Spontaneity is the Name of the Game

There is no way I´m starting the one month countdown. But it is true! As I write this blog I only have 21 days left. Currently I´m sitting in the computer lab at my school, the CLM. I just took my level 5 test. Because we have been so busy lately it has made studying a little harder and a lot less appealing.

Me and my Program Director, Veronica

Yesterday (Wednesday, April 25) I had a review day for class. We had our last meeting with our program director Veronica. She basically summed up what we were doing the last month...bull fight, departure information, forms to fill out, etc. After we were all done she read to us a letter she wrote. She said she had to write it earlier and read it to us or else she never would be able to say what she wanted. As she choked up, she read the letter. She talked about how last fall she had the best group ever and her heart broke when they had left. She wasn´t excited for our group to come because there was no way we would be as good as the previous group. And then she brought out 44 roses and said, "but as it turns out, you guys were amazing and I´ve loved ever single one of you. So I have 44 roses, for the 44 students, each symbolizing a piece of my heart that is breaking again when you leave." Awwww :)  

At the "Cada de Vino". In this picture is
Alex from Oregon but goes to Central

Later that evening I had a tutoring session and a Granada Seminar class where we learned about bullfighting. I´ll be honest when I say I´m a little nervous about it. I understand it is an art and part of the historical culture in Spain and after learning more it does not seem as bad. But when I´ve petted the Thompson Breeding bulls, and have led around steers by a leash, it makes thinking about a bullfight a little difficult. I´m excited to share how it goes on May 1st!

Tuesday we had a wine tasting. At 8pm we went to a restaurant which had their patio all set up for us. We got to try 4 different wines: one desert wine, two red wines, and a white wine. The desert wine was good, but I decided I´m not a big wine-o.

Vino, vino, vino

In my last blog I had mentioned going to a flamenco show! I had gone to a show in early March when my parents came to visit. If you can recall, the show was literally inside the side of a mountain. We were crammed into a small room, or cave, and watched the dancing. The show on Monday night was much different! Instead of a cave it was featured in a large auditorium. There were 6 men making up the singing and clapping part, 2 men on guitars, and one sitting on a wooden box as the drums. Then there was one middle to older aged lady who danced and another three men who flamenco danced. So it was much different. The music was fantastic and the men were phenomenal. It would have made the hour and a half show fly by if it wasn´t for my heavy eyes from some serious traveling the weekend before!

That's right! I went to Amsterdam! I left last Friday night from the Granada Airport and arrived in Barcelona around midnight. Unfortunately, I had two overnight layovers. So Friday night there I was in the huge empty airport, curled up in a blanket watching the 2008 Olympics on a TV. Around 2am I decided I had to get some sleep. In this airport the chairs are all connected and have the individual arm rests between every seat. So I pushed two long sections of connected chairs together, facing each other and make a very awkward and uncomfortable bench to sleep on. I might have slept 3 hours at best. It didn´t help that there was about ten-fifteen teenage Spanish kids running around playing tag. By 6am I was glad to be on my flight to Amsterdam.

Kirsten, Lindsey, Tess, Anne Frank, myself, and Mallory

The Central girls celebrating Tulip Time with some poffertjes

Amsterdam was awesome! Of course, being in the Netherlands, at times I felt like I was back in Pella. But a much, much, larger Pella....that had stores open on Sundays! I had met Tess, Lindsey, Mallory, and a girl from their program in London. We went to the Anne Frank House and explored the streets of Amsterdam. In school we´ve read parts of her diary and have studied the Holocaust; however, it definitely made the stories and lessons a reality when I walked through the house, their hiding place, and her room. The weather was a little rainy in the morning both days, but we lucked out and it cleared up and was nice the rest of the time! We loved eating the same food as we do during Tulip Time! We considered this trip to be our Tulip Time celebration. We also visited the famous " Iamsterdam" sign, the Heineken Brewery, and the Hard Rock Cafe... we caved.

