It´s been a long time...

It´s been a long time since I posted...
I am a bit afraid to try it again...for some reason...I am intimidated...

Anyways...this is my last day in Tenerife. One week in Valencia, 4 weeks in Barcelona, and 2 weeks in Tenerife have passed since I wrote last. Sorry.

Details aren´t so important anymore...this is true in life too. What counts is the overall feeling. Did I enjoy each day? What did I learn? Who am I now? Most importantly...¿WHAT IS NEXT? (By the way...I am using a Spanish keyboard--which I LOVE...hence all of the upside-down question marks and the like.)

The answers: Yes. I have finally learned to enjoy. This was perhaps the hardest task of all. ¿How does one learn to enjoy? ¿How would one begin to search for the answer? ¿Wouldn´t searching be counter productive?

Enjoyment (based on my LITTLE expertise) is the moment you quit your mind, let your heart loose, and allow yourself to become overwhelmed with all the sensual inputs of your surroundings. I think.

¿What did I learn? Life is good. Everything is going to ok. People are the best things in life...always. Döner Kebap´s are the best food in the world. Most of you could have told me that.

¿Who am I now? Kayla is different than I imagined. She is a bit lazier and more relaxed than previously thought. I have found her to be more adventurous--almost donning the appearance of a "Yes Man" at times. You should meet her.

¿What´s next? Italy, Austria, France, and Englad. Beyond that...I am not going to worry about it...

As every good Spanish person...I will end this with the proper ending...Besos!

Back Home

I am back in Barcelona! And thanks to my amazing friends, I feel at home thousands of miles away from Abilene. Love yall!

Today, I joined a gym!!! After an hour on the eliptical, I finally feel like myself. The world seems much brighter now...haha... Also, I think this will be the perfect place to meet Spanish people and practice the language. Yes!!

Today

Today has been a normal but wonderful day. I woke up late and got ready to hit the city. My first stop was Estacio Norte (North Station)--the train station. (I love the city of Valencia, but I am having a harder time making friends. Since my friends are so amazing in Barcelona, I will go back on Saturday.) While at the ticket counter, the cashier flirted with me relentlessly! Before I received my ticket, I had to give him my phone number. haha... He wants to take me out for coffee--what a great opportunity to practice my Spanish!! After that wonderful experience, I bought a trashy romance novel just so I could practice reading Spanish in my alone time...this should be hilarious...I can´t understand a third of the words. Next...lunch...class...and who knows what else...

Overall, my state of mind is good. My friend and I are on a mission to get fit and eat well. So far so good. Also, I am really excited about returning to Barcelona--I plan on joining a gym for a month and learning salsa at a nearby club. In addition, I am going to become a regular at one of the cafes so that I can practice Spanish with the locals. It is time to step up and learn this language.

Sorry that my posts are so infrequent and that I have been bad at communicating with everyone...I rarely have access to the internet...

By the way...I am always trying to think in Spanish..as a result...my English is terrible!!!

Vitamin D

I must say...the beach here is beautiful!! Several mornings I have had the luxury of passing time on the shores of the Mediterranean! Gorgeous! Thanks to the warm breeze, I feel at peace with everything. Thanks to the sun, I am receiving my daily dose of vitamin D. Thanks to the grandeur of the ocean, I understand the power of my God.

War Zone

So...
I am now in Valencia!! It is always kinda hard to switch cities...new friends...new home...new metro system! Fortunately, I have a good feeling about this city...

Right now, I am living with a precious woman, Carmen! She lives in a beautiful, spacious apartment near the city center! Muy bien! The school is 20 minutes (by metro) from my house...that is kinda far...oh well...

I have classes from 3-7pm. No me gusta. Hopefully I can switch to morning classes next week.

So far I have made some new friends and have plans to go out tonight! Yeah! By the way...this week is Las Fallas here in Valencia. You should google it... So far, my understanding is that this is a week long celebration where different clubs within the city build massive floats, parade them around the city, and burn them to the ground on Friday. This is such a BIG deal...the city has over 2 million visitors...and, as you can imagine, the city is swarming with activity 24hrs a day. Also...Valencia is well known for their fireworks...these fireworks are appreciated for their sound...not necessarily their looks....so they go off three times a day...6am, 2pm, and 1am!! I feel like I am in a war zone. haha...

Montserrat

So I visited Montserrat on Saturday with my friends from Barcelona. It is one of my favorite places so far. I found this info on the web:

"Montserrat is a spectacularly beautiful Benedictine monk mountain retreat about one hour North West from Barcelona by train.

