Opps.. It's been a while

With the wrapping up of the holidays and starting classes again I have neglected my blog. I will give you a summary of what has been going on.

Dan came and visited 3 days after Christmas and I was able to show him around Castellon and celebrate New Years with him. We spent a few days in Barcelona as well and had a great time. It was fun to be able to share what I have learned with someone from home.

I took my finals for my regular classes here and have found out that I passed!! I am not sure what my grades will be back at WIU but I do know that I have passed them.

I spend 5 days in London! I went with a girl that I meet here from the states. It was a lot of fun, but very cold! We went to the Westminster Abbey which has a lot of history and is very pretty (but you can't take pictures), the British Museum which has items like the Rosetta stone, Cleopatra, and a tons more. We also saw a debate in Parliament, Big Ben, ate fish and chips and drank tea, went to Hyde park, notting hill, Piccadilly circus, convent gardens and much more. It was a great trip and I would love to go back someday.

I came back from London and moved into the bigger room that had become available because the woman who was living with Inma moved to be closer to her son. Inma's son has spent many Saturdays here painting the house and doing a little sprusing up and it has been nice to interact with him and his family as well.

Finally, I have started my classes here again. I am taking History of Medieval Europe and Photography both in Spanish. It is a challenge but I think it will be very good. I will also be taking a Spanish class that will begin in late March. It has officially been 5 months since I left home and tomorrow it will be 4 months til I return home. I can't believe how time has flown. I have so much to look forward to this semester, my parents visiting, going to Rome, my grandparents visiting, going to Germany, going to Madrid, and much more! I promise I will be better and updating this but to avoid a really long post I am going to stop now.

Until next time Adios!

Holidays in Spain

The Christmas season in Spain only just ended. But lets begin with how it started.

I previously wrote about the Immaculate Conception of Mary on December 8th. I don't quite know how all of the religious part works with the birth of Jesus being less than a month later but that isn't important for the purpose of my blog. Inma's Son, Daughter-in-law, and their two children came over and Inma made a ton of food. They stayed for hours and we talked and ate and had a good time. It reminded me of Thanksgiving back home a little bit. The following days the Christmas tree and decorations around town and in my flat were being put up and stores began their Christmas sales.

Then December 24th came. I was invited to Inma's Daughter-In-Laws families house for diner. Again there was tons of food! We ate mussels, ham, nuts, eels, prawn, and other types of fish. I could tell that the kids were getting antsy and Inma's grandson kept getting up and checking to see if he could see Santa. As the table was almost done getting cleared the kids ran outside. Apparently, Santa had come during dinner and brought some of their toys. They ran inside with their presents and soon the hallway was filled with wrapping paper and family wanting to see what they got. Angel, Inma's son, then turned to me and a family member my age and told us that there was something for us out there from Santa as well. It was a stocking with candy inside which was a very nice surprise. Then once the kids had calmed down and the paper was slightly organized Inma handed me a present. I opened it and it was a gold tealight candle holder. As I was not expected to be exchanging gifts until the morning I told her I had gifts for her back home. We all returned to the dinning room and there were snacks and drinks on the table. The kids played with their toys and asked parents to put things together as the adults sat around and talked for a while. Here I had the opportunity to explain Christmas back home and I was told that Santa would also visit the Children's home through the night leaving presents for the morning but he brings one or two the night before. Also, they had another day, even bigger called "el dia de los reyes magos" (the day of the 3 kings) We then all left and went our separate directions.

When I woke up the next morning Inma was making Paella already and I was happy. I was told that it is normal to eat Paella on Christmas. As Inma was finishing with Paella and about to get ready to serve, I told her to go into the living room and she immediately saw the presents that I got her. I had given her oven mits, a statue of liberty ornament, and coffee for her coffee maker as it is a little pricey and I knew she didn't like spending money on it herself. She was so happy and loved all of it. She then gave me another gift that she said she was going to give me on the day of the 3 kings, it was a mardi gras type mask and it was beautiful. We then ate our Paella and spent a little time together. Later that night she went to Church and I watched some of my favorite Christmas movies.

