ask for anything better. Victoria and Oscar are great and always make sure I am okay and seem to care. Even though the ONLY thing they do with their lives is play World of Warcraft, I still love them. The international students who live in the residences hate their food and are always complaining about something so I am happy with what I have. The other day was Vicky's birthday so we had a little celebration and made a cheesecake and sang happy birthday to her. Daryl and I went out and bought her a bouquet of flowers at the local flower shop and she loved them. She is now 24, a whole 3 years ahead of me! My hostmom! pretty crazy to say that. I have been communicating a lot more in Spanish with her since I have been here. At first it was hard to make out what she was saying with her accent and voice, but now everything is understood. I like it. Food is great like always, repetitive, but HEY we aren't going hungry! I still want to punt the 2 cats across the street. My ultimate favorite thing is when Victoria sings in Spanish in the morning and the sun is shining.. it's just a homey feeling and when May rolls around to go back to the states that is one thing I will miss the most. Roommate is great as well. Mi casa es estupenda!

Vida en Salamanca..

Now that the weather is in the 80's and is gorgeous ALL the tourists and foreigners are coming out. I am sure the locals are a bit frustrated with it because the foreigners are literally multiplying like cockroaches all over the city. The patios are all set up outside and the streets are filled with life. It's awesome. The Plaza Mayor is always filled with locals, tourists, and families. It's nice to just sit out there and enjoy the sun and read a book or have a cup of coffee and practice Spanish. Salamanca is a small town so faces become more and more familiar. My Spanish has been improving and am ALMOST fluent.. gimme a little more time! In Salamanca when there is a bachelor or bachelorette they throw a party like the US, but a bit different.. The people dress up rather silly as a group with a theme and go bar hopping and make a huge scene! It's awesome. They have a great bonding time before they settle down with their significant other. In Spain married is popular but not till your finish with school and middle aged. The Spaniards always say that Americans start way too young, which is fairly true, and stress the fact that it is not like that in Spain. As far as birthdays too, people dress up with a theme and do the same with their groups of friends!

School has been pretty easy, nothing too hard. Like I always say I miss the challenge of business classes and work at school in the states, but I can definitely wait it out till september. The other weekend we took a day trip to Segovia and Avila with the program. We got on the bus bright and early to head out and little did we know that this group of California students were following along. NEVER again will I be attending a day trip or even any trip with a group like that again. There was about 20 students that was in between the ages of 20-30... this group was just beyond obnoxious. They kept making comments like "wow, how cool is this castle, I would have probably appreciated something like this when I was 7.. I would rather go ride my dirt-bike around and lay out in the sun in my gated community back in Cali.." They were just horrible, but we didn't let that ruin our excursion. The three girls and I got to tour one of the finest remnants of Europe's medieval era, the walled town of Avila. It was sacred to an ancient Celtiberian culture long before the arrival of the Romans or Christians. We also got to see the The Aqueduct of Segovia (or more precisely, the aqueduct bridge). It's a Roman aqueduct and one of the most significant and best-preserved ancient monuments left on the Iberian Peninsula. It is the foremost symbol of Segovia, as evidenced by its presence on the city's coat of arms. It was a great excursion and I loved every second of it. The day was so sunny and beautiful, but on the way home we got stuck in the rain and by the time we walked home from the bus station we were soaked. We ended the night with dinner and a movie with the family. It was great.

Being in Europe is allowing me to learn a lot about myself every day and I think this is what I needed, especially in the midst of college years. Every day is something new I must say it's a blessing. If I could tell everyone back in the states one thing it would be... LIVE your life. Stop worrying about the small things in life like how nice your car is, or fretting about the luxuries you don't have, or how that one guy or girl isn't showing interest in you.. RATHER Enjoy the small things in life and smile because your living a life that could have been someones who died in the tsunami in Japan, or give thanks for the people in your life.. even the ones who are envious of you for those are the ones who make you work ten times harder, and just be happy for who you are. Why dwell on the little things that are nonsense when there is a copious amount of greater things in this world to smile about. Our lives are not promised for tomorrow so do everything you ever wanted, see every site you ever wanted to see, eat everything you ever wanted to try, and dream BIG because ANYTHING is possible as long as you set your goals and strive for success.

This up coming week is Semana Santa, which is basically, to put in American terms, a spring break. Daryl, Stephanie, and I are spending the week in Lisbon, Portugal. We found a cheap hostel apartment that we have to ourselves with a kitchen, 3 beds, and living room for only 100 euros each for 7 nights and 8 days. DEAL!! We leave at 4:30am and are taking the train there, which is a 7 hour ride. I can't wait to travel more and experience more of Europe. I will definitely blog about our semana santa when we get back, along with pictures! Lisboa is the capital of Portugal, so there will be alot to do without any planning needed. Also Portugal is also known to be quite cheap as far as tapas and activities go so that's a plus for us girls.

I do miss my life in the states, I can't deny. I do not dare wish the time away here, but am very excited for family and friends in the summer. I can't wait to share all the stories I have and just catch up on life with everyone.

I recently enrolled in my senior classes and just can't get over the fact that graduating from college is right around the corner. SO CRAZY! I recently was let go from my job at NAU for unknown reasons, ridiculous miscommunication, and may I add UNFAIRNESS work ethics... Thank you to that one person, thank you so much for pushing me away my senior year when I have been there for all three years of college. Wonderful! As I have learned don't let little things get you down, pick your head up, and just better yourself... which is exactly what I am doing and I will definitely figure out a plan sooner than later. Sorry for venting!

Well I am currently in international marketing class and it is almost over. I am going to walk home and study for the art history exam I have tomorrow! I hope all is well in states with everyone and all those people I miss you should know who you are! Much LOVE.

Stay healthy and live life every day like it's your last with peace and love in your heart <3

Vive bien ~ Rie a menudo ~ Ama mucho

mandalou