Here's to you, July.

July was a few months ago. But, what I did in July is definitely worth writing about (now that I have some down time). I like to think of July as "siempre viajandooo" because I was doing just that: always traveling. No, I'm not complaining. While it was a bit tiring as I moved out of my flat in Navalmoral, went piso hunting in Valladolid, acted like a tour guide in 7 Spanish cities, spent a week in Italy, flew home to Missouri, attended my cousin's wedding in Michigan, and turned 24.... I'm happy to have had all the experiences and to have experienced them with wonderful friends. 

Let's Start. July 4th.

Yes, I'm American. But, when you're living in Spain, July 4th is just another day... this year it was a Monday. I was probably packing my life into suitcases, at the garganta, watching online TV, or something equally as fun and non-patriotic. Anyway, that was my holiday.

House Hunters International: Valladolid

I moved out of my apartment in Navalmoral on July 12th. I packed my life into Divina's car and moved my belongings to Jarandilla for the summer. We met up with Toni and her husband Emilliano and we spent the evening at the garganta and having one last dinner together. It was a bittersweet moment, as I knew I wouldn't be going back to live in Navalmoral/Jarandilla when I returned to Spain after 40 days in the USA. I wasn't super sad though, as I knew I wasn't leaving Spain/Europe at that time - but I just knew that things wouldn't ever be the same. I was excited to know that I was going be to traveling for the next few weeks though...so it's safe to say my thoughts were all over the place.

July 13th, I officially said goodbye to Navalmoral as my home. As I rode away in the train toward Plasencia, I saw a sign as we passed over the highway that read "Navalmoral 55km" and I knew it meant I was leaving. It was really difficult to see that, as I really felt at home. (I'm getting really shook up about it as I write this... and I'm not sure why. ughhh) 

Anyway, I finally got to Valladolid and I began looking for my new flat. I visted 5 places - all of them had their pros and cons. Some were in prime locations, others closer to my school. Some had Spanish roommates, others did not. In the end, I picked the one that was 15 minutes walking distance from my school, 15 minutes walking distance to the center, Spanish roommate, andddd it was the cutest (and had the best view.) I think I made a wonderful decision, as I am writing this from my living room, relaxing on the orange couch.

Being a "Guia".

I never though I would have the opportunity to be an "official" tour guide in Spain. While I've acted as a guide in Salamanca to fellow friends and throughout Spain to my family, I never thought a dream would come true: get paid for traveling. When my high school Spanish teacher, Kris Arthur, emailed me and told me to consider being a tour guide for her friend and MO Supreme Court Judge Mary Russell and her husband, Jim, I wasn't really sure what to think. First off, I had to made sure I could stay busy between May 31 (when my job ended) and July 15 (when I would travel with the Russells).  I decided it could work; I knew it was a cool opportunity that wouldn't come around too often.

We worked together over the next month to make our itinerary perfect, yet open for whatever we wanted to do and see. We spent one week traveling by car, train and foot to visit and explore Valladolid, La Alberca, Salamanca, Segovia, Madrid, Toledo, and Sevilla. I'll let pictures do some explaining of what we did in each city. 

Enjoying drinks in the Plaza Mayor, Valladolid.

Plaza Mayor, Al Alberca. La Alberca is a traditional village near Salamanca. Peopl come to see traditional architecture, as seen in the above picture with wood and rocks for the walls. It's also known for having a pig roam the streets. The people feed the pig and have a big celebration each spring to eat the pig and introduce a new pig to the streets. We didn't see the pig while we were there, as they said it was visiting a farm just outside town. But, the food was wonderful.... just ask Jim!

Out for drinks in Salamanca's Plaza Mayor with my friend, Jorge. Jorge came for drinks, we got tapas, and then walked around the city with us for several hours. It was such a fun night! :)

The view from across the old Roman Bridge: Salamanca! The golden City is so pretty by night!

I finally saw the inside of the University of Salamanca!!! This is where Christopher Columbus studied before he left to discover America! La Universidad de Salamanca is one of the oldest in Europe and the oldest in Spain!

The Roman Acqueduct in Segovia. We had lunch just to the left of the wall to really take time to look it over! There is no mortar between the blocks, it's all been cut by precision! (See the people at the bottom? It's huge!!!!)

The castle in Segovia. It's where Walt Disney got the idea for his Sleeping Beauty castle in Disneyland. It's all alone at the end of town, totally worth the walk through Segovia's tiny streets. While we were in Segovia, we stayed in a B&B in the countryside. It was a nice get-a-way from in-town hotels.

Overlooking Toledo with Mary and Jim. We went on a day trip from Madrid to visit the town where the Jews, Moors, and Christians all lived together in harmony in Spain's history.

