Maurine @ Home

I’m coaxing myself to finish up writing this blog, but I’m struggling. I feel like if I finish writing about being here at home then that officially makes España over. Granted, it was over when I left Calle Postrera, when I took off from Madrid, when I landed in New York, and when I arrived here in Northampton, but it still doesn’t seem quite real. I feel like I should be going back, but I also love being here. It’s a strange feeling to say the least.

Thursday morning I went next door to see my little boys. They’ve grown so much! Aiden turned six and started Kindergarten while I was away, and Aaron is in preschool just had his fourth birthday this past week. Ashton, my beloved little baby man, is now walking and saying a few words. It broke my heart to be away from them for so long, but it was also that much sweeter to see them again. Aaron ran into my arms and in his standard, raspy, little boy voice, yelled  “Mo! I just missed you so much! I love you so much!” I cried. It was such a happy moment to have him throw himself on me. Of course it was also wonderful to see Wendy and Tim, too. They were really excited about the olive oil I brought home for them and the red Spanish bull t-shirts I brought for the boys.

Thursday evening I went to TDXmas, a Christmas formal hosted by one of the fraternities at Amherst. It was amazing to see all my friends, though it wasn’t as much fun as last year. It was only my second night home, so I was still really jetlagged. Needless to say, staying out until 2am was a true challenge. Luckily I’m going to have other opportunities to see everyone (outside of the packed bar environment) before they hear out for Christmas break.

Friday I did some Christmas shopping at the mall and ran some errands around Northampton. Though mundane, it was so nice to run around Northampton going to the Post Office and Shu-Fix. I missed the simple, little things!

Saturday afternoon and evening I was with Aiden, Aaron, and Ashton while Wendy and Tim had a night out. They stayed at Hotel Northampton, so I had a lovely overnight with my three little munchkins. We made cookies and did crafts before bedtime, and then Ashton and I snuggled all night in bed. I never even bothered to put him in his crib; I just wanted to hold him. 

Baby man, Ashton

My love

Early on Sunday morning Aiden and Aaron came and got in bed with Ashton and me, and the four of us watched cartoons for a while before going to get some breakfast. It was paradise- I missed the boys so much!

Yesterday afternoon Mommy and I went for a lovely seven mile run along the river trail over by he Smith Campus, which was great. I missed my fabulous Northampton running routes. After hot showers to warm up and a bit of lunch, we headed out to get our Christmas tree at Four Corner Farm. 

Cutting our tiny Christmas tree!

We spent the evening decorating the tree, went to a Messiah sing in town, and finally got our Christmas e-card put together, with photos from the half marathon and the Alhmabra in Granada:

I still have unpacking to do, though all my suitcases are put away in the closet now. Its not that I’m in denial, I just feel no particular rush to finish hanging clothes in my closet and folding the clean laundry.

I’m here in Northampton to stay, and I’m thoroughly enjoying the chilly air and Christmas spirit. Córdoba was life-changing, and I’m so grateful to have had the experience. I’m now bilingual, have made some amazing friends, and have been to some of the most spectacular places on Earth.

When I started “Maurine Abroad,” I though that I’d write a post every week or so; I never pictured myself doing an (almost) daily update on my time travels. I’m so glad I did though, its been great having people following by trip, not to mention a really easy way to share the experience. Gracías por leer! (Thanks for reading!) I've gotten over 3,000 hits! plan to have the entire compilation printed and bound so I can have a paper copy. So… that’s that! I’m home, I’m changed, and I’m happy. Feliz Navidad, compañeros, y que tengáis una buena temporada de vacaciones!

Con Amor~

Maurine @ Home

A very Preshco farewell

In true Preshco fashion, Tuesday's farewell party was a total blast. The evening started with a performance form the guitar class, and was followed by our Sevillanas spectacular. Jess and I brought down the house with our dance. It wasn’t that our dance skills were anything impressive, but between her matador suit and our combined enthusiasm, it was enough to get the audience really psyched. 

Jess on the stairs at Circulo de Amistad

The lovely couple

Traje de Sevillanas

Dress and hair

Proud papa, Carlos. 

After the performances (and a change of costume) the real party began. There was a huge selection of tapas, wines, and a live band to entertain the evening as we chatted amongst professors, family, and friends. 

With Maricarmen, Carlos, and Kim- the family of Calle Postrera

With Maricarmen and Carlos

Dancing with Jess 

The party ended all too soon, however. I had to catch my 1am bus to Madrid, so I had to get all my things together and head out by around 12:30. Before leaving, I made sure to grab a microphone and thank everyone for everything. I didn't even make it to the microphone before crying, though. I though I would be fine, and not emotional at all, but I was a waterworks standing there in front of a room of 200 people. And from the microphone I went straight to the a taxi. Kim came outside to the taxi with Maricarmen and Carlos and saw us off. I know I'll see her again soon, but we both clung to each other and sobbed. She was a wonderful housemate.

