A farewell of sorts

As my lovely friend Meg recommended to me, its time to give this blog an official rest, in order to preserve its purpose. When I stumble upon it in a few months or years time, I will have sufficiently processed that wonderful semester of my life that was Spain. Upon rediscovery, it will be even sweeter, I reckon. Until then, I've locked these memories into a time capsule. Adieu and 'ta luego.

Final Thoughts

Well, we've (I've) reached the end. Tomorrow marks the return journey home and as I sit here in Madrid and make some final preparations, it seems all too strange to me that I am going to be leaving Europe and SPAIN in the morning. Honestly, now that I've reached the end, I am not sure if I am ready to go...sure there are a lot of things that I am CRAVING from the United States and I am excited to see all my family + friends, but I have definitely reached a level of comfort here that I am not sure I am willing to give up just yet.

~~~

As I finish this blog post, I am currently sitting in my beloved bed in Raleigh, listening to Sharon Van Etten and James Blake, attempting to wrap my head around one of the most profound, fast-paced and best 5 and 1/2 months of my life. I began my return with a dinner at Angus Barn, followed by a much needed haircut, lunch at Whole Foods with Meg Philbrook, a visit to Alexander to get t-shirts and see camp and a trip to Target...a pretty solid welcome home itinerary in my book. Then came Elmo's Diner and a trip to Carrboro house. It is entirely wonderful and strange to be at home, back in the United States. In some ways, it almost feels like the last 5 months didn't actually happen, like maybe I never left at all. The routine of home returned pretty immediately and I'm surprised by this. But then of course there are the homecomings, the favorite foods and the billions of questions. I'm trying to work on not overwhelming everyone (and myself) with stories--it's hard to not get carried away, but honestly its even harder to process it all. I've got a semester of memories, challenges, moments and everything else in between. And I've got a sweet summer to figure it all out hopefully, before its time to return to Chapel Hill. It's good to be home in so many ways, but in many other it feels like I've got some adjusting to do. Here goes a little bit of re-assimilation. Spain I already miss you, but I know I ended this chapter with an ellipsis and not a period. I'm coming back, I promise.

Just touched down in LONDONTOWN.

As a final chapter of my Euro-semester, I got to spend 3 days in London visiting some friends I haven't seen in a while. The company was great and the city was FANTASTIC. I really loved the vibe and the culture and could see myself spending some significant time in the city. I drank my fair share of cider, indulged in fish and chips and saw the famous Abbey Road. I saw Warhol, Pollock and Monet at the Tate Modern, walked alongside the Thames and rode double decker buses (on the opposite side of the road, of course). I also loved seeing sites like Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and Westminster, a West End show and the wonderful hippie charm of Camden; London, I know I'll be back to explore. Here are a few pics from my adventure.

The Bucket List.

I've decided now that I am LESS THAN 2 MONTHS AWAY from the end of my semester, that it is time to make a bucket list of things (mostly in Spain) I would like to accomplish/see/do before my European adventure ends, as well as document the amazing things I already have done! It is also a catch-all for the adventures I've had in between my blog posts. I'll try to keep up with the list and hopefully come June 30, all or at least many of the items will have been completed! Here goes...

(The items listed in bold represent those already accomplished)

- See a bull fight in Sevilla

To the absolute disgust of my roommate from last semester (...), I did indeed attend a "corrida de toros" or bull fight here in Sevilla. It was quite the experience I must say. 6 slain bulls later and it was accomplished--although a little intense, the matador's dance with the bull is simply mesmerizing. If it makes me a "bad person," so be it, but the tradition of bull fighting in Spain has always intrigued me and to have finally witnessed it first hand was an incredible experience.

- Be published

During my stint at The Olive Press, I was able to write 12ish briefs that were included in the latest issue of The Olive Press AND one of my stories got my byline! Although it was a very short article, it is quite awesome to see myself published abroad!

- Attend a futbol game

I never got around to writing a post about it, but I indeed did watch the Sevilla vs. Malaga game here in February. Decked out in my Sevilla scarf, it was a very interesting, and a very Spanish experience to say the least! The crowd chanting in loud Spanish, dramatic plays/injuries, and a very unified ambiance. Now I see why it is indeed the Spanish way of life!

-Botellón on the river/Calle Betis

A SUCCESS! As part of the last Sevilla hooray, a group of us bought our liters of Cruzcampo and headed down to the water's edge on Sevilla's ever-lively Calle Betis! For two hours, we reminisced, talked about everything under the sun, argued during an impromptu game of Who Am I? and enjoyed the last big night out for many of the group. It was something I wanted to do my entire semester and I loved having that be a big part of my send off!

-Attend La Feria de Abril

Pretty much, La Feria is a combination of the State Fair, an exclusive frat party, a horse parade, flamenco and hoards of drinking. Therefore, it is nearly impossible for me to describe. It is a week-long 24 hour party that happens to be about 1.5 blocks from my house. The women are decked out in gorgeous flowing flamenco dresses and the men are looking ever so suave in coats and ties. Also, many of the tents are private, so you are lucky if you have Spanish friends who can slip you an invite--I'll admit I've lucked out a few times and entered into these sacred Feria establishments.