Inside Santa Maria La Blanca Synagogue, Toledo.

Flamenco Show live at Las Tablas, Madrid. We had front row seating!

Plaza Espana, Sevilla. This beautiful plaza was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. There are sections for each region in Spain and also buildings for other North/South/Latin American countries on the grounds nearby.

In Sevilla, we went on a walking tour of the center and a bus tour to explore the outskirts of town.

I am happy to say I have met friends for life; Mary and Jim will always be on my "list of people to tell when something important happens in my life."  Thank you for this experience! I will never forget all our fun times together! (I'll even remember the times Wendy was around...)

Fontechiari, Italy: The Adventures on Mute Street.

I spent two weeks in Fontechiari with my friend Gina and her family in 2009. I never really thought I'd have the opportunity to go back (ok, I did.) but I didn't really know it was going to be in July. I booked a ticket just a few weeks before I showed up, which made it even more fun! I hadn't seen Gina since March 2010, when she came to Missouri. It was time for another reunion. 

We went out late. Woke up to eating pasta. I lost to Anthony (Gina's brother) in video games. We watched Disney movies. We rocked out to Papette Beach Compilation in the car. Drove on tiny streets. Attended White Nights. Visited the Island. Nancy (Gina's sister), Gina and I took a new "notebook" photo in the middle of the street. I attended a soap-box derby. And, I had an Italian boyfriend again (ok, that's kind of a joke...but not really.) It was a repeat of July 2009. 

"Brooklyn Bridge" - Gina and I went walking to town one afternoon. It's not as scary going through this tiny space walking, but in car, it's a bit scary - good thing the cars are tiny!

Afternoon visit to a church on top of a hill. The view was incredible!

Visiting an old castle with Gina.

Gina, Cristian, Me, Enrico - enjoying Notte Bianca in a nearby town. Way too many vodka/limons later...

Soap box derby. Gina's cousin was riding in it. It was a fun, yet long afternoon. But, seriously, a very cool opportunity to see this in a small town in Italy. :)

The Italy gang! Gina, Nancy, Marco, Alessandra, Mirco, Me, Enrico, Cristian.

My second family! Saying goodbye...until the next visit! :) Love you!

Wedding Bells.

My cousin Michelle got married in Ann Arbor, Michigan! I'm sure my family was happy she picked July 30th for the date, as it ensured I would be back in the States in time to celebrate my birthday with them (July 29th!) I had just arrived to Missouri on July 28th, which meant my birthday was spent in the car. I wasn't sure what time it was or even what day it was; I was so jet-lagged. I was happy to spend the weekend with my family though.  My cousin looked beautiful and we got to meet her new husband, Matt, for the first time. 

Cutting the cake! Michelle and Matt - July 30th, 2011!

We had a little downtime between the ceremony and reception so a big group of us went to a bar to spend our time. Well. I guess you know you've been out of the USA for too long when you put "all of the important things you'll need today" in your purse... and forget your ID. Yeah -- that happened again. I'm use to not needing an ID; as long as you look 16, you are never carded in Spain/Europe. I ordered a summer shandy (still on the beer/lemon kick) and was then asked for ID. Wellllll, I didn't even open my purse, I just stared at him and laughed at myself...then had the hard time of convincing him that I was actually 24 and my birthday was the day before. He still didn't want to serve me (I was with my parents, aunt, cousins, and grandparents....) so my parents went to the hotel to get my ID. Ok, hopefully next July when I get back, I'll remember that you need your ID to drink alcohol and that the USA has tax. Again, in Europe, I'm use to paying the price that is shown, not having to worry about tax being added. (I forgot about this when I got back in 2009.)

Before driving back to Missouri, so I could finally go home home, my grandparents, my aunt, and I drove to visit a friend of mine in Michigan, Rachel. Rachel and I met in Salamanca in 2009, and we've been able to keep up with each other via Facebook. It only made sense to visit her, as Ann Arbor was only a few hours drive to her house. She and I spent the afternoon catching up, swapping stories from Spain, etc. It was such a nice visit, I wish it could have lasted longer, but I'm happy for the time we spent together! 

Rachel and I!

Home Sweet Home. 

I finally got to my house on August 1. It was nice to sleep in my own bed, walk on carpet, eat my mom's and grandma's food, watch TV, play with my cat, drive my car, going to the cinema... all the little things I had been missing. I went out for countless lunches and dinners with friends and family to eat all the cultural foods I had been missing - buffalo wings, sushi, endless salad bar, free refills, Mexican food... I think we counted that I ate at over 20 restaurants (some of them multiple times!) in my 40 days in the USA.  But, everyone has to eat - so catching up with friends/family over a meal was the easiest way to catch up on lost time.

