Toledo Hermoso

 A lot happened yesterday.

 I'll just start from the beginning.

 I actually woke up on time for breakfast yesterday! I had lots of time until I had to meet my director to head for Toledo, so that helped. It was really good. It was a little bit like an American hotel's breakfast, but with different foods, no waffle maker, and a lot more neat and organized. I made an egg sandwich with tomato and ham.

 Then, I walked around the streets of Madrid and got a few things at a souvenir shop. At first, I didn't really want to go there because I didn't want to seem like a tourist, but they actually have some cool things there sometimes! I got a tiny little notebook to write new vocabulary in and some gifts for friends.

 Next, I met my director in the hotel and we left for the taxi with my luggage. We soon arrived at a plaza where I met the staff of the foundation, or university, that I'll be at. I said goodbye to Señor Jaume and walked toward the bus. I was a little nervous about finding a seat on the bus because there were already a lot of students sitting down, and they all seemed to know each other. I picked a seat and sat down, then introduced myself to the people behind me.

 I also met a girl next to me, named Maggie and we ended up talking for a long time. She is from Minnesota and she is really cool. The view from the bus as we traveled to Toledo was beautiful. It took about 45 minutes, then we were in Toledo!

 We dropped off our suitcases off at the dorms, then we had lunch! I was so hungry that I forgot to take a picture of the meal, so sorry about that. It was a chicken breast roasted squash, zucchini, and onions.

 We had a bit of time before we had to meet for a tour, so after lunch, my friend, Maggie, and I walked around the building and discovered some cool places. We found a classroom with an upstairs that has windows that open to an amazing view of Toledo! It was fun walking around the building with her!

 Then, we met for the tour, which we found out was a tour of the building... so we went around to classrooms and living rooms again! But, this time we got a better description and rules of the place. Then, I had a bit of free time, so I went to my room to put clothes and other things away. I realized that I had left my converter for my phone and laptop charger at the hotel I was at in Madrid, so I planned on asking someone about what to do about that.

 While I was putting things away, my roommates came in and I got to meet them for the first time! Their names are Mariliana and Gleida. They are from Puerto Rico and they are super nice!

 I went to go ask about the converter, and someone told me I can use one from the school for now, so that's awesome. I also saw that some other students wanted to search for a supermarket to get a few things. I decided to go along for the journey to get some things too. It was kind of crazy. We tried to follow the map we were given but had to ask a local Toledano for directions.

 When I got back, I finished up with arranging my things in the room and get to know my roommates a little better. We went to dinner, and I... forgot to take a picture again. For dinner, I had a fried fish fillet (the lady told me the name of the fish, but I forgot... she said it was popular in Spain.), a tomato with cream and zucchini, some mixed vegetables, a piece of bread, and water.

 After dinner, I went with my roommates and some other students who are also from Puerto Rico to go exploring. That's basically what we did. We just walked around. Oh! But, there was also this neat festival, called Voix Vives (French for live voices), where there was music, poem reading, and art and books being sold. It was so cool! I could've stayed there forever. But, we walked around more and that was fun too. We were on the search for fruit because Gleida really wanted some papaya. But, sadly, a lot of the markets we found were closed. Then, headed back to the foundation to sleep!

A restaurant called Mr. Myagi! Had to get a picture because it's from my mom's favorite movie, Karate Kid!

 And I just liked the lettering of this sign at the store!

 Kthnxbai!

Estoy en Madrid.

 Once I showered, took a nap, and called my family and my friend, I went to meet my Resident Director. His name is Jaume and he is awesome. I like to call him Señor Jaume.

 We went over safety precautions while being in Spain and other fun things like that.

 Then, once that was finally over, we set out to get what I came to Spain for, (drum roll please) chocolate and churros!

  As we walked down the streets to our destination, there were so many things to look at. One thing that caught my eye was a candy store that said Turrón y chocolate. I asked what Turrón is because it sounds like because it sounded like a Filipino dessert that my Lola recently brought us. It is basically plantains wrapped in spring roll wrappers and fried. Señor Jaume started to explain what it is, but then he said, "Let's just go in and check it out!" A lady working though gave me a few samples. It tasted like peanut brittle, but with almonds instead. There were also some that were softer than peanut brittle. So, it wasn't what I thought it was, but it was really good! I liked looking around at the different flavors and products they had too!

 Then, we left and continued on to Chocolateria San Gines. I picked a table outside of the building and he went inside and ordered. I got six churros and a cup of hot chocolate! I wish Señor Jaume helped me eat some because it was a lot, but he said he wouldn't be hungry for dinner if he did. Makes sense... The churros warm and crunchy. The chocolate was really dark and rich. I love it! So delicious!

 Next, I walked off all the calories from the churros with Señor Jaume around the city.

 We went to El Palacio Real, or the Royal Palace, and simply admired it. It is so huge and beautiful!

 It is so big, that I couldn't even get all of it in even a horizontal picture!

 We walked around some more and I took pictures of a few random, notable things. There was a band of violinists, cellists, a pianist, and a bassist that I thought was cool.

