One week, plus some

Hello, The last few days have been interesting. I celebrated my 24th birthday on a hot, sunny day. I walked much of the walk with a meteorologist from Barcelona who is walking part of the walk with his uncle. Our destination was a decent sized town, considering some of the pueblos I have stayed in on this trip! The hostel was large and clean. After cleaning up, I had a yummy sandwich and ran into some other pilgrims I had met earlier. I went to mass in the evening in a beautiful church, and then joined some new friends for dinner. It was a delightful evening, and a very simple birthday, but one I am sure I will remember! Thursday and Friday I walked a bit further than my guidebook suggested for those days (30-35km, I think), mainly because I was feeling energetic and figured I might as well take advantage of the energy. Saturday ended up being a very long, exhausting day, and I hit a wall, so to speak. I tried to take a detour to visit an abbey that St. Francis visited when he walked this walk (which is a pretty neat fact in itself!), but after going 6km off of the track, I found it to be closed. Needless to say, I was disappointed. But I continued walking and when I reached my intended stopping point, I was less than impressed with the location and decided to go another 7km to Santo Domingo. All in all, I think I walked arounf 40km that day, which was quite a lot. I reached the hostel in a daze. But, after a much needed talk with a specialist tending to my blisters (poor guy, I don´t think he signed up for free therapy sessions), and a decent night of sleep (I was between two serious snorers!) I felt better. And the last two days have been significantly more positive. I think I needed to let the past week really catch up with me, which it did, in full force. Thankfully, my feet are doing slightly better. My knees are still sore, but I figure if they get me to Santiago, I´ll be pleased. I reflected yesterday with my friend Tim, from Arizona, about our first week on the trail. I don´t really know what I expected, but somehow it is different from my expectations. It is hard to believe it has been over a week, but even harder to believe I still have so far to go! My favorite part so far is meeting so many wonderful people. I have some anecdotes, but I´ll save those for another day. Thank you for all the encouragement and prayers. Un abrazo.

It´s a Simple Life

(I apologize in advance for the strange formatting/layout. It is the best I can do on the hostel computers!) I have started to settle into a routine; it already feels like I have been on the trail a month rather than four short (actually, long) days. Here is what a day in the life of a Camino-walker (at least this one) is like: I wake up when I hear other people rustling, or when my alarm goes off at 6:00 (usually I don´t need the alarm). I go to the bathroom to brush my teeth and splash water on my face. There isn´t much need for primping on the trip, so after sun screen and deodorant (there is a great need for both of these, however) I consider myself ready. Then I focus on my feet. I do the best I can with the blisters that have formed, and then take all the preventative steps I can...and I put on my boots, which hurt. I fill up my water bottle and take a vitamin C tablet. If I have something for breakfast, I munch while I am getting ready, otherwise I stop at the nearest cafe for a quick croissant or toast and coffee. Usually I am on the ¨road¨ by 7:00 or a bit before. I start my walk with a rosary. After I finish praying, I stop to stretch my musclese a bit. And then...I just keep walking, chatting here or there with people on the walk; at the very least wishing them all a ¨buen camino!¨ I snack when I feel hungry, and drink lots of water through the day. I have found that I walk best if I am well fed...though that is no surprise. Depending on the size of villages/towns I pass through, I might stop for a sandwich around mid-day. I reach my destination about six hours after I leave, usually between 1:00-2:00pm, give or take. In the mornings I always tell myself I will walk a bit further, but by the time I see the name of the pueblo matches the ¨end point¨ in my guidebook, I am ready for a break. I check into the hostel, and immediately dig out my (hopefully) clean clothes and shower items. I take a quick shower (sometimes longer if I am lucky and there is still hot water!) and put on the shorts and shirt that I will wear the next day. I wash clothes if I need to. After that I look into food. Some days I will just have a snack and wait for a big dinner later, but today I had a big lunch, so will find something lighter for dinner. After I am fed I do some reading and journaling, and some prayers, if it is quiet. At this point I want a nap, but try to stay awake until bedtime, to ensure a good night of sleep (assuming there are no snorers in my room...which is unlikely). I find ways to kill time until dinner; in the smaller pueblos there isn´t much to do or see, so they are quiet afternoons. After dinner I read for a bit more and then organize my bag so I can leave as easily and as quietly as possible in the morning. And then it starts again! Here are a few pictures of my trip so far: My pilgrim credential, which I get stamped at each hostel, and my shell, which I wear tied to my backpack. First day climb over the Pyrenees! My motto. Prayers are appreciated, especially for my sore feet and knees! And please know that I am praying for all of you! Un abrazo fuerte.