When I was in Ireland I had gone to the Guinness Brewery and so I felt like I was going to the Heineken Brewery more so because my friends hadn't gone to one. I figured it would be cool but I wasn't expecting it to be fun! The two are completely different. I decided I liked the Heineken one better. Plus we got a discount... since we're such smart shoppers and my mother taught me well. Throughout the tour they had places to take fun pictures, their funny commercials throughout the years playing, and a place where we could email pictures and videos. Sorry I never sent to family! I sent them to myself so I could save them. Obviously they weren't cool enough to make the cut for the blog. When we decided to get in front of the green screen to record our video, we didn't know what we were getting into. Annoying Dutch music that we hear repeated over and over again during Tulip Time started blaring. Obviously getting the room's attention. Then the screen in front of us pops up and it looks like we're standing next to a windmill with cartoon characters swaying back and forth in the background. Then some obnoxious looking Dutch karaoke lyrics come up on the screen. So what we sounded like and what was recorded, was us mumbling, throwing in an occasional Dat denk and iks and then in unison, "en Amsterdam"! Other highlights were we got a simulator ride where we pretended to be brewed. The ride rocked us back and forth, up and down, and sprayed *hopefully water* at us! It was a great time!
 
We got to ride in a river boat through the canals (since there are hundreds), walk through a fair, and see some street performances. While walking the streets we stumbled upon some simple bracelets which the four of us got as "friendship bracelets". Nothing fancy, but I really like it! I had a great time and so did they! Since it was our 3rd time in Europe saying goodbye, it wasn´t hard this time. It seems we´re all trying to soak up these next few weeks we have! The London girls will be home the first weekend in May!!
 

(There are better pictures on my friend's camera)

Visiting Amsterdam was a lot of fun because I didn't really know what the expect, nor had I had much time to think about what I was going to see or do there. Originally I hadn't planned on visiting Amsterdam but like I've said before, being abroad I've really realized it is the people in your life which is most important. So when I was with my best friends in Barcelona during Spring Break, and they're begging me to come to Amsterdam because we have so much fun together and they miss me (I'm making myself sound cool here) I had no choice but to at least look into it. The flights were kind of really expensive for me and since I'd have two overnight airport layovers and probably miss a day of school (which I did on Monday) I wasn't sure. But after talking to my parents, Dad had reminded me that this is a once in a lifetime experience and you can't think monetarily. I should just do it. So this was a very spontaneous trip! I had decided to go and booked the flight less than two weeks before I left. Don't tell mom and dad, but my European cell phone hasn't been working the past month, so I went without a cell phone and luckily I beat them to their gate as they got off their plane! With a 30 minute time gap from my flight to theirs--I must run fast (: haha the first and last time I promise!!

I have one more story to tell! This one isn't about Amsterdam nor the average life in Granada. However, this did happen in Granada and I can't believe I got to witness this! (AS SEEN ON T.V.)

French fries are just as popular here as they
are...well, in the rest of Europe!

So my host mom tells me I got sick because I haven't been wearing my slippers on the cold floor in her house. "Si, el suelo es muy frio pero yo estaba enfermo antes de hoy!" I say to my mom. Before I left for Amsterdam I had gotten one of those beloved spring/summer colds. So after a few days of sore throats and a runny nose, I decided to take medicine. You can thank my roommate, she is my in-home pharmacy. Anyways, Friday, before I left at night for my flight, Austin had asked me to go get some hot tea. Tea is good for a sore throat, and its my new favorite thing to drink. So we're walking around trying to decide which cafe we should get some tea at. We are walking through what I like to call "the bird plaza" which is a very beautiful plaza that gets swarmed with birds at night which you can hear not cherping, but screetching blocks away, and you are crazy to walk under those trees. Anyways, this is around 4 pm or so, and we are walking on the street next to the plaza when all of a sudden we hear a woman screaming Spanish 1,000 KPH [because they don't use Miles per Hour (MPH) here]. So we turn around and see this guy riding a bike down the road we just walked. My initial thoughts are..."oh, they must be fighting" but then when I see the 30 year old lady trying to sprint while screaming, yelling, and waving her hands, saying some not very nice things (I understood one thing she said) I realized that this man has just stole her bike.

"Pancakes" but were really crepes with bacon! REAL BACON!