I liked this sign that said Joy. I learned that it's a club, but I just like the sign.

We ended up at Café de Los Austrias for dinner.

 I let him order whatever he wanted for us because I'm adventurous like that. We had to order tortilla de patatas because we were just talking about it about 20 minutes ago.

This is tripe marinated in tomato sauce. Tripe is the stomach lining of a cow. I'm sorry if that grosses you out. I didn't give you much of a warning... I didn't like it because it was too chewy, but I love the tomato sauce it was in. I liked dipping the bread in it!

This is the tortilla de patata. It is basically an omelet with potatoes in it. This version does not have onion. Sometimes it does, but not this version!

 Next came the fried calamari! I liked this new, weird food! The chewiness reminds me of shrimp, so it was familiar. The lemon squirted on it was a good added flavor.

 We walked back to the hotel and I got some sleep.

 I didn't realize how tired I was until I woke up the next day at 9. I usually wake up at 6 or 7 in the morning. Since I had to meet my director at 10, I didn't go downstairs for breakfast, but I had an apple cinnamon spice granola bar that I brought from home (and is delicious by the way, Ally! It definitely does taste like fall and so does the pumpkin.) I did my quiet time with Jesus, threw a cute dress on with my European converse, as I like to call them, and headed to meet with him.

We had a quick orientation, then headed for the Prado Art museum! There won't be any pictures in this post of any of the artwork because taking pictures was not allowed. So sorry!

 I love walking in the streets of Madrid! There is so much to see, from the architecture to the stores!

 The Prado Art Museum was so awesome! I got in for free because I'm a student, so that was cool. Roll Tide! There were so many neat paintings. My favorites were the paintings of various events from the bible. It was neat to see how the artist portrayed the event. Also, we went on a hunt for a specific painting that Señor Jaume really, really wanted to see. That was kind of funny, but then sad that we never found it. I even gave him a pen and he marked off every section off the map that we already checked.

Then, we went to get Tacos with a 'K'!... no, I'm just kidding. I just really wanted to say that. There was a place called Takos al Pastor that we almost went to and we kept joking about the 'K'! Instead, we went to get tacos at La Malinche! I don't know what that means actually... let me do some research... She was an interpreter who played a key role in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire! Cool! Anyway, I got two tacos with pastor and one with mole de pollo. The mole was very rich, a little too much, but I love the pastor! And Señor Jaume got a huge burrito! Ha! I am studying abroad in Spain and I decided to get Mexican food. What a shame... It was delicious, though!
 Also, this is interesting. When we go out to eat, Señor Jaume likes to get a beer without alcohol. I didn't think that was a thing! How cool!

 Now I have free time for the rest of the day and I'm not sure what I'll do with it...

Kthnxbai!

El Vuelo

 Planes are so cool. For real. They are huge! They hold at least 200 people. They are giant flying vehicles that glide through the clouds! Incredible!

  My first flight was from Atlanta to Charlotte. After my mom drove me to the Atlanta airport, we called the airline company to figure out some issues, and I went through TSA successfully, I found myself on an hour and a half flight to Charlotte. That was nothing. It went by super quick. I read a profound and amazing book, Lágrimas Valientes, and played a few games on my phone.

 Soon after I arrived in Charlotte, I found that my flight was delayed. Boo! But, it was only delayed by 10 minutes, so that's not bad. I got a sandwich from a nearby shop and waited...

 When I found my assigned seat on the plane, I saw a pillow in it. Not realizing that each person got one, I said in Spanish to the Hispanic man next to my seat, "Is this yours, sir?". "No, it is yours! It is so you can say goodnight!" I laughed and sat down.

 We ended up talking a lot! He said his name is Fernando and that he is from Colombia, but lives in the United States and is visiting friends in Spain. He gave me great advice as well as practice speaking Spanish! This was perfect! One of the things he said that I loved was, "In life, you just have to enjoy every moment." I need that in pretty writing for my phone lock screen.

 We soon got dinner on the plane. The flight attendants came around, asking, "Pasta or chicken?", and I got pasta along with a few sides. It was actually pretty good!  No, it wasn't amazing, but it wasn't horrible either.

 I tried to go to sleep later, but I couldn't get comfortable. I was jealous of Fernando's ability to fall asleep so easily. I really wanted the flight to end so I could go to sleep in a bed! I ended up listening to music from my Itunes and playing games on my phone. "Strings" by Shawn Mendes was one of the best.

 For breakfast, we all got a peach Chobani yogurt with granola and a lemon fig bar. Once we landed in Madrid, I got off the plane and headed for customs. I met a few girls standing in line who were also studying abroad! They were from North Carolina, Wyoming, and Colorado. The line for customs was so long, but it was neat to talk to them about where they are from and what they are excited about, being in Spain.

 After following many, many signs and going up and down many, many escalators, I found my luggage! I exited the airport, then, after searching among the crowd of people looking and waving to loved ones, I found my Resident Director.