Then Dan came on the 28th (I will post about what we did while he was here later as I want to focus on the Holidays.) And New Years Eve quickly approached. Inma had told me that everyone goes out to Plaza del Sol and waits for the clock to strike 12 and then eats twelve grapes, one for every ring, and for each one you eat on the ring you will have a month of good luck. Then you toast with Champagne and kiss your love. The Plaza was filled with people and we had a fair share of crazies out there with us, including a guy who climbed up onto a street light post (note: they aren't as high here as they are at home but they are a little higher than a stop sign). Once midnight hit everyone screamed and sadly we weren't able to hear the rings but we still ate our grapes, toasted, and kissed. Then everyone started spraying Champagne and getting a little too crazy. It was til this point that we had thought about going out dancing or for a drink but we decided not too. The disco's were charging 20 euro for entry and most the bars we passed were closed so we went home, put in a movie, and drank some Sangria. It was a good night to me!

Now most of you think that this ends the Holiday season back home and everyone now becomes depressed and sad. Not in Spain. They then begin preparing for "El dia de los reyes magos" (Day of the 3 Kings) which is bigger than Christmas back home. Again, don't ask me how it relates to the bible you can do that research on your own, But it began on January 5th with a parade through the center of town. EVERYONE from Castellon was at this parade, I swear not a single person stayed in their house, the streets were filled with people. The bands began with songs and then the floats filled with kids and adults throwing candy, not tossing candy, but throwing it, like a fast ball. It hurt when it hit you and I didn't get many pictures as I was trying to protect myself. They also threw a lot more than you usually see back in the states and even the parents were going crazy to get it. It was short but a lot of fun. Then the kids go home or to different families homes and have dinner. This dinner was more for individual families so I did not go with my host mom's grandchildren but I was told that the kings stopped by their dinner and gave them each an early present to open.

Then on January 6th the Children wake up really early and open their presents that the kings left them. Inma's grandchildren also stopped by to open their gift from her and tell her about their gifts. They were full of excitement and probably sugar!

Now the holidays are officially over and decorations are slowly being taken town in the house and throughout town. I have successfully completed my first Christmas away from home and I hope it will be my last that I have to be away from my family. I will say that without my lovely host family here I would not have made it through.

Now I am off to enjoy my last few days with Dan. I will post about our adventures once he leaves and my finals are over on Friday and before I prepare for my trip to London!

Hasta Lluego (See you soon)

3 Months?!

I will have been here for 3 months on Tuesday, I can't believe it. That will mean my trip is 1/3 of the way over... time is flying by now!

This week was easy for me as I only had 3 classes. It was a holiday week here. Tuesday was their Constitution Day and Thursday was the Immaculate Conception. Tuesday there was a fair in the street with people dressed up in old time costumes and all that jazz. Thursday was a big day for my host mom. Her son, his wife, and their two kids came over that day for lunch. It reminded my a little like Thanksgiving back home. It was so wonderful to see everyone. We all sat, ate, and talked for hours. I was actually able to participate in the conversations!! It was a very happy day for me. I loved being surrounded by people. The kids were crazy and a lot of fun too! Then on Friday Inma decorated the house for Christmas!! It doesn't feel much different from home now, other than the fact that there will be no snow this winter for me. It is still in the 60's and 70's here, but I have adapted to their thinking and now consider this cold.. Inma even has the heat on!!

I only have one more week of classes. I have a paper due in Old English and my Spanish final on Friday. Then next week I have to present two papers to my Linguistics Professor. Then it's already Christmas!! My other two finals aren't until January 9th and 13th so I will be studying little by little over break.

Dan will be visiting December 28th through January 12th! And we will be going to Barcelona for a few days. Then the 16th through the 25th I will be going to London and Ireland with a friend from America who I have meet here. I have a lot going on in the next Month and a half but I am very excited.

