Here's a photo I borrowed from my friend Dan. This is the breakfast we ate at the gas station I talked about. All for about $13. Thanks Dan.
Skål
15 years ago
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Quickie
Here's a photo I borrowed from my friend Dan. This is the breakfast we ate at the gas station I talked about. All for about $13. Thanks Dan.
I am in Spain
...and I feel free. I've been experimenting more with cooking, I've been seeking God about the wide open future I have ahead of me, I've been writing tunes on my rooftop, I've been going to capoeira classes, I did some bouldering today, I've been searching for new music, I'm going to Sardinia on Saturday...
Today was a pretty legit day. My touch screen phone doesn't touch, so I set my alarm on my computer. That way, I woke up to rockin music, and there was no way to snooze, so I was up 30 minutes earlier than normal. The early morning is usually my favorite time of the day. I don't know why I fight to avoid it so often. I made coffee and a toasted pbj, and ate at our small side table in the kitchen. Quite morning. Nothing moving too quickly. Tranquilo.
I had class from 9-10, then sat in a windowsill and got lost in a train of writing, then had class from 11-12, and went home. One episode of Lost (yeah, I got hooked), then to the roof to read and water Leon. Too windy up there, but besides my pages turning incessantly, it was great. About 74 degrees with a strong sun, and a wall that provided a refuge of shade when I needed it.
Did a bit of a workout, dropped by the chino store to get some medical tape, then went to our American exchange student Bible study. We're going through Acts, and it's awesome to see all of these students in such a life-changing season. I love diving into the truth with them.
Oh yeah, so I needed the medical tape for the huge blood blister on my big toe... thanks to my capoeira class last week. Had another one after the Bible study, and it was really fun. New instructor, met some people from before, and got a great/fun workout in. I need that stretch.
After the class, I hopped on over to the open air bouldering walls that are in the middle of the UPV campus. Anyone can climb, and it actually has potential. Too bad I left my gear at home... I met my friend Edgar there, and we climbed a bit there. Tape works for the toes, but it doesn't help with my heel hooks. That has to change.
Rush home, Mercadona for helado de chocolate y fresa, shower, then off to dinner at my friend Rita's place with my roommate Bea. Rita had a bunch of the people from Portland Ale House over, and it was a great time. Good wine, lots of tapas, a great pasta, and plenty of ice cream. I'm stuffed.
It's 1:52 AM, shouldn't you be in bed? Oh, I guess that's just my time.
Love, peace, chicken grease.
Today was a pretty legit day. My touch screen phone doesn't touch, so I set my alarm on my computer. That way, I woke up to rockin music, and there was no way to snooze, so I was up 30 minutes earlier than normal. The early morning is usually my favorite time of the day. I don't know why I fight to avoid it so often. I made coffee and a toasted pbj, and ate at our small side table in the kitchen. Quite morning. Nothing moving too quickly. Tranquilo.
I had class from 9-10, then sat in a windowsill and got lost in a train of writing, then had class from 11-12, and went home. One episode of Lost (yeah, I got hooked), then to the roof to read and water Leon. Too windy up there, but besides my pages turning incessantly, it was great. About 74 degrees with a strong sun, and a wall that provided a refuge of shade when I needed it.
Did a bit of a workout, dropped by the chino store to get some medical tape, then went to our American exchange student Bible study. We're going through Acts, and it's awesome to see all of these students in such a life-changing season. I love diving into the truth with them.
Oh yeah, so I needed the medical tape for the huge blood blister on my big toe... thanks to my capoeira class last week. Had another one after the Bible study, and it was really fun. New instructor, met some people from before, and got a great/fun workout in. I need that stretch.
After the class, I hopped on over to the open air bouldering walls that are in the middle of the UPV campus. Anyone can climb, and it actually has potential. Too bad I left my gear at home... I met my friend Edgar there, and we climbed a bit there. Tape works for the toes, but it doesn't help with my heel hooks. That has to change.