Ok, so this isn't a meal I can't get in Spain - but these are my birthday churros! To celebrate with my family, we went to dinner at Modesto's on the Hill in St. Louis. We had a very Spanish meal - tapas! It was nice to be at home with my family, but still be reminded of Spain!

I spent a weekend in Kansas City visiting friends from grade school, high school, and college. It was such a fun weekend get-a-way! 

Out for drinks: AJ, Jesse, Brian, Ciara, Me, Kristi at KC Power and Light!

I had a girl's weekend at the lake to celebrate my birthday. Also, it was more than just celebrating my birthday. It was a time to catch up with my good friends from Westminster, as we are all at different stages of our lives. When I go back at Christmas, Markie will be married and in January, Whitney will have a baby girl! I'm excited for both of them! I'm happy to have spent the night with all of my friends - out in style - at the Lake. We spent the day lounging at my Uncle's house, out on the boat, in the pool... by night, we were out in the limo to go to dinner, play 10cent skee-ball on The Strip, and dance (and drink!) the night away at Topsider. The next morning, we all piled onto the bed talking and recapping the night by looking at pictures. It was such a fun weekend. I think it's always important to make time for friends, and I'm happy my friends made time for me during my short time back. :) 

My friends and I before going out! Kasie, Lydia, Brittney, Heather, Me, Whitney, Markie

Woooo! Skee-ball! :)

We started the dance party at Topsider... we brought out the "basketball dance".

I had the cool opportunity to visit Mary at the Supreme Court, twice. Once with my mom and Congressman Luetkemeyer, another time with my whole family. We received a private tour, got to act like the judges, and my grandma actually put on the robe! :)

Visiting Mary!

My family of judges! Grandma looks like she is taking the role a little too serious... haha

Mom and I went to the State Fair to watch my dad compete with the horse.  It had been a few years since we had gone, so I'm happy to have had the time to go this year.  While we watched my dad ride, we also found our way to the beer stand and wine tastings! We tried out massage chairs, bought smelly candles, and a new lent roller! Seriously, the fair has some awesome things. (But it doesn't have El Toro Loco Ride...)

Hanging with my dad at the fair!

Missouri State Fair - sunset!

A few other things that were worth mentioning in my time home in the USA... my mom and I went to St. Louis to visit my aunt and uncle. We went to the Festival of Nations - and wow! it was so cool! There was food, shops, and music from all over the world. We had a wonderful day! We also went to the Zoo and had lunch at the Boat House - where we later rented a paddle boat. I relaxed while my mom and aunt paddled me around. :)

Henna tattoo! Loved it!

Scottish Meal! Thinking of Maria!!!! Mince & Taties and an Iron Bru!

Visiting the elephants at the zoooo!

Relaxing on the paddle boat - the Boat House in the back!

View from the back of the boat, near the Art Museum!

I feel like I'm always ending my blogs with a thank you or a goodbye to some group of people in my life, well, this one is for all my friends and family in the USA.  I am thankful for all of your support while I am back working in Spain. I love and miss all of you. I cannot wait to see you at Christmas! Thank you for making my 40 days fantastic! Hasta prontooooo.... see you soon!

A Weekend At Home.

I went home last weekend. I'm not talking about Missouri nor even the United States; I'm talking about Salamanca. Home is somewhere you are at ease; where you can be yourself; surrounded by family - people who know and understand you. It's so nice to go home: to Salamanca.

Sometimes when you have something in mind that you realllly want to do,  you won't let anything get in your way - not even the idea of traveling alone. This past weekend, I went to Salamanca - alone - yet, in reality I was far from "alone". 

The trip began quite funny actually... While waiting in the train station in Navalmoral to go to Plasencia (where I would catch the bus for Salamanca) I met an old man. While I couldn't understand a word he said, I was able to make out "hace frio" - which if you were in Navalmoral on this particular day, you would have known how freezing cold it was outside and that everyone's conversations were something about the cold weather. Well, to help me translate the rest of the conversation, I called on the help of three guys my age who were sitting to my right.  Here is where it gets interesting. Of these boys, one studied computers with my friend Ismael, another was from Merida where my friend Dioni is from, and they all study at the school where my friend Oscar's dad is the director.  phewww! Long story short, these guys were shocked that after only a few short months I had met/become friends such fine people from this area. I was invited to sit with them on the train where we shared stories and they practiced speaking English with the American girl. :) We laughed a lot and are now friends on Tueni. jaja

Just 45 minutes later, the train arrived in Plasencia. I met up with Lyndsy, Melissa, and Melissa's friend to go shopping. It was nice hanging out with them as it had been a while since I had seen them. Melissa made us lunch (chicken/tomato/cheese/olive oil bocadillos) and I went on my way to get the bus for Salamanca. A nice quick visit, time to catch up and share a few stories. 

