Its been some time since my last update...annnnddd since I switched countries again, I thought it was time I filled everyone in?
I'm writing this post from the lovely balcony of my hostal in MADRID, SPAIN!!! Its a bit chilly out here right now, but I couldn't resist the idea of putting all my thoughts and experiences down while looking out at the street below me. I LOVE how Spanish culture is all about being out and enjoying one another's company at night. My little side street is situated right between two fairly large plazas, and I keep witnessing friends running in to and greeting each other, and little scooters zipping in and out between them. Madrid is wonderful. I've only been here one day..but I'm already in love with this city. And the SPANISH. The first Spanish conversation I had almost had me jumping up and down with excitement. I had forgotten how much fun the language is, and how much I love it. Even IF I'm way too rusty for my liking.. And I spent a good part of my day at the Reina Sofia Modern Art Museum, which, in addition to being absolutely awe-inspiring, had me thinking back to all those high school and university Spanish classes spent studying the artwork of Dali, and Picasso. Something about seeing all these ridiculously famous works of art in their original form...it had my head spinning..and my toes throbbing...standing and staring at artwork for a good four hours gets exhausting?? Haha. Oh AND I saw this little old couple in one of the exhibits, that, when they thought no one was looking, fell in to this deep embrace and kissed each other so sweetly that I wanted to cry. You all know how much I love old people right? They were ADORABLE, and just..enjoying the art around them, and each other...and it kind of made my day. Haha..Anyway..The rest of my first day here was spent walking around the streets of this city, trying as hard as I could to absorb every single aspect. I've wanted to travel to Spain since I first learned how to say "Hola" and now..here I am. And I know there is still so much else for me to be thinking about and focusing on, but for today, I was completely and totally void of all things stressful and unrelated to my absolute elation at finding myself in a place I've dreamed about for years. Spanish is what started me on the path I'm on now..if I hadn't taken that first course in what..7th grade? There's no way I would be here today. And so, while I was once again struck by thoughts of "How the HELL did I get here" all day long today....at the same time...I've known all along I would make it here. I spent some time today sitting on a park bench and simultaneously reading a book/watching passerby/listening to this lovely little man play ridiculously difficult songs on a guitar..and I know I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. And I absolutely can't wait to explore the rest of this city.
The little man I was talking about..haha.
Picasso's "Mujer en Azul" ("Woman in Blue") Its one of my favs...
Of course, getting here wasn't exactly the easiest thing in the world. And...traveling, really never is. But, I still love it anyway. How did I find myself in Madrid? When last I posted I was in the French Riviera? Hmmmm good question. It included one pretty long train ride, WAAAAAYYYYY too many metro stops, and a short little leg on a plane. Maybe I should rewind a bit...
I stayed with my friend Becca in Nice for a good long extended stay. She was most hospitable, opening her home, and her life to me like that. She is this amazingly strong, independent Madison-alum who cooks these WONDERFUL meals. I can't WAIT to steal some of her recipes!! I had an amazing time with her, and had so much fun exploring Nice, and reminiscing about all things Madison with her.
Me! And Nice in the background!
View of the port side of Nice's coast..
I also had some not so fun days..as I still have papers to write, but..I must admit...finishing a paper is much easier at a tiny, cozy little French cafe than back at College Library in Madison. Haha. Another highlight of my stay was getting to go in to work one day with Becca. I don't believe I mentioned it in my previous post, but she's living in Nice and working as an English teacher to French High School students. I loved getting to see her teach, and I loved getting to see another aspect of French culture and society I would have gone without otherwise. And btw, French teenagers are SO posh. SO lux. I was impressed by their outfits, their language, and their expressions. It was a day of wonderful observances that no blog post would ever possibly have enough room for. Suffice it to say, it was memorable. But then, as life often brings, change was upon me once again, and suddenly, I was in PARIS. I decided the day before leaving that I want to make a stop there before heading down to Spain..and so I did. And I'm SO happy I made that decision! Paris is everything that everyone has ever said and/or written about it. And COLD. It. Was. FREEZING!!! But still wonderful. And the Eiffel Tower at night really does take one's breath away..even if you toes are numb. :)
Me! So excited I got to see the light show as it was being lit up for the night!
Another one of my fav shots from the night
But after my very short 24 hours in Paris, I was once again back in an airport and on another plane. And thats how I found myself here! AND to make matters even mor exciting-starting tomorrow, I'll have someone to explore this city with!!! I LOVE INTERNATIONAL REUNIONS!!!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! And then...I'll be making my way down to Morocco! Finally! I get to see one more familiar face before my semester starts (MY MA!!!!) and then I'm in for even more experiences I'm sure will need blogging about. I can't wait for a single second of my immediate future, and I can't wait to update you all about it.
Until next time, Besos y abrazos y todo mi amor....
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