5 days. Such a seemingly innocent number yet when I think about it my heart clenches. 5 days until I'm back home. I imagine seeing my family, my friends, my dog, and the familiar sights and sounds that make up my comfortable life in my small town. I am obviously beyond excited to see all of the people that I love, but there's an even bigger part of me that's terrified to come home.
You see, this year has by far been the best year of my life. Without competition. I've never had so much happiness in such a short amount of time, if that makes sense. I've had some of the most beautiful moments here; moments I will never, ever forget. When I look back on the things I wrote in the beginning of the year it's almost as if I'm traveling back in time, visiting a younger, more foolish me, even though it was really only a few months ago. In the beginning everything was so hard and scary and intimidating yet somehow I made it through with a smile on my face. I am so proud of the person I've become. I know that it's all too cliche to travel to a distant country and stay a few months, then say you've "found yourself", and I don't know if that's exactly what I did. But I do know that I've become more confident and trusting in myself, and more able in my abilities.
I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't gone on exchange. Actually, I do know. I would have carried on with my old life, ignorant of the many different cultures and people I've encountered here, starved of adventure. And this is what this year has been. Some big, wonderful, adventure. I've seen at least a little bit more of the world. And it's beautiful. I've met the most amazing people. People that I truly, truly love and it breaks my heart for me to say goodbye to them, not knowing when I'll see them again. I've discovered a part of me I never even knew existed, one that showed me that I am capable and intelligent enough to do whatever I want. I have changed, in ways that are still unknown to me, but are evident in my altered mentality and view of the world. This is what my exchange year has done to me, and I will forever be grateful for this opportunity.
I am crying now, as I write this. Because I am both happy and sad that this year is over. It was such a learning experience, on so many levels. It opened up my eyes to so many possibilities and allowed me to see that there is so much beauty on this earth and in our lives. So much love between people; all different kinds of people, and there is nothing more important than that.
Last night I went out on my balcony. I did the same a week after I came to Spain, and I did it again a week before I had to leave. It felt almost sacred, something so pure and right. It was the closing of one thing, yet the beginning of another. A circle. And like before; I talked to God. But instead of telling him about my fears for the year, I told him about all my joys. All the meaningful moments I'd experienced, all of the wonderful people I've met. And I cried, and smiled, because even though it's ending, it happened. And though I wish I could delay my departure for as long as possible and stay here in this paradise, I know that it's time to move on. Time for the next part of my life. Time for the next big adventure, whatever it'll be.
So this is the last blog...thank you, for reading, and for staying along with me. I hope that I inspired you in some small way, or at least got you to appreciate life a little more, because there are so many things to be grateful for. This year has been far too beautiful to aptly put into words...it has changed me in a way that I could never fully explain but it will be with me for the rest of my life. All I truly am sure about is that I will never take my life for granted. That I will go into the future, confident and excited about all of the amazing things to come my way. I'm ready for the rest of my life.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Italy!
I was fortunate enough to be able to go to Italy with my class for a week and it was amazing to say the least. We left at 3 in the morning on Friday to take a bus to Barcelona, then an overnight boat to Genova, Italy. The boat was....disappointing. I had been expecting some type of cruise liner but sadly it was small and boring and very cramped. The next morning we arrived and took a bus from Genvoa to Pisa. Pisa was...unbelievable. I'd seen so many pictures of it and clearly remember being a 6 year old coloring in the Leaning Tower of Pisa in my Barbie coloring book, so to see it in real life was amazing. I was in awe, as I find myself many times here in Europe. We spent the day in Pisa, admiring the peculiar tower, and walking around the little Italian streets. It was lovely.
In the afternoon we took the bus to Florence and got to walk around Florence for awhile, which was so beautiful as well. Florence has this amazing church, that when you look at it, it makes you want to stop straight in your tracks and just admire its' beauty. There were also all these amazing statues and figures around that gave such depth to the city. Not to mention all of the ice cream and pizza places, which of course were amazing, seeing as we were in Italy.
That night we went out to a club in Florence. This was a school trip, mind you, so you can imagine how surprised I was when I found out that we were able to actually go out. We went to this awesome club, 2 stories high, with the best music. There were people from all over the world, but the Italian men were by far the best looking. Maybe I should have gone to Italy for my exchange....hmm.......
The next day we explored Florence some more. We went to see David by Michael Angelo, and he was everything he was cracked up to be. He was beautiful, as was everything else in the museum. We had some free time after that so I went off with my friend Ellie. We went shopping, ate delicious pizza, and found the pizza shop where the Jersey shore cast worked! Actually some of my friends found the Jersey shore apartment and snuck in to take pictures! All in all, it was a pretty great day.
