"Carpe diem"

I've been attempting to write this blog for about a week now. Every time I start, I just can't seem to find the right words to say, or how to express exactly how I was feeling. I guess I'll try though, not that I think I'll have any improvement, but just because sometimes there really are no words that you can say.

To put it simply, I am more happy here than I have ever been in my entire life. Not all the time of course, but overall, content, and there are a pretty constant stream of instances where I've been overcome with true happiness, pure and blissful, and without restraint.

I've realized how lucky I am to have this experience, I know I say this every time, but it's true. I'm so blessed. I know that a lot of people are unhappy with their lives, and here I am, soaking it up. But I think I've found the key to happiness, so listen closely. "Carpe Diem".

Many of you may be thinking, "Yeah, yeah I've never head that one before." But seriously, it's as simple as that. We've known it all along yet haven't really listened.

"Seize the day."

But what does that even mean? How can one do that? Well, I think I've started to figure that out.. Take last Thursday. It was a national holiday in Spain so there was no school. I got up early with Miguel and Angela and we drove to their friends house to meet up with a group of about 15 people to go on a nature walk along the coast of the Mediterranean.

Naturally, it was spectacular as always. I've absolutely fallen in love with the Mediterranean. The walk was about 2 hours and by the time it was finished, we were hot and sweating. So, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, Angela suggested that we go swimming. In December.

I had brought along my swimsuit, not expecting to use it. I had just brought it along more to humor Angela than anything else.

But everybody else jumped right in, even though the water was freezing. I was more hesitant of course, slowly wading in the water, inching my way in. I was just about to turn back when I had a thought. "When am I ever going to be able to do this again? This sort of thing doesn't happen everyday and if you have the chance, take it. This is the type of experience that you will keep with you for the rest of your life."

So even though I was shivering and slipping and could have made up a hundred excuses why I shouldn't swim in December, (the most prominent being Pneumonia ), I made my way down to the edge, and jumped in.

At first there was a cold shock all through my body. But as I popped my head up out of the water, looked around me at the mountains and below me at the clear blue water, I felt revitalized. I felt alive. I could feel the blood pumping in my veins and suddenly I wasn't so cold anymore; I was refreshed.

I spent the next half an hour swimming with Angela and our friends, splashing around, laughing at the mere fact that we were swimming in December. I've never had more fun.

Then, we slowly got out, dried off, and made our way back to the car where we drove to our friends house to meet back up with the rest of our group to have lunch.

The house was beautiful, filled with gardens that could have resembled a modern day Eden (the owners are gardeners). The house was filled with great food, and wonderful people that kept me laughing by singing me old Spanish songs, and putting on impromptu plays during lunch. After lunch is normally siesta, so I took the liberty to be by myself for awhile after we ate. I love to be around people and talk and listen, but sometimes I just need a moment to myself to think.

So I walked through their beautiful garden until I found a perfect spot hidden in the farthest corner. There was a lounge chair, a small pond, and an amazing view of the mountains. As I laid there, thinking of the events of that day, feeling my damp hair from the sea water, all I could think was that this is what life is about. About those moments where you feel so elated with the fact that you're alive, that you might burst. When you feel that nothing else in the whole world matters at all except this moment. When you believe with all of your heart that the world is beautiful and mysterious and it's okay because you just want to spend your whole life discovering it's most precious treasures. And the best part is, when you realize it's not a movie. That it's your life. That this is really happening, and you are so overcome with happiness and the beauty of life and this day and this moment right now that you might cry.

And this is what life is about. Or should be about, for that matter. It's about seizing the day. Doing something that scares you, but doing it anyway because it's worth it. It's about appreciating life in every aspect, taking the good and the bad, and knowing that tomorrow is another day, and life goes on, so you better live it the best that you can in this very moment.

What I'm saying has already been said before, by people much wiser than me, with much more life experience. My words are nothing new, and these ideas have already been said through speakers much more eloquent than I. But to me, these words are brand new. You don't realize what "Carpe diem" can truly mean until you live it for yourself. And as I'm discovering things about life and myself here, this phrase comes to me as if it were the first time I've ever heard it.

To some, I may be considered naive about the ways of the world and how life works. But in my short 16 years I've already led a beautiful life, and I plan to continue like that with the same eyes and outlook that I have now: filled with wonder.

Self defense

I have a confession to make. I did something kind of bad. Well not bad, but maybe a little disrespectful. And anyone who knows me, knows I NEVER disrespect anyone....especially not my teachers...

Before you judge me and say I'm a terrible person, please listen to my story. My math teacher is not exactly my favorite person in the world, to put it politely. Not only is math hard enough as it is, but it's taught in Valenciano as well, but my teacher just doesn't like to explain. He moves so quickly in class, and I can't keep up with any of the problems. When I try to ask questions, he completely shuts me down and isn't the least bit helpful.

Please, please believe me when I tell you I am trying my absolute best in his class. I am going to extra tutoring lessons twice a week so I can attempt to pass his class. That being said, I took the test last week and we got them back Monday. I didn't get the grade I was hoping for, but it was better than the last one, which shows I'm improving. Anyway, I had a question about the last question on the test because he had marked that I " made it too complicated". I went to ask him what he meant, but he didn't even answer my question.

Instead he went on and on about how he didn't know what I did, when clearly my work was right there on the paper. I tried to explain to him my reasoning, but he wouldn't listen to what I had to say. Finally I got so frustrated that I had my English friend Ellie translate for me, because honestly I was so frustrated I couldn't even think in Spanish.

Then what really got me was he kept making all of these rude comments, and that just sent me over the edge. I've been working so hard in his class, in a language that I don't understand, and it made me so mad that he didn't even appreciate that I am trying. So...I went on a rampage. In English.

I was standing at his desk, listening to him criticize me, when I suddenly burst out everything I was feeling. It went a little something like this.." Oh my god, our teacher is retarded. I just explained to him how I did this, and he's not even listening to what I have to say. Maybe if he wasn't such an a**hole and actually appreciated all the effort I was putting into his class, I would have some respect for him." Of course, the only person who understood me was Ellie, or so I thought. Because when I was done my rant, my teacher said "Mary, I understand you", to which I had no reply and turned and walked away. It also didn't help that my whole class was staring at me like I was some kind of foreign crazy person, which I guess I kind of was.

But to be fair, I apologized later to him. Even though he deserved that. I have to admit, it did feel kind of good to say what I needed to, just to let out those pent up frustrations. I surprised myself so much, because normally I would NEVER do that EVER. I don't know, I think it was okay for me this time though. I'm not justifying disrespecting your teachers or calling people names because that's not okay. But the fact of the matter is, I was standing up for myself.

I knew how hard I worked, and how much I was trying, and I'm so tired of people here telling me to study more, try harder, and do better. I'm doing all that I can, and I defended myself. I'm not proud of what I said to him, but I'm proud of the initiative. Since I've been here, I've learnt to completely trust myself and defend myself too, because when you're 16 and living in a foreign country, you are all you have. But I suppose that stands true for all of life. If you don't believe in yourself, who will?

El mundo de los pajaros

This weekend was really jam-packed and super busy. It's no wonder I got sick and haven't been in school the last two days. Whatever, it's been perfect sick weather...stormy and cold, so I've been perfectly content sleeping all day, watching Sex and the City re runs on my laptop, and being cared for by my host parents, who might I add, are the sweetest and have been taking care of me like I'm the queen of England on her deathbed.

Anyways, Friday right after school was the premiere of Amanecer (Breaking Dawn). Yes, it's that popular in Spain, too. I went to my friend Cheyenne's house after school and we ate pasta and talked until we went to meet my other friends.

One thing I might add, a lot of my friends speak at least 3 languages...mainly because they have foreign parents. But you don't know how impressive it is when all your friends are bilingual, and many speak 3-5 languages. I'm so jealous.