Kim and I with our "diplomas" (hats) from the Universidad de Córdoba

Maricarmen and Carlos brought me to the bus station and saw me off. I cried again when I left them- they were really amazing host parents. I get the idea that they travel though, so I hope I'll see them again on the other side of the ocean.

The overnight bus ride was long and sleepless, and I arrived in Madrid just as the sun was rising. Check-in included some last-minute weight re-distribution in my suitcases, but I made it with two suitcases at the exact 23 kg limit. I slept some on the flight from Madrid to JFK, but the anticipation and excitement of being in America and seeing my Mom again was too much. And alas....

I finally made it! and apparently I was grinning ear-to-ear when I emerged through security to another tearful reunion. We made the woman next to us cry, too. After some rush-hour traffic coming out of the city, and a few more hours of travel, I made it HOME. Walking through the door and seeing my cats and sleeping in my bed has been beyond amazing. Only 24 hours of traveling... and 36 hours of being awake.

There's been more since the first night here, but I'll finish the update another time. I'm still on European time, so its time to get in my wonderful bed again!

I'm the luckiest girl in the world

After a wonderful Prescho party in Córdoba last night and a long 36 hours of traveling, I am home in Northampton. I'm exhausted, elated, sad, and feel so blessed. These past three and a half months have been incredible. I'll write more about the final evening in Córdoba and traveling home, but for now its about 18 hours past my bedtime.

Flamenco, Let's go

Packed and ready! I spent this morning running around Córdoba getting last minute gifts, and then this afternoon was all about finishing packing up and taking my Geography final exam. Its all done! And now I've just finished my hair and am about to head out the door with all my suitcases to the Preshco party and on to Madrid!

Sleepless

I couldn't sleep at all last night, despite being so tired. Anticipating today's party and departure and my arrival tomorrow at home has turned me into an insomniac. So instead of sleeping, I doodled in Paintshop and made a nice little map:

Keep breathing

Ah yes, the joy of final exams. Córdoba exams are hardly stressful in comparison to Smith, but still. An exam is an exam, and should be taken seriously. Today, however, the proved to be more than I could handle.

This morning I went to the grocery store to pick up a few things for lunch since I was going to be prepping for my music exam at the facultad during lunch hour with the other girls in my class. I got a nice bag of green beans to munch on, and they tasted great. Everyone had a few, but I ate the majority for lunch and felt lightly satisfied and great. Five minutes into the Music exam, however, was a change of tune. No pun intended.

We had to identify two pieces and be able to write an essay on both of them talking about the musical and historical components of both. Normally this would have been no problem, but in the hour and a half I had to write two essays, I barely made it through one. I guess the beans must have been bad or something, because I literally ran back and forth to the bathroom five times during class to yack my brains out. In the times when I came back to class to write I ended up just sitting and focusing on breathing and making my hands not shake. Needless to say I felt badly for the other girls in the class with my running in and out- I had to take the exam though. At least the first half, that it. Pilar called time and I had only done 50%. I asked her if I could possibly write the other at home in bed and turn it into her tomorrow.

When she laughed at my question I thought I was about to burst into tears. She said no, but instead of writing at all she had me just come talk through what I would have written about. I still had to get up during our conversation and run for the baño, but I managed to not have to write an essay. GRACíAS PILAR!

The rest of the afternoon was spent jumping between bed and the bathroom floor, but after a nice nap and some dinner I felt great. It was most definitely food poisoning, and I’m thankful for that. I thought my last 24 hours here in Córdoba were going to be like my first days here in Spain- sick sick sick.

Anyways- hurray! Also, at dinner Maricarmen gave Kim and I eat two big boxes of holiday goodies like marzipan and turron to bring home to our families. And as a special gift for us, she got us each a really beautiful ring that was handmade by the best friend of one of our neighbors. I’m so touched and honored!

I particularly like that you can see my suitcase and Sevillanas dress in the background. 

I have to say that as much as I am excited to go home tomorrow, I will miss this place. Golfo, one of the dogs, tied to put himself in my suitcase today.

The rest of the evening has been a Sevillanas rehearsal for our big performance tomorrow night at the final Preshco party. I’m going to the party with all by suitcases packed, and leaving form the party on a 1am bus to Madrid. I arrive at the airport around 7, and check in for my departure to New York at 11. Oddly enough, I arrive at 1:30-something. Only a two and a half hour flight? No. 8.5+ hours. And then my mom and I will drive home. I’m going to be exhausted. Its also weird to think that I’m not sure where I’ll be posting from next time. Could be the US? The only thing I know for sure is that I'll be listening to Citizen Cope- My Way Home as I touch down on American soil. I've been planning it all semester, and now its less than 48 hours away. Loca!

