Italia and some pilgriming

The past month has been so full of learning! I feel bittersweet about going back to Texas. Spain is so much fun, but I miss doing normal American things.

The Camino!

I kicked off our two weeks of Easter vacation with a bit of hiking along the coast of Northern Spain. What an awesome 4 days of  fellowship and experiencing more of God's magnificent creation! The Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James, is a pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Northwestern Spain, where supposedly the remains of the apostle James are buried. There are several different pilgrimage paths all across Europe and this is a very popular trip to take during the Easter holiday. We started in Irún, which is almost in France, and finished in Deba. The most influential part of the "Camino", for me, was talking to my friends from Florida, Ireland, Colombia and Bilbao. We all come from different backgrounds but we are children of the same God and I have learned so much from these awesome women! It is also cool to think about what our hiking gear represents while on the pilgrimage. The backpack is the weight that we, as humans, carry on our shoulders. The yellow arrows that we follow to stay on the correct path symbolize the way that God has prepared for us. The water bottles that we carried to quench our thirst...I could go on and on. It was beautiful.

Venice :)

I spent the second week of our Easter vacation in Italy. All in all, I like Spain better! One thing I have learned about traveling is that you spend lots of money. My friend, Danairy, and I went to 7 cities in 7 days with a large group of tourists from Spain. At several points throughout the trip I found myself asking, "why am I here?" I am a 21 year old college student just livin' it up in Italy. I felt so spoiled and undeserving of all the opportunities I have been blessed with. I really loved Italy and would love to return to Venice one day on a romantic getaway :)

Here are some little "cuentos", or stories, 
that I would like to share.

Day trip with Chus and the dog, Tara

On Sunday, Chus took me to see the famous "Puente Colgante", or Hanging Bridge, in the town where she grew up- Portugalete! It was so much fun! We talked about how much I still have to learn and she motivated me to keep trying because I still have a few weeks to practice speaking Spanish! It is so easy to talk with Chus about EVERYTHING. It would be against my better judgment to write these conversations in my blog. :)

Uxue came into my room the other day to read Cinderella in Spanish. She is learning how to read. It took about at least 30 minutes.

Bonus Picture! Chus and the kids on the balcony

I discovered a new plaza by my house the other day that I had never seen before! I think this is a sign that there is still SO much to learn here.

The other day, my friend Brianna and I were trying to find this bookstore in a pretty confusing neighborhood and we ended up making an 85-year old friend! We asked this lovely lady for directions, and she showed us the church where she was baptized, told us about her neighborhood, and introduced us to her friends. Talking to the locals is so rewarding!

My last day of class was today, but they moved it to 10am instead of 12pm without my knowledge so I missed it! Great way to end the semester. Ha.

Today, I danced with Chus in the kitchen and learned some karate from the kids.

Two things I am extremely excited about: One trip to Madrid with my super cool sisters. One trip to the rest of Europe with my pretty cool friend who is a boy. Woohoo!

This weekend I am hanging out with lots of Spanish people, saying more goodbyes to American friends, and studying, of course. 

Hasta Pronto!

Michelle

 

Sunshiny Southern Spain

Generalife in Granada

A trip to Andalusia- finally! Lauren, Danairy, Tatiana (from Russia) and I flew into Malaga last Thursday night. We stayed at a resort (practically) for 11 euros each! Then we headed to Granada by bus. I had sherry for the first time in Granada (or vino de Jerez as they say in Spain). Woowee! It tastes...interesting. I'm going to learn to be a fan of it because I think drinking sherry is something really sophisticated people do. We stayed in the most narrow hotel in the world, according to Guinness Book of World Records in 1997. There was a Mexican restaurant right next door, so we ate there twice, of course. We got tricked into going into a club that did NOT really offer free drinks. Then we went to a hookah bar. The best part was the Alhambra, of course, the old palace/fortress constructed by the Moorish people ages ago.

Real Alcazar in Sevilla

In Sevilla we went a Flamenco show! It was so cool! We meet some crazy old people from California and San Antonio who sat behind us and talked to us the whole time. The big attraction in Sevilla is the Real Alcazar and La Giralda tower of the Cathedral. We walked to the Plaza de España and rented a cart to drive around the beautiful park. You know those things that have in Galveston like this? Tatiana had never driven any sort of thing that moves EVER in her life. Needless to say, we crashed into the bushes and it was hysterical. Maybe that's why my parents would never let me drive one on our vacations to the gulf! ha. I had a blueberry muffin and a latte from Starbucks! mmmhm. That is one of the only things that makes me miss America.