Ready, Steady, Go!

And...she is off! I started the Camino de Santiago! On Friday I took a bus to Madrid, a train to Pamplona, and another bus over the mountains into France, to Saint Jean de Pied de Port. I registered with the Pilgrim office, picked out my shell and ¨passport¨ and nestled into a hostel for the evening. Bright and early Saturday morning I set off for the first leg, which is also (hopefully) the most difficult of the journey. I literally climed the Pyrenees from France into Spain. I was off to a difficult start. I eventually found a good pace for me (I sent the marathoner I started with ahead-and he ended up finishing 2 hours ahead of me!), and settled into a rhythm. I tell you, it was rough, but the views were worth it 100%. I started day two with some angry feet, and by the end of the day I had my first blister. Day two had less of an intense climb, but was more difficult because I had sore muscles. Each time I started to think (complain to myself) about the pain, I offered it up for someone. Needless to say, a lot of people were prayed for...I am quite a whiner, even when I am my own-and only-audience! Here I am at the end of day three. Still achy as all get out, and with a sore knee to boot. I am hoping the knee pain will cease soon. The scenery is just beautiful, but I pass through small villages, too. Sometimes the path winds through the woods (which always reminds me of home) and sometimes it follows a busy street. Today I went through Pamplona, Hemingway´s stomping grounds and home to the famous running of the bulls. I took a turn through the Cathedral before buying ibuprofen and blister pads at the pharmacy. And now I am settled into a lovely little hostel just outside of Pamplona for the evening. I have met people from all over the world (though a proportionally large number of Australians), both young and old. Yesterday I spent much of the day with two Australian friends, both 65. If they can walk (and pass me!) this trek, so can I! I will update again as soon as I am able. Un abrazo muy fuerte.

Up to Speed

I realize I haven´t written in over a month...life started to fly after Elizabeth´s trip! Jarrod came at the beginning of May, and after that, what little time I had left I filled with hikes, a wedding (not my own, a coworker´s!), cooking lessons (I learned gazpacho and tortilla espanñola from a friend), nights dancing with friends, and playing tour guide to a friend from Salamanca. It was a wonderful, busy end to the school year. (Jarrod and I had a blast in Madrid, Toledo, and Barcelona! Sorry I haven´t potsted any pictures...). And now, on to the next adventure: El Camino de Santiago! In short (ha) it is a 500 mile hike across northern Spain, and should take me about a month! I hope to finish just in time to head to Toledo to get my luggage, and catch my flight in Madrid on July 6th! Actually, I would love to finish earlier, but my feet will make the final call. We shall see. I have to pay for internet access most places, but I will try to update as often as I am able! However, in an effort to take on the ¨pilgrimage spirit¨ I am trying to disconnect, just a bit. Also, I hope to get pictures uploaded, but that is proving complicated. Un abrazo muy fuerte.

Semana Santa Recap

It was such, SUCH a joy to have Elizabeth here with me in Spain for two weeks. The time was special and my only complaint is that it went too quickly!

Easter Sunday (in front of the Cathedral, in Toledo):


I had to work the first week after she arrived. She came with me to school for one day of teaching and for a field trip. The kids loved her! They thought it was so, so funny that we look so similar. And yes, Dad, many people asked if we were twins. And yes, many also asked if she is older...When I am 45 I will appreciate that, right?!

We began our travels in Madrid. We stayed in a simple hotel in Plaza San Miguel. It was well situated (near the main sights) and is home to the Mercado San Miguel, which is well known for fresh foods and delicious tapas.




We toured the Royal Palace, the Prado Art Museum, the Cathedral, Sorolla's House and Art Museum, Parque del Buen Retiro, and only a few stores! We also took a day trip to nearby El Escorial to tour the impressive monastery (more like a palace!) there. It was a busy few days, but we had beautiful weather!

Churros con chocolate:

Parque del Buen Retiro:

Royal Palace:

Sorolla House/Museum:

Monastery, El Escorial:


From Madrid we traveled by bus to Cordoba. There we encountered our first Semana Santa procession! We also toured the incredible Mosque (which was turned into a Cathedral during the Reconquista). Our stay was short but sweet!