We both had no time to even react but it felt like in slow motion this man rides right past us. Not crazy fast because he didn't want to make a scene (as if the lady wasn't already) and he had the most serious face with a huge scar on his check down to his chin. He looked so scary. Now, he rides right past us and turns to go down the street we were about to. So we have the best view of all that is going on. By this time, everyone in the plaza knows whats happening and a man who was sitting at the cafe lunges out for the bike, hits the back tire, and that same man falls to the ground. Bad guy still on the go. A few feet after another guy comes in swinging his brief case and smokes the guy over the head. Papers fly!!! (like a movie) NOW the thief is wobbling but continues on his path down the tiny street. Just then...a third guy comes in and round-house kicks the guy in the upper back. The thief makes 3 big jerks on the handle bars....right...left...right...he swerves and then BOOM! He crashes hard on the ground.

The fair at night! Lindsey and Kirsten rode the ride on the
left. They asked if I wanted to...No way Jose!

OH MY GOSH!!!! The lady gets to her bike, she is a mess. Shes crying and now on the phone but she gets her bike and leaves, just leaving the guy lay there! Now I'm upset because there is no way this guy is just going to get to go free. He gets up, stumbles and then falls again. Remember, I said he fell hard. So I turn to Austin and we're both thinking....wow, this was awesome! And both agree to walk down the street to get a closer look! As we start walking, some guy has the thief's hands behind his back and has him up against the wall. As we get closer, we both notice the thief's face....was covered in blood. Not just like "oh, he hit his head and is bleeding" but more like, I could not see any skin. That is when we notice where he hit the ground. It was obvious where he had hit his head because blood had splattered everywhere. Trying not to exaggerate at all, but I think 3 feet away from him there was still some on the street. So then we realize how bad it is. I honestly can't believe he didn't die or was completely unconscious. There's no need to go into more detail. But after we saw that we had agreed that we didn't like what we were seeing and maybe walking down the street wasn't such a good idea. Again, the streets in Granada are uneven bricked roads.

 Anyways, after we walked past, the police came and we headed to get some tea. But not before snapping some pictures first! How many times in your life do you witness a REAL robbery???

MORAL OF THE STORY: If you're going to steal a bike, wear a helmet. If you're going to be the hero, carry a briefcase or learn to how to do a round-house kick.

If any of you don't know what that is. Highlight the link below, right click on it when it is highlighted, and choose "open in a new tap" or something like that.  Dear Grandpa Daryl, I think this is the easiest way to do it! I hope these directions help you! But who knows, I bet while I've been gone you've mastered the computer! ;) haha (miss you!)

(Round-house kick made popular by Chuck Norris)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb7lnpk3tRY

There is my update! I´ve been trying to kill time between finishing my test and my hike at 1:30. I'd say I've been pretty successful!! I´m going with a Spanish college student  and three other girls from my program on a hike today. The only worry I have left is my Oral Exam tomorrow morning! Then I get a week break! ¿Que suerte?

April showers bring...the unexpected!

Did you know… that in Australia people who work at McDonalds or Kmart are making $22 an hour? Or that in Ireland everyone’s college education is free. And they pay you 3,000euros to go abroad! What are we doing wrong in America?

Nick, Lee, Carla, David, and Jamie. David is from Australia
and the others from different parts of Ireland.

Last night I went over to my Irish friend’s apartment. There are four Irish kids and an Australian living there. That is beside the point! I love talking to those guys. Of course they have such thick accents and crazy phrases, it is hard to understand at times, but they are the friendliest, caring people I have met! For example, earlier this week I had went over because they had invited us over for cake and tea. David, the Australian kid was supposed to return home back in January. He has extended his stay four times and finally is to go home the beginning of next week. I asked David about Australia and told him that Grandpa and Grandma Pedersen had gone over some years ago and they absolutely loved it. We talked about how every once every "Fortnight" (two weeks) they eat Kanagroo or how there are sharks everywhere. That’s another cool part about being abroad, meeting people who live extraordinary lives. And get this – 21 year old David, who has been traveling Europe for the past year or so, rebuilds human hearts. When he gets back to Australia he is going to start working. Simply amazing!