Anyways, we went to the bus station and all of our other friends were waiting for us. The movie theatre is at the mall, so we took this huge party bus like 20 mins away to the mall. That's one thing that struck me was that we took the bus to the mall and didn't just drive or meet there..but I guess that's Eurupe for ya. On the bus was only me and about 10 of my other friends from Jalón, and maybe 2 or 3 other people. Needless to say, the whole bus ride we were singing and dancing and having so much fun. I did realize one thing though, I should not sing along to English songs. The radios plays so much American music here and everyone sings along to the chorus, but as soon as the chorus is done, no one really knows the rest of the song. Except me. So after everyone stops singing, I keep going and it's awkwardly silent. Haha, I've gotten pretty used to embarrassing myself here.

When we got to the mall, we waited in line for about half an hour then were able to buy our tickets and oohh and ahhh over the men of Twilight. (Team Edward!) We sat down to watch the movie, which I thought was pretty good. I'm happy to say that I can understand maybe 85% of what the people in the movies say. I'm getting there.

Saturday I got up at about 10:30 which is surprisingly early for anyone that knows me. Why so early? Because I had to catch the train at 11:30. Yes, I took the train. In Spain. By myself. Could I get any cooler? HAHA just kidding, but I was so impressed with myself that I figured everything out. It was just one whole, exciting weekend of public transportation!

The train ride was just half an hour away to Denía where I met up with my other exchange friends. We walked along the port and talked, then went to get tapas. We ordered sangría, octopus, cod croquettes, manchega cheese, and patatas bravas. A very Spanish lunch. Everything was really good though.

Later, we walked around Denía some more, picked up our other exchange friend from the train station, and went to a café to have café con leche and chocolate cake. Everything was delicious as usual, and we stayed in the café for about 3 hours just talking and having a great time. At about 8:30, my two other friends who took the train and I went to the station to catch the last train home. I got home at around 9, where I quickly changed clothes, and met my friends at the ayuntamiento (town hall) because we were going to my friends 18th birthday party.

The party was in Moraira about 15 mins away. It was the first house party I've been to in Spain, which is quite funny, because the only parties in America are house parties. It was fun, there was maybe 25-30 people. We talked, danced, played twister, and had a good time in general. I came home at 2:3o ish and was dead when I got home.

Sunday I woke up late as usual, and ate lunch with my host mom. Then, we went to the electoral college in Benissa, where my host dad was volunteering. It's elections in Spain, so my host mom voted and then we left to go to Calpe.

Calpe is a beach town that has this island/mountain thing called Peñon. Angela and I decided to hike it. The views were honestly the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my entire life. I could see all of Calpe, the beaches, the mountains, the towns, even my town, Benissa. It was such a clear day and everything was so beautiful. Not to mention the hike itself was so cool.

Peñon is awesome. Hands down. The hike started off nice, even with a paved path with rocks, but quickly became difficult. We had to climb through a cave that was soaking wet with water. Then, after the cave, it was basically all rocks and then a cliff. So, because your shoes were wet form the cave, and you were basically slipping on the rocks. If the rope wasn't there, and you slipped, you would have died, no lie. It was absolutely scary, but so much fun at the same time.

Let me try to explain the top of Peñon. It felt like Jurassic Park or something. Literally, it looked like we had been transported back in time a million years. It was so natural and untouched. I honestly wouldn't have been surprised to see a dinosaur roaming about. But really, it was unbelievably beautiful and lush. The only thing I didn't like were the birds.

I think they were seagulls, but I can't be sure because these birds didn't look like seagulls. They looked like mutant seagulls, if anything. They were HUGE. And there were a million of these birds. So literally, it was el mundo de los pajaros.

I was freaking out. I'm not going to lie, I was. Every step you took there was a bird like right next to you. And they definitely weren't afraid of you, either. It was like they knew this was their territory and if they really wanted, they could eat you. I had this thought running through my head the entire time, and so every time I saw a bird next to me, I would whimper in fear. Angela probably thought I was ridiculous ( actually I'm almost positive she thought I was mentally ill). But really, could you blame me? Especially when one bird flew, the whole million of them flew, and the whole island felt like it was shaking. Cut me some slack.

The whole hike took about 3 and a half hrs. When we got home, we showered, then relaxed with a nice cup of hot chocolate, which might I add, is the most amazing thing you'll ever taste. It's literally melted chocolate, none of that watered down crap we have in America.

Anyway, this weekend was seriously amazing and so much fun and I've come to the conclusion that.....

I'm never coming home.

The rain in Spain.

It's raining here and I absolutely love it. There's nothing better than coming home from a hard day at school, eating lunch, then going up to my room curling up under my comforter, watching Sex and the City on my laptop, and listening to the rain.

Anyways, sorry I haven't been posting as much lately but I suppose it's a good thing because that means I'm getting more settled in here. Things have settled into a normal routine. I've been here for a little over two months and I know my Spanish has improved so much. I can more or less understand almost everything someone says to me in Spanish (Castelleno, at least. Valenciano is another story...). So, everything's been going pretty well. I love my family and my friends, and my language is improving. The only thing I hate is.....SCHOOL.

I've honestly never hated school in my entire life, I've actually always quite liked it, so this is a new feeling for me. The reasons? First of all, I don't understand any of my classes, besides Castelleno, because all of my classes are in Valenciano. Second of all, I don't exactly like my teachers. Some of them are nice, but I've noticed they don't have the same passion for their jobs as American teachers do. It's just what it sounds like...a job. After class ends, they're out of there, so there's no staying after and getting extra help or anything.

Also, everything's really casual here. We call the teachers by their first names, which is so weird to me, and every day is casual Friday here for teachers. My teachers always wear jeans and are really relaxed, but I feel that it takes away from the respect that students are supposed to have for their professors. I don't know, I just am not crazy about the way they teach here.

Also, when you enter high school here, you pick a route, Math, Science, or Letters. I am in Science, (Even though I hate science!), for the sole reason of needing science classes to be a senior when I come back to the U.S. Anyways, when you pick a route, that's what your in for your entire high school career. You have the exact same classmates and teachers every year, and after summer break you pick back off where you left off. So, everyone here knows formulas and equations from the year before that I've never learned before. My teachers don't explain them, because everybody already knows them. Not to mention the science and math courses are so much more advanced than in the U.S.

Science and math are my worst subjects anyway, and it just makes it so much worse when they are harder, and in Valenciano. I get so frustrated in school because I don't understand anything, and sometimes my teachers don't understand, and are unsympathetic (mainly my math teacher, who I dislike more than anyone else I've ever met). Sometimes I'll come home from school and just want to sleep, because of how tired I was from trying so hard to understand, and also because I just want to cry because of how terrible it is sometimes.

My notes that I take in school are actually pretty comical. They're all in Valenciano, and since I don't understand the words (and most likely, the handwriting of my teacher as well), they come out looking like really weird words in English. It's kind of funny. For example, my math notes say something like "sun 35, cat 35, tan 35". I'm pretty sure it's supposed to be sin, cos, and tan, but I can't be sure because this is literally what it looks like to me every time.

Anyways, I now have a math/ chemistry tutor. I've only had one lesson so far, but he was really nice and taught me a lot better than my actual math teacher. Hopefully I will be able to understand a bit better now, and school won't be so hard. Sorry for the rant. I needed to get that out.

Things I miss about America.....

My family and friends (obviously).

My high school.

My tennis team.

Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas.

Chinese food.

American movies/ T.V. shows.

Peanut butter....

PEANUT BUTTER CUPS.

Country music.

American Vogue.

My teachers. (I hate my teachers here!)

Real hamburgers.

Just some things I miss about good ol' America.

Happy.