Buying cheese and tomatoes for our bocadillos at the market in Plasencia.
You can see part of the old walls that use to enclose all of the town.

Salamanca

I stayed with my friend Tasos, who is so kind to welcome me to his house whenever I need to "go home". He cooked me dinner, turned the heat wayyyy up, and gave me keys to come and go as I pleased. I stopped by Rafa's cyber to torment him (which he loves!) and we enjoyed catching up on our lives since December 2009.  After getting ready, I headed out to the bars to see who I could see. I started where I usually start on a night out on the town in Sali- debajo el reloj. I saw Manny in the Plaza, he hooked me up. (If you know Manny, you know this means drink cardssss!!!! ...and I do mean cardssss.) Then, as i was walking to Irish, I saw Jim - at his normal post on C/ Iscar Peyra. It was so nice talking to him - memories of Summer of 2008. In Irish I watched the Irish Rover Band which is managed by none other than Miguel the Best.  I also saw several other Irish Rover regulars which is always a nice welcome. :)

The night was no where near over, as I proceeded to go to Medievo, Elektrotaco, Chupiteria and later to Paniagua. I ran into Jorge and Nacho in Chupiteria and was so happy to find them! I drug Nacho with me to Elektrotaco to pick up Rafa to go to Paniagua where we split Calimocho liters all night, enjoying the company of Seodhna, an Irish girl who i met last year through Rafa. The night was too fun...and ended like most nights do - in Khandavia. 

I can't go to Salamanca without taking a picture of the golden streets and buildings!
Iglesia of the Pontifica (the private university) and Casa de las Conchas

Irish Rover Band (and Miguel in orange!)

Seodhna's friend, Seodhna, Rafa, yo, Nacho "Cheese" in Paniagua

Saturday was suppose to be spent in Toro/Zamora on a wine tour hosted by Irish Rover, but plans changed since I was too late to get a ticket. Boo. Anyway, it was the best thing that could have happened since I spent Saturday day shopping for new jeans (since I don't have a dryer, each time I wear them they get BIGGER!) I went to El Fogon, Lourdes' restaurant, to see Lorena, my old host sister - Lourdes' daughter. OMG. I can't say how much the restaurant smelled like Lourdes' kitchen. Amazing! Lorena was surprised to see me, as she shouted "hola!" from the small round window in the kitchen door. She came outside and immediately said "Ah, have you been to visit my mom? She will love that you are here - you need to see her!" And so I went. I actually ran into Lourdes in the street just as she was leaving the house to go to the restaurant. She was excited to see me, as she yelled "buenas Whit" from far away, down the street! She invited me to have dinner with her and the girls who are living with her this semester. I couldn't have been happier!

We always told Lourdes to open a restaurant... and now she has one!

Being back in Lourdes' house was just like going home. I didn't know whether to smile continuously or to cry... I chose to smile continuously! I was so happy to be home. Lourdes and I talked about my semester in Salamanca, my job now, my old Salamanca roommates, stories from when I lived with her, my future, etc. It was so nice to relive these old memories and to toss new ones around. Dinner was prepared - brushetta, spinach pastries, and gnocchi pasta. It tasted just like Fall 2009. Of course, I wasn't shy and had several helpings - Lourdes kept said "come! come! eat! eat!" and even followed it up by "Whit isn't shy, she will eat." And I did. I had a good helping of fruit too... seriously, one year later and nothing has changed. Well, the bathroom has had a makeover and my old room has two strangers living in it, but nothing else. Lourdes' hospitality and the warmth of being home is still very much unchanged. I enjoyed getting to know the girls living with Lourdes right now, as we shared stories about Salamanca for about an hour after dinner ended. I then joined Lourdes to watch Sexo en Nuevo York (Sex in the City) which was on tv. While watching tv, I received a text from Allyson, an English teacher in another town in La Vera (we met in Caceres during orientation - she went to MU!) and she said she was in Salamanca. We met under the clock and started the night at Cubic (chupitos gratis!) and then proceeded to Paniagua...Daniel's...a few new places...then to Chupiteria. At Chupiteria I was greeted by none other than Yussef, Jorge, and Nacho. I was so happy! I spent the rest of the night with Yussef in Chupiteria and Potemkin (a new favorite!) 

Allyson and I in the Plaza Mayor (it was freezing!)