-Watch a quality flamenco show

Although I've been to La Carboneria, the free flamenco show that everyone who is anyone goes to in Sevilla, I wanted to find something a little less commericalized. I had planned on going to a cheap tablao, but in my current economic situation, I can't manage that. However, the other night I went to a FANTASTIC and FREE show at T de Triana, a bar on Betis. I watched a set and a half and was literally fixated on the show--the mournful wailing of the singer, the signature guitar playing and the passionate dancing were all incredible. It was a great way to end my time in Sevilla--perhaps next time I can work out a tablao, but for now, this was pretty awesome too!

-Visit another continent

...and that's exactly what I did when I ventured to Morocco! I now can knock my continent count up to 3--North America, Europe, and Africa! Having the opportunity to visit Morocco gave a really interesting perspective into a culture that is even more different than my own, but I throughly enjoyed the opportunity to further expand my awareness.

-Visit Abbey Road

And check that one off the list! I did indeed make it to Abbey Road during my short stint in London and I loved being able to set foot on a pretty iconic place. Some of my favorite Beatles' songs are off of this album and I love the idea that they simply shot the cover outside of the studios. Also, I got myself on camera and on the internet (that sounds terribly bad, actually)--there's a live camera at the crosswalk that watches everyone cross the street. You can view it right here! http://www.abbeyroad.com/visit/

-Swim in the Mediterranean

So far, I've only touched the freezing waters of this sea when I went to Barcelona, however I'll go ahead and count it. BUT the real experience was in Mallorca! I spent 4 days with 9 other friends soaking up the sun on the Balearic Island of Mallorca--and naturally spent a good portion of the time on the beach and swimming around in the Mediterranean. With its gorgeous color and relatively warm temperatures, it was quite an enjoyable experience--and one I can now add to my repertoire.

in Barcelona

-Travel to eastern Europe!

I made it! To Prague and Berlin, and let me say, one of the best trips so far! After hearing enormous amounts of raving about Prague from the internet and Cameron Nelson, I finally had my own chance to visit it and I definitely fell in love with the city and all it has to offer. The castle, the strange language, the koruna instead of the euro, the kielbasa, the gorgeous architecture--it all was incredible and I definitely want to return. Berlin was also another city that I want to make it back to--my day long adventure was not enough to the counter culture of this incredibly hip city enough, however I was riveted by the history the city has. And seeing the Berlin Wall in person was quite profound, I'll admit. Eastern Europe has a certain draw to it and honestly I might prefer it to the west (shhh....). I'll be back someday I'm most sure.

-Couchsurf

Couchsurfing has by far been one of the best little perks about traveling in Europe. From my Paris blog post, you probably remember my absolutely FANTASTIC experience with Caro and Vince. Although I only had the opportunity to do it once, it literally has increased the value of my semester tenfold, and let me meet incredible individuals! I can't wait to do it more in the future!

-Paddle boat in the Guadalquivir

We finally did it! Four of us split the cost of a paddle boat and took it out for a run for an hour on my last full day in Sevilla. It offered a really neat perspective of the river and we enjoyed the time to relax (at least those who weren't paddling could) and talk as the semester finished up. It was something I really wanted to do so I am so glad I finally got to!

-Eat fish and chips

Although I had to turn down an opportunity for a Sunday roast, I had some pretty boss fish and chips. And minted mushy peas! While on a free walking tour of London, I met a fellow American who was as gung ho about eating this dish as I was and we made our way to nice little pub for some classic breaded haddock with tartare, mushy peas and chips. As well as a refreshing pear cider to top it all off. I'm going to say I was a huge fan of this.

10. ten. dix. diez. (but in the other direction)

In terms of days, how are there only ten of them left?

How far I've come from mid-January, when I anxiously anticipated the beginning of a 5.5 month adventure to Europe. Right now, I'm sitting less than 10 days out from my return to the United States, and I can't believe that it's already over. Although I am more or less slaving away at a little known paper in rural Spain, still trying to figure out London and anticipating my return like crazy, I've only got these left. And although I haven't been as gung-ho here in Ronda as one might be while winding down a semester long-eurotrip, I quite enjoy the time to cook my OWN meals, watch countless episodes of Mad Men, be sociable and even read a little bit (Hemingway if you were interested). Because although those first weeks back in the States will be glorious and my return to my beloved university will be wonderfully refreshing, there is no way I'll be getting these days back. It's been a semester full of Spanish improvements, countless adventures, a little bit of rowdiness, a pinch of studying and a WHOLE LOT of growing up and one that I know will be influential during the rest of my life. To reflect on it all is going to be quite the monstrous process, but I'm starting now with this post. I'm anxious about the next few days, nervous about my pretty broken (and still heavy) suitcase, a little dreadful about the 9 hour flight that awaits me and excited to sleep in my own bed again. I'm longing for you Carolina, however, Europe you've been too good to me and it will hurt to leave. But after all of it, I know I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. Bring on these last 10.