This past weekend I went to a "campamento" with GBU (college ministry in Europe). It was really fun. Summary: played cards, learned new Spanish words and phrases, basked (basqued, rather) in the sun, and developed cool Christian relationships! Success.

Today is a beautiful day. More freckles on my face is a sign that summer is almost here! YAY!

The Random Blog

One thing I love about Bilbao is that you see random people on the street. It is so cool. I ran into the same two women from church on two consecutive Sunday's in the same exact place! It is hard to believe that 300,000 people live in this city!

Fin de Chicas! My friends Carla and Brianna.

I went to a retreat about 30 minutes outside of Bilbao last weekend with girls from church. We had a blast, the weather was perfect, and I built stronger relationships with so many cool people. We also spoke lots of Spanish and studied lots of bible! I think there will be another retreat in May, which I am really looking forward to!

I almost got run over by the tranvia the other day... just walking along listening to my ipod and HONK! I did not know trains could honk! It sounded like a car but whew wee made my heart jump and my life flashed before my eyes! That's my new thing...Walking with the ipod. It is great because I love to multitask. Didn't realize it could be so dangerous!

Living with a family has definitely been worth it. Every. Penny. I learned the REAL Macarena with the kids last week. They know most of the words and motions. Uxue likes Beyonce. I am teaching her the words to "Single Ladies" and now I need to learn the dance so I can teach her that, too. Is it bad for a 5 year old to sing and dance to Beyonce?

 "Árbol de Guernica"

This past weekend I went on a day trip to Mundaca, a beautiful town right on the coast about an hour Northeast of Bilbao. We took the bus for 2 euros and on the way there, we stopped in Guernica to see a 30o year old tree! It is very important to the Basque people so we just had to do it. We walked around the little pueblo of Guernica then continued on our journey to bask (or basque) in the sun! (You do not have to laugh at my puns, I just could not resist!) It was a little more brisk than we were expecting on the beach, but still very enjoyable.

Yesterday, I sat in a park and ate Subway while some protesters marched by. Not sure what it was for, but I could Google it. I am going to be an expert on Spanish politics when I get back. Ask me anything. Also, I had been craving Subway since..oh..the beginning of January. About half way through my chicken teriyaki sub, I thought to myself "Holy cow, I live right next to a beautiful park, exquisite gardens, and ancient buildings! I want to live here for longer than just 2 more months!" Seriously.

When I came home last night and the kids were here and very hyper. They took more pictures on my computer, listened to Shane and Shane, and somehow managed to change the time on my desktop. Then, Chus's daughter, Idoña, and I started talking about music and she brought me about 18 cd's to put on my computer! Yay!

Fist Pumps

Riding a Spanish horse in Burgos, Álava

The 3rd attempt at horseback riding- check. Swimming in the Alhondiga- check (with the obligatory swim cap). More cooking- check (mmm...fajitas). Fellowship with friends- check plus!

Chus walking around with a book on her head is one of the funniest things I have ever seen. I think she does it to improve her posture, and it cracks me up every time. When Nadal lost in the Paribus Open on Sunday she did her exercises in the kitchen and then walked, while balancing the book, 11 times up and down the hall. She also taught me how to make Sopa de Ajo (scroll down a bit to see a photo). It was delicious. I have a list of things Chus does that I like. For instance, when she thinks something is really cool or when she recounts a story about telling someone off, she does a fist pump. I want to bring her back to the US with me!

With Lina- We are winners!

Saturday was a nice long day. I went to Vitoria (capitol of the Basque Country) to ice skate with friends from church. I only busted my rear three times! Annnd I learned how to skate backwards. After 2 hours of skating nonstop, we went to a park where had a picnic and played baseball- Spanish style. We had four bases and some CRAZY rules. My family would not be okay with this type of game! (However, I did score a run!)  Then we played tag and other games that everyone played in the 5th grade. It was fun. Later, I had a pintxo and sidra (cider) in little bar while watching a rugby game with my Colombian friend, Lina. Oh and we played pool, which I am horrible at. Finally, we went to a basketball game, rather, a Basquetball game. (get it?!)

A pretty church in Vitoria and the field where we picnicked!

I am continually encouraged and inspired by the plethora of things God is teaching me here. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to study abroad and travel in Europe. I am striving to give 100% of my energy towards making the most of each day as I learn new things about Spanish culture, language, relationships, God and myself. In Spanish there is a word for "make the most of". I like to say "aprovecharlo!" when a new experience presents itself. We need that word in English!