On Sunday, Tasos and I met up with Allyson and her friends in Van Dyke to have some tapas and canas before leaving. Allyson offered to give me a ride home to Navalmoral since she had to drive through Navalmoral on her way to Losar de la Vera. It was nice to be traveling via car and not spending extra time waiting around for buses or trains from Plasencia to Navalmoral. I enjoyed our roadtrip - listening to Jack's Mannequin and making fun of the drunk Spaniard in the back seat! 

Sunset from the car - somewhere between Salamanca and Navalmoral.

Can you see the snow in the mountains behind this tiny pueblo?!

All in all, it is weekends like these that make this job placement so enjoyable - time to go home when I need a weekend away.  While I was a bit hesitant about coming to Extremadura (As Joelle, a fellow auxiliar, says: "Extrema-what?") I couldn't be happier with Navalmoral's relationship to Salamanca; because, in Salamanca, I know I always have friends/family waiting to welcome me home.

Comenius.

To Americans, Comenius means nothing. To Europeans, Comenius is very important, especially for schools.  A Comenius is a lifelong learning program for education and culture; it is comprised of schools from different countries in Europe.  This past week, I had the opportunity to be part of Europe's biggest Comenius EVER.  The primary school where I work belongs to a Comenius called: EcoCitizens of Common Europe which is comprised of 16 schools from 14 countries.  I had the opportunity to meet people from Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Holland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Norway, Wales, and of course Spain. 

Logo of the Comenius group comprised of 16 schools from 14 countries.

While it was a tiring week, I think you'll clearly see why it was a fantastic time! For starters, I lived like a queen in Jarandilla with a fellow teacher, Toni, and her husband. I HAD HEAT! IN MY ROOM! IN THE BATHROOM! IN THE KITCHEN! IN THE HALLWAY! IN THE CAR! I HAD HEAT EVERYWHERE! Seriously, I was able to wake up and not step onto a freezing cold floor. Luxury. (I write this as I sit in my bed, under covers, blinds shut, wearing a sweater...oh the days of living like a queen, well, are--over.) Thursday morning, I left early for another day of work in the primary school. The week prior, I had been preparing things for the Comenius and it had finally begun. People were arriving; Divina my tutora was running around crazy. She and I went for a late lunch at 5pm to my favorite restaurant in Jarandilla: Casa Leti. It is actually the restaurant of one of my student's family and Patricia is always so excited to know that Whitney has come to eat at her family's place! We welcomed teachers and students from Denmark and I went home with Toni to "move" into my new house for the week! Toni's husband, Emilliano, had prepared us a wonderful dinner and it was waiting for us when we arrived. 

Friday: Day 1

Friday morning was the official start date of the Comenius. We headed to the Summer University of Extremadura, just up the street from the primary school, to have the opening session.  I have been working with 12 students from the 3rd and 4th grades to preform a play and a song. They were so nervous to perform in front of 50 people, but they did a wonderful job! After, they were so excited and constantly asking "How did we do Profe? Did you like?" I was a proud teacher and I think the whole room could tell! :) There were also cultural songs, dances, and children playing instruments. It was such a fun little show!

Students performing a chant "There's An Ant"

Putting on a play: "Pretty Ritty"

Me with the kids from 3rd/4th after their performances!

After another tasty lunch with Toni and Emilliano, we went to visit the Parador of Jarandilla from Siglo XV (15th Century). It is the former residence of former King Carlos I of Spain and V of Germany. It is a beautiful castle, very warm and inviting.  Even though it was raining, pictures of its main patio look stunning!  

Parador of Jarandilla de la Vera.

Friday night was the Cena de Bienvenida.  All the countries brought goodies from their homes to share with the other countries. It was a smorgasbord of meats, cheese, sweets, wines, liquors, etc. My favorite things were the empanada from Spain and the chocolate from Poland; least favorite: salmon from Norway.

Treats from Wales.

So many cultural goodies! YUM!

Viva Espana! Tortilla de Patata!

We saw traditional dances from the La Vera region and heard traditional music. Four of my students were dancing in the group and they were very excited to show me their traditions. After, they were taking pictures with the visitors from the Comenius group, and when they saw me, they ran over to ask to take a picture with ME! Suddenly, I was the famous one! (I am Whitney Houston after all.) We also had the rare opportunity to see a group of all male dancers perform. Usually, they only dance a few times a year, on certain holy days of the Virgin. However, they agreed to dance for us, and it was a magical moment. They were dancing, stomping, beating sticks, drums, and playing castanets. I have a video if you would ever like to watch!

This group of dancers is composed of dancers from 7 different towns in La Vera.

Dancing, over and under with ribbons.

A picture with my students who danced in the show!

They were very excited that I saw them perform!