Ah Córdoba, if this is the last time I blog from within the confines of your historic old city walls on Calle Postrera, let me just say that this semester has been spectacular. No puedo agradecerles lo suficiente por todas mis experncias. 

Queda dos, venga tres

I've been lazy about writing! My apologies. Let's do a day-by-day recap:

I actually had two classes on Friday, Music and Geo, because the professor wanted to get in one more class session before the final exams. I personally didn't think another class was necessary for either considering we had already finished the material, but oh well. I have the Music open note exam tomorrow (Monday) and the Geography exam, which is just writing a bit about some photos of Spanish landscapes he's going to show us, on Tuesday. The rest of the day was exceptionally lazy and uneventful.

On Saturday, yesterday, I busted out the suitcases and began packing. Considering that I have to get everything organized and be ready to go on Tuesday, I thought it'd be a good idea to start before departure day. The only real challenge is figuring out how to get my plates home since they're fragile and weigh a lot. There are no weight restrictions on carry-ons, so I think I'm just going to wrap them in clothes and carefully put them in my backpack. I'm too nervous that they'll put my suitcase over the 50 pound weight limit and end up broken.

Yesterday was also Amber's 21 birthday celebration. We were going to botellon in a park before going to a club or something, but it ended up being one of the few nights of rain here. Shoot. We didn't want to pay for drinks at a bar! So expensive! Kim and I are really cheap, too, so we brought wine for ourselves. Unfortunately because of the weather everyone went to a bar, and we couldn't bring our wine if we went. Instead, we found a small shed with an awning in the park and sneakily drank our wine there. It was a crack up. We eventually made it to the bar, and wished Amber a happy birthday, but the high point of the night was definitely the wine under the shed awning. This is what our lives have come to... Drinking wine in a park at night... amazing.

This morning we managed to peel ourselves out of bed in time to go to mass at the Mezquita. I had never been to mass before, so it was an interesting experience. It was also just the excuse I needed to go to the Mezquita one more time before I leave. The rest of today has been rainy, so I've been inside packing bit by bit and doing a bit of prep for my exam tomorrow.

Closer to home every day! Two until I leave, three until I'm home... ALA! Whoa.

Three days later...

I'm alive and kicking still. I just haven't written since I've been out and about in Córdoba soaking it all in as the clocks ticks closer to my departure time.

I'll write later, but for now I'm off to go to the Mezquita one more time and experience Sunday mass!

Feria de Aceit(unas)

Another day in Spain… another holiday! Tuesday was a celebration of the completion of the new Spanish Constitution in the post-Franco era. Today, Thursday, is a celebration of Imaculada, the mother of Christ, honoring how she conceived her child without having sex. At this point I’m not too concerned with school, so my priorities and energy are more focused on soaking up the last few days here in Spain. And today was all about soaking it up- with oil.

Today was the final day of the “Feria de Aceitunas” in Martos, which is about 30 minutes outside the city of Jaén. Bernadette and Lyssa and I got up early and caught a train to Jaén, and then transferred to a bus to Martos to see what the celebration was all about. 

As it turns out, however, it wasn’t as much of a celebration of aceitunas (olives) as it was a celebration of aceite (olive oil). The information we found online, like most information found online about Spain, didn’t say anything about the starting time, so we figured we would go on the earler side and have lunch and wander a bit. When we got there at 11, however, it was completely dead, and apparently was not scheduled to start until 1:30.

Luckily there was a lovely terrace at a café nearby that overlooked the mountain of Martos, so we sat and enjoyed the breakfast we never ate before leaving home while waiting for the time to pass. We also met two German exchange students from Jaén who were also at the Feria for the day, so the five girls hung out and drank coffee in the sun before hitting the exposition. 

Beautiful view from the terrace

Is it ever too early for beer in Spain? Also: note the mullet

The so-called Feria wasn’t exactly a Feria, though. It was more of a massive crowd of elderly people shoving in line to get their envelope with their piece of bread and water bottle and charge to a table to soak it with aceite. We asked why there were no young people, with the exception of the “Reigna de Aceitunas” and her two runners-up, and one woman was nice enough to explain that all the able-bodied people are out picking olives in the fields as fast as they can. It does make sense, particularly after taking the train for an hour and a half through olive tree-covered hills, but I hadn’t exactly thought it through prior to today.  Then again, I didn’t know when olive-harvesting season was either…

Reigna de la Feria de Aceitunas and her runners-up

After struggling in line and finally getting our bread in envelopes, we thoroughly stuffed ourselves with bread and aceite. There was a small bag of olives (ten, maybe less) inside the envelope, but nothing compared to what I was expecting. It’s a Feria de Aceitunas, not a Feria de Aceite! Oh well, it was still a great day, and I’m fine with buying my stock of olives to bring home for my tapas party elsewhere. 