I remember at the Rotary conference I went to a few weeks ago in Madrid, I went for a walk with my friend Alexandra. We had a bit of spare time, and instead of grouping together with some of the other exchange kids, we went for a walk by ourselves and talked. Now, I have to be honest, we were being very pessimistic at first. We complained about the kids who annoyed us, how the food sucked, and how we were mad that we were in Madrid but couldn't actually go into the city. But eventually, the topic changed and we started on life and happiness and all that other good stuff.

I've always been terrified and excited by the future. Everyone wants to be happy in life, but the question is, how do you know what decisions to make to end up happy? What road do you take? Or more simply, what will make you happy?

A lot of people would say more money. Or love. Or a great job. But then, once they have those things, they overlook them and keep putting off happiness, throwing it at a distance, and run towards it, yet never gain it. They say things like, "Once I have a husband, I'll be happy." Then when they have that they say, "Once I have a family, I'll be happy." Then they say, "When my kids grow up and I can travel, I'll be happy." Do you see my point? This leaves me wondering if happiness is more of a goal nowadays than a mindset.

This is the kind of thing Alexandra and I talked about as we were walking around. She made an excellent suggestion, and said that instead of complaining about the terrible food for one weekend, or whatever we were complaining about, we should remember that WE ARE IN SPAIN!

Then she made me list 5 things at that moment that I was happy about.

So I did. I listed the things that made me happy in that moment.I look back on that day now, and I'm so glad she made me do that, because it made me realize that I can choose to be happy when I want. Or at the very least content.

Because I've realized that content and happy are two very different things. You can choose to be content, meaning that you are okay with the things are around you and you are at peace with them. But happy, is a feeling so overwhelming and sudden and you don't know why it's there or when it came, or why it chose to come today rather than yesterday. Happiness is strong and blissful and you can't control it when it comes. But content, is a diminutive version of happiness, one you can control and know when it arrives and when it leaves, but it still leaves you satisfied.

Can you remember the last time you were truly happy? Not just content with life, but so unbelievably happy? That feeling that made you believe that nothing was impossible, the world was beautiful and mysterious, and everything was perfect?

I had one of those moments the other day. It was Saturday and Miguel and Angela took me sightseeing to the Benidorm, a beach town about 30 mins away. We first stopped to see the beaches, and even though it was raining, they were breathtaking just the same. Right on the beach were restaurants, and inside there was dancing in every single one of them, with old married couples, singles, and young people dancing and having a fantastic time.

Then, we went to walk along the promenade which was filled with shops and restaurants and heladerias. It wasn't just the food, clothes, and ice-cream that made me happy, because that did a pretty good job by itself. But it was the people, the vibrancy of the place, the liveliness that I felt there. It was crowded and loud yet peaceful at the same time. You could be in the midst of a crowd on the promenade, take a right, and end up in the old section of Benidorm, with the little cobblestoned streets.

Angela, Miguel, and I walked by a church and heard singing. I'm not even exaggerating when I tell you it was one of the most beautiful sounds I've ever heard. We walked inside and stood in the back, and the congregation were singing a beautiful Spanish song as they took their communion. I couldn't understand the words, but I could understand the meaning. There was no music, only the voices of these faithful people, but the song was strong and soft at the same time.

Then, we walked along this pier where you could see Benidorm lit up at night. It was so breathtakingly beautiful and I felt so unbelievably happy. I could see the beach, sea, buildings, and Benidorm's little island all at once. Then, right by the pier there is a walkway down to one of the beaches where the handrail is absolutely covered in locks that are put on there by couples in love. Everything about this place I loved, and I just felt that there was no place I'd rather be, with any other people than my wonderful host family.

Everything at that moment was perfect. I was so happy. Moments like that don't occur too often, when you're just hit with this wonderful bliss and feel like the world is opening up for you and offering it's most beautiful things. I know I'll remember how I was feeling that day for the rest of my life. And even though sometimes it can be hard here, it's these happiest moments that make it all worth it.

Oktoberfest in Espana?

My weekend was a very successful one if I do say so myself...at the very least, it was interesting.

Friday I went into Benissa to meet up with my friend Thais. Miguel dropped me off at the plaza, so I could walk to meet up with Thais wherever she was. I'm not gonna lie, I felt pretty legit with my Spanish mobile and knowing my way around town enough to walk to where Thais was. I could have sworn on the phone she said she was at my friend Mireia's house, so I made my way over to Mireia's apartment building, buzzed upstairs to her apartment, and found Mireia and her friend on their way to a sleepover with very confused looks as to what the heck I was doing in her building.

When Thais called me and asked where I was, I told her Mireia's house to which she answered bewilderedly, "Porque?!?". Apparently I had mistaken what she said on the phone, and I had intruded on my friend Mireia's sleepover with another girl, and waltzed into her apartment like I knew exactly where I was going. I quickly apologized, but it was actually really funny and not a big deal at all.

Then, I continued to look for Thais, who was now apparently at the stairs by this concrete patio thing by Mireia's house. I walked to the stairs, found no Thais, called Thais who was now in the street, went to the street, still no Thais, so I proceeded to play phone tag and hide and go seek with her around Benissa for 20 mins. Keep in mind, I am alone, 16 years old, American, and not able to speak Spanish. I was a little creeped out, not gonna lie. But eventually, I did find Thais, and we laughed about it, and how much of a silly American that I am.

Saturday was really fun. I went my friend Christian's birthday party which was at the farm that I ride horses at here. I was a bit confused, until I walked in and realized that he was using the bull ring at his farm because his family rented bulls for his birthday. Why, might you ask? Because, the boys were taunting the bulls, then running away from them.

Before anyone (like my mother) gets upset that one of these bulls might have speared and killed one of the boys, they were only "little" bulls. Meaning, they were not full grown and had no horns yet, but to me, they were still big. It was so weird to go to a birthday party and find they rented bulls so people can tease them and run away from them......how very Spanish.

I however, was petrified of the bulls. Every time they chased the guys (and at times they actually did ram into them) my friends would laugh yet I would scream and shout "Oh my god!"....which everyone thought was really funny because of how American that saying is. Also, they were amused by my fear for these "little" bulls, and told me that during my town's festivals in April, they have a running of the bulls through the streets of my town, but with full sized bulls.....great.

After the birthday party, I went home and got ready because I went to Oktoberfest with my friends in Calpe. I know a lot of you are thinking....Oktoberfest? Aren't you in Spain? Trust me, I was thinking the same thing, but there are a surprisingly large number of Germans here so Oktoberfest is a big ordeal.

We left at about 11 at night for Oktoberfest but had to wait in line for about an hour and 20 mins, so we didn't get in until about 12:20ish. It was definitely worth the wait! It was so much fun! There was a huge tent set up with hundreds of tables, a stage in the front with a band, and a dance floor.

I have never seen so many drunken people dancing on tables in my life. My friends and I all linked hands as we shoved our way past the drunken people to get to the stage so we could dance, but as to be expected of sleazy druken men I suppose, we were constantly harassed and hit on, and definitely got our asses squeezed a few times on our way to the dance floor.....ewwww!

Sunday was really nice also. I went to lunch at Angela and Miguel's friends house and they had the most beautiful house I have ever seen. It was in the country, with a gorgeous view of Calpe and the Mediterrenean. The entire outside was a huge tiled patio, dripping with flowers and plants of every variety, resembling a modern Eden. A covered outside patio with a beautiful tiled wood fire grill was where we ate our lunch. The inside of the house was just as beautiful as the outside, styled eclectically and with great taste.

The lunch itself was delicious. We had tapas that consisted of fish, mussels, and various salads. We had lamb and couscous with vegetables that is a specialty food around here that was delicious. For dessert, chocolate cake.

Needless to say, I love the food, I love the houses, I love the nightlife, I love my friends and family, and I love Spain in general. (Can't say I love school, but one thing at a time).

Happy October!

Sorry I haven't been blogging lately... I really have no excuse other than I have been lazy and actually I have been out with friends a lot. So actually I guess its good that I'm not some solemn loser who locks herself in her room all day writing blogs instead of actually participating in life.