I’ve kept with my vow so far, I’m staying on top of homework and studies. First week down! My class is diverse like usual. We have 6 Americans from all corners: Florida, Washington, Boston, Pella, Colorado. There is a classmate from Belgium, Canada, India, Hong Kong, and London. And the woman from Canada is in her forties I would guess and Fey from Hong Kong is in her late thirties. Since we always have a lot of diversity in our class, we thought it would be cool to see in how many different languages, collectively, we know how to say “hello”. I would say quite a few! I’ve been getting back into the gym, spending time with my host family. I went shopping with my host sister on Saturday and went with my host brother Migue up to the Albaicin to meet his friend from China who had studied abroad and stayed with their family years ago. It is a great way to practice my Spanish and I feel like my speaking abilities are improving a lot now. I’ve been skyping mom a lot lately. She is so excited for my coming home party now that I get messages daily. But I’m not complaining because I love getting messages from home. Speaking of, thank you everyone who sent me a birthday card! It makes going to school and checking my mailbox more fun! I know it sometimes takes more than two weeks to receive a letter so don’t worry if I haven’t gotten it yet! 

I want to wish a Happy Anniversary to my Grandpa Daryl and Grandma Ruby! What an accomplishment. Know that I was thinking of you both on the 11^th. Also, of course, a BIG Happy Birthday to Grandpa Cecil on the 12^th. I know we usually get to share a little Birthday celebration together so looks like you get to celebrate yours again on May 19^th with me! Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a painted Spanish man on the side of a building like I did for Grandma Pearl on her birthday. But know that I had been keeping an eye out for one for some time! 

I had the coolest experience the other night. It had been over a month since I spent time up in the Albaicin so Austin and I decided to go up there to watch the sunset; it really is a magnificent sight. We made the hike up the vertical streets and found a seat along the wall in the plaza San Nicholas. So we sit there, letting our feet dangle, and talk about how crazy it is that we are in the middle of April already. The sky is always gorgeous at night but this time it was extra special. Earlier we had noticed mean looking clouds on our right, casted over Granada. It had been sprinkling on and off all day. Just then the sun shines through and we can see a thick blanket of rain, just pouring down! Of course we were nervous we were going to get dumped on but didn’t care because the sun had brightly lit up the Alhambra and created a double rainbow over it. It didn’t even look real! It was as if only the building itself was lit and the dark rolling clouds behind it only made it shine brighter. We sat there for an hour watching the storm pass over Granada and the Alhambra shine!

So many times in Europe, I find myself quoting “it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen”. And I honestly believe that every time I say it. To justify, there are so many different kinds of beauty. How can I compare the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night, to the giant rolling mountains in Morocco, Africa with a little village girl sitting on my lap? Or the beaches of Barcelona to sitting on the 15 foot wall, watching the sunset in my favorite place in Granada?

But really...it was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen ;)! And of course, pictures will never hold a candle next to the real experience. But maybe you can agree?

One last story! I know mom gives me a hard time that I don’t mention Austin enough. Well, a few years ago I had made a bucket list. Every now and then I will add things or take them off if they’re not that important to me anymore. Things that I’ve always wanted to do, such as speak a foreign language, donate blood, bake a pie from scratch, and even some silly things such as own a gumball machine, nail jello to a wall and see if it stays, and eat at Hooters. ANYWAYS, one of the things on my list is to salsa dance in Spain. So Austin had brought that up and told me we were going to a salsa class this week. He looked into it and there is a couple that come on Friday nights to our gym and teaches classes. So Friday night, sure enough, we both go to this class. The girls had their heels on and surprisingly, there were just as many guys there too. Of course we looked out of place in our athletic clothes and Nike shoes…typical Americans. But I would do that experience over again and again! The class was for ‘beginners’ but these people were very good. So we got our own individual lesson, learning 4 basic steps, 3 different spins for me and even one for lucky Austin. But don’t feel bad for him because I know he actually wanted to go too! And he was eating it up, which made it really fun. The instructors were awesome. Sometimes we would stop what we were doing and would watch them demonstrate a move. It was SO impressive! Then one time the woman instructor had left and the man says: “chica nueva…ven aqui!”(new girl, come here). Cool. So here I am, getting whip flashed all over the dance floor by this professional salsa dancer who was 6 inches shorter than me. No doubt my face was as red as a tomato but the rest of the class clapped, cheered, and laughed with me. The class itself was wonderful! It was like a little family. Obviously this group had been practicing together for a while because in the middle of our two hour class we had a 15 minute break they started laying out mats on the ground. One lady runs and gets out a pan of chocolate flan (dessert) and little cold meat sandwiches. The flan was fantastic but we didn’t dare try whatever meat sandwiches there were. They were so inviting and had us sit in the circle with them and demanded we were in all of their group pictures! They were disappointed we were only going to be there for one session, but let’s get real – I don’t know if we could handle much more! At the end the instructors danced for us and we got to videotape it! Needless to say, I fell in love with the woman instructor and wanted to tell her… I WANT TO BE YOU. Haha