Tests OVER=one fist pump.
Drawing with chalk on the kitchen floor with Chus and the kids=10 fist pumps.
Retreat for girls this weekend=100 fist pumps!

What if I wrote a blog in Spanish one day?
Thinking about it...thinking...pensando...nah.
Maybe I'll just start a new cooking blog in Spanish instead.



Un beso,
Michelle

Extravaganza a Los Estados Unidos

What a week!

I traveled back to Marshall, Texas on Friday for my little sister's debutante ball. This may have been the best trip yet! I'm not kidding I really love America...but mainly just the people that live there. However, Spain makes me happy because everyone walks everywhere, the buildings are breathtaking, the babies are adorable, the bread is heavenly, and the people speak Spanish.

New friends with our smiles ON!

My flight was delayed from Bilbao to Madrid on Friday morning. I got off the plane in Madrid, checked the departure screen for Dallas, saw that my flight said "last call", and started SPRINTING to my gate. I arrived drenched in sweat two minutes too late...and watched the plane takeoff from inside the terminal. On the bright side, while standing in line to book a new flight I met some really cool people from Colombia, Mexico and Bilbao whose travel plans turned into a fiasco as well so we bonded and took a picture together!

Three sisters and two boyfriends at the ball!

I eventually flew into the Big Apple then rode in a cab with a crazy driver from South Africa to the Plaza Hotel where I slept (believe me, it sounds better than it looks). Then I boarded an early flight to Dallas on Saturday morning and finally hopped on a little jet to Shreveport, Louisiana. I arrived in time to go on an awesome lunch date with Larry (MEXICAN food!) and almost surprise my little sister with my presence! Then we danced the night away at the Marshall civic center...had a BALL!

My Spanish tortilla. Real ones look better, I promise.

Sunday/Monday: Fished with Dad and sisters. Concocted a Spanish tortilla (I showed Chus the picture and she said to cut the potatoes up a little more next time. ha.) Attempted to make pretzels. Went on a walk with my Madre. Ate sweet potato fries from Joe Bucks AND drank a sweet tea. Then my wonderful grandparents drove me to the airport. On the way back, I got three seats to myself so I slept horizontally!

Chus welcomed me home with a huge hug right when I walked in the door and stuffed some fish in my face (literally, I ate SO fast) because my friend was waiting to take me to class en Moto! (yes, a real motorcycle!)

Wednesday, after finding out that my only class for the day was canceled, I discovered a beautiful new park where I sat down and read a whopping 2 pages of Redeeming Love in Spanish (There were lots of big words). Then I went to an awesome bible study where we ate home made pizza, discussed 1 John and watched Glee!

Agenda for the weekend: A 3rd attempt at horseback riding, swimming in the Alhondiga, a girls sleepover, more cooking, fellowship with friends, beautiful weather and two church services on Sunday!

¡Besos y Abrazos!

Michelle

P.S. I think I've reached my quota for food pictures on the blog...but I probably will not stop posting them!

Gracias a Dios!

At Fever with Danairy

These past few weeks have been incredible. Amazing. Superbueno. I'll try my best to explain why.

I am starting to find my niche in Bilbao. This is primarily related to finding an Evangelical church and bible study with some really awesome girls! All I had to do was type into Google "Iglesia Evangélica" instead of "Evangelical Church" and I hit the jackpot! I went to a prayer service on Thursday night and it was SO encouraging. The body of believers was just that- a true body of believers! I felt so welcome and at home...an experience above and beyond anything I hoped/prayed for. God is so good! Worshiping in Spanish was the coolest experience ever. There is a college ministry here called GBU (Grupos Bíblicos Universitarios) that I learned about and they have a girls retreat in a few weeks. Sign me up for that!

I love walking around the city because I find new cathedrals, mountains, buildings to marvel at...and I have no use of my kaput map anymore! I have discovered some new barrios (neighborhoods), seen cute elderly dwarf women, grandpas singing to babies in the park, and breastfeeding in the grocery store! (ick)

The Opera in Bilbao- Beautiful!!

I feel much more cultured after attending the Bilbao Opera last week! They performed Macbeth and I did not understand everything- singing in Italian and subtitles in Spanish- but it was a great experience! I also went to another museum and worked on my salsa moves last week! There was a free Salsa class in a bar, so Danairy and I went and learned a little Bachata too. (much more sensual/slower type of dance than Salsa, but still fun!)