Not only is Montserrat Monastery of significant religious importance but the natural beauty surrounding the monastery is simply breathtaking.

The history of Montserrat is fascinating and started in 880 when a small group of shepherd children saw a bright light descending from the sky in the Montserrat mountains. In the same moment the children heard angels singing and the music filled their hearts with a radiant joy.

Overwhelmed by the experience the children ran home to frantically recall the experience to their parents. The parents were sceptical but knew their children were trustworthy and honest and so they went to where the children had experienced the visions to see if they could see what all the fuss was about.

For the whole month following the first visitation the parents were also witness to the same heavenly experiences and were left with only one conclusion. The visions were a sign from God.

A local vicar was brought to the scene and witnessed the same experiences as the children and parents. The visions occurred in the same location in a cave on Montserrat mountain. When this cave was explored by the religious elders of the community they found an image of the Virgin Mary. And from that moment on the cave became a holy sanctuary for religious pilgrims.":

7 March 2010--Cute Italian Waiter

Last Friday night, my friend Eubee and I went to The Attic, my favorite restaurant here in BCN. Our waiter was a cute Italian boy who waited on us hand and foot. Later he presented us with the bill...and his number. No big deal right?

After the marathon this morning, we went to The Attic once again to celebrate...Our waiter was there! This time, he surprised each of us with a glass of champagne. So Sweet!! Before we left, he dropped a note off at my place...he wanted to get a drink with us after work. Good deal!

We met up with him later this eveing and had a lovely time talking about life, Italy, BCN, and everythign else in between...

P.S. His name was Fabio...

7 March 2010--The Barcelona Marathon

Wow...can't believe I did it! Over 42 kilometers...26.2 miles...

To be completely honest...my heart and mind were not in the right place for the race. I was feeling insecure and inadequate the entire week before; I really, truly doubted myself. But, as always, God carried me through. Everytime I thought about quiting or catching the metro back home, He would give me a downhill stent, a water station, friends cheering me on, or random people calling out my name...the message was the same...don't quit. I kept telling myself...you are too strong to give up...but I didn't believe it. Instead, the truth was...sometimes the best you can do is just not quit.

At mile 8, my knees started to hurt, but I could ignore it. At mile 13, I felt strong and energized!! I was pacing under 4 hours and was very encouraged by my progress. By 15, I was in severe pain. By 18, I was ready to quit. This was the moment where my mind gave up...for fifteen seconds my feet slowed and I drew closer to the metro entrance...my exit. I don't know why I kept going...I guess I just didn't know how to quit. At 19, I knew I had come too far to stop--I was practically there. (HA!!! I couldn't have been more wrong!) Mile 21 held a sweet surprise for my...my friends were in front of the Arc de Trimof screaming my name. Ok...I could do this. The next couple miles were miserable...so much pain...so much doubt...and a bit of fear. When there was 0.8 miles left to go, I set my eyes on the goal, turned off my mind, and ran. As I entered Placa Espanya (the 0.1 mile mark from the finish line), something inside me snapped. I began to pick up speed...and the plaguing pain in my knees fled...at 4hrs. 38 mins., I finished my first marathon. My time was slower than I wanted...but I did not train for the race...and the pain was so great...

I still can't believe I finished...

A HUGE thanks to God for being with me every step of the way. And to my friends, Eubee, Krystal, Jewels, Kelly, and Magnus... I could not have done it without your cheers, signs and support...you guys are the greatest!!!!

Barca 2 : Malaga 1---We WON!!!

Wow! Europeans know how to do futbol!! Barca plays in the largest stadium in Europe, and they fill it each game! (About 100,000 people!) The game itself was closer than expected; no one scored in the first half, and during the second, the score was tied 1 to 1. AY! With two minutes left in the game, Barca scored for the win!! YEAH! You should have seen the fans! They go crazy! (I will post pictures as soon as I get my computer fixed.)

Last night I went to La Ovella Negra, the most popular bar for foreigners in BCN. I met SO MANY people including a very handsome aerospace engineer from Luxembourg! I LOVE BCN...haha

Here in Spain, it is not uncommon to sit at the dinner table and have Spanish, English, French, German, and Dutch being spoken at the same time! I really wish I could speak four or five languages!!!

Ok...pictures to come...