Bernadette and Lyssa

By the time I got home this evening it was pretty late, and I’ve just been going through photos and trying to organize myself a bit before the packing madness hits. Maricarmen asked when I wanted Paki to bring my suitcases to my room. ¿What? ¿Que? Her question took me by surprise, but I guess its reality at this point. Its bittersweet, but I really need to start packing for home!

Slap 'em

Today was a quiet morning, and although I'm feeling much better after staying home all day yesterday, I still didn't run today. I don't want to push it. I had my final Politics class this afternoon, and my second to last Music class; I can't believe how fast this time has gone. So wonderful, and so eye-opening, and I'm so excited to return to what I know and have new appreciation for it now.

Tonight, after dinner, I was sitting at the table chatting with Carlos about the differences between men and women here in Spain. I mentioned that it bothers me when I get hollered at in the streets. He explained that that's a normal way for a man to express his attraction to a woman, which I understand, but I still think it is highly inappropriate. I don't whistle at attractive men, so please, don't whistle at a woman. Treat me as more than a damn object, you asshole.

What's worse than one man, I expressed as our conversation continued, is a group of men. I told Carlos about one night that I was out at a club here in Córdoba in October and I was in front of a group of boys in the entry line. I had forgotten that I didn't share this story here in the blog or with my mom until she came to visit, so now, especially following tonight's conversation, I think is the perfect time to share it. It goes like this.

In Preshco, we have conversation partners who are trying to learn English. We meet up with them at our own free will and speak to each other in opposite languages. My conversation partner is a nice guy named Alex who works at Mansull, a discoteca here in Córdoba at night and goes to the University during the day. I was waiting in line one night to meet Alex, who was already inside, and there was a group of young Spanish men (boys) behind me. I was alone, but about to meet up with Alex. One of these men reached out and grabbed my butt. I whipped around and immediately asked, all in Spanish, which of them it was. They all laughed and said "Someone was touching you? No!" This happened two more times, both times with me turning around and shouting "No me toques!" (Don't touch me!). On the fourth time, instead of just turning around and yelling, I grabbed the wrist attached to the hand on my butt, whipped around, and smacked the arm's owner square in the face, and hard too. I think the boys were surprised, but it ended the whole episode. I never anticipated hitting anyone in my life, but in this circumstance, and hopefully never in another circumstance of a similar nature, I think it was entirely warranted. American men maybe be a bit more difficult to read, but at least they generally have respect for women as more than sexual objects. I know the males that I associate myself with would never treat a woman like those guys did.

So that's my story. Its nothing that happened today, but it was part of my conversation with Carlos after dinner, so I think sharing it was as warranted as my slapping a man. Carlos thought my slap was entirely legitimate, too. I hope it felt legitimate on that dude's face, too. I was angry and put some effort into it.

Ok... well. I'm not really sure how to write an eloquent transition out of that story and segue onto writing about my plans for tomorrow... I'm getting up early to go to an Olive Festival somewhere near Jaén. It's olive harvesting season here. Yum. And it is also late here. That is all. Adios.

Coge un limon

Today has been a day spent entirely inside the house, and yet as much as I hate to stay home all day with just a week left before I fly stateside, it was the right choice. I had a bad sore throat last night, so I anticipated staying here all day to feel better. It'd really be a drag if I was sick for my last week here in Spain. I'm hopeful that drinking tea all day and relaxing will help, though. Usually when I get sick I keep up my normal pace and refuse to take a sick day, so today, although it took real effort to force myself to stay in, was a real accomplishment for me. If this virus has any sense of what is just and fair in this world, it will leave me healthy and rested by tomorrow morning. Please. Tomorrow, unlike today and Thursday and Friday, is not a holiday. Please.

This house is a good place to be sick though; I picked a few lemons from the tree on the patio and made lemon tea with honey. I can't say that I've ever picked a lemon and consumed it in such an authentic way before. My throat hurt, but I have to admit it was pretty cool...

I took my tea and used it productively, too. I spent literally the entire day working on a final project for my Geography class. Its a PowerPoint of 100 slides, 10 for each theme we've covered. Unfortunately the work is really dull and time consuming (just re-copying class notes and adding pictures) but I got it done. That leaves the rest of my time here project free! I only have one open-note exam and one in-class essay to write- easy!