I will probably not update again for a couple weeks (around Christmas). I hope you are all staying warm and cozy, staying safe, and enjoying the holiday season. I love you all and you are in my thoughts!

Happy Holidays!

What I am Thankful for

As we all know today is Thanksgiving (El dia del accion de gracias) in the United States. I was going to make a normal Thanksgiving dinner for Inma (my host mom for those of you who have not read before this blog), but I decided that I would not. There are three reasons; One, for those of you who know me, I do not cook often and when I do it doesn't usually turn out good (chocolate chip cookies). Two, I think it would have made me more upset. and Three, they do not have the same stuff that we have back home. So instead, I decided to make Inma Chili, one of my favorite foods, and an added bonus, that is easy to cook.

Also, as this is a day that we usually spend time with our family I am homesick. This would have probably been the first time I went home for the semester, I would have had a week long break, and this year a lot of people I know who moved or go to school far away are home for the holiday. These all combined together and have made me super-Paige for the last two days. I have made an extensive to-do list to complete and have stayed on task and today I have more to do as well as I am trying not to dwell on what I am missing (as you can see I am doing so well in this blog).

Anyways, the point of this blog was for me to tell everyone (and to remind myself) what I am thankful for this year.

1. I am thankful for all of the support of my family and friends. Without them I would not be here today and would not be staying in Spain for 9 months.

2. I am thankful for a wonderful host mom who has helped me so much these first two months in Spain. She truly is a lifesaver.

3. I am thankful that I have the oppurtunity to be here and that it is an option for me to leave my home for 9 months and imerse myself in a new culture.

4. I am thankful for my Fiance, who has supported me, listened to me cry, laugh, and complain for these past two months and who has encouraged me the entire time.

5. I am thankful for my American friends, Anna and Vanessa, who are here in Spain as well. They are there when I need to talk and be completely understood.

6. I am thankful that I finally have my residence card for Spain (it was actually today that I got it). I no longer have any paperwork or legal stuff to do in Spain.

7. I am thankful that I am attending college to get an education and that nothing less was expected of me. So many people are put down and do not go to college because it is not expected of them and they don't think they are worthy.

Lastly 8. I am thankful that I have family and friends that are worth missing back home. It is my motivation to make everyone back home, and myself, proud that keeps me going even on days like this. It may be hard and I may miss everyone everyday but I atleast I have you all to miss.

Alright now everyone, enjoy your Turkey, Pie, Stuffing, Football, Family and all that Jazz today. And Tomorrow enjoy Shopping, Christmas Music, Christmas decorations, Christmas movies, and all the joys of the Holidays. Please be safe and be thankful that you are with your families this holiday season!

Hugs and kisses filled with love,

Paige

La razón número 2 por qué me encanta España

Reason number 2: I have become a stronger person.

This was not the originally reason I was going to write about, but as I was trying to type a different, very boring and unorganized blog I thought of this reason. My trip did not start out easy, there was the emergency room visit 5 days before I left which almost delayed my trip even before I stepped on a plan. Then, once I arrived in Spain I had to find my way to where I was living all alone with a very large language barrier. I then became very homesick, was unable to sleep or eat, and grew very impatient, this is what I call the worst two weeks of my life. I got through those weeks though with the help of friends and family back home who I am very grateful for. Then I began embracing my life, the culture, and the language of Spain, and in result I fell in love with Spain. I will have to say that those two weeks made me very strong. I was a strong person before I can to Spain, although I did not believe I was, but I have become even stronger. I do have days where I miss people and little things from home, but for the most part now I am completely in love with Spain. Everyday there is something new that I discover about Spain that I love and that makes me a stronger and better person. I enjoy eating, shopping, getting coffee, really doing anything alone now a days. I do not feel weird going and doing things alone, in fact, I really enjoy it. I am looking forward to traveling to unknown places alone and not relying on anyone else but myself. I am also more of a risk taker since I have come here. I am not afraid to ask a complete stranger for directions or anything in my still somewhat bad Spanish. I am not afraid to make mistakes when I talk. I am not afraid of what people think of me or say about me because I love me for the way I am and I am proud that I am trying.

