I can't believe that tomorrow is Friday and that in a week's time I will be packing up to head home. It's crazy how the time flies!
Yesterday was an average day--nothing particularly exciting, but nothing bad either. I felt really lazy in the afternoon because I spent until 8 pm reading my book. I just get addicted and then I can't stop! I got lucky because Andrea's cousin, Marc, came over again right after we finished eating at 3, so I was free for a long period of time. Finally as the sun was setting I went for a 4 mile run. Raul had his padel game, so it was just the girls for the night. I spent time with Andrea and Ali while Alicia made us a cute dinner of tuna, tomato, and cheese.
Today I got lucky because Andrea slept in until 10:15. Woo, extra sleep for me too! We did homework and she behaved very well all day. So when we got home I let her watch Bear in the Big Blue House on my computer. Then she was listening to songs on my Ipod and I need to capture a video of her face when a fast song comes on. She gets so into it hahaha.
I had another lazy afternoon, napping and reading. My body was tired of running, so I decided to go on a walk at 8 and then I kind of just didn't stop. I walked up past where Cait lived and I saw this town off in the distance...so I decided to go there. Turns out I went to Puzol and it was super cute and had another paseo along the beach. I walked an hour and I didn't even want to turn around, but I realized it must be 9 and by the time I got home at 10, the sun would be down. So I walked quickly back and then even ran the last mile for good measure. 6 miles total!
So that walk turned out to be a nice adventure and it really made me feel good. We had a family dinner tonight, but everyone seemed kind of exhausted. I guess that's what the end of the work week does to you. I dutifully studied for the GRE and now I'm in bed, preparing for my Friday.
This weekend my family invited me to stay in Alicia's uncle's chalet in Javea with them! There are all sorts of clear beaches there and Saturday is one of Andrea's friend's birthday parties that we'll be attending. So since I don't think I'll be bringing my computer with me, this will probably be my last blog entry for a while. I'm off to enjoy my LAST WEEKEND in Spain! (Still can't believe it's true!)
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Simple Life
Today was a day where I truly enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. Andrea woke up around 9:30 and after some homework and playing with toys in her room, we went over to Loli's house. Andrea's other grandma, Rosa, came to visit and brought her 7 year old cousin, Marc, to play. She and him had a good time and it took a little burden off of me. The 4 of us went to swim in the pool and then we went to the beach. Somehow I feel that Marc appreciated my castle building skills far more than Andrea who always just wants to destroy them (much to my dismay haha).
We ate lunch at Loli's and both Raul and Alicia came over for the afternoon. Raul no longer has to work in the evenings because his vacation starts next week. I napped with baby Alicia downstairs and then sat in the sun for an hour talking with Rosa about life.
I went back home at 7 so that I could go for a run. I did 6 miles which felt really good to me. I came home and got to skype with Cait, who is safely back in Ohio. When I told Andrea I talked to her, she was super jealous, so I called her back and we talked a little more, although Andrea suddenly got shy again.
Before dinner I studied for the GRE and then we ate eggplant, tomato, greenbeans, and ham out on the terrace. Andrea was being funny and cute so I felt content. I can't believe tomorrow is hump day already...these last 10 days will surely fly!
We ate lunch at Loli's and both Raul and Alicia came over for the afternoon. Raul no longer has to work in the evenings because his vacation starts next week. I napped with baby Alicia downstairs and then sat in the sun for an hour talking with Rosa about life.
I went back home at 7 so that I could go for a run. I did 6 miles which felt really good to me. I came home and got to skype with Cait, who is safely back in Ohio. When I told Andrea I talked to her, she was super jealous, so I called her back and we talked a little more, although Andrea suddenly got shy again.
Before dinner I studied for the GRE and then we ate eggplant, tomato, greenbeans, and ham out on the terrace. Andrea was being funny and cute so I felt content. I can't believe tomorrow is hump day already...these last 10 days will surely fly!
Monday, August 1, 2011
The low down
Here is the low down of my life:
(Pictures to come tomorrow)
Friday: Andrea behaved the worst she ever has and I had to forcibly drag her to her feet from underneath a towel she was hiding under. Haa it was not an enjoyable day. Fortunately, Cait and Alicia arrived to our house around the same time at 4:30. I had a little chat with Alicia and Andrea has been punished from cartoons and the feria haha.
