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
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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!