I had the opportunity to put my Spanish/English skills to the test just before the dancing began... The lady in charge of this singing/dancing group asked me to translate what she was going to say to the Comenius group. While a bit scared out of my mind, yet excited, I became a human dictionary. I was successfully able to translate everything the lady said...about the group, where they are from, they were happy to be sharing their traditions, and that she hoped the Comenius group had a nice stay in Jarandilla! Until one sentence came across too quickly and I looked at her and said "huh? too fast!" Everyone laughed - myself included.
Saturday: Merida  
After going to bed around 1:30am after cleaning up the welcome dinner, we woke up early to board the bus for Merida, a city about 2.5 hours from Jarandilla.  Merida has Roman ruins, even more well preserved than those in Rome.  Because everyone's common language in the Comenius is English, we had a guided tour in English throughout the city to visit all the important ruins and museum. I felt like I was in Italy, in Rome, at the Coliseum with my family or Kasie; while they were not able to attend, I was blessed to explore Merida with some of my favorite students. The day was full of adventure and new friendships. 

Lucia, Racquel, Elena, Paula y yo in Merida

Roman Theater. (Plays are shown here weekly during July and August)

More Roman ruins throughout the streets of Merida.

Walking in Merida...

Just walking along the streets seen above and Bam! there is this!

An original Roman road that has been preserved, in the entrance of the Museum.

Plaza Mayor, Merida

Old Roman Bridge, Merida

We had lunch just outside the Roman ruins, the Spanish gang (which includes me!) and Adam, the Comenius leader, from Poland. Because Adam doesn't speak Spanish, I was the translator for most of the meal, and I have to say I even surprised myself with how good of a job I did! I wouldn't trust my Spanish for anything, but I guess I make some sense! After lunch, we boarded the bus for a short 1.5 hour ride to the city of Caceres to visit it's old parte antigua. It reminded me of Salamanca, but just not the same. The streets were of a golden stone, but it wasn't the golden streets of Sali. Nonetheless, we visited a beautiful church in the parte antigua,an Algibe, Spanish Army exibition in an old palace, saw an old monastery, etc. The sun was setting, the street lights were coming on, and the cold was setting in. We walked through the streets until it was time for dinner; Maria Jose, the school's headmistress, took the kiddos so Toni, Divina, and I could go for a nice meal just off the Plaza Mayor (which is under construction!) When the children were shopping with Maria Jose, they bought me some googly bands (which have just caught on here in Spain in the last 3 weeks) and a key chain that says "Amo mi mobil" because they love my American cell phone. ;)

Entrance to the parte antigua of Caceres.

Back in the days, the most prestigious people were buried INSIDE the church.
These are grave stones. After the tsunami that hit Portugal long ago, the graves were sealed for good,
so that the body remains wouldn't surface as they did in Portugal.

The church has a (rare) cedar alter, which was never painted gold like all others.
Due to the cedar, the ants never destroyed it and it still remains in perfect condition today.

San Mateo Iglesia - has Caceres' oldest/biggest sistern underneath!

These costumes are on display in the sistern. They are for Easter ceremonies.
The privacy hoods are to cover the men's faces so no one knows who they are.

If you didn't know, Spain is very laid back. An example: Just after the guided tour was finished, the tour guide invited the Spanish gang (Maria Jose, Toni, Divina, and yo) to tomar algo. Of course, you don't turn this down, so we decided to have a drink. Well, it just so happens that we were in charge of the 10 Spanish children who had also come along for the day... what to do with them? It's easy. We had them eat their packed dinners, in the street, outside. No cars = No problem, they can stay there, playing in the street, in the town of 100,000. No worries! I do believe this is a big difference between Spain and America. Don't you agree? jaja

Sunday: Nature Day

We left Jarandilla at 10am to go visit Spain's largest National Park and Biosphere reserve, which included a visit to an old castle, a 1 hour hike down hill, birdwatching and having a picnic. This park has the world's largest colony of black vultures.  We were able to view the birds  through big telescopes as they flew overhead! I ate way too many madroñas on the hike back to the bus... if you eat too many madroñas, you can become drunk! I didn't have THAT many, but it make the hike go by faster anyway. I was having the visiting students pick them for me, so I didn't have to do much work at picking them!

Black vultures: EVERYWHERE!

Checking out the vultures!

We learned how to make cave paintings!

Standing on the edge of the castle...

HOW PRETTY IS THIS VIEW?!

The perfect madroña. yum!

After a long day in the mountains, we boarded the bus to Plasencia, another city just 1 hour from Jarandilla. It is Toni's home town, so Divina and I had the opportunity to follow her around as she showed us her city. We saw where she went to school, visited the cathedrals and parador (an old monastery) and finished the night in a cafe drinking claras con limon. 