That night Cait and I went into Valencia to buy some souvenirs for her family and get one last Llao llao because it was her last night in Spain. We came back to Pobla de Farnals in time for the hippie market...I would swear by the powers of retail therapy haha. She got gifts for her friends and duh we got stuff for ourselves too. Raul ordered Chinese food for the family that night and then Cait and I went out on the Paseo.
Preparing for our last night out together
We got our last gin and tonics at El Lloc. It started raining while we were there, but we hid inside until it stopped. We went to Hossegore Pool after that, which was empty because everyone left since the tables there aren't covered from the rain. But we stood at the bar and made fun of the creepers and weirdos that were around us. Unfortunately the one we donned "creepy laugh man" came over and wouldn't leave us alone. He bought us shots (I threw the tequila on the ground...I can't think about it without getting goosebumps). We did have fun talking to Fernando, the bartender, and then two random security guards.
At 3 we began the trek down the Paseo Rojo to Cait's house. We said our goodbye there, which was sad, but we also know that we'll see each other again.
Saturday: Family day. We went to Alicia's mom's house in the pueblo where she grew up, Burjasot. It was only like 15 minutes away by car. She made us arroz al horno and then I took a nice siesta. We went and saw the Smurf movie in 3D (smurfs are called pitufos in Spanish). It was cute and I enjoyed my second theater experience. On our way out we saw the bowling alley and decided to go. Marc, Andrea's cousin, and Andrea both needed help throwing the balls, but it was so fun for both of them. I got to show off my great American bowling skills...haha surprisingly I actually did pretty well.
Doing America proud
Andrea and Marc, such cuties
Around 10:30 we went back to Alicia's mom's house to drop off Marc and eat dinner and then finally at 11:45 we returned home.
Sunday: Walked around Pobla de Farnals with my family because there was a 3 day market going on in the main plaza. Lunch was paella at Loli's house followed by a relaxing afternoon of reading and the beach. That night Jose, Raul's brother, invited me to go on his sailboat with himself, his 9 year old daughter, Marta, Raul, and Andrea.
We all drove the 5 minutes to Port Saplaya where his boat is docked. This place is so so cool and looks like a mini Venice because the port is in the this little neighborhood of colorful houses. We got on the boat and Raul made a dinner of tortilla de patata. We took a ride out to sea and I spent the whole time on the front of the boat sitting with Marta and talking to her in English. She is so good! She goes to this American school where they literally follow our system. So she's actually going into 4th grade, whereas for example at Andrea's Spanish school, they use a different type of grade system. I had so much fun talking with her and Andrea was happy that she got the opportunity to drive the boat.
Marta, Andrea, and I by the boat in Port Saplaya
By the time we got back, Andrea was passed out and we all got ready for bed. The boat was small, but I had a cute little triangle room underneath the front of the boat. And when I say room, I mean a tiny triangular space that is actually just a bed. But it was cool and had a little hatch that opened up so that I got to look out at the sky at night.
Monday: Jose drove us home from the boat and Andrea and I got back around 10 am. She behaved well today and I'm glad her swimming lesson is over because we have more freedom. We swam in our own pool and then she played at our neighbor's house. They have two girls, Patri and Leo, who are close to her age. We had lunch with Loli and then slept a long siesta in my bed.
I skyped with Becky for an hour and a half and it makes me so excited to move into our apartment together! Less than 3 weeks away! I went for an evening run and then had dinner with Raul and Alicia and studied for the GRE on the terrace. What a good and productive night I had!
Tomorrow I'll upload all my pictures from the weekend and put them on facebook!
Ciao!
(Pictures to come tomorrow)
Friday: Andrea behaved the worst she ever has and I had to forcibly drag her to her feet from underneath a towel she was hiding under. Haa it was not an enjoyable day. Fortunately, Cait and Alicia arrived to our house around the same time at 4:30. I had a little chat with Alicia and Andrea has been punished from cartoons and the feria haha.
That night Cait and I went into Valencia to buy some souvenirs for her family and get one last Llao llao because it was her last night in Spain. We came back to Pobla de Farnals in time for the hippie market...I would swear by the powers of retail therapy haha. She got gifts for her friends and duh we got stuff for ourselves too. Raul ordered Chinese food for the family that night and then Cait and I went out on the Paseo.