I also realized that in my rush to write and get to bed last night I forgot to mention that I bought my final plate for my collection from here in Córdoba. I now officially have my set of six from my travels this semester (though in all honesty I might get one more when I go to an Olive Festival near Jaén on Thursday). Here they are!

From a ceramics market in Chefchaouen, Morocco

From Asilah, Morocco

The newest addition, from Córdoba!

From Sevilla

From El Rastro market in Madrid

From Granada

The collection!

Everyone else has been buying clothes and other types of souvenirs. I've been doing a bit of that as well,  but I'm really glad I focused my attention on the plates. Each one has a story and I remember exactly where I got it. It will be a pain wrapping them in my clothes and packing them to go back home next week, but it's worth it. Someday when I have my own apartment, I'll have a beautiful set of hand-painted plates.

I woke up to Christmas

This morning I woke up to rustling outside my door and the sound of Paki talking to the animals in the hall. When I opened the door on my way out for a run, I realized that while I was asleep the entire house had been decorated for Christmas! I guess I was just a day early yesterday with my Christmas train ride and watching Vespers. It looks lovely:

After a nice run an abbreviated Politics class, our Music class met to have lunch at Pilar's house. Pilar lives on the outskirts, so she picked the four of us up at the facultad and drove us out to her lovely home. Its really modern, and reminds me of the Walter Gropius house that my Modern Architecture and Design class toured last Spring when we were studying the Bauhaus movement. Stylistically speaking, if the house has pure, clean, geometric forms than the interior decorations should be from the same design school. In any residence that sort of stylistic continuity hardly ever happens, and Pilar's was an extreme example of a standard "mezcla," or mix. There was traditional Spanish tapestries hanging on the walls, pottery, and old furniture, but nothing modern, aside from the actual structure of the house seemed to exist. This is purely my own observation, but I thought it was interesting. Perhaps a metaphor for judging inner content over exterior façade? And of course, lunch was lovely and we had a nice time chatting with her about her children and grandkids around the dining room table. 

The rest of the day has been quiet. I have a bit of a sore throat, so I'm staying in the house tonight. We have a day off tomorrow, so lost of the Preshquitas are going out, but I really don't want to be sick for our final week here. Hopefully rest and an early evening will help me fight this off. I think it is whatever illness Carlos had over the weekend. Blegh! 

Vespers en tren

By the time Jay and I got up and got another falafel wrap for breakfast, it was time for me to head to the train station. We had some good laughs about last night and said our goodbyes before I got on the train, but it wasn't sad at all- I'll be seeing her again in the US in less than two weeks.


This whole Christmas season here is bittersweet for me. I have really enjoyed my time here in Spain, but I'm also really ready to be home to celebrate the holiday season. Today, for example, is the Hot Chocolate 5k in Northampton, followed by Smith's Vespers services tonight. Those are two of my most favorite holiday events! I know that I'll miss Spain once I'm gone, but the grass is always greener... right?


That being said, I tried to make today as festive as possible. I had a really special moment on the train home from Córdoba, which was almost entirely empty, where I ended up having an entire coach to myself. I was listening to traditional Christmas music from Vespers, and sang along with my iPod as the train sped through the olive tree fields of the Spanish countryside. Its not Northampton, but I thought it was pretty great. Tonight I also made a point of watching the live webcast of Vespers on the Smith website. Again, its not the same as being there in person, but it is pretty close. I also got to show Maricarmen and Carlos the Smith tradition and explain how we celebrate in Northampton. They'd never seen a Christmas Vespers service before! Technology is amazing!


On that note, its only ten days until I'm home in Northampton. I'm soaking up every minute that I have in Spain, but I'm also so excited to be home!

Celebrating Jay

Happy birthday Johanna! We had a blast running around Sevilla yesterday! Our day included lunch at a little café in the old area of the city, Starbucks, and shopping for an outfit for Johanna to wear out partying. 

Pretty birthday girl

Salmorejo for lunch!

Siesta in Starbucks

By the time we got back to her apartment, it was time for dinner. My mom brought me two boxes of some of my favorite Annie's mac'n'cheese from the US, so I have one to Johanna for her birthday and we cooked it for dinner. I have to admit I'm really jealous that she can use the kitchen in her apartment. Its much less luxurious than my house, but having the option to cook veggies and pasta was beyond amazing. 

Of course, we celebrated again, too. I liked last night a lot more than clubbing on Friday- we went to a few bars around the same area, but just stayed there instead of going to clubs. Johanna's group all came out to celebrate, and it was another great night. I'm so glad I was there, too!