Just starting to check some things off of my little Spain bucket list now. Unfortunately I didn’t get to go to the Saturday morning market or hiking this weekend because it has been raining!!! How strange. I think this is the 5^th time we have had rain the entire 3 months I’ve been here so far. Must be starting to get the April showers! But I think Granada (being in the southern, dry, desert part of Spain) appreciates rain just as much as everyone does at home.

I’m glad to hear that everyone is well at home. Please pray for my classmate and good friend, Alex Vitzthum as he has began his battle against cancer.

Look for another blog in about a week in a half. This week I will be preparing for my weekend trip to Amsterdam with my girlfriends and when I return I will be busy as ever! Preparing for my next test: Thursday, Friday 27, going to a Flamenco show, a wine tasting, and a bunch of meetings with my program! April is my favorite month – I hope the second half goes slower than the first.

Besos for all!
xoxo

A True World Traveler

It has been almost 3 weeks since I have posted in my blog. For that I apologize, but after you read all of what I have done in the last three weeks, I'm sure you will quickly understand why its taken so long! Where did I leave off?

He sure got my attention!

Working out in my little gym, classes and studying, meetings, and tutoring sessions. Life quickly went back to its routine. But only for a few days. One night I went with a couple girls and a Spanish student to a movie in the theater. I think I understood most of the movie and was really happy with how well I could speak with the Spanish girl on the walk back to my apartment. On Friday (March 23) our program group left early in the morning for a weekend trip to the capital, Madrid. We stopped at a little city called "Toledo" similar to the one in Iowa of course.. except with some mountains, a castle, and the most gorgeous man I have ever seen in my life.

Group from Central College in Toledo, Spain

We continued on our 5 hour bus ride. Finally getting to Madrid we got a lot of free time so we wandered around the city center a bit. Saturday we were taken to the Royal Palace. It looks pretty average from the outside but its like a whole other world on the inside. It is SO Huge. And each room is decorated to the hilt. Giant murals and elegant furniture. Of course we weren't allowed to take any pictures. But here is one from the outside. Here we are standing in the center of the plaza. There are huge walls that surround us and box us in.

My friend Collin from Colorado

This is the other side which is the Royal Palace

After seeing the palace I went with Genevieve and Fatima, two girls from my group, to meet up with her friend who teaches English in Madrid. She took us to a huge park where we made our own lunch and watched people rowing boats in the pond. So awesome! The park is huge and I'm very jealous that we don't have a park like that in Granada.

Our friends were rowing on the pond & took a picture of our picnic

Sunday we were taken to the Prado, a very famous art museum. After spending a little while there I went with Genevieve, Fatima, and Anne-Marie (girls from my group) to meet up with her friend again. We got to see her LITTLE apartment where she lives. She took us to a market where we got to shop around. I bought a pair of sunglasses for 5 euro and a headband for 2 euro. It was a gorgeous day and lots of fun!