The next day we went to Sienna which was one of my favorite towns we visited. It had this absolutely ginormous plaza, surrounded by the cutest, narrowest streets I've ever seen. We spent the day wandering through the streets, buying pasta, and relaxing and soaking in the fact that we were in such a beautiful place. We ate at a restaurant there, and had the same thing we ate every day there.....pasta and meat. The meals we ate there were literally all the same...it was the cheapest thing on the menu and not traditional Italian food, so if we wanted to actually eat real Italian, we'd have to do so on our free time. After Sienna, we took the bus to Rome, but arrived fairly late so we went straight to the hotel. The next day,we went to see The Vatican. It was huge, and stunning. The artwork on every wall, ceiling, and every surface imaginable was impeccable. The only bad thing was, our guide was Catalan, so I didn't understand much of what she said. I did eavesdrop on enough of the English tours, though, to understand the gist of what was being said. When we arrived into the Sistine Chapel, it was like a dream. Of course it was crowded and full of people. but it was dark and quiet and there was something about it that silenced you. Every wall was painted so intricately and beautifully. It was a huge room, and different than how I had expected, but better. I would imagine that if you could enter there by yourself, it would be so sacred. It was beautiful.
After the Vatican, we went to eat and while I was in the bathroom with my friends, speaking Spanish of course, an American family walked in. I told her she could go ahead in, and she complimented me on my English, thinking that I was Spanish. That's probably one of the best compliments I've ever gotten; being mistaken for a Spaniard. I quickly explained that I was actually from New Jersey , and it turns out that she knew where my town was because she was from Philadelphia! Small world.
After lunch, we continued our visit and went to the Parthenon, Plaza Navaro, and the Plaza Espana. I want to keep explaining each place as beautiful, because they really were, but it just doesn't do them justice. I wish I could eloquently describe not just the beauty of each place, but the vibrancy and the feel of them as well. Because to me, that's the most important part. As I walked through Rome, I was just so happy and felt so alive. To describe Rome as beautiful is an understatement, but I guess you'll just have to take my word for it.
The next day we visited Ancient Rome. We saw the Ancient Roman ruins, which were spectacular. I walked on the same road as some of the worlds' most historical figures : Cleopatra, Caesar, Marc Anthony. It was incredible and so rich in history. We went to the Colosseum next, which was astounding. It was so eye opening to be able to see the actual place where all of these amazing events took place. It was just surreal to actually be there. I loved every minute of it. After visiting the historical part, we had some free time so some of my friends and I sort of stumbled onto the absolute best street ever. It was filled with vintage shops that had the best clothes ever. I was in absolute paradise. As we headed back to go to meet up with the our group to head home, I just looked around me at this beautiful city. I felt like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday; falling in love with Rome in such a short time. We didn't have much time there, but it was a city so filled with life and sent off such good energy. I even loved it more than Paris, which was a surprise to me. I know I'll be back again some day.
After our last day in Rome, we took the bus to the port and onto the boat. This boat was a lot better than the first one, with a casino, stores, and nightclub. My friends and I stayed up all night dancing and having a great time. We slept in late the next day, then took the bus home to Benissa and got there at around 2 am. All in all, Italy was absolutely amazing and I feel so lucky to have been able to went to such a stunning place with such great people.
In the afternoon we took the bus to Florence and got to walk around Florence for awhile, which was so beautiful as well. Florence has this amazing church, that when you look at it, it makes you want to stop straight in your tracks and just admire its' beauty. There were also all these amazing statues and figures around that gave such depth to the city. Not to mention all of the ice cream and pizza places, which of course were amazing, seeing as we were in Italy.
That night we went out to a club in Florence. This was a school trip, mind you, so you can imagine how surprised I was when I found out that we were able to actually go out. We went to this awesome club, 2 stories high, with the best music. There were people from all over the world, but the Italian men were by far the best looking. Maybe I should have gone to Italy for my exchange....hmm.......
The next day we explored Florence some more. We went to see David by Michael Angelo, and he was everything he was cracked up to be. He was beautiful, as was everything else in the museum. We had some free time after that so I went off with my friend Ellie. We went shopping, ate delicious pizza, and found the pizza shop where the Jersey shore cast worked! Actually some of my friends found the Jersey shore apartment and snuck in to take pictures! All in all, it was a pretty great day.
The next day we went to Sienna which was one of my favorite towns we visited. It had this absolutely ginormous plaza, surrounded by the cutest, narrowest streets I've ever seen. We spent the day wandering through the streets, buying pasta, and relaxing and soaking in the fact that we were in such a beautiful place. We ate at a restaurant there, and had the same thing we ate every day there.....pasta and meat. The meals we ate there were literally all the same...it was the cheapest thing on the menu and not traditional Italian food, so if we wanted to actually eat real Italian, we'd have to do so on our free time. After Sienna, we took the bus to Rome, but arrived fairly late so we went straight to the hotel. The next day,we went to see The Vatican. It was huge, and stunning. The artwork on every wall, ceiling, and every surface imaginable was impeccable. The only bad thing was, our guide was Catalan, so I didn't understand much of what she said. I did eavesdrop on enough of the English tours, though, to understand the gist of what was being said. When we arrived into the Sistine Chapel, it was like a dream. Of course it was crowded and full of people. but it was dark and quiet and there was something about it that silenced you. Every wall was painted so intricately and beautifully. It was a huge room, and different than how I had expected, but better. I would imagine that if you could enter there by yourself, it would be so sacred. It was beautiful.
After the Vatican, we went to eat and while I was in the bathroom with my friends, speaking Spanish of course, an American family walked in. I told her she could go ahead in, and she complimented me on my English, thinking that I was Spanish. That's probably one of the best compliments I've ever gotten; being mistaken for a Spaniard. I quickly explained that I was actually from New Jersey , and it turns out that she knew where my town was because she was from Philadelphia! Small world.