Speaking of dancing, I went to the biggest, most popular club here on Friday. A famous European band, Vitalic, played some techno music so the place was packed! It was fun to dance (rather, jump) to. Check out this music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuwRxha8zSU. Also, I stayed out until 6 am...Check that off the bucket list! It will probably never happen again.

Huevos Rellenos con Bechamel and Verduras!

On Saturday afternoon Chus gave me a cooking lesson! She pulled up a stool for me and her magic in the kitchen commenced. She made huevos rellenos with bechamel sause and some delicious vegetables. While working, the told me her tricks- "trucos"- of the kitchen. For instance, she wears gloves and gets them a little wet before chopping onions so they don't make her eyes cry! I wrote lots of other ones down, but I'm not gonna tell because I'm going to come back and be the best cook in Texas! For real, watching her makes me want to experiment with food all day. Chus said in our next lesson she is going to let me do most of the cooking!

The kids came in my room this morning to wake me up/play this this morning. They have yet to annoy me! Man, they are fun to hang out with because they are so imaginative and innocent. Instead of shouting "abracadabra" with his magic monsters, Marcos says "sacaporii!" He makes me want to be a kid again. They are also obsessed with my computer. Their parents get mad at them for being in my room so much- but I love it.

This morning there were little bits hail falling from the sky! Hence, my horseback riding plans were postponed for the second time. On the bright side, I got to go to church! I met four Americans that are studying and Deusto AND found a piano that I can play!!! The sun finally came out this afternoon and I'm going to the Athletic vs. Valencia fútbol game tonight! I am excited because apparently you can't go to a game without bringing a huge sandwich (bocadillo), wine in a water bottle, and sunflower seeds (pipas)! I have all of the above!

Whew. What a great weekend. This week I am looking forward to: group projects (meh..), my first test (holy cow), and hanging out with new friends (hallelujah!).

Luego,
Michelle

The Baleric Islands- What are those?

Hola!

With Amanda- somewhere in Northern Mallorca!

I visited Palma, Mallorca in the Balearic Islands last weekend. I knew nothing about these islands (including where they are located) before I booked my flight. They are beautiful, from the sky and the ground! My friend from Alpha Phi, Amanda, picked me up from the airport on Friday evening. She is an English teacher in one of the elementary schools there. We made macaroni and cheese for dinner, ate Greek yogurt for dessert, chatted for a while and slept with hot water bottles (there was no heat!).

The sandcastle that some guy made!

Saturday morning Amanda gave me a tour around Palma and showed me the cathedral, which is the main attraction. We walked along the beach and stopped by the supermarket on the way back to buy more Greek yogurt, strawberries (which are NOT in season, just so you know) and Salchichas (Mallorcian sausage). In the afternoon, we rented a car with two of her room mates and drove around for about 6 hours. We failed to find the castle in the North of Mallorca, but we saw lots of sheep, gorgeous mountains, blue water and sandcastles!

I got back on Sunday afternoon and Chus and I went to a restaurant for the first time! We ate at a place inside the train station. Ha. I had a hamburger (or half of it), which I will not try again in Spain. Then we ordered coffee and pastries and Chus put salt in her coffee instead of sugar. We both laughed at her mistake, then she added about two packets of sugar to her cup but still could not drink it.

Yesterday evening before dinner I decided to do some yoga in my room. Near the end of the video, Uxue walked in and asked what I was doing. I explained what yoga is and then she started trying some of the moves. I was laughing SO HARD (on the inside... and also when she left the room). That moment made my list of top 10 cutest things I've ever seen. A 5 year old doing yoga. Man. Should have taken a picture!

I bought Chus a little flower for Valentine's day at the flower market. I think she liked it, but Spanish people are pretty indifferent about Valentine's Day. To celebrate I ate Italian food at a really delicious restaurant with about 20 girls from Deusto. Splitting that bill was a pain, but we enjoyed the evening!

I am a little sickly right now. Chus is taking care of me. She made me eat breakfast and take a pill ("antihistamina") as soon as I woke up. Despite not feeling that great, today has been wonderful! In my Basque Culture class I was assigned to a group with two Spanish students. We have to prepare a presentation...which means I have to speak Spanish in front of a bunch of Spaniards. I am slightly apprehensive about this, but hey, the only way you get better is by practicing and overcoming the initial fear! 

Plus, I have a great Eleanor Roosevelt quote that I came across the other day, "The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience." I think this is a pretty good study abroad quote. I'm going to repeat it so myself when I'm fearful of trying something new.

Nos Vemos,

Michelle