Madrid was a lot of fun but I was ready to get back to Granada Sunday night to get in the zone for my test on Wednesday! After reading my last blog, there was some obvious pressure. So I spent the next two days really preparing for my test. The day before, I went to my family's cafe and sat there to study so if I had any questions my host sister could help me. And she did way more than I expected! Super helpful and very encouraging. But what I didn't need was the delicious, picture perfect hot chocolate, an hour later the doughnut and coca cola, then after I was finished the tapa and beer. When she got off work at 11:00pm she even had me go with her to practice speaking with some of her friends. On our walk home I found a rolled up 5 euro bill on the ground. So you best believe it was lucky and I stuck it in my bra over my heart before I took the exam. And lucky it was!! I just found out on Monday that I passed my test and I move on to level 5! I carried that 5 euro bill with me all through my spring break and now I know I'm not going to spend it!

Wednesday was the start of my big adventure. I took all my stuff to my exam Wednesday morning and left straight from my test to the bus stop. Granada airport to Barcelona, 4 hour layover, Barcelona to Rome. First thing we did when we got there was grabbed some pizza, naturally! On Thursday, March 29 I went to see the coliseum. Wow, it is enormous. And beautiful. Totally worth the 30 minute wait and 12 euro to go inside. Made me think of the awesome movie "The Gladiator". It is crazy to think of how old the building is. After touring the Coliseum I saw a large park with lots of ruins and old Roman statues, very pretty. You could start telling that spring was near.

On Friday I went to a small town about 45 minutes outside of Rome called "Fergene". It is a small beach town and very quiet during the spring. I loved getting away from the noise of the city and get some of that sun. Turns out we were the only ones on the beach! The beach was awesome...black sand and there was no one there except the few people who would walk by in their long pants and scarves. That made me feel a little uncomfortable as I laid out in my swimsuit. Got way too much sun that day, like usual. Always need dad there reminding me that I'm going to get burnt. Then later I tried to buy Aloe Vera, of course I don't know any Italian and I ended up buying hand soap with Aloe Vera in it. Found that out after I put it on... World Traveler Problems!

Here is another good story I'm sure Grandpa Daryl and a few others will enjoy. With the advice from my parents, I decided to pay for a tour bus ticket to see Rome for two days. So Saturday I hopped on the tour bus and first stop was to Vatican city. Tons of people there, since it was the day before Palm Sunday; however, we decided to wait in line. I wasn't mad because it was such a gorgeous day. How bad could it be standing for a while, soaking up the sun rays in your shorts and summer tank! I love Italy, right? So an hour later..when we are about 20 people away from getting in, a tour guide approaches me and tells me there is no way I'm getting in. It was that awkward moment when you realize you're not getting let into the church because you are showing too much skin. Well... what was worse? Waiting all that time? Or having to do the walk of shame past the hour long line of people waiting to go in. Needless to say....it was a good time. Nothing some cookies and milk can't fix. What a treat! I haven't had that since I left home. Decided that I would wear some "more appropriate" clothes tomorrow and try again. I guess Dad was right... my shorts really are too short. At least for the Pope. haha Rode the tour bus more and later saw the Coliseum and capital building at night.

The lucky fountain

Making my wish!

Inside the Chapel

Vatican City

Another sign of spring - best smelling flowers. Thought of
mom and her love for lilacs!

Coliseum at night

Gotta love Pizza!

Some ruins near the Coliseum

The good news is on Sunday I had more success and did get to tour the Vatican. Went to a "lucky fountain" and made a wish. Ate more pizza and enjoyed wandering the streets of Rome. The start of a new week... the start of a new country: Paris here I come!

The four hour nap I took over the night was a great start to my Monday morning. By 2pm I was glad to get to my hotel in Paris. It always takes a solid day to figure out the metro system and the directions of the city. Made a big game plan for my birthday
\
Yo tengo viente-uno anos! Can you believe it? 21 years old... I actually thought I looked older when I looked in the mirror Tuesday morning. I guess I had been so busy with school, getting ready to travel, and thoughts of Rome to even grasp the concept that I was turning 21. In Europe, no one cares about being 21 because their legal drinking age is 18...at least by law. And good thing I didn't celebrate in Spain because it is custom for the person with the birthday to buy drinks for everyone! No thank you!!