Preparing for our last night out together
We got our last gin and tonics at El Lloc. It started raining while we were there, but we hid inside until it stopped. We went to Hossegore Pool after that, which was empty because everyone left since the tables there aren't covered from the rain. But we stood at the bar and made fun of the creepers and weirdos that were around us. Unfortunately the one we donned "creepy laugh man" came over and wouldn't leave us alone. He bought us shots (I threw the tequila on the ground...I can't think about it without getting goosebumps). We did have fun talking to Fernando, the bartender, and then two random security guards.
At 3 we began the trek down the Paseo Rojo to Cait's house. We said our goodbye there, which was sad, but we also know that we'll see each other again.
Saturday: Family day. We went to Alicia's mom's house in the pueblo where she grew up, Burjasot. It was only like 15 minutes away by car. She made us arroz al horno and then I took a nice siesta. We went and saw the Smurf movie in 3D (smurfs are called pitufos in Spanish). It was cute and I enjoyed my second theater experience. On our way out we saw the bowling alley and decided to go. Marc, Andrea's cousin, and Andrea both needed help throwing the balls, but it was so fun for both of them. I got to show off my great American bowling skills...haha surprisingly I actually did pretty well.
Doing America proud
Andrea and Marc, such cuties
Around 10:30 we went back to Alicia's mom's house to drop off Marc and eat dinner and then finally at 11:45 we returned home.
Sunday: Walked around Pobla de Farnals with my family because there was a 3 day market going on in the main plaza. Lunch was paella at Loli's house followed by a relaxing afternoon of reading and the beach. That night Jose, Raul's brother, invited me to go on his sailboat with himself, his 9 year old daughter, Marta, Raul, and Andrea.
We all drove the 5 minutes to Port Saplaya where his boat is docked. This place is so so cool and looks like a mini Venice because the port is in the this little neighborhood of colorful houses. We got on the boat and Raul made a dinner of tortilla de patata. We took a ride out to sea and I spent the whole time on the front of the boat sitting with Marta and talking to her in English. She is so good! She goes to this American school where they literally follow our system. So she's actually going into 4th grade, whereas for example at Andrea's Spanish school, they use a different type of grade system. I had so much fun talking with her and Andrea was happy that she got the opportunity to drive the boat.
Marta, Andrea, and I by the boat in Port Saplaya
By the time we got back, Andrea was passed out and we all got ready for bed. The boat was small, but I had a cute little triangle room underneath the front of the boat. And when I say room, I mean a tiny triangular space that is actually just a bed. But it was cool and had a little hatch that opened up so that I got to look out at the sky at night.
Monday: Jose drove us home from the boat and Andrea and I got back around 10 am. She behaved well today and I'm glad her swimming lesson is over because we have more freedom. We swam in our own pool and then she played at our neighbor's house. They have two girls, Patri and Leo, who are close to her age. We had lunch with Loli and then slept a long siesta in my bed.
I skyped with Becky for an hour and a half and it makes me so excited to move into our apartment together! Less than 3 weeks away! I went for an evening run and then had dinner with Raul and Alicia and studied for the GRE on the terrace. What a good and productive night I had!
Tomorrow I'll upload all my pictures from the weekend and put them on facebook!
Ciao!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Such a good family day!
So last Thursday I was definitely thanking God it was Friday and just praying for it to go by fast. But today I am seriously so happy. I spent all day with Andrea, but it was great. I felt like such a part of the family today and that she really enjoyed spending time with me.
She woke up on her own at 9 am. I am so thankful that siestas make her less of a zombie in the mornings because I used to HATE having to wake her up. We had a fun morning where she proceeded to play dress up by putting on various dresses of mine.
Today was her second to last swim lesson and she got invited to a girl's birthday party tomorrow (mermaid themed, duh she's excited) and she read the invitation to me about 1000 times today. We went to the beach and dug large holes and built sand mountains. Lunch was her favorite, arroz a la cubana. I promised her we could siesta at Loli's if she behaved, so we napped downstairs until 4:30.
Loli told me I could go home after we woke up and Andrea could stay, but I ended up just hanging out. We played more games in the garden and she found a fake tattoo (a lovely Chinese dragon hahaa), so I let her put it on. We played more on the swings, then hide and seek, and then she pretended to be my GPS, directing me to fake museums and zoos.
Finally at 6:15, Alicia came to pick her and Ali up. We walked home and Raul was outside about to take Indio to the vet. So we made it a family trip and we all went. Then we got an horchata afterwards and made a reservation outside at an Indian restaurant for 9.
My only disappointment of the day is that I was pumped to try out a 6 mile run, but we got home at 8:30, and obviously that didn't leave me enough time. So I was doing this 8 minute ab video in my room and Andrea came in and told me she was going to exercise with me. Hahaha I think I got more of an ab workout from laughing at her attempts than actually doing the crunches.
Dinner at the restaurant was so nice and the Indian was really good. Much to my amazement, curry chicken is the same in the US as it is in Spain haha. I played with Andrea after dinner and we did piggy back rides down the street and I let her climb walls and such.
We went to the feria afterward so she could ride on the merry-go-round. She waved every single time she went around the loop, just like I did when I was little and rode the merry-go-round in the mall. We were walking home and she wanted to play in the park, so Raul and I spent time trying to teach her the monkey bars and then Raul pushed Andrea on the swing to the point where I thought Alicia would faint from her worries over how high she was going. Baby Ali fell asleep at dinner, and we finally got Andrea to leave the park around 11:10.
It's almost midnight and I'm gearing up for a good Friday! It's Cait's last night in Spain so we have to make it count!
She woke up on her own at 9 am. I am so thankful that siestas make her less of a zombie in the mornings because I used to HATE having to wake her up. We had a fun morning where she proceeded to play dress up by putting on various dresses of mine.
Today was her second to last swim lesson and she got invited to a girl's birthday party tomorrow (mermaid themed, duh she's excited) and she read the invitation to me about 1000 times today. We went to the beach and dug large holes and built sand mountains. Lunch was her favorite, arroz a la cubana. I promised her we could siesta at Loli's if she behaved, so we napped downstairs until 4:30.
Loli told me I could go home after we woke up and Andrea could stay, but I ended up just hanging out. We played more games in the garden and she found a fake tattoo (a lovely Chinese dragon hahaa), so I let her put it on. We played more on the swings, then hide and seek, and then she pretended to be my GPS, directing me to fake museums and zoos.
Finally at 6:15, Alicia came to pick her and Ali up. We walked home and Raul was outside about to take Indio to the vet. So we made it a family trip and we all went. Then we got an horchata afterwards and made a reservation outside at an Indian restaurant for 9.
My only disappointment of the day is that I was pumped to try out a 6 mile run, but we got home at 8:30, and obviously that didn't leave me enough time. So I was doing this 8 minute ab video in my room and Andrea came in and told me she was going to exercise with me. Hahaha I think I got more of an ab workout from laughing at her attempts than actually doing the crunches.
Dinner at the restaurant was so nice and the Indian was really good. Much to my amazement, curry chicken is the same in the US as it is in Spain haha. I played with Andrea after dinner and we did piggy back rides down the street and I let her climb walls and such.
We went to the feria afterward so she could ride on the merry-go-round. She waved every single time she went around the loop, just like I did when I was little and rode the merry-go-round in the mall. We were walking home and she wanted to play in the park, so Raul and I spent time trying to teach her the monkey bars and then Raul pushed Andrea on the swing to the point where I thought Alicia would faint from her worries over how high she was going. Baby Ali fell asleep at dinner, and we finally got Andrea to leave the park around 11:10.
It's almost midnight and I'm gearing up for a good Friday! It's Cait's last night in Spain so we have to make it count!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Hump Day
I don't have too much to say, but I'll go ahead and update my blog because I know mom likes hearing from me. Honestly today was just another typical day here in Pobla. The weather was really bad..it was cold and I thought Andrea might blow away in the wind. Nonetheless she was a champ at swim lesson and we spent the day doing homework and playing with other kids in the apartment complex. Andrea found the most repulsive snail that she had to tote around all day. Ok, I know I played with snails too as a kid, but they officially give me the creeps every since I've seen them as a dish at the lunch table.
After lunch we went home to siesta..this time Andrea slept on the ground in her sleeping bag. I don't think Alicia was too pleased I let this happen, but whatever. I got her to take a siesta and that's what counts. Alicia didn't get home until almost 6 and then I finally had time to read and relax. I'm going on book #6 since arriving in Spain!
I went for a 5 mile run today which felt like heaven. Raul had a paddle game tonight, so it was just Alicia and I for dinner. I played with both Andrea and baby Ali until 11 when they went to bed. Now it's time for some me-time until I'm off to dream world as well. Goodnight all!
After lunch we went home to siesta..this time Andrea slept on the ground in her sleeping bag. I don't think Alicia was too pleased I let this happen, but whatever. I got her to take a siesta and that's what counts. Alicia didn't get home until almost 6 and then I finally had time to read and relax. I'm going on book #6 since arriving in Spain!
I went for a 5 mile run today which felt like heaven. Raul had a paddle game tonight, so it was just Alicia and I for dinner. I played with both Andrea and baby Ali until 11 when they went to bed. Now it's time for some me-time until I'm off to dream world as well. Goodnight all!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Santa Ana
Today was another good day! I hope that this trend keeps up for the rest of the week. Maybe I have just become inured to Andrea's capriciousness. Bahaha trying to use my GRE vocab..
I couldn't sleep last night...darn insomnia. I probably jinxed myself by saying that I would sleep well because of my run. So I was pretty tired this morning, but I got to stay in bed until 9 and Andrea actually got up on her own.
Swim lesson. Beach. Lunch at Loli's...we did the usual routine today, not much else to add in there. We decided to take our siesta in the basement of Loli's building and it was delightful. We stayed downstairs until 5 pm on the cool mattress. I'm loving these naps but I'm really hoping it doesn't mess my sleep up again.
Today was the fiesta of Santa Ana...which is just like a day in honor of a saint. But since there's a girl named Ana that lives where Loli lives she decided to have a little party for her saint day. She invited all the kids to the pool and there was a huge table of horchata and fartons (pastries that you dip in the horchata). Of course Loli forced one of everything on me ha. What would life be without overbearing grandmas?
I played with Marta and Andrea in the pool there and finally around 7:30, I walked home. I went on a walk for maybe a mile and a half and then just relaxed. I got to skype with David today and then also with Bradley just a little bit ago. Skype is truly an amazing technology.
I studied for the GRE tonight and just started the math section. Oh my favorite. I've realized it's a good thing I'm reviewing now because you better believe that fractions and algebra are not things that my brain has chosen to hold on to.. its all been replaced by Spanish by now ha.
Andrea made me play funny games with her tonight where she taught me a dance... and then she accused me of being a sucky dancer and not listening to her teaching. Bahaha she just hasn't seen my shopping cart and my sprinkler yet. She'll change her mind soon enough.
Somehow it's already after midnight, so I'm off to attempt to sleep. I'm going to have to start setting an alarm for siestas if tonight turns out to be another insomnia night haha.
I couldn't sleep last night...darn insomnia. I probably jinxed myself by saying that I would sleep well because of my run. So I was pretty tired this morning, but I got to stay in bed until 9 and Andrea actually got up on her own.
Swim lesson. Beach. Lunch at Loli's...we did the usual routine today, not much else to add in there. We decided to take our siesta in the basement of Loli's building and it was delightful. We stayed downstairs until 5 pm on the cool mattress. I'm loving these naps but I'm really hoping it doesn't mess my sleep up again.
Today was the fiesta of Santa Ana...which is just like a day in honor of a saint. But since there's a girl named Ana that lives where Loli lives she decided to have a little party for her saint day. She invited all the kids to the pool and there was a huge table of horchata and fartons (pastries that you dip in the horchata). Of course Loli forced one of everything on me ha. What would life be without overbearing grandmas?
I played with Marta and Andrea in the pool there and finally around 7:30, I walked home. I went on a walk for maybe a mile and a half and then just relaxed. I got to skype with David today and then also with Bradley just a little bit ago. Skype is truly an amazing technology.
I studied for the GRE tonight and just started the math section. Oh my favorite. I've realized it's a good thing I'm reviewing now because you better believe that fractions and algebra are not things that my brain has chosen to hold on to.. its all been replaced by Spanish by now ha.