After lunch, we continued our visit and went to the Parthenon, Plaza Navaro, and the Plaza Espana. I want to keep explaining each place as beautiful, because they really were, but it just doesn't do them justice. I wish I could eloquently describe not just the beauty of each place, but the vibrancy and the feel of them as well. Because to me, that's the most important part. As I walked through Rome, I was just so happy and felt so alive. To describe Rome as beautiful is an understatement, but I guess you'll just have to take my word for it.
The next day we visited Ancient Rome. We saw the Ancient Roman ruins, which were spectacular. I walked on the same road as some of the worlds' most historical figures : Cleopatra, Caesar, Marc Anthony. It was incredible and so rich in history. We went to the Colosseum next, which was astounding. It was so eye opening to be able to see the actual place where all of these amazing events took place. It was just surreal to actually be there. I loved every minute of it. After visiting the historical part, we had some free time so some of my friends and I sort of stumbled onto the absolute best street ever. It was filled with vintage shops that had the best clothes ever. I was in absolute paradise. As we headed back to go to meet up with the our group to head home, I just looked around me at this beautiful city. I felt like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday; falling in love with Rome in such a short time. We didn't have much time there, but it was a city so filled with life and sent off such good energy. I even loved it more than Paris, which was a surprise to me. I know I'll be back again some day.
After our last day in Rome, we took the bus to the port and onto the boat. This boat was a lot better than the first one, with a casino, stores, and nightclub. My friends and I stayed up all night dancing and having a great time. We slept in late the next day, then took the bus home to Benissa and got there at around 2 am. All in all, Italy was absolutely amazing and I feel so lucky to have been able to went to such a stunning place with such great people.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Fiestas de Benissa!
Yet another severely delayed post....sorry for that. Anyway, due to all of the recent partying in my life lately, this post is specifically dedicated to the amazing fiestas that I've been able to participate in.
My personal favorite..Fiestas de Benissa (Festes if I wanna be geographically correct and speak in Valencian).
The fiestas in Benissa were....wild. To say the least. It was 10 days filled with non stop fun. Actually, a little bit too much for my taste, and that's saying something considering how much I love to party. Basically, they started on April 20th (my birthday) and continued until the end of April. This April was probably the best month of my life, seeing as I had only 1 week of school, and then spring break, seeing my parents, and the fiestas.
Anyway, basically every day was jam packed with as many fun things as you could possibly imagine. Discomobiles? Check. Parades? Check. Paella? Check. Not to mention bulls, which of course every good Spanish party is in dire need of.
Basically it went like this: Every day during the day there would be something with the festeros. The festeros are the 18yr olds who sort of "come out" during this festival. They are presented formally, and then a queen is elected. They all wear the traditional Valenician clothing during some of the festivities. Normally the festeros would have a parade and dress up on floats, or walk around the town in their outfits. Then, during the night, I would meet up with my friends at the "local" which was basically an abandoned building next to the plaza that my whole grade rented out to drink and hang out. Every night we would hang out there until the discomobile or band started. There was actually a semi-famous band that came too! Every night was spent dancing and just having an awesome time with my friends in general. I stayed at my grandmothers' apartment right in town, so I would just walk home when I wanted to. Most nights I came home at 6 or 7 in the morning, when it was light outside!
Of course, there were more traditional aspects of it as well. For example, la día de la purissima was spent in the church, to celebrate "la xiqueta purissima" (my towns' saint). That evening, the whole town came out in their Sunday best and bought a long white candle. Then, the festeros paraded through the back streets of my town in their long black gowns with a black lace veil. La purisimma xiqueta (which was a golden statue) was then carried through town on the backs of police officers. Then, every single person in my town paraded behind her on two single file lines with their candles lit up. It was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Just picture every person of your little town holding a candle in the night, following their saint through the back cobblestonded streets. I'll never forget that.
Also, there were the bulls. The last 3 days of the fiestas, they shut down the plaza and transformed it into some sort of ring. They blocked off the entrances with wooden stands and the whole plaza was lined in metal cages that you could stand in and above. Basically, they let out the bull in the plaza, and the men (mainly 20 something yr olds) would run in front of the bull and tease it so that it would chase it. I was absolutely terrified that someone would be stabbed. Every time a bull would come near a person, I'd shreak with terror, much to the amusement of everyone around me. As if letting loose a bull isn't dangerous enough, at the end of the night they would light its' horns on fire and then let it loose in the plaza to chase around whomever was stupid enough to get in its' way. One night they actually did "running of the bulls" and let all of them out at the same time in a back street in my town. A lot of people (including some of my guy friends) then ran in front of all of them! It was terrifying to watch, but luckily no one got hurt.
On one of the days, they made a paella the size of a fountain that was used to feed the whole town! Another day my class got dressed up as bugs and walked around in our own parade. Unfortunately, I missed that because I fell asleep due to being out so late the night before. I was honestly surprised at how much energy these people had. I honestly could not keep up. I had to sit a few things out because if I didn't I'd have collapsed. It was like these people were the party version of the energizer bunny. I guess it makes sense though, the Spanish are born party people.
Basically, it was 10 of the best days of my life. No school, being with my friends, and partying all day, what's not to like?
