I haven't decided what sort of "year" it will be, but I feel lots of changes coming on.
Note: I was informed by a Spanish friend, after having read my blog, that I should be careful with the topic of gypsies. Some things could be offensive. I understand that, since even in Spain, Southern American stereotypes still hold. LIKE I said, I have yet to meet a gypsy, and therefore I have a blank opinion.
Moving on. IT'S BEEN ALMOST TWO MONTHS! December flew by with a trip to the mountains with friends, Christmas, New Year's, etc. My friends and I took a trip to the narth country, and I saw real snow for the first time. Not the dinky snow we have in Mississippi every January. I mean snow angel-makin', ice on your jeans-stickin', make you want to visit the Inferno type of snow. Four bedroom house for 11 people, one bathroom, one tiny kitchen and living room made for a very cozy trip. The old couple who owned the place could not have been sweeter. Upon arrival they insisted on taking at least two shots with us. Hey hey. The snow was beautiful, the company lovely, and the atmosphere all-around jolly. The only strange part, besides wearing hiking boots from the 90's that aren't mine and two sizes too big, was not being able to keep up with the Spanish comedy hour. All my buds told lots of jokes, none of which I could follow. Anywho, we took trips two other towns including: Albarracin(stunning), Teruel(neato capital of Aragon), and Cuenca(also beautiful).
Also, I attended the annual Christmas lunch with all the professors. I was surprised when I walked into the gym to find wine and beer on to your hearts' content. This just wouldn't go down in Mississippi, I'm here to tell you. I was stuffed to the brim with all kinds of yummy goodness including paella and gachas.
Finally Christmas break came, and I got to see my sister and brother-in-law in Barcelona where we had a rip, roarin' good time. We came to my "hometown" for a few days, where we enjoyed the basically Halloween of Spain: Carnaval. My town has this festival during December instead of February (think Mardi Gras subdued). Next, on to Madrid where Jayce joined us from the good ole U. S. of A. We rang in the new year with locals, Italians, a family from Texas, and whoever else was at our restaurant. Sidenote: I have either broken all of my fillings or I instantly got six cavities that night. Oh, and I had a sinus infection for 3 weeks. Anyway, we tried to eat the 12 grapes when the clock struck twelve, but it's not very easy....at all. After saying goodbye to my family in Madrid, they went home, and Jayce and I went back to Alcazar. After a day and a half we decided to go on a "day trip"....which turned into a surprise trip (and Jayce's Christmas present) to Scotland! to see our lovely friends Rebecca and Emily. They screamed when we called and said "uh hey, we're going to be in town......tomorrow....sooooo yeaaah).
Scotland is absolutely breath-taking. From the accents to the cobbled stone streets, the castle, the pubs, the tea rooms, the everything is just amazing. Jayce and I really want to go back.......for a year. We had afternoon drinks at Canny Man's, which is the BEST pub you will ever see. The decorations alone are enough to make you want to be a frequent customer. Needless to say, I'd like to visit once more before heading back across the Atlantic.
For Jayce's last week in town, we returned to Alcazar, holed up, and enjoyed each others' company. My birthday was celebrated low key style but enjoyably so. Even though I had to work, we had a great time. I dropped him off at the airport today....I bought The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and I've started planning this last semester.
It's January. The home stretch is here. My last 5 months in Spain. I would be dishonest if I didn't see half of me really wouldn't mind packing up and going home now. It's hard to be with your family for almost a month after not having seen them for 4 months. My time will be filled with novels(Spanish and English), studying Spanish, cooking(hopefully), studying for the GRE now that I have a study book, and teaching of course.
Until next time, Happy New Year and be safe.