Sorry

Sorry...my computer is not working at home. That is why I have been so unfaithful with my blog. Right now, I am sitting in a locutoria (like an internet cafe) using the computer. Also...this prevents me from adding pics. So sorry!! I will try to catch up soon.

Crazy Stories

Where do I begin...

The other night my roommate and I joined some girls to eat at the best Italian restaurant in Barcelona! I was delicious! After that we decided to take the metro home...this is where the fun begins. I was walking with a beautiful, tall blond girl who looks like Taylor Swift. As we strolled along one side of the station, she tapped and whispered, "Look over there! That man is peeing on the rail!" Sure enough. We began to giggle. Good thing he was on the other side of the tracks! Our conversation drifted as we began to talk about all the creepy men in this city--we were laughing and caring on till we realized HE WAS STANDING RIGHT BEHIND US! He tapped my bottom a couple times and said Hola! AYYY! I whipped around shook my finger at him and said NO! in my best "mother voice." I proceded to throw the metro map in his face, grab my friend and run through the rest of the station! We giggled about the entire thing all the way home.

Story 2: I was in a cab with two other girls. It was late, and a sweet old man was driving us home in what he called a Lambo. (SP?) He was singing with the radio, and we were carrying on a lovely conversation until the let out the most terrifying cat scream. I really can´t do it justice. Imagine two cats fighting to the death...

Story 3: This one is not so crazy as it is unbelievable. Last night my twin and I went to Razzmatazz...the hottest club in Barcelona! There five floors of dancing with different music on each level. Thousands of teens pour into the place starting at 2am. When we arrived at 3am! Ya...3am! It was packed. We had a blast, and I was safely in bed by 7am.

Praise God!

Sunday night I was feeling a bit down, so I asked God for the thing I wanted most...a friend (in Spain) to do things with. So...the next morning He sent me three!! I loved it! There are three girls from the states who joined my school Monday morning! One of them is my twin...a biochem major...who graduated early...is going to medical school...etc...We are having a great time together. Praise God!

Things are going pretty well with my Spanish--sometimes I surprise myself. Today, another group of friends and I went to a hole in the wall restaurante, and I confidently carried on a conversation with the server. Then...my group approached a group of well dressed men (on my behalf) and left me by myself to carry on a conversation with them...and...I did it...there was no hesitation in conversation...and I was able to communicate everything I wanted. Bien!!

This restaurant had the feel of Joe Allens with no tables or places to sit. Everyone stood around, gabbing, stuffing their faces, downing wine, and throwing their trash on the floor. It was quite a Spanish experience!

Entonces...everything is great here!

21 Feb 2010---You can't run from who you are...

Guess I just realized that I was once again trying to run from my life...guess it caught up with me.

Europeans really value relationships (or so it seems to me). Each day climaxes to a very social evening at a bar or restaurant. Large groups of people gather to eat, drink, laugh, and carry on with each other. I really like this idea...we should do it in the states.

Saturday was a fun day for me; I had the opportunity to join two friends from Barcelona and to tour many of the cities most popular sites...
The first picture is of Las Ramblas--the most famous street in Barcelona (kinda like Broadway). There are so many shops, people and artists lining the street--including human statues. Next is a monument of Columbus (Colon in Spanish). The view of the bay (Port Vell) was taken from the top of the monument! The last three pictures are of La Sagrada Familia. A GIGANTIC cathedral STILL under construction. Its construction is funded by donations, so it has taken MANY years to be constructed thus far. Consequently, many different designers (including the famous Gaudi) have worked on this cathedral over the years, and each part has a little different flare/style.

19 Feb 2010--Just met my Spanish crush...

I just met my Spanish crush on the metro from Entenca (In-ten-sa) to Liceu (Lee-say-you). I thought he was an American from the logos on his jacket, but once I asked, he gave me a beaming, "No." He was from Barcelona and had light brown hair and light eyes. MUY GUAPO!! We shared a short conversation in which his gorgeous smile radiated for about three minutes...but that was not enough time!! Oh well...

Btw...it rains way too much here! AY!

Ok...so a normal day in Spain looks like this:
Wake up early...eat some bread for breakfast...
At 10:45ish go for coffee and un postre (a pastry)...
Eat a big lunch at 3pm...
Siesta (rest) from 2-5 or 6 (I think)...
Dinner at 9ish...
Go to bar and/or meet with friends at midnight...
Enjoy yourself until 2am at the earliest...

Ay...what an adjustment....I had to take a 6 hour nap today just so that I could catch up...