Matt's photobombing

Jay and her boys

Birthday girl

By the time we got home after a stop at a Falafel place for a little snack, it was 4:30am. Needless to say, I'm tired today, but aside from getting back to Córdoba before dinner, I have no agenda. I suppose once we decided to get out of bed we'll just see where the day takes us. 

Spice is nice

So much for writing about Friday on Friday. Its currently noon on Saturday morning (afternoon) and Johanna and I are just getting up after a fun day in the city and a fabulous night out partying.

We spent yesterday morning sleeping in, and wandering the city before grabbing some Mexican food for dinner. The nachos we had weren’t even good, but since the place had hot sauce we were both in paradise. However, the nachos ended up being our talking point for the rest of the evening- we wanted everyone who likes spicy stuff to know that there is a place that it exists in Spain. I can’t wait to overly spice everything when I get home!

After dinner we met up with some of the other students from Johanna’s group and went to Plaza Alfalfa, an area in the old part of the city that is packed with little bars where everyone goes before clubbing. Sevilla has numerous clubs, but last night we only went one called Abril. Clubs are really fun, but I personally prefer hanging out in the bars and talking with people. I love to dance and have a good time, but ear-splitting music and flashing lights does get old after a while. That being said, I had a really great time at Abril, and I’m glad we went. We didn’t get home until five this morning!

Today is Johanna’s actual birthday, and although last night was supposed to be my second and last night here in Sevilla, her host mom said I could stay another night tonight. Ok! I have no urgent plans in Córdoba! Great! With this change in plans today will now consist of shopping for a great outfit for Johanna’s big birthday night and perhaps a little siesta so we’re ready to celebrate again. 

Thursday is the weekend

The weekend is off to a great start here in Sevilla! I honestly have to laugh at myself, sitting here on a Thursday night talking about my weekend starting, though. Thank goodness schoolwork is so minimal- it leaves plenty of time for my social life and traveling!

This morning was quiet around the house, and I took a little run before lunch and heading to my one academic class of the day. Unlike a normal Thursday, however, I didn’t go to guitar class afterwards. I went straight to the train station and hopped on a train to Sevilla, where I’ll be staying until Saturday in celebration of Johanna’s 21^st birthday.

Johanna had a group event for dinner tonight, so I didn’t get to see her until much later on… its fine though! My friend Luis, who was one of the guides on our trip to Portugal and is a Sevilla native, met me at the train station on his moped and then cooked me dinner at his house. I can’t say that a guy has ever cooked for me before, but it was pretty nice! When we settled on having dinner tonight I thought we’d head to a bar for tapas or something. Instead, we drank wine and chatted and laughed and relaxed until it was time to zip over here to Johanna’s house via moped once she was home. Lovely evening!

That’s about the extent of my story for today. Tomorrow probably we’ll run around Sevilla and (no doubt) begin Johanna’s birthday celebration in earnest. 

Savouring... CHRISTMAS!

I'm really trying hard to savour every remaining moment here. Really, I am. However, I think that this morning deserves special recognition since it is the first of December. There is no Thanksgiving or Black Friday to mark the beginning of the holiday season in this semi-tropical climate, so I've decided today is it, and I haven't stopped listening to Christmas music all day. I'm ready to be in New England and celebrate the season!

Sevillanas gets real

Another presentation down, another step closer to a semester completed! I find that a lot of the presentations that I've been doing this semester don't particularly interest me, but this one (for my politics class) was pretty engaging. Healthcare, whether public or private, is something that I didn't really know a lot about, so this project gave me to opportunity to solidly grasp and be able to compare the public health system here in Spain and the currently privatized plans in the United States. After our presentation our professor said Christina and I spoke really well (45 minutos...wow) and made a potentially dry subject engaging and extremely clear. Yes! Muy bien!

The other big event of the day was our final dress rehearsal for Sevillanas. We finally got the costumes sorted out, and did a couple of full run-throughs of the four dances. My partner, Jess, also goes to Smith, and tends to dress more masculinely. She decided that she wanted to wear the traditional male pant-suit for our dance, and I must say, we make a smashing couple. Our Sevillanas teacher was somewhat confused by Jess's desire to wear manly clothes over a massive layered dress, but I think she got the message once we all started applauding when Jess came out of the changing room all done up in red suspenders and the wide-brimmed hat. She's hilarious, and has worked out a routine for how she can spin her hat and me around at the same time. I'm sure there will be more pictures from our final performance/fiesta, but here is a little preview from tonight:

Much to my relief, the rest of tonight has been quiet. Amber and Kim went out for drinks after dinner, but I couldn't manage to gear up and go. I'm going to Sevilla for the weekend tomorrow to see friends and celebrate Johanna's 21st birthday, so I think tonight's mellowness is entirely justified. That being said, I need to take advantage of every day here! I'll be home two weeks from today- bittersweet.