Some update about the 2 weeks or so....

I went to Madrid 2 weekends ago for a Rotary conference. Woo-hoo, Madrid! Yeah, that's what I though too...we were both wrong. I took the train from Gandia, a town around Benissa, to Valencia. Then from Valencia, to Madrid. I went with 7 other exchange students from Denia, which is another town next to Benissa. Everyone was really nice.

Then, we met up with a bunch of other exchange students and took a bus to about an hour out of Madrid to a town where we stayed in some type of school. All in all, there were about 150 exchange students and everyone was really cool. For the conference, we pretty much just had rotary meetings and went over rotary stuff, nothing really new.

It's not that the weekend was bad, it wasn't, it's just that since I went to Madrid last spring on vacation, I've absolutely fallen in love with that city (and the shopping!) and it killed me to be so close to the city and not be able to explore. Hopefully, I'll be able to go back soon to the actual city!

The rest of that weekend was pretty good, when I came home I went to a discotecha with my friends and the next day went to the Mediterranean with my family.

This past weekend I hungout with my friends, and we went shopping and then and saw the movie "Friends with Benefits" (in Spanish of course). I'm proud to say I understood, more or less, the synopsis of the story. Go me!

I can't even believe that it's October already...it has flown by. My one month mark in Spain has come and gone.....I remember it being August 25th and saying goodbye to everyone and bawling my eyes out. Then I remember being on the plane, trying to sleep, but I couldn't because I was crying and I was so scared and unsure of the future and what was going to happen.

It's such a great feeling to know that all of that is over...and I can look back and be proud of everything I've accomplished. I've gotten through some of the toughest days of my life. It's still hard sometimes, but it's getting better all the time.

My friends and family have told me that my Spanish is a lot better than a month ago, and I feel like they're right. I can understand more, speak a little better, and am actually starting to pick up words in Valenciano too! Even though I am still completely lost in school, and nowhere near fluent, I'm trying to focus on my small accomplishments and realize how much I've learned already.

This past month has really been a whirlwind...it's weird to think that 10% of my exchange is already done! It has definitely been some of the most challenging times, but also the most rewarding and I wouldn't trade it for anything. The time spent here has made me realize things about myself, and rely on myself more than anyone else, and that's a pretty great feeling. I feel more independent and in charge of my life than ever before.

I am loving Spain, and I am loving my exchange year. I know that as I learn more, it's only going to get better.

First Day of school!?!

So I've started school, and surprisingly it wasn't the worst day of my life like I expected it to be. I'm glad I made friends before school started, because they've helped me a lot.

The Spanish school system is different. Every day is a new schedule, but you keep the same weekly schedule for the year. My classes include History, Technical Drawing, Math, English, English Practice (my 2 favorite classes!), Physics/Chemistry, Philosophy, Castelleno, and Gym. I don't have all of these classes on the same day, though.

The first thing that struck me was that they don't use bells here to change classes. They play music instead. Like, really weird music. I'm talking like a range from 80's American pop music, to Billy Joel's uptown girls, to the intro for Phantom of the Opera.

Also, the students have to buy all of the books, which are really expensive! We also have to bring in our own locks for our lockers, which are half the size of American lockers. Also, what's really cool here is that everything is really laid back. If a teacher isn't here, we don't have class. We go and sit in the canteen, which is like a cafeteria.

Also, we don't eat lunch in school. We have two twenty minute breaks during the day, the first at around 11:30, where everyone eats a sandwich or some type of snack. When school is finished at 2 or 3, depending on your schedule that day, you go home and eat lunch with your family then have a siesta.

I like school because I like the people and seeing my friends, but obviously I don't like the classes because I can't understand anything. Remember that here they speak 2 languages, and some of my classes are in Castelleno (which I can understand a little bit), and Valenciano, (which is like a mixture of French and Spanish and I don't understand at all).

It's just my luck that the two hardest classes (Philosophy and Physics/Chemistry) are in Valenciano. It is absolutely helpless for me. I can barely understand Castelleno as it is, and with another language thrown in there it's virtually impossible for me to comprehend anything that they say. Also, I don't think that many of my teachers like me because I am quite the nuisance, and don't understand anything. Except, my English teacher loves me, but you can probably guess why.

I am a really hard worker in school, and it always kills me to get a bad grade, but I guess I better start getting used to it because I really just don't understand anything in my classes. Hopefully, I'll start to understand soon. My friends have told me that my Spanish is a lot better than it was 2 weeks ago, and I hope they're right and that I'll keep improving.

This is by far the most difficult thing I've ever done. Being submerged in a new place with so many people and new things is so exhausting. I come home every day, and thank God for siestas, because I really need them. I sleep a lot during my free time, because my head just is so overwhelmed with everything that it needs to shut off for awhile.

But, I do like going to school because everyone is really interested in me. They ask me so many questions, and are amused by the things that seem normal to me. Like, I brought in my yearbook and American money and boy, did they get a kick out of that. So that part's always amusing.

This weekend I went to a fiesta in Ondara, a town about 10 mins away from Benissa. This weekend was their festival, and they threw a huge party in the bull fighting stadium that they have there. First, it was really cool to see the actual stadium. Second, the party was huge and it was so much fun. There was a DJ and hundreds of people, and my friends and I spent the whole night dancing. I had to leave at around 1:30a.m. (which is early!) because most people didn't show up until 12:00a.m. (I told you, they stay out late!) If you pass by a discotecha at 7:30 in the morning, you'll see people just coming home after a long night of partying...crazy!

Yesterday Angela, Miguel,and I went to Angela's sister's shore house. It was so great, like every

other time at the beach. For lunch we had hamburgers. They were a bit different, but tasted pretty

much the same, and it was actually really comforting to eat something that was more or less the

same as home. Then we spent the whole day swimming and sleeping and swimming again.

I've noticed something while I've been here. It's that the Spaniards just have this vivacity for life.

It's so refreshing to see. They enjoy themselves, and don't work themselves too hard. They are

comfortable in their own skin. For example, on all of the beaches there are topless women,

overweight people, and people of every shape and size that you can imagine.

But they don't care. They splash around in the ocean like they're 6 years old again. They just

have this really carefree sensation about them that is so intriguing and unlike anything I've seen

before. It's such a nice change from America, where everyone is self conscious and serious. Here,

I think the word to sum up the entire country and lifestyle of these people would simply be

disfrutar : to enjoy.

Life's a beach

Mom I'm writing this post for you because you want me to keep writing so everyone knows what I'm doing and blah blah blah...just know that you're keeping me awake on a SCHOOL NIGHT. hahahaa jk I love you.

But yes, you heard me right. I said school night, meaning tomorrow I have school. But before I start to rant and rave about how terribly nervous I am, I'll tell you about the past few events that have happened.

So on Saturday it was an important day in Benissa because they had an "eleccion de reigna", or the "queen's election". When the kids are 18 here, they dress in the traditional Spanish costumes, which for the girls, consist of beautiful hoop skirts and Spanish shawls, and for the guys, black pants and a white shirt with a red belt.( Sorry I can't explain this better, I just don't know the proper words for their outfits).

But, they have a partner and everyone parades around the town followed by a bunch of bands that play music. Also, they have an "eleccion de reigna" for the little kids which was quite possibly the cutest thing I've ever seen to see 6 and 7 year olds holding hands, and parading around town in traditional Spanish wear.

This is a really big event, and let me tell you, the town was pimped out. The entire plaza was closed off, there was a huge stage in the center of the plaza, along with fake backgrounds,tents, lights, a runway, fireworks, and a disco mobile.

Pretty much what happens is that all of the names of the girls are put into a glass bowl, and the queen from last year picks a girl's name, and she goes up on the stage. Then, she picks out a name from the bowl and that girl goes up and so on and so on until there is only 1 name left, and that is the queen for the year. It's very emotional, and people are crying and so excited and it was really cool to witness.