My personal favorite..Fiestas de Benissa (Festes if I wanna be geographically correct and speak in Valencian).
The fiestas in Benissa were....wild. To say the least. It was 10 days filled with non stop fun. Actually, a little bit too much for my taste, and that's saying something considering how much I love to party. Basically, they started on April 20th (my birthday) and continued until the end of April. This April was probably the best month of my life, seeing as I had only 1 week of school, and then spring break, seeing my parents, and the fiestas.
Anyway, basically every day was jam packed with as many fun things as you could possibly imagine. Discomobiles? Check. Parades? Check. Paella? Check. Not to mention bulls, which of course every good Spanish party is in dire need of.
Basically it went like this: Every day during the day there would be something with the festeros. The festeros are the 18yr olds who sort of "come out" during this festival. They are presented formally, and then a queen is elected. They all wear the traditional Valenician clothing during some of the festivities. Normally the festeros would have a parade and dress up on floats, or walk around the town in their outfits. Then, during the night, I would meet up with my friends at the "local" which was basically an abandoned building next to the plaza that my whole grade rented out to drink and hang out. Every night we would hang out there until the discomobile or band started. There was actually a semi-famous band that came too! Every night was spent dancing and just having an awesome time with my friends in general. I stayed at my grandmothers' apartment right in town, so I would just walk home when I wanted to. Most nights I came home at 6 or 7 in the morning, when it was light outside!
Of course, there were more traditional aspects of it as well. For example, la día de la purissima was spent in the church, to celebrate "la xiqueta purissima" (my towns' saint). That evening, the whole town came out in their Sunday best and bought a long white candle. Then, the festeros paraded through the back streets of my town in their long black gowns with a black lace veil. La purisimma xiqueta (which was a golden statue) was then carried through town on the backs of police officers. Then, every single person in my town paraded behind her on two single file lines with their candles lit up. It was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Just picture every person of your little town holding a candle in the night, following their saint through the back cobblestonded streets. I'll never forget that.
Also, there were the bulls. The last 3 days of the fiestas, they shut down the plaza and transformed it into some sort of ring. They blocked off the entrances with wooden stands and the whole plaza was lined in metal cages that you could stand in and above. Basically, they let out the bull in the plaza, and the men (mainly 20 something yr olds) would run in front of the bull and tease it so that it would chase it. I was absolutely terrified that someone would be stabbed. Every time a bull would come near a person, I'd shreak with terror, much to the amusement of everyone around me. As if letting loose a bull isn't dangerous enough, at the end of the night they would light its' horns on fire and then let it loose in the plaza to chase around whomever was stupid enough to get in its' way. One night they actually did "running of the bulls" and let all of them out at the same time in a back street in my town. A lot of people (including some of my guy friends) then ran in front of all of them! It was terrifying to watch, but luckily no one got hurt.
On one of the days, they made a paella the size of a fountain that was used to feed the whole town! Another day my class got dressed up as bugs and walked around in our own parade. Unfortunately, I missed that because I fell asleep due to being out so late the night before. I was honestly surprised at how much energy these people had. I honestly could not keep up. I had to sit a few things out because if I didn't I'd have collapsed. It was like these people were the party version of the energizer bunny. I guess it makes sense though, the Spanish are born party people.
Basically, it was 10 of the best days of my life. No school, being with my friends, and partying all day, what's not to like?
Monday, April 30, 2012
Family visit!
A few weeks ago, my parents, little sister, and good family friend came to visit! To say I was excited is the understatement of the year. I was absolutely estcatic. I'd literally been counting down the days from months and months ahead, and remember telling my friends in school things like "Only 64 days 'till my parents come!". So you can imagine my eagerness to finally, FINALLY, be able to see my family after 8 months of seperation.
Angela, Miguel, and I drove to Valencia to pick them up at about 12, when their flight came in. Of course we got there early and had to wait about an hour or so, which seemed to strech on for days. I've never been more impatient in my whole life. While we waited at the gate, I was shaking because I just had so many nerves and it was a lot of emotion. And as soon as I saw my mom's red hair walking through the gate, I lost it. I started crying uncontrollably, and ran up to hug her, my baby sister, my daddy, and our friend Lisa, who is basically my aunt. I was surprised at myself because I didn't think that I'd cry; that I'd be too excited to waste my energy on tears, but there were so many built up emotions, and really, after not hugging your mother for 8 months, it's hard not to let at least a few tears out.
After our movie-like reunion, we continued outside to get their car rental sorted out, and then we were on our way! We followed Miguel and Angela in their car to Valencia, because we were going to show them around there for the day. Once we parked, we walked around Valenica, non-stop talking and just enjoying being together. We ate in this great restaurant that looked like a cave and everyone got along really great. Miguel spoke pretty good English, and I translated the rest for my family. It was actually really fun being able to understand 2 languages and help people understand. It made me realize that I've learned so much Spanish these past few months.
After our tour of Valencia, we drove to Denia, where my parents rented a time share for the week. Once Miguel and Angela went back to Benissa, and we all settled our stuff in, we took a walk to the beach, which was actually right behind our beautiful timeshare. As the sun set, and I got to witness my family dip their feet in the Mediterranean for the first time, I was happy. I will always remember that as one of the happiest moments of my life. Being reunited with the people I love the most, being able to show them this amazing, exotic place and show them how much I've learned and grown this year, was the best feeling. It was the perfect end to the perfect day.