 So instead I went to see the Eiffel Tower. Wow it is magnificent. I absolutely loved it. Every angle is picture-perfect. I got to walk 698 stairs to the second floor of the tower. I felt so high up but later, when I was on the ground I realized the second floor wasn't even half way up the tower! Did you know the Eiffel Tower is used as a radio tower? And it was only expected to last about 25 years or so? (If I remember correctly) I enjoyed a picnic on the long green lawn in front of the Eiffel. What a sight. Couldn't have asked for a more gorgeous day. Also saw some other touristy attractions such as the French's model of the Statue of Liberty, Notre Dame, and the Louvre (where they have the famous painting of the Mona Lisa) Everything was beautiful...only problem was that the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. Made up for it by being treated to a Cherry Coke!!! Oh its the little things in life isn't it? We don't get any cherry flavored soda in Granada.

Outside the Louvre

Later that evening, for my birthday, Austin took me on a "Fat Tire bike tour" around Paris in the evening. It was fun riding through the busy streets and around the monuments of Paris. Following our guided tour we got to take a boat ride on the river and enjoy all-you-can-drink wine! Even was surprised with a small piece of pink birthday cake and got sang too. Finished a perfect day by getting to talk to my mom for about 5 minutes before the crappy internet disconnected us. I heard the awesome news about Rick and Jeana's new baby girl, Lauren! New Cousin!!! How cool (:

Other things I saw in Paris was the love lock bridge. Thought it was super pretty and such a romantic idea but was ready to find something else to see after watching a gay couple lock on their love. Ate crepes and pizza since I hadn't had enough of that in Rome... and saw the Eiffel Tower as it sparkled at night. For those who don't know, because I didn't either, on the hour from 9pm-1am the Eiffel Tower glitters for about 5 minutes. Que bontia!

Notre Dame

The Love Lock Bridge

Another part of my spring break was taking a day trip to a small town called Bauex, which is about 2 1/2 hour train ride west of Paris. From Bauex we took a ride up to see the Beaches of Normandy. I'm so glad I got to see this. I'm not a big history buff and I didn't know much about the battle... but I learned so much from the museum and was absolutely blown away on how big the cemetery is. It frustrates me that I'm so under educated in history. I will have to start watching more history channel like Dad does when I get home. Spent a lot of time there and took many pictures and read a lot about the battle. Did you know that the cemetery is American soil? The closest to home I've been in a while! Later that evening (Thursday, April 5) I had the best crepes in my life! I had split some plates so I was able to try different kinds: ham, egg, and cheese; cheeseburger crepe; honey crepe; and an apple caramel with ice cream crepe. I could eat that last one every day for the rest of my life and be happy!

(Reminder: click once on the picture to see it bigger)

Friday was a big day full of traveling. 8am left Bauex, had my last serving of "France fries", and by 6pm landed in Barcelona. Not too much longer Tess, Lindsey, and Mallory came out of their terminal wanting giant hugs and carrying a little birthday present for me!
I'm so blessed with amazing friends. I never really realize how much I miss them until I see them. We're all so busy with our lives abroad and don't get the opportunity to talk very often; however, when we are together, it is as if nothing has changed. We were starving by the time we made it to the hostel and so we got some pizza and ice cream. If you haven't been able to tell, I've been splurging with my "healthy food" choices. This just goes to show after eating only pizza how "American" I am when I want more pizza!
Saturday we went to the beach in Barcelona. Only a ten minute walk from our hostel. Soaked up some sun, found 2 coins which were washing up in the wet sand, both euros but one was very old! So I'm keeping that! Made a sand castle because that is what 21 year old girls do.....haha The three girls and some people from their program were scheduled to leave for a cruise out of Barcelona for their Spring Break on Sunday. In the middle of the day on Saturday, some of their guy friends from their program arrived in Barcelona and met us at the beach. We all went and ate on a boardwalk along the ocean. It was fun getting to order food for everyone and show of my Spanish skills. Its moments like that when you realize how much you have learned! Afterwards we bought a volleyball from a stand and played sand volleyball on the beaches of Barcelona. What a good life...
Got a lot of sun, took everyone out for tapas - which they all loved - and went to a Latino style bar where people were salsa dancing.