 He helped me with my luggage and we took a taxi to Madrid, where my hotel is. We talked a lot on the way about Alabama football, how orientation will be, and el fútbol in Spain. He said I speak Spanish well. That made me feel really good because that has been one of my worries.

 I loved looking out the window as we rode through the busy streets of Madrid. The architecture of the buildings is so intricate and historic. It is so neat how beautiful it is, yet so many of the stores and businesses the building belongs to are ordinary.

 We got to the hotel and checked in. I got to my room to shower and take a nap before the orientation that would be in about 5 hours.

 When I got to my room, I sat on my bed and took a deep breath. Wow, I am in Madrid.

 Kthnxbai!

Labor Day?

 Yesterday was an awesome last day before the flight!

 I kind of forgot that it was Labor Day. For me, it was Procrastination Day because I'm not
"anti-crastination"(Mama gets all the credit for that joke). I was getting things done that I should've done way before then. But, we did do some Labor Day-ish things. My mom sent the rest of us to the store with a list of groceries to get. I wasn't sure I should be doing this because I knew I wanted to be packing for Spain. But, I realized we were getting some chicken and steak to grill for lunch. When we got back from the store, I finished up building the Lego set Luke and I were building (Don't judge, it was for memories sake, okay?!) and smelled the delicious chicken marinated in BBQ sauce and the side of rice my mom made. They were both so good.
 Then, my adorable dog, Auggie, took a nap outside on the porch while I sat next to him and appreciated the beautiful weather.

 Soon after, my mom and I went to Steel City Pops (the best popsicle shop local to Birmingham) and got a few things at Gap and Target. I got a watch that has military time written on the inside of the face, which is great because I am horrible at telling military time even though I've heard my dad use it often.

 This day was so great because I got things done, but still had fun with my family. I'm going to miss them a lot. Also, I thought it was cool that we used Alabama white BBQ sauce and I had a Steel City Pop, two Alabama things before I leave the state. And, this sunset! 

 Wow! 

 This morning, my mom and I drove to the Atlanta airport. Now, I am trying to be occupied while I wait for my next flight that has been delayed. One more hour left to kill... 

 Kthnxbai! 

Hacer Las Maletas

 Ugghhh. Packing is hard. I want to pack everything. But, at the same time, I want to pack nothing. I need a balance between the two because I want to leave room in my suitcase for the things I'll bring back home with me.

Seventeen. That's how many shoes I laid out on the floor of my room to narrow down to a few to fit in my suitcase of limited space. Why do I have seventeen shoes, to begin with? 

 Eventually, I ended up with only a few pairs that I would bring, along with some shirts and bottoms for both warm and cold weather. 

 I love wearing jewelry! And I often feel like I have too much of it. So, I had to pick a few pairs of earrings, necklaces, and bracelets to bring. A cool trick I found on Youtube is to thread necklaces through a straw so they don't get tangled as they hang out in their temporary home of a suitcase. I tried it and hopefully, it works! Have you heard of this before?

 I'm also taking this cute over-the-shoulder purse (that I'm pretty sure my Aunt Jennifer gave me a long time ago... Thank you Aunt Jennifer!) to use as I walk around the city. My mom says it looks like it is from Spain. Do you see it? I can kind of see it! It just has that vibe, you know? 

 This awesome, new backpack (that somehow grew wings?) is coming along with me for adventures. It is mainly for the really long flight to Spain. It will have a change of clothes, books for reading, toothpaste and toothbrush (because the flight will be overnight and I don't think it would be a good idea to meet new people at the orientation, smelling like a dragon), my passport, a water bottle (Don't worry. It'll be empty to begin with. I know it can't go through TSA when filled.), and other fun things.

 Well, I am off to get a watch and get a treat from Steel City Pops before summer officially ends for me. I leave tomorrow for Spain... whaaaat? That's so crazy! Ready or not! Hopefully ready. I'll be packing a few more random things tonight and tomorrow morning... probably running around like a crazy person. 

 Hope you enjoyed reading about the random things I had to say about my packing experience. Any suggestions or comments? I'd love to read about it! And I think it would be cool to make this blog interactive in the future... 

 Kthnxbai! 

Change

 I can't explain it too well, but I can feel it.

 One week... that is how much longer I have until I board the plane to live in Europe for three and a half months. I have been dreaming, preparing, and talking about it for so long and I can't believe it is almost here. It feels so real now.

 As I think about what is coming, the word that keeps coming to mind is change. Hopefully, that means change for good, but I know it is a change of some sort.

 Maybe it is because I have never been away from my family for this long... three and a half months. Maybe because I have never had to speak Spanish for this long. Maybe because I have never been to Europe before. Maybe because I am going to be so far away from the friends I've laughed and cried with for two years.

 All I know is that I will be in an unfamiliar, yet exciting place, with so much to do and see. Although I will try some great food and meet cool people, I really hope to see the glory of my wonderful Creator in everything and come back even more satisfied in Him.

 I know there is change involved in my God's plans for me, but I am trusting that it is a change for good. If there is one thing that I have learned this summer, it is that "no matter what, God is always good".

 Kthanxbai!