Rush home, Mercadona for helado de chocolate y fresa, shower, then off to dinner at my friend Rita's place with my roommate Bea. Rita had a bunch of the people from Portland Ale House over, and it was a great time. Good wine, lots of tapas, a great pasta, and plenty of ice cream. I'm stuffed.
It's 1:52 AM, shouldn't you be in bed? Oh, I guess that's just my time.
Love, peace, chicken grease.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Straw mats, cloudy naps
Tunes: La Blogotheque
I went to my classes, then came home to eat lunch, do some work, read, etc. I stopped at Mercadona to pick up some pan de pueblo for my bocadillo. This bread is so fantastic.
Here's today's sammich run-through: take the delicious bread, slice it, and place it in the oven. While the bread is toasting, slice up one tomato, get some fresh spinach, a pile of ham, and 5 large slices of chorizo. By the time all ingredients are ready, the bread should be perfect. Remove deliciously toasted bread, add tomatoes, then layer chorizo and ham. Then pile as much spinach on as possible, and slam the top half of the sammich on to hold it all together. Using two hands, carry your plate and your straw mat to the roof of your building. "I thank You God for this day most amazing [sammich]," then commence eating. Last and most important step: fall asleep to the slight wind and soft sunlight filtered by the clouds.
Great nap.
Everything's been pretty relaxed since Fallas. I think the city is detoxing right now. I'm doing quite well, since I had a perfect balance of Morocco peace and Fallas madness. I'm looking forward to Portland's tonight, Foster's Friday, and a youth meeting on Saturday to share about Morocco.
Well, I was talkative at the beginning, but I'm gonna go now.
:)
I went to my classes, then came home to eat lunch, do some work, read, etc. I stopped at Mercadona to pick up some pan de pueblo for my bocadillo. This bread is so fantastic.
Here's today's sammich run-through: take the delicious bread, slice it, and place it in the oven. While the bread is toasting, slice up one tomato, get some fresh spinach, a pile of ham, and 5 large slices of chorizo. By the time all ingredients are ready, the bread should be perfect. Remove deliciously toasted bread, add tomatoes, then layer chorizo and ham. Then pile as much spinach on as possible, and slam the top half of the sammich on to hold it all together. Using two hands, carry your plate and your straw mat to the roof of your building. "I thank You God for this day most amazing [sammich]," then commence eating. Last and most important step: fall asleep to the slight wind and soft sunlight filtered by the clouds.
Great nap.
Everything's been pretty relaxed since Fallas. I think the city is detoxing right now. I'm doing quite well, since I had a perfect balance of Morocco peace and Fallas madness. I'm looking forward to Portland's tonight, Foster's Friday, and a youth meeting on Saturday to share about Morocco.
Well, I was talkative at the beginning, but I'm gonna go now.
:)
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Sunday Breakfast
Tunes: "Is This Love" by Bob Marley
I'm wearing my Moroccan robe and an apron, because the robe is the most comfortable thing I've ever worn, and I didn't want to dirty it while cooking eggs, chorizo, coffee, and toast.
I figured I'd let you know a bit about my travels to Morocco (or just something about what's been going on these past two weeks, for that matter). I flew into Casablanca, expecting to hop onto a train, but my friend unexpectedly caught me at the airport. Great surprise, because I don't speak Arabic or French to navigate my way around this North-African country. ("my friend" has been substituted for all names for security purposes)
We hopped into his gorgeous '97 2.5 liter Land Rover, and hit the road. This machine will come up in the future, so make note of it. 22 miles/gallon, and enough power to crawl over a building. Anyway, we stopped at a gas station for some diesel and food. To my surprise, the gas stations have some of the best restaurants around. We had coffee, juice, and these extremely fattening moroccan pancakes. Kinda like naan, but loaded with oil and butter, and when you get it, you add more butter and honey.
My heart was jumping all over the place when we drove to my friend's place. The hillsides of wheat, the horrible traffic with cars and mopeds weaving like maniacs, the mule-drawn carts, the people selling curdled milk, and the friends walking hand-in-hand. Everything was so green because the rainy season had just finished. Such a beautiful countryside.
I stayed with my friend, his wife, and their cutetastic girls. I had a home. Not sure where to go from here with my story-telling, but here are some highlights:
A photographer, and close friend of my hosts, came to photograph my friend's surfing business. Since the waves were crap, we went to the mountains south of Marrakech. We went hours up into the mountains, passing village after village built on the side of the mountains. Down below, there was terraced wheat farming leading down to a crystal-clear mountain runoff river. I had trouble believing everything that I saw. Such green as I've never seen.
The people were different, because they were Berbers. They had different faces, different eyes--I don't think they've ever seen a blonde-haired blue-eyed guy before. Talk about unreached people groups... Check out some of my pictures.
On the way home, we stopped in Marrakech to check out their huge market. Insanity. The beginning was great, because I got two bags of the most delicious (I mean, MOST delicious) dates and apricots. As we walked around, we noticed the incessant wave of people trying to get you to come into their shop, eat their food, drink their juice... there were people who would throw monkeys or snakes on you, then charge you money to take a picture. I myself was attacked by a girl who put henna onto my hand without me asking.
My photographer friend paid some money to take shots of the snake charmers who were charging an arm and a leg to photograph their cobras. We wandered around looking for shoes with Michelin tire soles, but had no luck. (they last forever). We watched two young boys box in the plaza, while some older men were whoring out the performance to the onlookers. Not so hot. Definitely don't want to head back to that part of town.
We had some more amazing gas station food that night (oh yeah, and that morning, we had the best omelets, OJ, coffee, and moroccan pancakes for three people, for about $12), and then headed home. Night driving in Morocco. Risky.
On my last day, I got to go to the local food market, which was only Moroccans. Much better then Marrakech. It was still close to insanity with the rush of people, but we didn't have any problems with people. I so enjoyed watching the busyness of it all. Strawberries were $.25/pound, an entire large bag (~25lbs) of vegetables was less than $4, the chicken was fresh (you pick it, they kill it, skin it, and clean it), the treats were tasty... It was another world. I can't quite explain everything in a sitting, so you'll have to have a coffee with me someday to unload my mind.
I've left out so many things, because there are so many things to be told. And the small things left out were some of the most impactful. Just hear me when I say my trip to Morocco was one of the most amazing experiences I've had.
I'll eventually post something about the last days of Fallas, and what I've been up to.
Time for my book and journal
I'm wearing my Moroccan robe and an apron, because the robe is the most comfortable thing I've ever worn, and I didn't want to dirty it while cooking eggs, chorizo, coffee, and toast.
I figured I'd let you know a bit about my travels to Morocco (or just something about what's been going on these past two weeks, for that matter). I flew into Casablanca, expecting to hop onto a train, but my friend unexpectedly caught me at the airport. Great surprise, because I don't speak Arabic or French to navigate my way around this North-African country. ("my friend" has been substituted for all names for security purposes)
We hopped into his gorgeous '97 2.5 liter Land Rover, and hit the road. This machine will come up in the future, so make note of it. 22 miles/gallon, and enough power to crawl over a building. Anyway, we stopped at a gas station for some diesel and food. To my surprise, the gas stations have some of the best restaurants around. We had coffee, juice, and these extremely fattening moroccan pancakes. Kinda like naan, but loaded with oil and butter, and when you get it, you add more butter and honey.
My heart was jumping all over the place when we drove to my friend's place. The hillsides of wheat, the horrible traffic with cars and mopeds weaving like maniacs, the mule-drawn carts, the people selling curdled milk, and the friends walking hand-in-hand. Everything was so green because the rainy season had just finished. Such a beautiful countryside.
I stayed with my friend, his wife, and their cutetastic girls. I had a home. Not sure where to go from here with my story-telling, but here are some highlights:
A photographer, and close friend of my hosts, came to photograph my friend's surfing business. Since the waves were crap, we went to the mountains south of Marrakech. We went hours up into the mountains, passing village after village built on the side of the mountains. Down below, there was terraced wheat farming leading down to a crystal-clear mountain runoff river. I had trouble believing everything that I saw. Such green as I've never seen.
The people were different, because they were Berbers. They had different faces, different eyes--I don't think they've ever seen a blonde-haired blue-eyed guy before. Talk about unreached people groups... Check out some of my pictures.
On the way home, we stopped in Marrakech to check out their huge market. Insanity. The beginning was great, because I got two bags of the most delicious (I mean, MOST delicious) dates and apricots. As we walked around, we noticed the incessant wave of people trying to get you to come into their shop, eat their food, drink their juice... there were people who would throw monkeys or snakes on you, then charge you money to take a picture. I myself was attacked by a girl who put henna onto my hand without me asking.
My photographer friend paid some money to take shots of the snake charmers who were charging an arm and a leg to photograph their cobras. We wandered around looking for shoes with Michelin tire soles, but had no luck. (they last forever). We watched two young boys box in the plaza, while some older men were whoring out the performance to the onlookers. Not so hot. Definitely don't want to head back to that part of town.
We had some more amazing gas station food that night (oh yeah, and that morning, we had the best omelets, OJ, coffee, and moroccan pancakes for three people, for about $12), and then headed home. Night driving in Morocco. Risky.
On my last day, I got to go to the local food market, which was only Moroccans. Much better then Marrakech. It was still close to insanity with the rush of people, but we didn't have any problems with people. I so enjoyed watching the busyness of it all. Strawberries were $.25/pound, an entire large bag (~25lbs) of vegetables was less than $4, the chicken was fresh (you pick it, they kill it, skin it, and clean it), the treats were tasty... It was another world. I can't quite explain everything in a sitting, so you'll have to have a coffee with me someday to unload my mind.
I've left out so many things, because there are so many things to be told. And the small things left out were some of the most impactful. Just hear me when I say my trip to Morocco was one of the most amazing experiences I've had.
I'll eventually post something about the last days of Fallas, and what I've been up to.
Time for my book and journal
Friday, March 19, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Haha
Tunes: Shuffle.
Man, so much has been going on to keep everyone posted. I'm in Valencia, in the peak of Las Fallas, and I just got back from Morocco, with many stories to tell. Where the hell do I start??
Oh yeah, so my camera is finally uploading pics, so I'll (hopefully) have them up tonight.
...
...
Yeah, I started this blog about 2 hours ago and got distracted. Better luck next time.
Man, so much has been going on to keep everyone posted. I'm in Valencia, in the peak of Las Fallas, and I just got back from Morocco, with many stories to tell. Where the hell do I start??
Oh yeah, so my camera is finally uploading pics, so I'll (hopefully) have them up tonight.
...
...
Yeah, I started this blog about 2 hours ago and got distracted. Better luck next time.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
"No soy de Alemania"
Tunes: Brandi Carlile
Today's events:
1) Good breakfast
2) Given a ton of papers to correct
3) Bought Tickets for the game against Germany on Thursday
4) Mascletá
5) Lunch
5) Back to school to read
6) Class
7) TBD
Un cuento: Okay, so I went to the stadium to buy fútbol tickets with my german friend Maria. We needed to buy 12 tickets, for us and our friends. The game is Valencia CF against Werder Bremen (Germany). Apparently, they won't sell tickets to Germans until Thursday, because they want them in a specific section. They don't want fights breaking out between fans mixed together.
So Maria and I are both blonde-haired and blue-eyed. She is from Germany, but she is officially here for school. I'm from Texas, but I look like a German. We both walked up to the booth, and tried to buy tickets. They guy wouldn't sell them to us because he said we have to wait until Thursday (with all the other Germans). After many attempts to tell him that we're students here, he just laughed at us. He was convinced we were from Germany (well, Maria was, but she doesn't like Werder Bremen).
I insisted I was american, and told him I was from Texas. He still didn't believe me. Finally, I pulled out my Texas driver's license, and pressed it up against the window. "I'm from Texas."
Immediately, he stopped laughing and consented. My ribs almost exploded from laughter. I can't believe that worked. I felt like I had two six-shooters, and pulled my coat back to reveal them. That feeling was enhanced by the fact that I was wearing my belt buckle made by my Uncle Frank. (Big, gold, cowboy, crosses, and spurs)
After apologizing, the man in the window told me he'd been to Dallas before, and said that I look like Dirk Nowitzki. Never head that before, but I'd like to think I'm slightly more attractive than him.
We have tickets! Definitely need to buy a Valencia CF scarf so others don't think that Dirk is going to get angry and start a riot in the Valencia section.
Good times
Today's events:
1) Good breakfast
2) Given a ton of papers to correct
3) Bought Tickets for the game against Germany on Thursday
4) Mascletá
5) Lunch
5) Back to school to read
6) Class
7) TBD
Un cuento: Okay, so I went to the stadium to buy fútbol tickets with my german friend Maria. We needed to buy 12 tickets, for us and our friends. The game is Valencia CF against Werder Bremen (Germany). Apparently, they won't sell tickets to Germans until Thursday, because they want them in a specific section. They don't want fights breaking out between fans mixed together.
So Maria and I are both blonde-haired and blue-eyed. She is from Germany, but she is officially here for school. I'm from Texas, but I look like a German. We both walked up to the booth, and tried to buy tickets. They guy wouldn't sell them to us because he said we have to wait until Thursday (with all the other Germans). After many attempts to tell him that we're students here, he just laughed at us. He was convinced we were from Germany (well, Maria was, but she doesn't like Werder Bremen).
I insisted I was american, and told him I was from Texas. He still didn't believe me. Finally, I pulled out my Texas driver's license, and pressed it up against the window. "I'm from Texas."
Immediately, he stopped laughing and consented. My ribs almost exploded from laughter. I can't believe that worked. I felt like I had two six-shooters, and pulled my coat back to reveal them. That feeling was enhanced by the fact that I was wearing my belt buckle made by my Uncle Frank. (Big, gold, cowboy, crosses, and spurs)
After apologizing, the man in the window told me he'd been to Dallas before, and said that I look like Dirk Nowitzki. Never head that before, but I'd like to think I'm slightly more attractive than him.
We have tickets! Definitely need to buy a Valencia CF scarf so others don't think that Dirk is going to get angry and start a riot in the Valencia section.
Good times
Monday, March 8, 2010
Warm Bread
Today is the second day I've been blessed with a freshly-baked baguette. I needed some sustenance before heading to the library, so I hopped into Mercadona for some nomnoms... score. You can really hear the bread sing.
Yes, library. Need to turn in a translation assignment by tonight, and it's proving to be quite difficult. Good thing I have Lykke Li and KVRX to keep me company, and friends to help me with my childish syntax.
I'll be in Morocco in 6 days.
Yes, library. Need to turn in a translation assignment by tonight, and it's proving to be quite difficult. Good thing I have Lykke Li and KVRX to keep me company, and friends to help me with my childish syntax.
I'll be in Morocco in 6 days.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
More and more rain
"Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah"
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah"
Friday, March 5, 2010
Too many status updates
Tunes: Billie Holiday
There have been too many small things that I've wanted to tell you about, but I was blocked by wanting to write a whole lot and not having the time. I'll settle this matter by giving brief descriptions, in my favorite format (bullets), and leaving most up to your imagination.
-There are 4 old men, all of whom could be someone's high school principal, in my philosophy class. I've been sitting closer and closer to them each day, and now they talk to me a bit. Or rather, they talk about me, and talk about my oddities. I walked into class without a jacket, and one pinched my skin, said something about me not being cold, then made a comment about me using my computer, and they had a little discussion. They spoke in valenciano, so I didn't understand all of it. They all smoke small cigars in the streets.
-I love drinking oranges. Josep's dad sent me home with a huge bag of oranges for juice, and I'm drinking the equivalent to XXXXtra pulp, if that exists.
-I just booked a ticket to Cagliari, Italy for the week of Easter. 46 euros via plane, and I'm going to couch surf. ^_^
-I'm about to walk to the port, and take advantage of the rain. There's a small bar with big windows, and I'm going to get a coffee and read.
-Today, I received a package from my family full of easter candy, 2 SKIPPY JARS, some photos, ink refills for the best pen in the world, my led moo-ing cow, much needed vitamins, a garlic press?, some gum, and a SICK neck warmer made by Shannon. I LOVE YOU GUYS. All of the candy (except the bunny) is gone.
-While waiting to pick up my package at the post office, a leashed dog came up to me and an older lady sitting next to me. The owner apologized, but the lady and I said it's fine and began to pet him. After the man left, a few surrounding people and I had a conversation about how much we love animals.
-I've had a smile most of the day.
-I had the first real language difficulty today, when trying to print something out at school. I swear, this guy had cotton balls in his mouth.
-Billie Holiday is good
-RIP William
-Working on some translation stuff for my class... really difficult, but it's going to help a lot.
-Looks like I'm going to start teaching Flor's little brother some English! That'll be fun. He's a rowdy kid, and I need some of that non-stop energy around me from time to time.
Bye
There have been too many small things that I've wanted to tell you about, but I was blocked by wanting to write a whole lot and not having the time. I'll settle this matter by giving brief descriptions, in my favorite format (bullets), and leaving most up to your imagination.
-There are 4 old men, all of whom could be someone's high school principal, in my philosophy class. I've been sitting closer and closer to them each day, and now they talk to me a bit. Or rather, they talk about me, and talk about my oddities. I walked into class without a jacket, and one pinched my skin, said something about me not being cold, then made a comment about me using my computer, and they had a little discussion. They spoke in valenciano, so I didn't understand all of it. They all smoke small cigars in the streets.
-I love drinking oranges. Josep's dad sent me home with a huge bag of oranges for juice, and I'm drinking the equivalent to XXXXtra pulp, if that exists.
-I just booked a ticket to Cagliari, Italy for the week of Easter. 46 euros via plane, and I'm going to couch surf. ^_^
-I'm about to walk to the port, and take advantage of the rain. There's a small bar with big windows, and I'm going to get a coffee and read.
-Today, I received a package from my family full of easter candy, 2 SKIPPY JARS, some photos, ink refills for the best pen in the world, my led moo-ing cow, much needed vitamins, a garlic press?, some gum, and a SICK neck warmer made by Shannon. I LOVE YOU GUYS. All of the candy (except the bunny) is gone.
-While waiting to pick up my package at the post office, a leashed dog came up to me and an older lady sitting next to me. The owner apologized, but the lady and I said it's fine and began to pet him. After the man left, a few surrounding people and I had a conversation about how much we love animals.
-I've had a smile most of the day.
-I had the first real language difficulty today, when trying to print something out at school. I swear, this guy had cotton balls in his mouth.
-Billie Holiday is good
-RIP William
-Working on some translation stuff for my class... really difficult, but it's going to help a lot.
-Looks like I'm going to start teaching Flor's little brother some English! That'll be fun. He's a rowdy kid, and I need some of that non-stop energy around me from time to time.
Bye
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Mercadona
Mercadona is Valencia's equivalent to HEB. They have their own brand of products, just as HEB has Hill Country Faire. Mercadona's brand is called Hacendado. I think the stuff's pretty good. My roommate calls it "hace daño."
Hehe
Hehe
Monday, March 1, 2010
It's about time I let people know what's up
Tunes: Angel. From the Abbey Road Session. Solid tune.
I can't make too many excuses, but I've been more or less out of internet for a few days.
Today is the first day of March, marking the beginning of FALLAS! Google search Las Fallas, and you'll get a slight grasp on what it is here. Basically, for the whole month, there will be a ton of fireworks, lots of food, too many people, and lots of burning things. There will be a mascletá every day. In fact, I'm going to one right after posting this email. I'll try to get a good video.
I went to Sueca this weekend, and had a great time. My friend Josep (pronounced geeusep) had me at his place: very nice flat near the center of the town. Saturday night, we went to see a movie with some classmates, then went to a local discotec for some drinks/dancing. Sunday was awesome. Woke up, and had breakfast with his family. We talked about a variety of things over freshly-squeezed oj, strong coffee, croissants, traditional pumpkin buñelos, and croissaunts.