Weigh me down to sleep

I'm so tired! I managed to get myself out of bed this morning and take a run, which felt great, but for the rest of the day I've been dragging around. I'm not sick, I just feel like someone strapped weights to my arms and legs and I can't lift them. Unfortunately today has also been relatively busy, since I have my final Politics presentation on Spanish Healthcare tomorrow with Christina. We spent a solid chunk of the day finishing up edits and making sure that we're going to look good when we get up in front of the class and try to talk for 40 minutes.

Tonight's dinner was cooked vegetables, but the serving was miniscule. I ended up going back downstairs a little while ago and making some microwave pasta when my stomach started growling again. And now I'm struggling to write a paper for music and falling asleep over my computer... Maybe I'll just get up early tomorrow morning when I'm fresh and write it, because this definitely isn't working for me right now.

Reality strikes hard with a final exam, presentation, and costume rehersal

After putting Mommy on the bus to the airport early this morning, I promptly went back to the hotel to study for my Photography exam today. And by study, I clearly mean sleep two more hours. After playing with her for nine days and running all over Spain, not to mention running a half marathon, I needed it. She's made it home safely now, and although it was sad to say goodbye to her, I'm going to see her again in slightly over two weeks. And now that I've gotten some of these darn projects and exams out of the way, I'm sure the time is going to fly by.

I took the train back to Córdoba this morning (where I did actually study), and we directly to the facultad to my politics class. From politics I went to take my Photography exam and from my exam I went directly to give my presentation in Music. The presentation went well, but the exam didn't go as well as I'd hoped. I could have studied more, but I was prioritizing my time with my mom here, and I don't regret a minute of it. An exam is an exam, and I know that I do plenty well on most all my other ones to make up for one that maybe isn't going to be the best grade.

After my presentation I had an hour to run back here to Calle Portrera and drop off my bag before going to our first costume rehearsal for Sevillanas. Despite how tired I was, it was actually a blast. Our final show is two weeks from tomorrow, and I think its going to be a blast. I may look like a fool, but I'll be having a good time in my thousand pound fluffy dress.

And now I'm here, collapsed in bed, not doing work that I need to finish up for this week. It'll happen tomorrow. Lights out. I need a nap.

Medio Maratón de Córdoba XXVII

Despite my best efforts, I slept so badly last night. It wasn’t that I couldn’t fall asleep, I just kept waking up every half hour or so thinking that I must have overslept the alarm and was missing the race. However, when the alarm went off at 7:30, I was sound asleep. After a few cups of tea and a solid breakfast, though, we were ready to go rock the Medio Maratón de Córdoba.

Kim, Amber, Becca, my mom and I all started as a pack, but the three of them quickly separated out ahead. I know I could have run with them, but that wasn’t the point of today; today was about running with my mom. When I did my own half marathon a few weeks ago as part of training I made it in less than two hours, so I wasn’t running to test my capacity or push my limits. We were running to run together and to finish it. And we did…together! Here are the results:

Out of over 4500 runners, I/ we placed 2998/2999, within my age bracket 42, and overall amongst female competitors 219. The race was 92% men and 8% women. 

WE DID IT!

Mommy, Kim, Becca, me, Amber

The other three girls finished five to ten minutes ahead and were there to greet us as we ran across the finish line holding hands. It was a long race, but it was a blast. I’m so impressed that my mom did it, too. Not that I had any doubts, but considering that she was recovering from major surgeries a year ago and that she only started training in earnest six weeks ago, I’m impressed. I certainly don’t know anyone else’s mom who runs half marathons with them!

We only had a bit of time at home to get packed and head for the train to Madrid, so you can imagine how tired and surprised we were when Carlos and Maricarmen arrived home and wanted to take the three Calle Postrera runners for tapas and a beer. They served free beer at the finish line of the race, and I didn’t want it then, and I didn’t want it at tapas, but it was an offer we couldn’t really decline. We went to a little restaurant in San Basillio, and the three runners just stared at our beers after taking about three sips. I can function after running long distances, but I can’t have a bad night’s sleep after a week of running around Spain and then run a race and be expected to drink a beer. Luckily we had to head home for real lunch relatively quickly. Any more beer and I would have taken a nap on the table.

Lunch was quick, and we said our goodbye and gracias and headed for the train to Madrid. I was planning on studying for my Photography exam again, but instead I slept… oh well.