Processions (Cordoba):


La Mezquita:


From Cordoba we went to Sevilla. Sevilla is THE destination for Semana Santa processions. It was packed-absolutely packed; the crowds were exhausting and overwhelming. We did see some amazing floats, and I very grateful I experienced a Sevillana Semana Santa. We also toured the Cathedral (which holds a world record for size!). climbed the impressive bell tower, and took in the royal palace. And we saw a flamenco show!

Cathedral in Sevilla:

View from the top of the tower (which was how Muslims were called to prayer before the Reconquista; a horse carried the prayer leader all the way up!):

Alcazar:

The beautiful gardens:

Plaza de España (my new favorite place!):


Unfortunately, as we left Cordoba the weather changed, and we had to deal with rain for the rest of our trip. We actually ended up taking a night bus home, because the most famous processions were canceled due to the rain (they take place from 11:00pm on Holy Thursday until the afternoon of Good Friday).

We then had a quiet Easter weekend together in Toledo. I think we were both grateful for a more relaxed pace. And, we watched more processions from my balcony! The processions were very different between Andalucia (Cordoba and Sevilla) and Toledo; in Sevilla it is more like a noisy parade, a spectacle, a party. In Toledo the processions are much more solemn (at least on Good Friday, fittingly) and have a more religious feel. I appreciated that.

Good Friday procession (Toledo):


I forgot! We spent our afternoons in Toledo touring all the sights and eating at my favorite spots.

Toledo Cathedral:

(At night, obviously)

(interior, also obvious, I suppose)

Isn't she a beauty?


As I said, it was a wonderful two weeks! I hope to soon have my pictures edited and uploaded to my Picasa page soon! In the morning I am heading to my beloved Salamanca in the morning! I am looking forward to showing my friends around my old stomping grounds!

My time here is going so quickly! It is hard to believe...but, in two weeks Jarrod will be here-I can't wait!

Un abrazo.

Gemelas

My little sister, Elizabeth, is here in SPAIN! It is so fun having her with me. Today (as soon as I finish writing this) we start our travels!

She joined me at school Tuesday and Wednesday (we went on a hiking excursion with 4th grade on Wednesday!). We were asked many times if we were twins!

We are going to experience Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Andalucia next week! I have heard it is amazing.

All our love!
-Sarah and Elizabeth, The Twins

Beach Escape

My friends and I ran off the the Canary Islands this weekend for some sun and fun! We went to Gran Canaria which is pretty touristy and not that pretty. Of course, the ocean can never be anything but beautiful, and there is a mountainous backdrop to enjoy. And I certainly cannot complain about the sunshine and relaxation-it was a nice weekend! The wind on the beach was intense, and I only pulled my camera out for a few quick pictures. And I "borrowed" a few from Megan's camera. Here is what I have to share!






Even more sunshine is heading my way: my baby sister Elizabeth will be here on Sunday! I can't wait!

Haciendo la huelga

Hace dos semanas había una huelga de colegios y institutos públicos en Castilla La Mancha. Los profesores de mi colegio no habían participado mucho en las manifestaciones y huelgas antes pero en el prinipio de febrero el gobierno ha dicho que el año que viene serán cuatro plazas menos. Ahora, se enojan.

Decidí que puedo ayudar más estar en el colegio en vez de hacer la huelga y por eso fui al trabajar. Os digo que pasé TODO el día afuera con los niños. Casi un mitad de mis compañeros estaban de huelga y por eso fue difícil enseñar. Menos mal que hacía tiempo increíble. Pero aburrido, seguro.



Two weeks ago there was a strike among the teachers of the elementary and high schools in Castilla La Mancha. The faculty at my school had not participated much in the strikes and manifestations but in the beginning of February the government told us that next year there will be four less teachers than this year. And now they are angry.

I decided that I would be more of a help at school than if I went on strike, and so I went to work. I literally spent the entire day outside. Almost half of the teachers participated, so it was difficult to teach anything. At least it was a beautiful day. But boring, still.

Mona Lisa, Smile

El Museo del Prado en Madrid ha encontrado una pintura muy parecida a Mona Lisa de Leonardo Da Vinci. Después de resturaciones se han decidido que es una obra de un estudiante de Da Vinci. La pintura está en el Prado hasta el 13 de marzo (luego se la envia a Paris) y ayer fui con amigas para verla. Fue muy genial! Me alegro que vivo tan cerca a Madrid y puedo ir en el último minuto por algunas horas.