18 Feb 2010--Park Guell

So I took an afternoon jog in Park Guell in the northern part of Barcelona. Um...it was really hilly!! Also, I was sporting my Underarmor...I don't think Europeans have seen UA before...um...ya...
This park was funded by the industrialist Eusebio Guell, man who grew wealthy from the slave trade. The buildings in this park were created by a eccentric, Modernist artist named Gaudi who is the pride and joy of Barcelona!

This is picture of Barcelona from one of the highest point in the park. If you look in the middle of the picture, you can see a row of trees. These trees line the most famous street in Barcelona--Las Ramblas! I will be going there tonight! Yeah!

17 Feb 2010--I've Got This...

I feel so much better about things! Today was a turning point for me! I understand at least 80% of my professors' instructions! This is good for me! Also, I have made some good friends, and I finally feel connected with people. YEAH!! I've so got this...

A couple of interesting things...there are eight people in my class. They are from Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, Russia, and Brazil! I am learning so much about these other countries! Love it!! Also, the US needs to celebrate Carnaval! That is all I am saying about that...

Let's see...I toured Barcelona on foot for three hours yesterday! I was in pursuit of a gym in which to join. What do you know...I am pretty good with directions and even better with gut instincts! I set out for two gyms and found three!!! The city is beautiful and feels much like Chicago. Buildings are tall and very European (with shutters and plants etc.).

Last night I visited the town of Sitges; it is a beautiful beach town with gorgeous buildings, narrow streets, and a lovely coast.

Everything is going well...I am about to take a nap...then study...then get some friends together for dinner!

16 Feb. 2010

This is harder than I thought...
I may be over my head...
Going to Carnival tonight...you should look it up...

15 Feb 2010--Facts...

-People in Europe really like the color black!
-My host mother sent me to the wrong school this morning...I frantically had to find the correct one by myself...happy day
-I am in WAY over my head
-Last night, Phillipe (a random 22 year old from Bogota) asked me out to dinner...but I decided to go to bed instead...great choice
-I make a bad European: I don´t have enough black clothes and I don´t know how to party
-I am one of two Americans at this school! I will try to represent you well.
-Mom is the only one reading this blog...pretty sure. haha...
-My school is really nice...pictures will be up soon
-Every European speaks at least four other languages...intimidating!
-Yes...Spanish men are good looking

14 Feb 2010--What have I done?

As I flew into the city, two thoughts came to my mind. What have I done? & YYEESSSSS! This is going to be great!

By the grace of God, I found my way (by train and metro) to my host grandmother´s apartment. To my surprise...it's a bingo hall...well the first floor at least...There I met her, a sweet lady with bright red hair. Estela speaks Spanish to me as if I were fluent! Haha! She is really giving me more credit than I deserve. By the end of this, I think we are going to be very close.

My roommate is Serevine and she is from Belgium! She says it is really, really cold there!

Throughout my trip, things kept going wrong! But I was always surprised by the people God put in my path to help me out! I met and was encouraged by so many; I even shared a cab with an endocrinologist who gave me a possible solution to my health concerns! Wow! Thanks God--did not see that one coming!

All in all...I feel myself growing...

Btw...it's really cold here!

13 Feb 2010--Just Try to Stop Me!

Travel time! All started off well in quite, little Abilene. Everything was on time and running smoothly--and what do you know...I wasn´t even charged for my extra 10 lbs. of luggage! Good work team! The flight went well and I fell asleep as we were landing at DFW. When I woke up--from what seemed like a lengthy nap--I was concerned and surprised to hear the attendant state, "Welcome to San Angelo..." What!? Yes...freezing fog in Dallas kept us from landing, and the plane had to re-route to San Angelo! No problem! I was going with the flow! Bring it on, right? So, from there I missed my flight to NYC--JFK; to my amusement, that was the only flight to JFK that day. Great! Bring it on! So I flew into NYC--La Guardia and arrived at 5 45. One hour and fifteen minutes...that was all the time I had to grab a cab, make it through the city to JFK, race through security, find the gate, and get on that flight! Did she do it? Oh ya!! I was the last person in line, but I made it! Just try to stop me.

I realized I am SO not in control...but I think someone important is definitely on my side!! :)

12 Feb 2010

Before I leave on this journey, a couple thoughts keep crossing my mind...
I have SO MANY amazing friends that I am leaving behind...they will be missed...
Praise God for my blessings and my life...
I hope to meet so many interesting people...
Most importantly...I hope to meet Kayla out there...