Plasencia

Plaza Mayor, Plasencia

Kids playing soccer ON the church... I guess we know how high soccer ranks!

I want you.

Monastery that is now a "Parador" government hotel.

Monday: Escuela
Monday morning, I helped in a taller (workshop) with the visiting students. We made paintings by placing leaves on paper and spraying them with spray paint. While it was fun, I could hardly breathe, so I kept opening more and more windows throughout the school and told the kids how fun it would be to wear face masks because "they were the newest and coolest thing!" They believed me and everyone continued spraying and painting in high fashion (and breathing regularly!)

...with students from Poland and Wales.

The finished products of leaves and spray paint.

We headed to the pre-school (just behind the primary school) where the parents had prepared a Calbotes festival, with roasted chestnuts, fruits, nuts, juice, etc. The littlest students (3-5 years) joined us to have a early morning snack. The entire primary school (ages 3 - 6th grade) sang a song called "Escuela de los Colores" in the school playground and each class made a flag that said "Welcome" in one of the visiting countries' languages! It was such a fun song, I think the kids and adults really enjoyed it! (Rojo, verde y azul!)

Una "Granada"

Check out those flags!

They were making animal growling faces... how cute!

4 year old Picassos.

We enjoyed eating Migas, a traditional breakfast food from the region, consisting of bread, meat, garlic, spices. It is a different taste, but seeing that I had two plates full, shows I enjoyed it! To make the Comenius group visiting Jarandilla, we planted a tree in the school garden.  Around it, we placed painted rocks depicting the 14 different countries.  We went to Guijo de Santa Barbara, a nearby village high on a mountain. In Guijo, we visited the Interpretation Centre, that had lots of animal horns/antlers and mountain diagrams of the Sierra de Gredos. We walked through its streets and enjoyed its pretty landscapes. Even though it was windy, the scenery was wonderful.

Migas. Jamon. Vino.

Comenius: Spain. (around the new tree!)

A picture for my daddio: mountain goat horns/antlers/?

Guijo de Sta. Barbara

Sunset in Guijo.

Sunset in the mountains.

In the mountain towns there are lots of cats roaming the streets. I asked one of my student's dads how to get the attention of the cats. I explained to him that when I say "meow meow" in Spain, the cats run in the other direction. Well, I have learned that to call a cat in Spanish, you say "shawie shawie shawie" or something like that (I have no idea how to spell it!) AND, the cat just comes running up to you! Thank you for the cat lesson, Paula's dad. 

Getting lessons from Paula's dad....

YAY! My first Spanish cat experience! (Miss you, Zoe!)

Tuesday: More Nature

Today the children started off in a workshop about how to make a healthy Mediterranean diet. Well, this consisted of making fresh squeezed orange juice (YUM!) and tostadas with olive oil, tomato puree, and jamon. The best part, the kids made it and I ate it! The two young boys from Poland were so funny. They enjoyed the orange juice so much that they kept making full glasses--for just themselves! I wish you could have met Metaus and Michail, they are characters. While they didn't speak much English, they were constantly saying funny sayings in Polish to their teacher who would translate them for me! They taught me how to say "Yes" Tak and "Goodmorning" Dzien dobry (pronounced like gin doble - two gins please!) Later, the students served the healthy breakfast to their teachers! It was very genial!  

fresh zumo de naranja!!!!

Tuesday afternoon was spent visiting the Monastery de Yuste in Cuacos de Yuste, the Cuartos Garganta in Losar de la Vera, and the traditional streets of Valverde de la Vera.  The monastery is where Spanish Emperor Carlos V came to spend his last year of life. He lived in the Parador in Jarandilla until the Monastery was completed, and was later buried under the alter, after the monastery underwent renovations according to his will that his son carried out. There is a route called the route of the Emperor which was the route Carlos V took when going between Jarandilla and Yuste; today, people hike this trip in the spring. We had a picnic lunch just outside before we went to Losar.

Carlos Quinto.

Entrance to main door.

Monastery de Yuste.

For the visit in Losar, I had made a book full of plants and trees that the Comenius visitors would be seeing. It was such a hit! :) We walked through the hills, along the side of the garganta which was prettier than a few weeks ago as the trees have began to change colors! When we arrived to the final stop, Adam, the Comenius director, wanted to take a group photo. Everyone was off on their own and I was to round up the gang with my wonderful English skills. Well, no one was listening so I got a bit frustrated and irritated that even the teachers weren't paying attention. So I (not so kindly, yet still kind) said "Adam, the director of the project wants to take a picture. Why don't you all listen? When he says everyone, he is speaking to you. Just come and take the picture. You all are teachers...and if you don't listen, how do you expect your students to listen?" Then I threw my hands up in the air. So. Spanish. Well, this set off a huge laugh, because until this point of the trip, I had been very sweet and kind, always saying "we are going to take a group picture, come if you would like to be part of it". Well, the Spanish teachers found this so funny that I got angry and they said "In just 2 months you have learned to be a teacher!" :) It was a very memorable moment. 

Losar de la Vera, Spain

Friends from Denmark utilizing my book!

Helllllooooo!

Valverde de la Vera was the second to last stop on Tuesday. Valverde is a traditional town that still has traditional village architecture of mortar and wood.  There is a religious ritual: Los Empalaos which is when men do a pilgrimage in the streets of Valverde. Standing in front of crosses or at a crossroad of two roads that make a cross, men's faces are covered and they are tied to a heavy wooden cross. The Stations of the Cross are said as men do their pilgrimage. Family members say prayers to the participant, until the man cannot bare his cross any longer.  http://www.valverdevera.com/t/valverde-14/o/los-empalaos-de-valverde-de-la-vera-52

Valverde de la Vera, Spain

An old castillo en Valverde de la Vera

The final activity was the cena de despedida. We went to Casa Leti to have a very nice meal, buffet style, of all my favorite Extremaduran dishes: potatoes with paprika, jamon/queso, pimientos, tortilla de patata, croquetas, etc. Dessert was just as delicious with good yogurts, bautidos, and an assortment of cakes. After dinner, we brought out the Spanish guitar and fellow teachers sang and played the guitar while others danced. Everyone began dancing and tapping their feet to the wonderful Spanish beats. Several others from the Comenius group sang traditional songs from their countries and Robert from Holland played some classic English songs for everyone to sing (or hum) along to! It truly was a wonderful ending to the awesome week!

Greece, Estonia and Denmark singing along!

Portugal and Holland on the guitar!

Todos bailando!

Dinner topics included why is Whitney in Jarandilla de la Vera and why Poland doesn't have a word for "Monday" - they just say "The day after Monday".  Three groups (Denmark, Holland, and Poland) have all invited me to visit them in their countries, to learn and experience their cultures. I really would love to go to these places and explore with a local. The couple from Holland have a summer house in France and are neighbors to Johnny Depp! :) Maybe I can visit there...???

Wednesday: Goodbye

Unfortunately, I had to say goodbye to my warm house, my kind family, my new friends, and Jarandilla. It was a sad moment as I had grown attached to all of these things. I gave one final tour of Jarandilla as we walked to the highschool to do a visit. I talked about the regional food, culture, festivals, and monuments. I am so Spanish. We ended the tour at IES Jaranda, where Antonio and Lara gave the group a tour of the school. We visited the forestales students and culinary students. The culinary students were preparing paella in class; it smelled amazing! While we didn't get to eat paella, they had prepared lots of sweets for us to have during our coffee break (which is daily at 10:30/11:00) And, after having a few dulces, I got in the car and headed back to Navalmoral. 

Thanksgiving in Zurbaran

Wednesday, I gave the first of two Thanksgiving lectures to Maria's high school. I spoke to 100 students in the bilingual program (Eng/Spa) Surprisingly, most of them listened to my speech, and I only had to get loud twice. I've found that saying things in English very fast and very quietly makes them stop talking.... and also, that if you pick on one of the popular kids and make them look stupid, kids also shut up. :)  I picked on a boy in the front row; of course, the kids laughed, so I said, "I don't know why you are laughing, I wasn't talking to you". AND with that, they were quiet for the rest of my talk. Ta-da! Magic. Round two on Friday went well too. The students had a higher level so it was easier to say whatever I felt like and have them understand. After, a group of girls in the front row were asking questions about my life in America. I love when people take an interest in my life and culture and I only hope I show this much interest in others' lives. It is such a nice feeling to know that people want to know about you and who are you are...and how I got to Jarandilla de la Vera!

It's nice to be home with Maria and Mamen, but I really miss Jarandilla! When I said goodbye to my "mom" Toni on Wednesday, she said it's going to be weird not having me at home as she and her husband really enjoyed my company. It reminded me of home, of my family, my Spanish families, and not being on my own; it was wonderful. I left with new Spanish music from Emillano, and I am very excited to listen to it! 

El Fin

I leave you with this. After I translated for the head singer in the traditional group of singers and dancers, a man approached me and said, "I know you are Spanish, but have you ever studied English in the United States? ...because you have a wonderful American accent?!" I simply responded with "I am American" and he was speechless. :) Surprise surprise! You never know who you're going to find in Jarandilla de la Vera!