The Prado Museum in Madrid found a painting very similar to the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci. After carefully restoring the painting, they decided that it is a copy done by one of Da Vinci's students. The most obvious differences are the colors (likely preserved by layers of paint, which were removed during the restoration process), and the shape of the head. The eyes still follow you around the room, which is a little creepy, but I learned it appears that way due to a shadowing technique. It is only in the Prado until the 13th of March (then it will be sent to Paris) and I went to see it last night with some friends. I am grateful that I live close enough to Madrid that I can go at the last minute for just a few hours.

The picture is poor quality because pictures were prohibited, so I was careful and sneaky and captured this one while the guards weren't looking. Below is a picture of the Mona Lisa (original) that is in the Louvre in Paris. Can you see the differences?

Anecdotal Evidence

Life is going well here in Toledo. I am fully over the post-Christmas slump-so often I look around and smile at my life. I am so grateful for this opportunity and all I have learned and experienced thus far.

The (almost!) spring-like weather is certainly helping my outlook. We had a tease of a spring weekend last weekend, but the temperatures have dropped (just a bit) and it has rained (though that is much needed, as winter was very dry).

While I was studying in Salamanca in 2010, I feel I was a much "better" blogger. I think I just had more to tell that seemed important: spring break in Italy and France, weekend trips to Barcelona and Portugal...it was all new and exciting.

I have been doing a fair share of traveling this year (Basque Country, Switzerland, day trips to Madrid and Cuenca) and certainly my life here is very different than my life in the United States. But I have settled into a routine and life is comfortable.

Not only that, my semester abroad accustomed me a bit to living in Spain. I regret to admit it, but the history and architecture which make Toledo and Spain such an interesting country are less of a novelty to me. Granted, all I need to do is take a walk through the narrow streets and glimpse the magnificent cathedral or the river as it rushes through the valley and my sense of awe is renewed.

I think what I mean to say is that it takes effort for me to find things to write about; and though my instincts tell me that is wrong (am I crazy?) I think the challenge is a good thing. I reflect more; I push myself to get out for a walk and find things to make me smile. I heard recently that it doesn't matter what we look at, but what matters is what we choose to see. I think that is a valuable lesson.

All this rambling (my apologies) is to say, I have not been remiss in smiling, though my blogging efforts may say otherwise. And here is anecdotal evidence to prove it:

-British English is more commonly taught in Spain, as opposed to American English. And there are more differences than you'd think. A common, every day difference I encounter is with telling time. To say 8:20, we would say "eight-twenty" but here they learn "twenty past eight". I know we use that phrasing as well, but that is all they know here. Sara, a bright fourth grade student, asked me the time. I looked at my watch and said: "It is one-fifteen." She looked confused and asked me to repeat. I did, but the confusion and repeating continued until 1:16, when I finally said: "It is a quarter past one." She smiled, shook her head, said "okay" and skipped away.

-In Laura's fourth grade class there is a boy named Raul. There are actually two boys named Raul, and they are physical opposites: one is tall and chubby, the other is half the size and Laura refers to him as Raulito (little Raul). "Raulito" is always, always lost. Very rarely is his head in class. I am constantly calling to him, sometimes when he is on the other side of the field, while the rest of the class is gathered around listening to me explain the activity. Frustrating? Very. But he (sometimes) manages to make me smile. At the end of one class, the rest of his peers waiting in line at the door to go up stairs, Raul is wandering around the gym. I walk to him, kneel down (so he can see my face) and say: "Raul! What do you need to do?" He looks at me, with a half smile, and asks: "Game over?" I chuckled, handed him his wash bag, and led him to the line.

-Julia is the daughter of a coworker whom I tutor in a small group lesson. She is fine and just learning to read. She excitedly showed me her new Hello Kitty folder. I said: "Oh, how pretty! I like Hello Kitty, too!" She gave me a funny face and responded: "No, it is 'Ello Kitty." Her dad shook his head and explained that learning to read and write in Spanish while learning English is a bit challenging. 'Ello, Kitty.

-Enforcing consequences is a difficult part of teaching. In fact, I really hate it. I am glad I work with other teachers, so that they have to do the punishing (only after several stern words and my serious "Look" (Dad? Jarrod?) don't do the trick). Several classes have recently had to spend P.E. class in the classroom, copying "Castigados en E.F. por mal comportamiento" (Punished in P.E. for bad behavior) until the page is full. And if they didn't have this page signed before the next class, they sat out again. My private classes I don't have the luxury of letting someone else doing the punishment, and have had to develop my own methods. I tried a negative approach, with paper slips in envelopes, removing one after a warning. If all four are gone by the end of class, that student misses the next class. While that system worked more or less, I decided to try a positive approach. Now, they know they will receive either a sticker or candy at the end of class, but only as a reward for good behavior. (This is a group lesson of 3-5 year old students).