Tiny highlight of the morning: standing on his balcony, hearing the central church's bells sing, and watching two men struggle and argue while unloading a mattress from a truck.
After breakfast, Josep and I went for about a 3-hour walk around Sueca. He and his father go on walks around the town every Sunday evening, and Josep showed me all of his childhood favorite spots. I fell in love with all of the architecture. And, as some of you know, I can never keep my hands off of things. I wanted to touch every ornate, large door knocker on the immaculate doors. At one place, I accidentally let the knocker fall, and an old lady came out. I tried so hard to get a picture of her, but she wouldn't give into my pleading. Let me try to sketch it for you:
The door was about 12-feet tall, with two heart-shaped knockers (will post a picture). The lady who came out had completely white hair, a blue apron, and a nervously curious smile on. She was a child compared to the door she stood beside, and she seemed to fit so well into the scene. It was great.
I have some other pictures of various sites.
We came home for lunch, and boy was it a feast. We had bread, a salad, cockles, black wine, and chicken & pork paella. For dessert, we had coffee/tea, a very large mocha tarta, pineapple slices, and ice cream. It just kept on coming. Lunch lasted for about 3 hours.
Josep's family was so kind and generous. His uncle, aunt, and cousins came over to talk with me, and they invited me to go traveling to Galicia with them during Easter. Not sure if I'll go, but it was very sweet. After very much talking, I had to leave to get home! I had a ton of homework, and had to make it to a church service. They wanted me to stay another night, so I had to really work to leave. That's the kind of family I like.
TIME TO RUN. Gotta lose my hearing at the mascletá.
I can't make too many excuses, but I've been more or less out of internet for a few days.
Today is the first day of March, marking the beginning of FALLAS! Google search Las Fallas, and you'll get a slight grasp on what it is here. Basically, for the whole month, there will be a ton of fireworks, lots of food, too many people, and lots of burning things. There will be a mascletá every day. In fact, I'm going to one right after posting this email. I'll try to get a good video.
I went to Sueca this weekend, and had a great time. My friend Josep (pronounced geeusep) had me at his place: very nice flat near the center of the town. Saturday night, we went to see a movie with some classmates, then went to a local discotec for some drinks/dancing. Sunday was awesome. Woke up, and had breakfast with his family. We talked about a variety of things over freshly-squeezed oj, strong coffee, croissants, traditional pumpkin buñelos, and croissaunts.
Tiny highlight of the morning: standing on his balcony, hearing the central church's bells sing, and watching two men struggle and argue while unloading a mattress from a truck.
After breakfast, Josep and I went for about a 3-hour walk around Sueca. He and his father go on walks around the town every Sunday evening, and Josep showed me all of his childhood favorite spots. I fell in love with all of the architecture. And, as some of you know, I can never keep my hands off of things. I wanted to touch every ornate, large door knocker on the immaculate doors. At one place, I accidentally let the knocker fall, and an old lady came out. I tried so hard to get a picture of her, but she wouldn't give into my pleading. Let me try to sketch it for you:
The door was about 12-feet tall, with two heart-shaped knockers (will post a picture). The lady who came out had completely white hair, a blue apron, and a nervously curious smile on. She was a child compared to the door she stood beside, and she seemed to fit so well into the scene. It was great.
I have some other pictures of various sites.
We came home for lunch, and boy was it a feast. We had bread, a salad, cockles, black wine, and chicken & pork paella. For dessert, we had coffee/tea, a very large mocha tarta, pineapple slices, and ice cream. It just kept on coming. Lunch lasted for about 3 hours.
Josep's family was so kind and generous. His uncle, aunt, and cousins came over to talk with me, and they invited me to go traveling to Galicia with them during Easter. Not sure if I'll go, but it was very sweet. After very much talking, I had to leave to get home! I had a ton of homework, and had to make it to a church service. They wanted me to stay another night, so I had to really work to leave. That's the kind of family I like.
TIME TO RUN. Gotta lose my hearing at the mascletá.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