Needless to say, our evening here in Madrid has not been too wild. We went to the free hours at the Prado and saw some of the more famous paintings that we weren’t able to see last week since it was closed to elections. We were also planning on going to the Reina Sofia to see Picasso’s Guernica, but, like last week, it was closed. Both our guidebook and the website said it should have been open for Sunday evening free hours. I can’t figure out Spain’s scheduling. The websites never have accurate information and places never give notice about other changes in hours. The only things that are consistent are siesta, general tardiness, and ham.

We’ve been eating our falafel picnic on the beds here in the hotel and watching Spanish game shows on TV, but now that I’ve written this update its finally time for bed. This week has flown by- don’t leave tomorrow, Mama! On another note, I need to study for my exam tomorrow morning and get back to Córdoba to take this darn thing… Shoot, I’m so tired. 

Twice as nice... in Granada!

Friday morning came much earlier than expected, but somehow we managed to get ourselves out of bed and to the Córdoba bus station in time for an 8:30 bus to Granada. I planned on studying for my Photography exam on the bus, but that plan quickly fell by the way-side and I went back to sleep for nearly the whole 2.5 hour bus ride. I’m not sure how I’m able to sleep anywhere at anytime, but it comes in really handy when traveling to make sure I get my precious hours in.

Upon arrival in Granada we checked in to our hotel and wandered around the central Plaza Nueva area a bit to find some lunch. Granada is full of Moroccan food since its so close to Africa, so we ended up chowing down on some falafel out in the sunny plaza before making our way up the mountain to the infamous Alhambra.

Have already been to the Alhambra with Preshco about a month ago, I knew what to expect on my visit. What I didn’t expect, however, was to be equally as enchanted by the palatial city on the mountain top as I was the first time. I think some of the enthusiasm was infectious from my mom, and rightfully so. 

Mama at the Alhambra entrance

We spent over three hours wandering through the maze of castles and palaces and taking in the view over the entire city of Granada and the wintery feel of the snow-capped mountains behind. We literally dedicated the entire afternoon to the place, and I’d say we did it justice. With Preshco we were on a guided tour, and while that was wonderful to hear all the facts about the Alhambra, it was even better not to be rushed around, hurried through taking photographs, and digesting the architecture. 

Palacio de Carlos V

Making our way up to the Palacio de Alcazaba 

(the right-most tower of the Alhambra in post photos)

Mama on the tower of the Palacio de Alcazaba overlooking Granada

Flags on the tower of Palacio de Alcazaba

View looking to the Sierra Nevada mountains behind the Alhambra

Tower of Palacio de Alcazaba

Walking through the Alhambra gardens to the Generalife side of the monument

Palacio de Generalife 

Panoramic of the Gardens

Palacio de Generalife Gardens

By the time we came back down into the Granada valley from the Alhambra, it was time to walk back up the next mountain over, the home of the Albayzín and Mirador San Nicolas. The walk the side of the mountain sides through stone streets and hidden staircases, but eventually emerges at a great little plaza that is exactly across the valley from the Alhambra and provides the perfect place to watch the sun set. We also picked up a liter of Alhambra beer to enjoy.

 Drinking Alhambra at the Alhambra!

Mama alegre

Watching the sun set over the Alhambra from Mirador San Nicolas 

The tower all the way on the right with the flags are where most of the previous pictures are from

After watching the sun sink low in the sky and the lights on the Alhambra turn on, we decided it was time for some tapas. I know a yummy Moroccan tapas place relatively close to out hotel from the last time I was in Granada, so after stopping at the hotel to put on a few more layers for the chilly mountain air, we headed over. Luckily we decided to eat early, because the place got packed just a few minutes after we arrived. We also went to another tapas place with chickpea salad, but it wasn't as wonderful as the Moroccan food. All's well that ends well, though; we needed an early night to make sure we got enough sleep in preparation for Sunday's half marathon. 

This morning (already Saturday again! How?) we though we were going to get up and do some school work, but neither of us woke up until after 10. The rest of the day we spent wandering around Granada's magical little Moroccan shops and getting most of our Christmas shopping done. 

Shopping in the Moroccan markets in Granada for Christmas presents

What a nice name for a bank! I think she is a saint, too. 

Flamenco/Sevillanas dancer in the streets of the Albayzín

By the time we got through lunch at a little Moroccan café and wandered back down to the hotel, it was time to head for the bus station and back to Córdoba. Granada, I have to say, was even better the second time.

Tonight has been quiet here on Calle Postrera. We picked up our race number's for tomorrow's half marathon on the way home from the bus station and ate a quick dinner before coming upstairs for quiet time. Maricarmen and Carlos aren't home tonight, so Paki cooked us calamari, salmorejo, and salad for dinner in anticipation of tomorrow's high level of calorie burning. I can't believe its almost race day, or that its Sunday already....