-I finally bonded with the third grade class that liked me the least! Seriously, their faces would drop when I walked into the room with Fernando, the gym teacher. It hurt, but I was used to it. We had extended recess the other day, and I was invited to play their version of dodge ball. I was surprisingly great at dodging the ball (less precise at throwing, though...) and earned their approval. They even used the few English words and phrases they know-so cute.

-In one of my first grade classes there is a boy named Mariano who has a serious learning disability. He usually works with a special teacher during my English class, but this particular day she was unable to have his lesson and he was in the classroom with us. I have noticed that he doesn't always participate in the lesson with the other students. We were doing an activity on the new SmartBoard and Tere, the classroom teacher, motioned for me to call on Mariano. He came to the board and with much guidance, correctly put a pig in the farmyard. The entire class clapped for Mariano, and I nearly cried.

-I will certainly miss the little miniature hugs I get from the preschool students.

-I find myself using my hands to talk much more than I ever did, even in conversation with my American friends. I am used to using exaggerated motions to help my students understand. So if I say "see" I point to my eye. I fan myself when saying the word "hot". I speak much more slowly. I have noticed that some words-English words-I have started saying with a Spanish accent. Especially "hello". I don't know why.

-I had an old friend from high school visit last week with his girlfriend; they are on a tour of Europe and stopped in Toledo. While walking around the city, we randomly ended up exactly where I got lost when I visited in 2010. I laughed out loud. If you don't know that story, it involved myself and two others getting lost, nearly missing our tour bus to Salamanca, and stopping a car and asking them to drive us to the meeting place...We hitch-hiked, briefly, and I found the spot where it all took place!

Well, I know this was quite a long winded post. In other news, I aced my Medical Terminology test! And I have a trip planned in two weeks with my friends to Gran Canaria! Vamos a la playa! And I may head to Salamanca next weekend to visit my old stomping grounds. And in three weeks I will be in Madrid, picking my baby sister up from the airport...YAY! Time is flying.

Un abrazo muy fuerte.

Pictures, at least

Hi! I am sorry it has been almost three weeks...yikes! That is bad, even for me. Please forgive me?

Here are links to my pictures from Switzerland:
https://picasaweb.google.com/hess.sarah.e/MontreuxLucerneAndZurichSwitzerland
https://picasaweb.google.com/hess.sarah.e/GenevaSwitzerland

I went for four days last week with my friend Alex. A beautiful, expensive country! We saw four cities in three days! I really loved Lucerne (although we saw that amazing castle above in Montreux, and loved it), where we caught some of their carnival celebration-wow!

I am studying for a midterm exam next week (I am taking another online class), and after that I promise some posts. I have a list of anecdotes and thoughts to share...so much to say, so little time!

The weather in Toledo has been soooo beautiful this weekend: sunny and sixty-six degrees! So though I should have been locked away with my books, I allowed myself a few recesses to soak up some vitamin D. And every time I am out, I can't help but marvel at the beautiful city I call home. I am so grateful for this experience.



Happy weekend!

Sweet Sunday

I had a lovely Sunday afternoon. I toured Iglesia San Juan de los Reyes, which was built by Ferdinand and Isabel to declare Catholicism (and the monarchy) as the principle force in the country. It was a monastery, and has a beautiful cloister attached. Again, I wondered how these people managed to build such intricate, beautiful buildings with such few resources. Stunning. My friends and I then walked through some of the old town by the river before we ate lunch at a Syrian restaurant ( where the food is delicious and the service is just as wonderful). Below are a few pictures...more to follow this week on the Picasa account.

I am off to bed to rest up before another week with the little ones. I have another cough to deal with...perhaps I am allergic to Spain?




I don't know...it seems highly unlikely for anyone to be allergic to sights like these.

I wish you all happy, blessed weeks!

Un abrazo.

Waiting for Javi

I took a short trip to Madrid this weekend. Jessica, Greyson and I left Friday afternoon and returned to Toledo late Saturday evening. We didn't have a concrete plan, except to get out of Toledo for a bit. After setting into our hostel, we wandered in search of a snack. It was chilly and drizzly so we ducked into a warm looking bar and quickly improved our condition. We wandered the city for awhile, stopping in for a caña (small house beer) whenever we needed a break from the wind. By chance, we ended up in front of a jazz bar that Jessica had heard about; the last time she tried to go it was too crowded. The live music (a very talented piano and harmonica duo) didn't start until 9:00, and it was 7:15, but we went inside to get a spot. We munched on chips and olives (and wine) until the show started and we ordered dinner. The music was great, and the atmosphere was cheerful and relaxed. It was a lovely evening. We went back to the hostel "early" by Spanish terms (in bed before 1:00am? Silly).