There are many more lessons that I will learn and experiences I will have here that will make me even stronger and I look forward to embracing each and every one of them. Until I write again!

Reason number 1 why I love Spain

Everyday I am going to try to post one reason why I love Spain! This is entry number one.

Reason 1: I love my host mom!/ ¡me encanta mi madre de anfitriona!

I say this and mean it with every fiber in my being. She is one of the sweetest people I have ever met in my life. Let me tell you all a bit about her. Her name is Inma (short for Inmaculada). She is divorced and has one son. Her son is in his 30's, married, and has two children (a boy and a girl) named Angel and Claudia. Inma watches her grandchildren on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (the other grandmother watches them on Tuesdays and Thursdays). This works out perfectly for our schedules because I have classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and am off Tuesday and Thursday. Every night when I come home she asks me how my day was and if I want anything to eat right away, I always say no, then we discuss what she will make for dinner. Around 8 or 9 she begins making dinner and go into the kitchen and help in whatever way I can (although she always tells me she doesn't need help). We usually eat in the living room because a game show called "pasapalabra" (pass a word) is on at that time, so I set up my little table and take the water bottle out to the living room. She usually always tries to grab whatever she is cooking out of the over without a ovenmit and I always say her name to warn her. Then as she is sitting down and we are about to eat she or I remember that she doesn't have her pills that she always takes and she or I say "las pastillas!" (the pills) and laugh. Then we watch the show and talk about plans for the next day, things that happened during the day, or anything really. She is always pacient with me when I don't know what I am supposed to say and always speaks slowly for me. Then when we are done I try to take my tray into the kitchen (she usually tries to stop me) but I insist. I put the bottle of water away and grab my little table and put it back and then ask her if she wants any help and she again won't let me. Sometimes I stand there and talk to her and sometimes I go and watch the news and wait for her. Then she comes back in and we talk about world events and what is going on in the news until one of us goes to our bed where she will say "Buenos noches cariño" (good night dear) with the sweetest little smile on her face. She also does my laundry for me, makes my bed (she yells at me if I make it myself), and always listens when I need to talk, even if it takes me a while. She reminds me to take an umbrella when it's raining, put on my socks or slippers around the house, and takes care of me when I am sick. Tomorrow I am going running with a friend and she gave me a poncho since it might rain. She always tells me where the good stores are to buy things, remembers what foods I do and don't like (even though I tell her I like everything, somehow she knows), and always makes me feel good.

I have no idea what I would do with her in my life here. She is like another grandma to me and she has a very special place in my heart already. There are no words to really describe what am impact she has made on my stay here and in my life!

Hello Again!!

I know it's been a while since I updated but there have been a few reasons. Number one, I was sick all last weekend :( and was not able to go on the trip to Salamanca that I had signed up for. Number 2, since I did not go on the trip nothing exciting has really happened. I have been going to class, doing my homework, and talking with Inma, same old stuff. This past Friday we did throw a U.S.A themed birthday party for one of the girls from America. We decorated in red, white, and blue, had beer pong, played American music and all that jazz. It was a lot of fun, and then we went out to a new club and danced for a while.

Other than that, the other week I went shopping with Anna (a girl from America) and bought some more clothes since it is changing seasons here and also some more stuff for my room, it offically feels homey in here now. My Spanish is developing much more and I can not wait for people to visit so I can show off what I have been doing. I can't believe how fast my time here is going. It is more like fall here now, and it rains all the time. I love it though because it is much warmer than back home.

I think I am going to try to go to Valencia this next weekend just to get out and do something but I am not sure yet and we have a long weekend in December that I think I am going to do some traveling :) I am deffinetly getting the travel bug here!!

Well until next week (if anything exciting happens)!! Stay safe everyone!!