After, everyone either goes to a club in the town over to party, or they stay right here in Benissa and go to the disco mobile, which is basically a DJ and lights , so pretty much a mobile club. Everyone dances and has fun and it's really cool. But, I was only allowed to stay out until 2, which is actually early for people here. The actual eleccion didn't start until 10:30, ended at about 1, and I had to leave at 2, so I didn't see much of the actual disco mobile.

Then, the next day Angela, Miguel and I went to the beach to meet up with their friends and eat lunch on the beach. It was so much fun! We spent the day lounging, reading, and swimming of course!

Now there are times when I don't understand what people are saying, and there are times I don't know what they are doing. Case in point: at the beach, Angela and her friends brought out a small bowl and some green powder that they mixed with water. They then started rubbing this

clumpy green paste all over themselves and their faces. When I asked what they were doing, they answered by rubbing the paste on me too. Needless to say, I was completely confused. But, it turns out it was something for your skin, and everyone got a good laugh out of my ignorance, including myself. We looked like monsters with our green skin and if anyone wants to see a picture, it is on my Facebook wall. I would recommend looking at it, it's pretty funny.

Lunch was very good too, for the most part. We had bocadillos and keish and fruit, but I also tried some of the food that Angela's friends made. I swear, I eat octopus almost every day. And not even the good kind! It has the weirdest texture and is in this weird sauce made out of olive oil and just tastes like straight up octopus.

But, I try it every time because these people make it as a specialty so I, being the polite girl that I am, eat it every time, and every time I have the same reaction, yet people still give it to me to eat like one day I'm going to magically like it.

Also, I tried this pastry looking thing that Angela's friends made and it looked almost like a graham cracker with crumbled cinnamon stuff on top of it. But, when I bit into it, it tasted like wheat germ. It was so terribly dry and disgusting, so when the wind blew over our umbrella and everyone was distracted, I seized the opportunity, and threw it over the rock hahahahaa.

Also, tonight at dinner I tried pate de oca. I didn't know what an oca was, but I later realized that it was goose! Haha, it actually wasn't terrible but Mom, you should be very proud of me for trying these crazy foods.

Now, tomorrow is SCHOOL. I can't even believe it, I'm so nervous I want to cry. Which I probably will tomorrow, and embarrass myself. Everything is going to be so different and I won't understand much. I am so nervous, because it is such a big change! I'm stressing myself out even thinking about it, and I know tomorrow I'm going to be a mess. Hopefully I'm wrong.

I better get to bed because tomorrow is going to be the worst day of my life, and I might as well be well rested.....

Spanish wedding

Two days ago I went to Valencia with Miguel and Angela because their nephew was getting married. Valencia is about 1 hr 30 mins away but it's a really cool city.

We first went to the apartment of one of Anglea's sister who has 11 kids....yeah, and I thought my family was big. Then we went to this little courthouse that was very cute and I met the rest of the family and tried to remember everyone's names. I thought I was going to have a lot of trouble, but actually half the time I was right because there's pretty much only 2 names in the family that they use, "Peppe" or "Maria". There were like 100 Marias, Maria Anglea, Maria Peppa, and on and on....but I fit right into the family because my name in Spanish would be.... Maria Catalina.

The ceremony was very short and informal. The wedding was not a huge ordeal, but it was very nice. The entire family was so nice and welcoming, and I am even in the couple's wedding photos, which I find really funny, because in 10 years they're going to look back on them and forget who I ever was.

After the wedding we drove to a really nice restaurant outside of the city. I sat with some of the cousins who were a little older than me, but spoke English so the entire time we spoke Spanglish, and it was very amusing. Everyone in Spain really loves English. Everyone wants to learn it, so the whole day I had people who either wanted to practice their English, or learn some English, come up to me. I was happy to help, so long as they helped me with my Spanish.

For dinner we had....paella of course! It was delicious, yet had things in it that I couldn't define even if I wanted to. It was a seafood paella, so I was eating all sorts of weird sea creatures, but since they tasted alright, I didn't ask what they were because I'm pretty sure if I did I would have lost my appetite.

But before the paella, we had about a million courses including oysters, octopus (they eat a lot of octopus here!), vegetables, and so many others that I don't remember. For dessert, we had a tray that you shared with tiaramasu, chocolate mousse, and some kind of almond paste cake thing. Everything, as you can probably guess, was delicious.

Now a word about the guys here.....

There is a huge difference between the boys here and the men here, whereas sometimes it's hard to tell back at home which is which. The boys here (that I met so far), consist of scrawny, lanky boys that wear cutoff jean shorts and play punk music in a garage, or are creepy 16 year olds that actually look like they're 12, that hit on me and ask me creepy questions about girls in America.

The men however, (that I met so far), are young guys in their 20's, absolutely gorgeous, tall, muscular guys that have all been to universities, know English, and have traveled to various countries. Pretty much, the ideal man to marry.

I came here at the wrong time in my life.

Hahaha, but you can bet that when it's time to find a husband, I'm coming back to Spain.

Anyways, after dinner Angela and I walked around Valencia a bit, and looked at all of the beautiful buildings and amazing architecture. Actually, it's fashion week in Valencia and we kind of stumbled upon it as we were walking and found ourselves in the middle of the action.

We saw designers, models, saw the stores, and runways and it was so amazing! I wish we had tickets, because I loved everything that I saw.

Then we drove back home, where I collapsed in a pile of exhaustion, mainly because I wore heels all day. You know that saying don't judge someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes? Well I don't think anyone would want to judge me because my heels were so high and I walked so much that it felt like my feet felt like they were getting amputed. I don't even wanna know how Lady Gaga feels.

It's not all fun and games...

Today was not the best of days for me. I was told that maybe I should study harder so I understand more. That really got to me, because I am trying so hard. My hardest.

This exchange program is the most difficult thing to ever happen to me. It's so completely and unbelievably frustrating and confusing. When people talk at you all day and you just don't know what they're saying and they expect an answer, it's the worst feeling in the world because everyone's waiting and you don't know what to say and you feel completely stupid. I hate feeling stupid, it's absolutely, in my opinion, the worst feeling in the entire world.

I have been feeling so stupid here. I hate it. I'm trying so hard every day to just understand and learn, and when someone tells me maybe I should try harder it just crushes me because I feel like I'm not good enough.

Today I read 2 pages of a book with Miguel and it took probably about 45 mins to actually understand it. Then, Miguel gave me a children's book to read and it took me another 45 mins to read by myself, because half of the words I didn't know and had to look up.

I went out with my friends today, and that was equally as frustrating as the rest of the day. As nice as my friends are, they don't try to explain anything so I am completely lost in every conversation. Everyone speaks so rapidly, and I just don't understand anything.

It can get really lonely sometimes. No one really actually knows me or my personality, because I can't communicate very well, even though I am trying so hard. It's just a terrible feeling to be a complete outsider, not only am I the new girl, I am the new girl who can't speak Spanish.

I feel like I am constantly treading water, trying to keep my head above water. Every new word I learn is like a gasp of air, and this hope of someday being able to completely understand keeps me going.

I am already dreading school with all of my being, not only because it's scary to be somewhere new, but because I already know I won't understand a word. I can barely understand Castillian, but everyone in my school speaks Valenciano, and many of the classes are taught in Valenciano. This feeling is the worst, just not knowing anything or being able to truly connect with anyone for the sole reason that you DON'T UNDERSTAND. No matter how hard you try.

I'm just hoping that since I am immersed in it, I will become used to it and somehow magically learn it, although it seems impossible now. It is true that everyday I learn something new here, actually multiple things, yet it just seems like I'm still not progressing, even though I know I am. I just can't shake the feeling that I'm disappointing people here.

I just want so badly to be able to understand, and communicate better, and actually be able to be myself and stop being this quiet girl that I don't know. I don't like portraying someone that I'm not. Right now, I am my own best friend because nobody else knows who I actually am.

I know that with time, I will learn more. And I will be able to understand and communicate better, but I just want to be able to speed time up a little bit so it's not so hard right now.

But, even as frustrating and confusing as it is....I know it's worth it. I don't want to go home, I love it here. What I want is to understand, which I know I eventually will. I just needed to vent and be able to tell somebody how I'm feeling. And as hard as this is, I understand that nothing worthwhile comes easily, and that in the end, all of these tears and frustrations will be worth it.

La Playa yet again

When you think of Spain do you think of......gorgeous beaches? cobblestone streets? the cutest little boutiques? awesome restaurants? really good looking guys?

Yeahh.....that's pretty much the town of Moraira. Yesterday Angela, Miguel and I went to Moraira because that's where his older sister lives. She lives in this awesome apartment like 2 blocks away from the beach and Molly, that is what I want our apartment to look like when we move to N.Y.C. Obviously not 2 blocks away from the beach...but the way it was decorated and set up was so cute.

The town of Moraira was so awesome. It had cobblestoned streets with boutiques and restaurants galore. It also had an outdoor market with little stands that sold the cutest jewelry in the entire world. Also, it had a really little castle that was still there from hundreds of years ago. So it pretty much had all of the best elements of Spain thrown into one awesome little town.

We ate lunch in Miguel's sister's apartment. First we had tapas (of course), that consisted of fish, eggs, peppers, mussels, and potato chips? Mom, you should be very proud to know that I tried everything, even though you know that I hate half of those foods.

Then came the next course (lunch is always at least 2 courses because it's the biggest meal of the day). It was chicken and rice with raisins and some kind of nut in it. It was really good, and I was really happy because they made chicken instead of fish. Then, Angela made a sort of pumpkin pie, but not exactly the same thing and it had chocolate on it and it was amazing. Everything was delicious except that everyone here thinks I don't eat enough. Which is completely ridiculous, because I love to eat. It's just that they have their biggest meal at lunchtime, and I'm used to having it at dinnertime so I 'm never that hungry during lunch.

After lunch, was of course, siesta. Now I know I talk about siestas all the time, but seriously, the people are amazing here. They pretty much say, "Here, eat my food! No, eat more please! Then, when you're done, go sleep in my bed! No, please! Sleep as long as you want! Then, we can go to the beach!" Which is exactly what I did.

I love them. Everyone I've met here has been so warm and kind, and they are very giving. I give them so much credit. If I were them, I would never let some strange American girl eat my food then sleep in my bed, but that just shows the kind of people that they are.

After I took a lovely nap in Miguel's sister's son's bed, Angela and I went to the beach. It was a gorgeous day yesterday and the water in the Mediterranean is so clear and warm. I think Angela probably thinks I' some kind of weird sea creature, because literally every time I swim in the Mediterranean I get so happy and laugh for pretty much no reason except for the fact that I'm swimming in the Mediterranean. Every time I get in that water, I'm like a little kid again splashing and swimming around like it's the greatest thing in the world, which actually, it really is.

After we were done swimming, Angela and I took a walk on the beach which took less than 10 minutes because of how tiny the beach is there. But it was so nice, because the sights were amazing, and this beach actually had sand instead of rocks so it didn't hurt to walk around.

Then, we came home and had a casual dinner in the living room which consisted of leftovers from their dinner party for them, and for me it was tostado con tomatoe which is pretty much my go to meal because of how delicious it is.

Then we watched some T.V. and watched the Spanish celebrity gossip channel, which pretty much talks about the American celebrities and their lives, but also talks about the Spanish ones. The Spanish celebrities however, are the toreros, ( the spanish bullfighters), and the soccer players and their girlfriends. It was kind of bizarre to see that the bullfighters were as famous and followed by paparazzi as actors here in America are.

Anyways, yesterday was so much fun and although I miss my family and friends, I wouldn't trade this experience for anything.

Foam, pastelitas, and a greasy pole.

In response to the title of this blog, some of you are probably thinking, "Now what do foam, pastelitas, and a greasy pole all have in common? Things at a strip club, perhaps?" Now readers, get your mind out of the gutter because pastelitas are not the same thing as pasties. Just say'in.

No, no,no, these things, when combined, make to be what might be the greatest festival I've ever been to. Scratch that. It was the greastest festival I've ever been to.

I woke up at 8 :25, had to leave at 8 :30, so you can bet your bottom dollar that I threw on my bathing suit, chugged my cafe con leche, and stuffed a gofre ( like a waffle but so much better because you eat it cold and it's sweet) down my throat in a matter of 3 mins, with 2 mins to spare. I'm just that good. Hahahaa jk, this morning I was pretty much a walking zombie until I met my new friends Oscar, Nadia, and Ana, who quickly woke me up with their peppy personalities and tons of amusing questions about America such as "Is it really like it is in movies? Are cheerleaders really popular? Do the popular groups sit together at lunch? What about prom? Do you eat peanut butter? What is peanut butter? " And on, and on, and on.....you get the picture.

We drove about 15 mins away to a town called Javier, which is also has beaches right in the town. Today was the town's festival, and mind you, it was considered a "small festival" because it was only one day. Usually the town festivals are about a week. Oh yeah, Spaniards don't mess around when it comes to partying. It's pretty much considered a second occupation for them here.

For awhile, we sat in the shade talking and me answering their questions about America. Then, we got in line to go get free chocolate with what was a biscuit, which you dipped in the chocolate. It was so good!

Javier kind of has a sort of square with shops and things, and then you go down some stairs and you're on the beach. So then, we waited a while longer and everyone gathered in the middle of the square we were sprayed and completely covered in foam! There was a huge machine and everyone was laughing and dancing and throwing foam on each other. We were all completely soaked.

Then, after the foam is finished, you walk towards the beach and there are these huge trucks filled with pastelitas (little cupcakes with sticky marshmallow icing). The people on the trucks start throwing these little pastelitas out for everyone to catch. Cool, more free food! Not so much. Everyone takes the pastelitas and throws them at each other and every one gets completely covered in sticky, multi-colored marshmallow icing. Keep in mind, you're already soaked from the foam, and now strangers are wiping marshmallow all over your face. I'm not gonna lie, it was pretty much the most fun experience of my entire life.

Then, everyone runs into the Mediterranean to wash off and swim around. After, we lie on the beach and dry off and walk around the block to the area where the boats dock, and you can swim in deeper water if you want to. This is where they set up a pole sticking out from the dock to over the sea. Then, they grease the pole with something so it makes it slippery and attach a flag to the end of the pole. The big prize for getting the flag first? 5 euro. It's more about the fun of the challenge though, and the pride of winning.

So we watched person after person attempt to win the flag, and fail until finally, some one finally got to it! It was so amusing to watch, and took awhile because of how difficult and slippery the pole was. Also, it was really hot today so many people jumped in and watched from the water, or took a quick dip. However, there were many really obnoxious kids that kept yelling and pushing each other in the water, called chungos, my friends told me, which basically means ghetto in spanish.

I was watching the kids attempt to win the flag, when out of nowhere, I am hit by what feels like a brick wall, and suddenly I'm flying over the edge of the dock and plopping straight into the Mediterranean. I come up out of the water, completely bewildered, cracking up and I look up and see my friends hysterically laughing too. They explained to me that un chunga, was trying to push her boyfriend in, which was terribly stupid because everyone was so crowded together, and I was the lucky one who was standing next to her boyfriend and accidentally pushed me in when she pushed him in. Oh well, I thought it was hilarious.

After the greased pole tradition, everyone goes to a street and has free paella that they make in these huge pans. However, we didn't eat the paella because it was too crowded so we walked to the supermarket, bought food, and took it back to Ana's house and made pasta.

Then, we watched Sex and the City on the T.V. which they put on the original sound (the English version) with Spanish subtitles so we could both understand. They told me it's surprising to them every time they hear the real actor/actress' voice because they are so used to the voiced over English voice with a Spanish actor/actresses' voice. I've always wondered about that, so if you did too, now you know.

We went swimming at a nearby pool that the residents of the condo Ana owns can use. It was really fun, and even though I can't always understand what everyone is saying, I have been understanding more each day and have been paying more attention to the languages I can understand, like body language, or horseback riding. For example, I went horseback riding 2 days ago and it was the exact same way as it is in America, and it was really comforting to be able to speak at least one language, and at least be able to communicate with horses like I do at home.

Anyways, when we were at the pool my friends started imitating different ethnicities of people speaking spanish, because they get a lot of tourists in this area. It was the most confusing yet interesting thing I've ever heard and very funny too. They imitated French, English, American, Moroccan, Italian, and others. I had to think in like 3 languages at the same time. It was so confusing, but I found the less I thought about it and kind of just went with it, I understood better than if I overthink everything.

After that, we went back to Ana's and i had to go home afterward even though the festival still had the whole night to go. They go out at 12 and stay out until very early in the morning, but I couldn't do that because I had a dinner party tonight at my house with my host parents and their friends. It was very good. We had meat,and pizza with fish, and these roll type things with tuna and spinach. It was different, but I am now used to being open with different foods, and just in general.

Today was so much fun, and everything went by so fast because of all the craziness and excitement. I am so exhausted and absolutely burnt to a crisp right now because I spent all day in the sun (and water, thanks to a certain chunga!) hahaha.

My little balcony- a.k.a. favorite place ever

I'm dedicating this post to my little balcony that I have in my room. Most of you are probably saying..."uhhh wtf? Why is she talking about her balcony?" haha, but let me explain.

Going into a foreign country to live for a year is by far the most terrifying yet gratifying experience of my life thus far. It is so difficult every day, especially now in the early stages. Imagine being mute and deaf because that's pretty much how it is for me now. Yes, I am understanding more every day, but it is still hard to communicate with people that you have no idea what they are saying, or what to say back because you don't understand them in the first place.

It's pretty much a miracle when you think about it, that somehow i get through each day, successfully I'd say, without knowing or understanding most of the time. Every day I am so tired from listening intently and making my brain work overtime trying to understand and remember new words and phrases. Therefore, my balcony, my little place of solitude, is my favorite place ever.

My little balcony allows me to go out, sit in the sun, read a good book (Eat, Pray, love for now), and look at the gorgeous mountains around me. In times of trouble or distress or confusion or whatever it is, everyone needs a place of solitude and comfort and I've found mine here in Spain.

This little balcony is pretty much a Godsend. That I have this little freedom to go outside when I want and think or read or just relax is so important to me. Usually I spend all my time out on my balcony during siesta, or whenever I get a chance, really.

It allows me a break from the constant chatter, noise, and commotion and allows my brain to relax and give itself a break. It allows me appreciate the beautiful place I am in and the beautiful opportunity that I have. This little balcony allows me to realize how beautiful life itself is.

I went out there at 2 in the morning last night. Everyone was fast asleep, but I couldn't sleep. This past week has been such a huge change for me, and everything has been a whirlwind. I just needed to sort things out and think about what's happened to me this past week.

I opened the door, felt the cool night breeze and sat on my balcony. And however cliché it sounds, I layed down and looked at the stars. They were so much brighter and distinct than at home. I felt so content and at peace.

Then I talked to God. I just told him about my week, and the things I saw and did, all the changes, my fears, my joys, everything. Then I thanked him for giving me the courage to do this, and giving me this wonderful oppurtunity. Lying there at 2 in the morning while the world is sleeping, looking at the stars, and talking to God is a feeling I can't describe. Like swimming in the Mediterranean, seeing Calpe lit up at night from a mountaintop, this is a moment I won't forget. I've been here only a week and I've had some of the best experiences of my life so far.

I've realized something in the past week. That if i had not made myself get on that plane and leave everything I've ever known behind, I wouldn't be having these amazing experiences. That if you don't do something that scares the hell out of you, you will never have moments that you remember for the rest of your life. That if you don't take every opportunity and grab life at every possible moment, it will pass you by.

I'm not going to let it pass me by.

Comical Miscommunications

Obviously because I'm not fluent I don't understand very much, and I can't speak very well right now. For the time being, I am just listening and learning that way. So, there have been many miscommunications that are actually quite funny.

My room has a balcony, and I sleep with it open because it can get hot in Spain. Because the door is open, sometimes mosquitoes will fly in so I sleep with a mosquito net around the bed. 2 nights ago, I went to sleep, and in the morning found that somehow during the night my mosquito net fell on me, or I accidentally pulled it down while I was sleeping. Angela then assumed that I didn't know that I was to sleep under the blanket in my bed, and thought that I pulled down the mosquito net and used it as a blanket because I was cold. She spent the whole morning explaining that I could sleep under the blanket so I wasn't cold haha. I didn't know enough Spanish to explain to her that I do use the blanket while I sleep, and that the mosquito net fell down on me, so I just went along with it, smiled and nodded my head.

Then, yesterday we visited our neighbors. The girl Celia is 18 and she is going to college to study English, but she is not very good at it. Her dad wanted her to practice with me so he asked me what la playa meant in English. I told him it means beach, but they didn't understand the spelling and thought that I was calling him a bitch, because with their accent it sounds the same. He was not offended, he thought it was funny, but I explained that the words bitch and beach are spelled differently and sound different too.

Last night after listening to the spanish punk rock band, Nerea and I walked to la plaza because her mom was picking us up and taking us home. On the way to the plaza, we talked about boys and she asked me questions about if I had a boyfriend at home. I said no I didn't, but I started to tell her a funny story about back home dealing with a boy that I liked but he had a girlfriend, but it came out wrong and she thought that I said I had a girlfriend. Haha! I quickly corrected myself, saying that " No, me gusta chicos haha". I think I've learned my lesson. Just don't talk anymore. Haha, for now, I'll just try to listen and understand first, so that I don't accidentally tell people that I'm a lesbian or call people bitches hahahahaa.

Talk about language barriers. hahaa!

Spanish punk rock band?

Today I woke up very early....for me that is. I had to get up at 8 because Miguel and I went to Alicante, which is about an hour and a half away. We got up, ate desayuno, (pan y cafe con leche as always) and then left.

I love these random little trips because they allow me to see so much of Spain. The entire car ride was gorgeous, I loved every minute of it because we either saw mountains or the sea or both. It was amazing.

We went through Calpe, Altea ( a famous town in Spain for artists), and Benidorm (which is known worldwide for its amazing beaches and discotechas). We finally got to Alicante, and I loved it. It was such a nice city, yet right on the beach. We had to go because I needed some kind of paper for my school.

After we got the papers settled, Miguel had to make some phone calls and he let me walk on the boardwalk and beach for 20 minutes. It was such a beautiful day, and the sights and sea were so indescribable. I took pictures, the only problem is I am bad with technology(as most of you know) so I have to figure out how to put them up.

Then we came home, at almorzar which was pasta and tuna (we eat a lot of tuna), and then had....SIESTA. But I was actually very productive and didn't sleep the entire time, but put away some of my clothes.

Then, Angela and I walked to our neighbors house. They are very nice and have so many animals and exotic fruit growing that I have never tasted before. I tried these little apples called something along the lines of a gordinza. Yo olvido.

Then we sat down and they told me about the traditional festivals that happen in April, but it was a bit hard to follow. Also, I tried the traditional drink of Valencia, called Horchata de chufa. It was really weird tasting. I don't know what it was, but I politely drank it so as not to offend anyone (I seem to be doing a lot of that lately). I looked it up later to see what it was made out of and it said tiger nuts, water, and sugar. I can't even describe the taste, it was so peculiar but not in a good way.

Then, my friend Thais called Angela to see if I could hang out with her and Nerea and Reuben. Angela dropped me off in Benissa and we walked to what was an apartment building, but also had an abandoned garage inside. We walked in and I met many of Thais' friends. It was 4 boys that pretty much use the garage as the ultimate man cave. I'm talking spray painted walls (one boy is an artist), an xbox, and a room for their band.

We pretty much sat there and they talked and smoked and played futbol on the xbox and I tried to understand what they were saying.Then, we all went into the back room and watched their band play. I guess it was punk rock music. It was good, and they were skilled with their instruments, but it was not necessarily my cup of tea. Or horchata.

It was just so strange to think that last week I was with my best friends in little old Pitman, New Jersey, and today I am in Spain in an abandoned garage listening to Spanish punk rock music. Es muy extraño.

Anyways, everyday here is pretty much a new adventure. I have no idea what I'm doing tomorrow but I just hope it is as fun as it has been the last few days.

20 things I've learned while in Spain.

1. Everyone drives a stick shift and the cars are tiny.

2. All Europeans are crazy drivers.

3. With that being said, they know what they're doing (don't worry Mom).

4. All meals are eaten outside on a terrace or a back porch or somewhere outside.

5. I'm convinced they only sell 1 kind of shower gel, because I've seen it in every house I've gone to.

6. They don't sell razors! They either wax or look like Chewbauca or use a máquina de afeitar, which is, this little machine of terror that is supposed to make your legs smooth but really plucks every hair and makes you feel like your legs are getting amputated every time you touch it. I told Angela, "Muchas gracias, pero no me gusta." which is quite the understatement. Right now, I am using this little disposable razor that is normally used to shave a man's face. It only has 1 little, and i mean little, blade. It's terrible.

7. All beaches are topless( it's still weird no matter how many times I've been to them).

8. Bread is eaten with everything. And I mean, everything.

9. Kids my age get served drinks even though the drinking age is 18.

10. Everyone smokes. Smoking is to people here, as bread is to their food. If that makes sense? Ehh you get the jist.

11. Siestas are the greatest thing ever known to man ( as I've already said in pretty much every post). I just can't fully describe how much I love siestas. I LOVE THEM.

12. The sodas and soft drinks taste like watered down versions of the soda in America.

13. Every region has it's own dialect. I live in Valencia, where they speak Valenciano. It's unfortunate for me because I have to learn plain old regular Castillian spanish, and also pick up the dialect so I can understand what the people in my town are saying.

14. People here really like America. And people in America really like Europe. So I guess it's kind of a "grass is greener on the other side" type of thing. Weird.

15. They use spray deodorant. Mom, if your reading this, along with razors can you send some regular deodorant please? Muchas gracias:)

16. They eat with the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right hand. When they eat they turn the fork upside down poke the food, then use the knife to put it on their fork. Don't think I'm weird for noticing this, it's just so bizarre to watch them eat it that way.

17. They wait until everyone is served and seated before they eat their food.

18. Before eating they say, "Que aproveche!" which is the equivalent of "bon appetite." They only do this at dinner parties or family dinners though, not out with friends.

19. They drink wine out of regular glass cups. I've seen no one use a wine glass yet.

20. Whenever you first meet someone, say hello, say goodbye, , or leave to go somewhere, you always kiss them on both cheeks. Everyone's always kissing, it's different than America. I like it.

These are some important things I've learned in Spain....I never stop learning. It's exhausting. Good thing they invented siestas! :)

Best Day Ever.

Today was the best day ever. No question. I got up for breakfast at around 11 and I had pan with something that was either cheese or butter. I think it was butter. No sé. Also, for my gift to Miguel and Anglela I brought them preserves from America including blueberries, pumpkins, and oranges. Today they tried the blueberry preserve and it was so cute to see them eat it because they never had it before. They seemed to like it. Who knows though? They could have been lying like I was about the grilled octopus last night hahaa.

After breakfast, Miguel made me start to read a book in Spanish, so I could practice my accent, intonation, and pronunciation. Then, he helped me understand it. I only read about 2 pages and it was very difficult to understand, but Miguel helps me a lot. He is pretty much a Godsend, teaching me random vocab and correcting my grammar. He speaks very little English but enough to help me understand.

Then, at around 12, we drove 15 mins to the beach in Benissa. We went to the weekend home of Angela's sister and brother in law. Their house was right by the water. I met Angelas sister, her husband, his mother, and also saw Anglea's mother again. Everyone is so nice and understanding.

Angela and I went down to la playa (the beach), and it was way different than in the U.S.A. First off, it was the Mediterranean Sea, not Atlantic Ocean. Second, there were rocks on the bottom, not sand. Third, some women had no tops on. I suppose it's common in Spain, but it was still strange to me.

Anyway, the water was so beautiful and clear, but actually quite wavy. Usually, it's calm but today it was rough. Also, the water is deep so you actually have to swim instead of just stand there like usually at the beach.

I can try to explain how it feels to be swimming in the Mediteranean, surrounded by large mountains and feeling the sun on your face, but honestly it's indescribable. There's really only one word I can use to describe how I was feeling. Happy. I was so, so happy in that moment.

Angela went back up to her sister's house after swimming but I decided to stay for a little while and read my Kindle. I'm reading Eat, Pray, Love, and I totally sympathize with Elizabeth Gilbert. I'm having my own Eat, Pray, Love moment here in Spain. It's pretty incredible.

When i came back to the house, Miguel and Antonio( Angelas sister's husband) made paella. Next to siestas, paella is the best thing ever created. It has a certain type of rice, and depending on the region, either fish or meat or both. Ours had chicken in it, and it was so delicious! The best meal I've had here by far. Also, we had melon, but it's not like in the U.S.A , it's very sweet and delicious.

Next, comes my favorite part of the day. Siesta. Seriously, how great is it that you can eat then go to sleep right after? Anyone who knows me knows this is my idea of perfection. I slept for 2 hrs. Granted, siestas aren't normally that long but I'm still recovering from jet lag.

After that, they fed me( they never stop feeding me!) ice cream. It was different than American ice cream. It came in a square and you cut a slice off and eat it. I think it was almendra (almond) flavored. We eat a lot of almonds here because they grow many almonds in Spain. It was different, but good.

Then we drove home and i showered quickly and got ready because I was going to meet up with some girls in my town that I had talked to before I came to Spain. They are some of Laura's( the daughter of my host family who is an exchange student in New York) friends.

First, i showed Miguel and Angela my yearbook and pictures I brought with me. They were very entertained with my yearbook and impressed by how many activities my school does. It was very cute.

Then, Miguel drove me to la plaza purisima in Benissa, where I met some new friends. Miguel then drove all of us to Calpe, a beach town, 15 mins away. Calpe was so beautiful and had many shops restaurants, and dischotechas. My new friends (Nerea, Mireia, Paula, Thais, and Reuben)and I ate at a pizza place. Then, we shopped a little and sat down for a drink at a discotecha.

We went inside the dischotecha but it was completely empty and it was 11:30 at night. Why? Because the Spaniards go out to dischotechas at 1 or 2 in the morning. Es loco.

We danced a little and talked and I tried to keep up with their conversation, or at least understand some of it. I find that I get tired very easily from listening intently all day and at night, sometimes I just give up because I can't constantly pay attention that long.

Miguel picked me up at 12ish and he drove me to a spot where you can see Calpe, and Merienda, another beach town, from afar. Both towns were lit up and it was so beautiful. This whole day was filled with moments like swimming in the Mediterranean, and seeing these towns lit up at night from a mountaintop, that made me feel so alive and happy to be here. Honestly, could this day have gotten any better? The answer, if you don't already know, is a big, fat NO.