We were greeted with sunny skies Saturday morning as we left the hostel in search of churros con chocolate.



After "breakfast" we wandered (we did a lot of that!) in the direction of the Cathedral and Royal Palace, taking our time and enjoying the life of the city. We toured the Cathedral and then walked to the Temple of Debod, which is an ancient (over 2,200 years old) Egyptian temple gifted to Spain in 1968 in thanksgiving for military help. I visited both sights in my trips last year, but I can't complain about simply being in Madrid.





After a hearty lunch in the Chueca district we were...sleepy. So we did some window shopping in an alternative mall and walked the streets, thankful that it was not rainy. We ended up in Puerta del Sol, and took in the different street performers (earlier, I was scared, really scared, by two "heads" sitting on tables who loudly growled as I walked passed. I jumped in the air and shrieked...). We noticed a crowd drawing across from the Correos building and we thought we stumbled upon Los Goya awards-the Spanish equivalent of the Oscars. There were guard rails set up and we had a great view of the red carpet. Jessica and I immediately assumed that we would be graced by the presence of Javier Bardem himself, and we forced Greyson to wait with us. Ninety minutes and several guests later, we had frozen fingers (it was 7:40pm at this point), poor-quality pictures of people we didn't recognize, and no Javi. I did a little research today and I don't think that it was the actual awards, but some sort of reception for nominees, perhaps. It was still an experience!





We meet a fellow auxiliar and her husband for dinner at a small Thai restaurant and with full stomachs we made our way back to the bus station and caught the 11:00pm bus to Toledo.

I really love Madrid. I don't think I would enjoy calling it home, but I do intend to make more trips like this. It is so close! Today I am catching up on lesson prep and homework for my online class.

I hope you all are well: safe and warm. I will admit, I miss having snow!

Un abrazo.
Sarah

Huele Barca

"Soccer" as we know it doesn't exist here, but "futbol" es la vida. Recently, when I told my gym classes we were playing soccer, they looked at me blankly. When I said, "Fine, it's football", they erupted in cheers. I think I even received a hug for that. (That's the easiest way to feel loved as a teacher-give them what they want).

The hottest rivalry is between the leading teams: Real Madrid and Barcelona FC. Today there is a big game as the teams vie for the Copa del Rey.

In honor of the big game (and this is in no way an endorsement of a particular team) I have a little anecdote to share today. This is actually from awhile ago, but I don't think I have written about it yet...

I was in a preschool class-three year old students, to be precise-and it was chaotic, as usual. Suddenly, we all noticed a horrible smell. The teacher laughed and said: "Someone pooped his pants!" (Side note: Yes, my decision to not teach preschool is connected to this day). In the middle of the commotion, a little boy piped up and said: "Huele caca...huele Barcelona!"

Translation: "It smells like poop...It smells like Barcelona!"

Out of the mouths of babes.

Interesting find

Jessica recently discovered that our building, an alleged palace back in the "day", is not only lives up to the reputation, but has two units which are used as vacation rentals. Visitors welcome! (But I'm in Number 6!)

http://www.palaciodelapalmahurtado.com/

Now, if only I could say our apartment is as nice as these look!

¡Feliz año!

¡Feliz año y un beso a todos! Lo siento que no he escrito desde deciembre.

Bueno, estoy aquí, en Toledo, de nuevo. Pasé muy genial la navidad y las vacaciones, pero el tiempo fue demasiado rápido.

Con el año nuevo intento de escribir (y hablar, y pensar, y vivir) más en español.

No tengo mucho para decir hoy. Llegué en Toledo el día 9 por la noche y la semana me pasó rápido y sin mucho dormir. Ahora estoy intentando de preparar estos meses!

Happy New Year to all! I am sorry I have not written since December!

I am here, back in Toledo again. I enjoyed Christmas vacation very much. Time with my family (and boy!) was just what I needed. It was difficult to say goodbye, again.

I don't have too much to say. I arrived late on January 8 and went right back to work the next morning. Last week passed in a blur with little sleep. Now I am just trying to prepare for the next few months!

I will write more later.

Un abrazo.