The next day we had to navigate our way from Denia to my house in Benissa. We got lost at first, but then my sense of direction kicked in and we finally got there. I was really excited to be able to show them my house, my bedroom, and all the little things that makes this place home for me. Then, Angela took us to go on a nature walk right along the Mediterranean coast. I was so happy to be able to see my family's reactions to the beauty of this place because it reminded me of when I first got here. My dad, Angela, and I even braved the chilly water and went swimming! After, we came back to our house to have paella with my two lovely Rotary counselors, Ramona and Olga. Both of these women speak at least 5 languages and our two of the most interesting women I've ever met in my whole life. Lunch was delicious, and it was filled with laughter, interesting anecdotes, and a general sense of happiness. After a siesta, we all went to Altea, one of my favorite towns here in the Valencia community. It's your typical Spanish town, filled with beautiful cobblestoned streets, cute shops, and delicious restaurants. It's also right on the Mediterranean and has some amazing views. When we returned home that night, we walked along the main street of Denia for awhile, then came home. My sister, dad, Lisa and I stayed up talking and drinking wine on our balcony for hours talking about pretty much everything there is to talk about. We had some really great, deep conversations and I felt really lucky just to be able to have some wonderful people around me to be able to give me some inteligent advice about my future (one of my biggest fears). I've just really realized that I'm so blessed to be surrounded by so much love in my life. I now have two wonderful familes and sets of friends, and I really can't fathom sometimes how my hand of cards came out so good. I'm just so, so grateful that God has given me so much.
The next day was my favorite day. It was by far the most jam-packed, but definitely the best. We got up early and came to Benissa to meet up with Miguel. Then, I actually got to show my family my actual town and tell them the history, and sort of paint the picture in their minds that I actually live in Spain! After our tour of Benissa was finished we went to an absolutely beautiful natural fountains. The waterfalls are stunning, and alhtough there isn't a ton of water, it was beautiful just the same. We went to lunch after at a really great restauraunt and left completely stuffed. My parents were kind of shocked to have eaten so much at lunch time, but seeing as it is Spains biggest meal of the day, they went along with it. After lunch we drove to Guadalest, absolutely one of my favorite towns in the whole world. Guadalest is more on the interior, so it's surrounded by mountains and actually looks more like a town in Switzerland rather than Spain. It's a really cute town, but the view is what's the attraction. It is up really high on a mountain with old castle ruins and a stunning view of a resovoir embedded in between the mountains. It's breathtaking, and I know my parents were taken away as well with its' beauty. Then, we drove down the mountains to the beach to Benidorm. Benidorm is a really great tourist spot. It has a beautiful beach and tons of restuarants and bars. After walking along the shops for awhile, we stopped into an English karaoke bar for a drink. There was barely anyone inside, but the guy working was non stop singing. He asked my mom and I if we wanted to sing, so being spontaneous and fun, we said yes! I normally never would have consented, but I figured "why not?". I was with my family, it was a great day, and I was happy. My mom and I sang "Piano Man" by Billy Joel. But the real showstoppers were Miguel and my dad singing "Walk the line" by Johnny Cash. With Miguel's Spanish accent and my dad's terrible singing, it turned out to be probably one of the funniest moments I've ever witnessed. It was just such a great day/night and we all had such a great time.
The next day was more relaxed; we stayed in Denia for the day to walk around the shops and harbor. We had tapas at a restaurant in town, and I got to demonstrate my knowledge of Spanish cuisine as I ordered for my family. We also climbed to the top of Denias castle, which gave a really great view of the coast. Later, we returned to our timeshare for a quick nap, then came back into Denia to meet Miguela and Angela for dinner. We had a great dinner, and expanded our normal horizons with food when we tried foie gras de pato (Duck liver). It wasn't bad at all, although I couldn't fully wrap my mind around the fact that I was eating an actual liver. The rest of the dinner was delicious, and we stayed for nearly 3 hours, dragging it out because we all knew we had to say goodbye after. My parents' flight was in the moring so I had to go home with Miguel and Angela that night. As we walked back to the car from the restaurant, I started crying. I had such an amazing few days with my family and we made some great memories. I missed them so much; I didn't realize just how much I missed them until they actually came to visit me so it was hard to say goodbye again. I know I'll see them again in 2 months, but goodbyes are always so hard to say to people you love so much.
All in all, they were some of the best days I've had here in Spain. I was able to have my two families together, and was able to show my real family my home here in Spain, and everything I love about this culture. I think they now understand why I don't wanna come home! It was honestly perfect though, that I was able to have my loved ones here in this place that I love so much.
Angela, Miguel, and I drove to Valencia to pick them up at about 12, when their flight came in. Of course we got there early and had to wait about an hour or so, which seemed to strech on for days. I've never been more impatient in my whole life. While we waited at the gate, I was shaking because I just had so many nerves and it was a lot of emotion. And as soon as I saw my mom's red hair walking through the gate, I lost it. I started crying uncontrollably, and ran up to hug her, my baby sister, my daddy, and our friend Lisa, who is basically my aunt. I was surprised at myself because I didn't think that I'd cry; that I'd be too excited to waste my energy on tears, but there were so many built up emotions, and really, after not hugging your mother for 8 months, it's hard not to let at least a few tears out.
After our movie-like reunion, we continued outside to get their car rental sorted out, and then we were on our way! We followed Miguel and Angela in their car to Valencia, because we were going to show them around there for the day. Once we parked, we walked around Valenica, non-stop talking and just enjoying being together. We ate in this great restaurant that looked like a cave and everyone got along really great. Miguel spoke pretty good English, and I translated the rest for my family. It was actually really fun being able to understand 2 languages and help people understand. It made me realize that I've learned so much Spanish these past few months.
After our tour of Valencia, we drove to Denia, where my parents rented a time share for the week. Once Miguel and Angela went back to Benissa, and we all settled our stuff in, we took a walk to the beach, which was actually right behind our beautiful timeshare. As the sun set, and I got to witness my family dip their feet in the Mediterranean for the first time, I was happy. I will always remember that as one of the happiest moments of my life. Being reunited with the people I love the most, being able to show them this amazing, exotic place and show them how much I've learned and grown this year, was the best feeling. It was the perfect end to the perfect day.
The next day we had to navigate our way from Denia to my house in Benissa. We got lost at first, but then my sense of direction kicked in and we finally got there. I was really excited to be able to show them my house, my bedroom, and all the little things that makes this place home for me. Then, Angela took us to go on a nature walk right along the Mediterranean coast. I was so happy to be able to see my family's reactions to the beauty of this place because it reminded me of when I first got here. My dad, Angela, and I even braved the chilly water and went swimming! After, we came back to our house to have paella with my two lovely Rotary counselors, Ramona and Olga. Both of these women speak at least 5 languages and our two of the most interesting women I've ever met in my whole life. Lunch was delicious, and it was filled with laughter, interesting anecdotes, and a general sense of happiness. After a siesta, we all went to Altea, one of my favorite towns here in the Valencia community. It's your typical Spanish town, filled with beautiful cobblestoned streets, cute shops, and delicious restaurants. It's also right on the Mediterranean and has some amazing views. When we returned home that night, we walked along the main street of Denia for awhile, then came home. My sister, dad, Lisa and I stayed up talking and drinking wine on our balcony for hours talking about pretty much everything there is to talk about. We had some really great, deep conversations and I felt really lucky just to be able to have some wonderful people around me to be able to give me some inteligent advice about my future (one of my biggest fears). I've just really realized that I'm so blessed to be surrounded by so much love in my life. I now have two wonderful familes and sets of friends, and I really can't fathom sometimes how my hand of cards came out so good. I'm just so, so grateful that God has given me so much.
The next day was my favorite day. It was by far the most jam-packed, but definitely the best. We got up early and came to Benissa to meet up with Miguel. Then, I actually got to show my family my actual town and tell them the history, and sort of paint the picture in their minds that I actually live in Spain! After our tour of Benissa was finished we went to an absolutely beautiful natural fountains. The waterfalls are stunning, and alhtough there isn't a ton of water, it was beautiful just the same. We went to lunch after at a really great restauraunt and left completely stuffed. My parents were kind of shocked to have eaten so much at lunch time, but seeing as it is Spains biggest meal of the day, they went along with it. After lunch we drove to Guadalest, absolutely one of my favorite towns in the whole world. Guadalest is more on the interior, so it's surrounded by mountains and actually looks more like a town in Switzerland rather than Spain. It's a really cute town, but the view is what's the attraction. It is up really high on a mountain with old castle ruins and a stunning view of a resovoir embedded in between the mountains. It's breathtaking, and I know my parents were taken away as well with its' beauty. Then, we drove down the mountains to the beach to Benidorm. Benidorm is a really great tourist spot. It has a beautiful beach and tons of restuarants and bars. After walking along the shops for awhile, we stopped into an English karaoke bar for a drink. There was barely anyone inside, but the guy working was non stop singing. He asked my mom and I if we wanted to sing, so being spontaneous and fun, we said yes! I normally never would have consented, but I figured "why not?". I was with my family, it was a great day, and I was happy. My mom and I sang "Piano Man" by Billy Joel. But the real showstoppers were Miguel and my dad singing "Walk the line" by Johnny Cash. With Miguel's Spanish accent and my dad's terrible singing, it turned out to be probably one of the funniest moments I've ever witnessed. It was just such a great day/night and we all had such a great time.
The next day was more relaxed; we stayed in Denia for the day to walk around the shops and harbor. We had tapas at a restaurant in town, and I got to demonstrate my knowledge of Spanish cuisine as I ordered for my family. We also climbed to the top of Denias castle, which gave a really great view of the coast. Later, we returned to our timeshare for a quick nap, then came back into Denia to meet Miguela and Angela for dinner. We had a great dinner, and expanded our normal horizons with food when we tried foie gras de pato (Duck liver). It wasn't bad at all, although I couldn't fully wrap my mind around the fact that I was eating an actual liver. The rest of the dinner was delicious, and we stayed for nearly 3 hours, dragging it out because we all knew we had to say goodbye after. My parents' flight was in the moring so I had to go home with Miguel and Angela that night. As we walked back to the car from the restaurant, I started crying. I had such an amazing few days with my family and we made some great memories. I missed them so much; I didn't realize just how much I missed them until they actually came to visit me so it was hard to say goodbye again. I know I'll see them again in 2 months, but goodbyes are always so hard to say to people you love so much.
All in all, they were some of the best days I've had here in Spain. I was able to have my two families together, and was able to show my real family my home here in Spain, and everything I love about this culture. I think they now understand why I don't wanna come home! It was honestly perfect though, that I was able to have my loved ones here in this place that I love so much.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Las Fallas de Valencia
This weekend was absolutely one of the best of my life! My aunt lives right in the center of Valencia, (along with her 11 children), so they invited me to stay with them for Las Fallas. After school Angela dropped me off at the train station in Gandia, and I took the hr or so train ride to Valencia by myself, which made me feel a lot cooler than it should have (I always feel really mature when I use public transportation solo). At the station, my cousin Mari picked me up. She's 18 so we get along really, really well. Just walking from the train station to the few blocks away to her apartment was chaos. There were so many people, and as soon as we stepped out into the street there was music and Falleras parading around the streets. Falleros are the people who dress up in the traditional clothing of Valencia and participate in all of the festivities to celebrate the Virgin Mary. Being a fallero is a real honor here and people get really emotional with everything.
When we got back to Mari's apartment, we chilled out for awhile and then later went to go get
STARBUCKS<333.Anyone that knows me knows I'm obsessed with Starbucks like the majority of
Americans, so you can imagine my excitement after 7 months of deprivation for a Mocha Frappucino.
Later, we walked around the main shopping area of Valencia, looking into stores and catching up. Then we went into the main Plaza, where there were huge Fallas everywhere! Las Fallas are these beautiful
giant wooden structures that are so intricately painted.Mainly, they have to do with political or social
events and are satirical, but they were beautiful just the same. I was literally in awe. I remember walking
arm in arm with Mari, telling her how happy I was because it was so true.Valencia is by far one of the
most beautiful cities I've ever seen, and this night was just perfect. Walking down beautiful European
streets with all of the people and music and these Fallas was just amazing. There was a vibrancy and a
liveliness in the air that was just indescribable.
Later that night, after eating dinner, we went out to go meet up with Mari and her friends. They were all
beautiful and really welcoming and we had a really great time that night. We went to El Puente, which is a bridge that everyone went to to go see El castillos (fireworks). As I stood there, looking these amazing
lights (I'm such a sucker for fireworks), I remember saying "Don't forget this, don't forget this.." It was
such a beautiful moment for me, and the night seemed somehow magical, that I knew I wanted to
remember that moment, like so many others I've experience here, for the rest of my life. After the
fireworks we walked literally through all of Valencia to find the discomobile. I ruined a new pair of boots
and my feet were absolutely dead, but it was worth it.
The next day, Mari and I went to the main market with her family. This market was incredible and had
every type of food imaginable; all of it fresh. There was a ton of people inside, and just to add some fiesta, a band also was walking around, playing music. After that, Mari and I went to Starbucks and waited for
la mezclata. La mezclata is basically fireworks during the day, but without light and a whole lot of sound. Seriously, it wasn't my favorite only because it sounded like you were in the middle of a war zone. Once we made are way home, we ate and took a siesta, then got ready to go to mass later.
We went to the same church where my cousin Dani (Mari's older brother) got married this year. The
church is beautiful and although I understand Spanish well, I still couldn't keep up with the mass, only
because it was a bit boring and my attention span isn't long enough for me to translate a whole sermon for myself in my head. After church, we went to get something to eat with some of our friends. On the way
back, we saw a bunch of break dancers doing these amazing stunts. At all hours of the day and night
during Las Fallas, you can find something interesting to do. There's either light shows, break dancers, or
just the incessant parading of the Falleras, but it's always exciting.
The next day was a lot more calm. We basically hung around the house all day, exhausted from going out all day and practically all night. Later, when it was time to meet up with our friends, we went to a pizza
place to eat beforehand and Starbucks of course afterwards. This night was the best because the disco
mobile was the coolest and we could actually dance! Haha, we got home late again and by the next
morning I was exhausted from such a jam packed weekend of fun. Literally every moment of this
weekend was amazing and I am so lucky to have been able to gone with my wonderful cousin
Mari.
STARBUCKS<333.Anyone that knows me knows I'm obsessed with Starbucks like the majority of
Americans, so you can imagine my excitement after 7 months of deprivation for a Mocha Frappucino.
Later, we walked around the main shopping area of Valencia, looking into stores and catching up. Then we went into the main Plaza, where there were huge Fallas everywhere! Las Fallas are these beautiful
giant wooden structures that are so intricately painted.Mainly, they have to do with political or social
events and are satirical, but they were beautiful just the same. I was literally in awe. I remember walking
arm in arm with Mari, telling her how happy I was because it was so true.Valencia is by far one of the
most beautiful cities I've ever seen, and this night was just perfect. Walking down beautiful European
streets with all of the people and music and these Fallas was just amazing. There was a vibrancy and a
liveliness in the air that was just indescribable.