5 month mark.

Today marks the officially end of the UNC in Sevilla study abroad program, however I'm sticking around for 15 more days, finishing up a stint at the English-speaking newspaper, The Olive Press (with which I did work for back in April), then a transfer to Madrid, a few days in Londontown, followed by a final few days in Madrid before take-off back to the US of A. Although I'm reveling in the opportunity for a few more weeks of travel, I can't help but be very jealous of all those whose are making there way home now. It's hard to keep super positive about staying when a lot of my news feed is filled with homecoming statuses and excitement to return. But I'm reminding myself that my time left is valuable, even if I'm secretly counting down the days until I can see my beloved hot, summery NC. In other news, living in Ronda working for the paper gives me the opportunity to finally COOK FOR MYSELF, something I have missed dearly (especially considering what I was being served). From fried rice to Italian pasta to huevos rancheros to raclette, I've tried to mix the menu up and keep things funky, after all its all up to me! I leave by train to Madrid on June 24th, but between now and then a huge task is figuring out how to minimize the EXCESSIVE weight in my suitcase...ugghhh. That and trying to stay occupied during the rather dry hours I spend in The Olive Press office...I'm pretty sure updating the blog might become a very handy procrastination technique. But as I finish up here, I hope to remain enthralled with Europe and not give in too soon to the temptation of my home.

City Break: Lishhhboa (Lisbon)

Like it usually goes, this blog post is only about 2.5 weeks late. I spent the weekend of May 20-22 in LOVELY Lisbon in Portugal, an adventure I undertook alone. It ended up being one of my favorite adventures thus far.

To start things off, I took the overnight bus from Sevilla to Lisbon, placing me in the Portuguese city around 7:30 am. Between bumbling over my lack of Portuguese knowledge, chasing down the tram and overall looking very lost, I final found my hostel--Johnnie's Place in the heart of the neighborhood of Graça. Despite running on 4.5 hours of sleep (maybe you aren't aware of how uncomfortable buses really are), I hit the ground running. I spent some time in the Praça do Comércio before heading over to Belem, the western most neighborhood in Lisbon. I climbed the Tower of Belem, peaked into the monastery and finally indulged in some FANTASTIC pastries, pasteles de nata, from the renowned Pasterleria de Belem. That afternoon, I headed back towards my side of town and visted the Castelo de Sao Jorge, a giant wonder that gives you the most magnificent view of Lisbon. After running around the city by day, I was not only pretty tired but also a little sunburned. I headed back to the hostel for a treat of a night--a home-cooked Peruvian meal and a night of Peruvian storytelling, hosted by Pedro (the owner of the hostel).

pasteles de nata

The neat thing about Johnnie's Place is that the owner loves to organize hostel-wide events to complement the experience. My Friday night was consumed with stuffed bell peppers, black beans and Quechua legends, told by a my nice friend Wayqui. I met Wayqui in the lobby of the hostel and we hit it off right away--over the next two nights, we talked about everything under the sun, from Spain to favorite music, to religion and the US politics. It gave me a fantastic opportunity to practice my Spanish (ironic, since I was in Portugal, and they really don't speak Spanish (despite popular belief)). The opportunity to meet him was incredible, what a unique soul. And now if I ever find myself in Lima, I know exactly who to call.

The next day I woke up early to go to La Feira de Ladra, the weekly flea market that is very famous. As I wandered around the rows of stalls with a few Polish girls from the hostel, we made some great finds (and some less than great ones too). For lunch we stopped for a gazpacho break in the Praça do Comércio followed by a FREE wine tasting, where I sampled wines from 3 different regions in Portugal. The rest of the afternoon/evening was spent watching a few hours of fantastic, authentic and local fado, the traditional music of Lisbon. It is singing-oriented and accompanied by guitar and other instruments--usually the songs are woeful, sung by women lamenting over the loss of their men at sea. The fado was truly an incredible experience and we had a great time interacting with the locals.

To round out my Lisboa trip, I followed the girls to a MARVELOUS gelato shop in Barrio Alto--seriously the most legit gelato this side of Rome. As it that wasn't enough of a sweet fix, we headed back to get some MORE pasteles de nata. Definite sweet overload/sugar rush. That night, as a final hoorah, a few of us went out the mesmerizing Barrio Alto, and grid of insane nightlife filled streets and walks of life. It truly was the perfect end to the adventure.

I think with my Lisbon trip, I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet some many awesome individuales in my hostel--and from all over the world (Peru, Poland, Ireland, the US, just to name a few). It was definitely one of my most memorable trips mostly because of the wonderful interactions I had--the type of interactions that remind just how wonderful traveling really is.

Praça do Comércio

Fado at Tasca do Jaime

La Feira de Ladra

Castelo de Sao Jorge

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos