How Wonderful Life Is

The mere fact that I couldn't remember my password to login into my google account to write this blog is a sure sign that it has been far too long since I have updated you all! As you probably assumed, homework and my Spanish lifestyle has consumed all free time, but I assure you that you have been on my "to-do" list now for a week!

After the race, it is safe to say that I couldn't walk normally until about Thursday. That has hopefully taught me that for the next time that I run a half or maybe (gasp) full marathon I better train more diligently. As a treat on the Wednesday after the race, Katee and I went to go get pedicures! It was an interesting experience overall and one that has left me pretty excited for the American Chinese to do my toes instead of the Spanish ones. The technician was really nice, but the extent of her Spanish was "muy bien, muy bien." And for all of you who aren't familiar with Spanish that says, "very good, very good," essentially not helpful in communicating whatsoever. It was fun and I was glad to have yet another Spanish experience to make me realize that everyone is different and no one way is the so-called "correct way." (There definitely are, however, preferred ways like full massage chairs and Black Cherry Chutney OPI nail polish.) The next day, and since we had some leftover money in our budget, we had a pizza party after our seminar class. We ordered 15 pizzas and hung out in one of the patios on campus and soaked up the hot hot sun. After the pizza party we had a walking tour to a little chapel and monastery outside of Segovia. It was a great day to be outside...a not so great day to wear a long-sleeved shirt and jeans. I can never get it right, people! That night, some of the guys from our school held a party at one of the clubs in town for a end-of-the-semester celebration. It was  a great time and once again gave me so many reasons that make me want to stay here; we have made some lasting friendships!

On Friday, Greta and Della came to Segovia. They made it here at about one in the afternoon as I was very much determined on finishing my final paper about the Counter-Reformation (which didn't happen until the next day). They ended up sleeping until dinner time anyway and then I met up with them at the Plaza Mayor for drinks, dinner and dessert! We didn't stay out late that night since we had to be at the bus station for our trip to La Granja the next day. We spent Saturday with our group and some family that was here to visit. Bridget's parents and three siblings, Heidi's family and Greta and Della made for an extra large group that day, but it's always fun to show other people what our excursions and how much fun we always seem to have no matter the amount of churches on the itinerary for the day. Surprisingly, though, this Saturday well, we visited one church, but weren't inside for more than five minutes. So that doesn't really count right? We instead saw this really cool museum where they blow glass and make glass vases. We even were able to see the guy using the machine with the moldable glass, the blowing and the shaping of the glass as well. It was very interesting. After the museum we toured the palace which I thought was really pretty. It's a bit sad that after only a week I can hardly remember this palace's claim to fame, but trust me folks when I say it was beautiful and some king probably vacationed there or something. Outside the palace are gorgeous gardens and fountains and such. We explored the area a bit before hopping on the bus back to Segovia so Della and Greta could tour the Alcazar and I could finish my paper. After dinner, we went to their hotel and then brought them up to the aqueduct where each night on the town commences. We then were their personal discoteca tour guides for the remainder of the night, showing them all the places we have grown to love.

Sunday was somewhat of another early morning; we were heading to Madrid. Friday and Saturday's weather were absolutely gorgeous and on Sunday dear mother nature decided to rain on our parade, literally. We had a nice day planned out with shopping in Puerto del Sol in the morning and after lunch and then the (outdoor) Bull Fight in the afternoon. Well shopping suffices just fine with a bit of rain, and bull fights? Well that's a whole different story. We arrived about 30 minutes early and at about six o'clock, the bull fight began with a parade of all of the matadors and their horses. Eventually the first bull made it's entrance and that's when I found out that during each bull fight they kill six bulls! Not cool, Spain, not cool. I am glad that I went to experience this cultural event but after 40 minutes, two morbid deaths of the first two bulls and the very cold rain, I was ready to catch the metro and then bus back to Segovia. Although we didn't see the bull fight in its entirety I didn't come back from Madrid empty handed because I bought a super cute leather bag and tank top from Strativarius, success!

As for this past week, I have no idea where it went. I have a sneaking suspicion that my massive loads of homework snatched it out from underneath me, how rude! Throughout the week if I wasn't doing homework, I was skyping friends for the last time, registering for my fall semester classes (boo) or making some last minute travel plans. The professors here think that packing the bulk of our semester into the last two weeks is a swell idea, well I am not a fan in the least. It has left me with a list about as long as I am tall of things to do all while I am trying to enjoy my last days in Segovia. You can't have your cake and eat it, too I suppose but seriously! The weather this week has been absolutely beautiful which also makes the thought of leaving more and more unbearable.

Yesterday we went back to Sepulveda, a city outside of Segovia to check out a wild life museum, a monastery and some cool caves. Again the weather was gorgeous and I may or may not have proof of the scorching sun in the color of a very pink-skinned tummy. (My mom sent the sun block last week and it should be arriving soon!) The day was perfect, filled with lots of picture taking and a wonderful camaraderie within our group. Boy, I am going to miss this family of mine; we bicker like siblings, but we have all meshed so well, it's great. I was a little nervous for the caves being the claustrophobic individual that I am, but it actually wasn't too bad and I didn't have too much of an issue with it. Pilar's daughter, Lucia, who has joined us on a variety of excursions came along with Pilar's brother, Christian (who organizes the host families) and his two adorable sons. When we dropped them off at their apartment on the way home, Lucia came and gave each of us a big hug because it we wouldn't see her again before we left. Again, have I made myself clear? I don't want to leave!! After the trip I went home to find dinner sitting out and remembered that my mom had a play to go to. Since Michelle's parents were also gone, I went to have dinner and get ready for the night with her! We met at the aqueduct at 11 as usual, but last night was special because of our awards ceremony. You probably already guessed it, but I won the "Most likely to fall and hurt herself" award. Predictable, but very applicable.

Today I have spent a whopping 13 hours and counting on homework and things that need to get done before I jet off to Italy on Thursday. It is going to be an emotional week and I am relieved that there are ten of us going to Cinque Terre first so that I don't have to say "good-bye" to everyone all at once. Michelle and I have made a slideshow with pictures and sappy music to play for our group Tuesday in class. The emotional state after that premiers will be interesting to say the least. For now I better be getting back to my homework. I should be able to write once more before I leave to tell y'all about my last day of volunteering, the host family dinner and anything else exciting that will happen this week. Much love.