Later that night, after eating dinner, we went out to go meet up with Mari and her friends. They were all
beautiful and really welcoming and we had a really great time that night. We went to El Puente, which is a bridge that everyone went to to go see El castillos (fireworks). As I stood there, looking these amazing
lights (I'm such a sucker for fireworks), I remember saying "Don't forget this, don't forget this.." It was
such a beautiful moment for me, and the night seemed somehow magical, that I knew I wanted to
remember that moment, like so many others I've experience here, for the rest of my life. After the
fireworks we walked literally through all of Valencia to find the discomobile. I ruined a new pair of boots
and my feet were absolutely dead, but it was worth it.
The next day, Mari and I went to the main market with her family. This market was incredible and had
every type of food imaginable; all of it fresh. There was a ton of people inside, and just to add some fiesta, a band also was walking around, playing music. After that, Mari and I went to Starbucks and waited for
la mezclata. La mezclata is basically fireworks during the day, but without light and a whole lot of sound. Seriously, it wasn't my favorite only because it sounded like you were in the middle of a war zone. Once we made are way home, we ate and took a siesta, then got ready to go to mass later.
We went to the same church where my cousin Dani (Mari's older brother) got married this year. The
church is beautiful and although I understand Spanish well, I still couldn't keep up with the mass, only
because it was a bit boring and my attention span isn't long enough for me to translate a whole sermon for myself in my head. After church, we went to get something to eat with some of our friends. On the way
back, we saw a bunch of break dancers doing these amazing stunts. At all hours of the day and night
during Las Fallas, you can find something interesting to do. There's either light shows, break dancers, or
just the incessant parading of the Falleras, but it's always exciting.
The next day was a lot more calm. We basically hung around the house all day, exhausted from going out all day and practically all night. Later, when it was time to meet up with our friends, we went to a pizza
place to eat beforehand and Starbucks of course afterwards. This night was the best because the disco
mobile was the coolest and we could actually dance! Haha, we got home late again and by the next
morning I was exhausted from such a jam packed weekend of fun. Literally every moment of this
weekend was amazing and I am so lucky to have been able to gone with my wonderful cousin
Mari.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Everything
Oh wow..I don't even know where to start. First of all, I'm probably the most inconsistent person on the face of the planet, and I apologize. So many things have happened since my last blog. Not only have a lot of really awesome big stuff has happened, but even just the daily things that I probably should write about, but never get around to it. This blog will be brief just to organize my thoughts and try to find out where I left off. I'm going to write the most important things each in a seperate blog, because they definetly deserve their own margin. That being said, I'm going to start writing them now, so I'll post again when I'm finally done!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Six months..?!
I apologize for my inconsistent blogging, there's just been so much going on here and it feels like the days are flying by..case in point..I've been here 6 months! Literally I can remember everything about the first day I came and how scared and unsure I felt, and now, here I am, more than halfway done my exchange year.
So much has happened lately. In February I went to my cousin's wedding in Valencia. That was really fun, and pretty much a typical wedding..except for the fact that they cut the wedding cake with a sword(?). Haha.
Also, a few weeks ago was Carnaval, which definitely turned out to be one of the best nights of my life. Carnaval is the Spanish Mardi Gras. Luckily, there's a town called Pego fairly close to Benissa that's pretty famous for their Carnaval in the Valencia community. Practically our whole school took a bus that the students organized from Benissa to Pego. The bus left at midnight, and when we got to Pego, the whole world was dressed up in crazy costumes. My friends and I went as novias (brides)!
Pego was crazy. There were a ton of people and discomobiles. If you went down one street there would be a discomobile and so many people, then you'd walk down another street and there'd be a completely different discomobile with even more people. The whole night was spent dancing and just having an amazing time in general. The bus left at 7 the next morning, so needless to say, it was one of the best/craziest nights in my entire life.
Also, last weekend there was a discomobile in Teulada, a town really close to Benissa, and my friends and I went to that. I'm absolutely in love with the nightlife in Spain, I have no idea how I'm gonna adjust when I come back to my little town in New Jersey.
I've become really used to living here; experiencing different things and having just the best time of my life. It's made it that much clearer that I don't just want a typical life; that I'm not going to settle for anything less than amazing. I've had a taste of what life can offer and I just want to keep traveling and seeing everything this world has to offer. This experience has changed me, changed my thoughts and outlook on the world; even changed the career I had in mind.
Today Miguel, Angela, and I went to my aunt's house, which is practically right on the Mediterranean. We ate, relaxed, and walked along the beach. I just can't explain how refreshing the sea air is, or maybe it's just that this is good for me to be away from my town for awhile, away from my family, my friends, everything I've ever known. I'm not saying that I don't miss my family or friends, or that I don't love my town, I'm just saying that being by yourself at such a vital time in your life allows you to grow as a person. It lets you be the person you choose to be, completely uninfluenced by anyone or anything. And along the way, it allows you to pick up another language and meet a new set of friends and family as well.
I am completely grateful for this experience. Every day that goes by stings yet is a relief at the same time when I think that I'm a day closer to coming home. Right now I'm just taking it one day at a time, enjoying the time I still have left.
P.S. I'm really sorry if I sound like a repetitive, inexperienced, motivational speaker, but I'm honestly blinded by my own happiness sometimes that I really can't tell if what I write is annoying or inspiring. These are just my thoughts, take 'em or leave 'em.
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