Andrea made me play funny games with her tonight where she taught me a dance... and then she accused me of being a sucky dancer and not listening to her teaching. Bahaha she just hasn't seen my shopping cart and my sprinkler yet. She'll change her mind soon enough.
Somehow it's already after midnight, so I'm off to attempt to sleep. I'm going to have to start setting an alarm for siestas if tonight turns out to be another insomnia night haha.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Cangrejos, Clochinas, and Caracoles
Today was a great Monday...there's nothing better than coming from a week where a 4 year old brought me to tears, to starting off the week really enjoying spending time with her and feeling totally in charge.
This morning she woke up at 8:30 before her mom left for work and I thought all hell would break loose and that she would be crying non-stop, begging her not to leave. Surprisingly, she returned to bed and stayed there until I got up at almost 9, no tears at all. Score.
She made me proud at swimming and then we went right to the beach and spent a good chunk of time there today. A little girl from her school named Virginia played with us and we found a cangrejo, or crab. One little problem (that wasn't actually a problem in Andrea's mind) is that it was dead. But she picked it up (GROSS) and kept it in her bucket and brought it back home with us. Hahaha oh well.
Loli put an astronomical amount of food on the table. Like I'm pretty sure me, a 4 year old, a 91 year old grandma, and Loli were not about to eat enough for a Thanksgiving dinner. First there was fideos con gambas, which is like noodles with shrimp. Then there was a large tortilla of potatoes and squash. On the table were also some leftover snails (caracoles) from the weekend, clochinas, the Valencian mussels, ham, tomatoes, and large chunks of merdusa, a type of fish. I think about a quarter of it got touched haha.
After lunch Andrea and I went home for siesta. Today it was in her bed and we literally stayed there from 4-6. Alicia hit bad traffic on the way home so she didn't arrive home until almost 6:30. At least she didn't find me in tears today haha.
I really wasn't in the mood to run tonight...like I thought I'd go 2 miles and want to stop. Then somehow I ended up running a 6 mile exploratory loop where I took an accidental detour through some farm land and got chased by two tiny but vicious dogs...it's a lot funnier now that I'm safe in bed and their miniature fangs aren't inches from my ankles. It ended up being a really awesome run though and I expect that despite my long siesta, I'll sleep well tonight.
Raul cut me some ham and watermelon for dinner and I had cucumbers and tomatoes too. So I'd say it's been a very successful Monday! Life is good today!
This morning she woke up at 8:30 before her mom left for work and I thought all hell would break loose and that she would be crying non-stop, begging her not to leave. Surprisingly, she returned to bed and stayed there until I got up at almost 9, no tears at all. Score.
She made me proud at swimming and then we went right to the beach and spent a good chunk of time there today. A little girl from her school named Virginia played with us and we found a cangrejo, or crab. One little problem (that wasn't actually a problem in Andrea's mind) is that it was dead. But she picked it up (GROSS) and kept it in her bucket and brought it back home with us. Hahaha oh well.
Loli put an astronomical amount of food on the table. Like I'm pretty sure me, a 4 year old, a 91 year old grandma, and Loli were not about to eat enough for a Thanksgiving dinner. First there was fideos con gambas, which is like noodles with shrimp. Then there was a large tortilla of potatoes and squash. On the table were also some leftover snails (caracoles) from the weekend, clochinas, the Valencian mussels, ham, tomatoes, and large chunks of merdusa, a type of fish. I think about a quarter of it got touched haha.
After lunch Andrea and I went home for siesta. Today it was in her bed and we literally stayed there from 4-6. Alicia hit bad traffic on the way home so she didn't arrive home until almost 6:30. At least she didn't find me in tears today haha.
I really wasn't in the mood to run tonight...like I thought I'd go 2 miles and want to stop. Then somehow I ended up running a 6 mile exploratory loop where I took an accidental detour through some farm land and got chased by two tiny but vicious dogs...it's a lot funnier now that I'm safe in bed and their miniature fangs aren't inches from my ankles. It ended up being a really awesome run though and I expect that despite my long siesta, I'll sleep well tonight.
Raul cut me some ham and watermelon for dinner and I had cucumbers and tomatoes too. So I'd say it's been a very successful Monday! Life is good today!
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