It was hard saying bye Sunday morning. And to make things worse, I missed my flight back to Granada. Nothing another 100 euro can't fix...and a 7 hour wait in the airport on Easter. By 10pm when I got back to Granada...I was ready for bed; however, instead I skyped with Mom, Dad, Brandon, Taylor, and Grandma and Grandpa Thompson.

And there was my spring break! I'm sure you are as tired of reading as I am typing... but let me update you on life back in Granada....

My host family couldn't believe how tan I was. I look like I fit in a little more now! Made a little impulse purchase: a flight to Amsterdam to meet up with Lindsey, Tess and Mallory the weekend of April 20-22. I wasn't sure because of the cost, and I only have a weekend to be there. But dad reassured me that this is a once-in-a-lifetime thing and the last thing I want to do is look back and wish I would have gone. I played in an Intramural volleyball game Monday night. It really is a joke and hardly competitive. But nothing puts a smile on my face like getting to play a little bit of the game I love. And we're even in the championship for next Monday. Today was my first day of classes in level 5. I made a vow to myself that I would study every day and not be pressured again. Lets see how that goes! I loved getting to talk with my family since I've been home, and I've even got a few letters in the mail! Read the birthday card from Mom and Dad today and just opened the one from Grandma Mary. Mail takes a long time to get here so that is all I have for now but that just means I'll be more eager every day when I go check my mail! Thank you everyone for your wishes! A look into the future: I have 2 more big trips planned, going hiking, going to a beach still, and am even going to catch a bullfight. My Spain bucket list is still full and many things needing to be checked!

Now just a little more about life I've learned in the past month...

As I laid in the grass in front of the Eiffel Tower, I couldn't find the words to describe how lucky I am. How many people can say they have accomplished and experienced all the things that I have by their 21st birthday? Maybe 1%. How many by their 50th birthday? Maybe 10%? I'm healthy, I've been awarded with so many achievements in athletics, academics, extra-cirriculars, I've been honored as a representative in Washington DC, a fair queen, a student body president, seen as a leader in different aspects at the collegial level. I'm finishing my Junior year of college, I even made the Dean's List last fall! Now we KNOW I'm lucky. My goodness, all the things I have been able to do! I am so blessed.

Most importantly, these last three months I've learned how blessed I have been with a loving family who has brought me up well. Its funny, I was on the plane to Rome, telling stories about how we had so many rabbits running loose on our old farm, about when dad made that cage around mom's Home Interiors shop with the fishing line that ran across the driveway and dad would jerk the pole and a board would drop, capturing the bunnies in the cage. I reminisced about going camping at Lake Kennedy by Fort Dodge and catching tadpoles with Taylor. I told about the time I floated down the old creek on a blow up killer whale floaty with my friend Shanda, and how once we were riding Dolly through the field and we were laughing so hard we fell off. I realized I wouldn't trade my childhood for anything. I was telling Mom how its funny how I wanted to get away from Humboldt and Iowa because I needed a change. And I really did. But here I am half way around the world, and I realize how important those things are in my life. There is no beauty like in Granada and the rest of Europe. How pretty is the dead fields, empty of corn? Or the feet of dirty snow that no one seem to get in Iowa this winter? But whats more beautiful than all of it combined is the love I see and I feel when I'm at home and when I'm with family.

View from a rooftop of a friend's apartment

A plaza that I walk through everyday to go to school.

The most important thing that I've learned from this whole experience is how important your family and your loved ones are. It has been difficult at times. There was a huge trade off I made. Traveling Europe is incredible, and I don't regret taking on this challenge. But sometimes I forget life goes on at home too. Its hard not getting to be there as my little brother buys a Harley like he is some grown up or something, or help him pick on Brandon. Or be there for birthday celebrations for my Grandparents and get to hug everyone and tell you all I love you!


I'm so thankful for being in Europe and in Spain. Now that I'm on my downward slope of only 37 days left, it would be stupid of me not to soak up every part of this last month. Thank you for all the support and love. I'm not ready to leave yet, but I can tell you I will be more than ready to come home on the 18th. And hopefully it works out that I get to see everyone on the 19th, if not the 20th!