Through My Eyes...

I wanted to make a post about all the places I see every single day because it is totally different than what one would see in the United States. Yes, there are similarities, but environment and atmosphere is different here in Spain. Here we go, I am going to take you through my daily walk to see and the things I see and places I walk by:

1. I live on the 6th floor of my apartment complex. So I have to take the elevator down. The elevators here are very tiny. I still remember the first day I got here and Sam, my host mom, and I jumped in the elevator with all of Sam's luggage (because mine was had gotten lost) and yep, we all fit.. couldn't believe it haha. What a great memory.

2. I walk to the left of my house and start up a little hill. One of the first places I see is the famous candy store, I always stop at to grab something sweet. My favorite are the chocolate peanuts, trail mixes, nuts.. Sometimes I will grab a gatorade or a red bull if I need some little extra :)

3. Right outside my window there is a school. I am constantly hearing children's voices. The "playground" is right outside my window. I hear little children playing basketball, soccer, tennis, or whatever. They also use this area for practices or gym classes during the day. One day I looked out my window and there was a bunch of children staying in a huge circle with two teachers in the middle. I recognized the song that they were singing but I couldn't pin point it until I focused in... "THE TOOTY TA" I am not kidding when I say the children and teachers were doing the tooty ta in spanish! The cutest thing ever!

4. Next up are all the little bread stores and sweet stores I pass. Here is Spain they are called, "panderias" or my favorite one is the "la casita del pan" meaning the little house of bread.. They are so yummy. They have the best pastries and bread. The smells are glorious and you are so tempted every time you walk past these shops to buy something!

5. Instead of coffee shops, in Spain they have little cafes or cafeterias. People stop throughout the day to have a coffee, glass of wine, or a "cana" (a short glass of beer). There are tables always set up outside for people to enjoy themselves. It is very very very typical for Spaniards to start drinking alcohol before noon. They enjoy themselves and live for the simplest moments.

6. PLAZAS. They are everywhere. Some are big, some are little. Some have restaurants within them others just have benches. Some have little stands "quioscos" that you can buy candy, drinks, newspapers, magazines..etc. Some are a huge open space with lots of people others just have trees and birds. Some have little huts or stands where you can buy bread or ice cream. It all depends, but they are very popular.

7. Bar Reca. This is the famous bar that all of my friends and I go to. It is actually in the plaza de trinidad. It is pretty close to my house and it is definitely on the way to school. We have gotten to know the bartenders, they are all so nice and helpful. They give us great discounts on drinks and they have the best tapas :)

8. Banks. They are everywhere. There are so many different banks too. CajaRural. CajaSol. CajaGranda. There are atms on the streets, you can just hop to and take out money.

9. Shops. Shops. Shops. Clothing stores, shoe stores, make up stores, toiletry stores, toy stores, jewlery stores, candy stores... You name it they got it and lots of it. There are stores everywhere! I really don't understand how they all stay in business there are tons and tons of stores!!! Some are expensive, some are reasonable, and some are cheap. It all ranges, but that's the game discovering them all!

10. Tobacco stores. This is where I buy all my stamps to send postcards, it's where you can obviously buy tobacco products, but you can also buy cards, letters, postcards..etc.

11. The post office, I pass it everyday when I walk to school. It's huge and super nice for a post office!!

12. Cell phone stores. They do not have Verizon, AT&T, US Cellular, Sprit haha! They have Movistar, Orange, Vodaphone, The Phone House. It is so interesting and different. I have a cell phone here in Spain, but I rarely use it. I text people here and there and make a phone call if it's necessary. It is nothing like the United States. I am constantly on my phone, checking my email, internet, texting, or making a phone call. I have liked the difference. I like not being on my phone constantly and communicating face to face!

13. SMOOY. By far my favorite ice cream place ever!! I love it!! You get to choose your toppings, but it's frozen yogurt! I just absolutely love it!!

14. Farmacias. If you need any sort of medicine, you do not go to a target or a Walmart and pick it up. First, they do not have target or Walmart here in Spain. haha. They have Corte Ingles. This is a HUGE store. Basically it is a combination of a Macy's and a target and a supermarket. They just call it something different. Anyways, to buy medicine, you have to go to a pharmacy. This is where you can buy all medicines, vitamins, medical anything!

15. Fruit Markets. My favorite. I love stopping in and grabbing a piece of fruit or some nuts. You can always find markets on the streets. They are super cheap and healthy!!!

16. Cafe Picaro. The famous cafe "really super mega" close to school. We always go there. It is one of the only cafes that is large and has wifi and amazing coffee (strong!!). 

And there you go.. Here are some famous places that I pass by every single day! My favorites!! 

I miss you all so very much & I can't wait to see all your faces!! Sending lots of love from Granada :) Thank you for all your wonderful thoughts and prayers... I truly appreciate them all! God Bless! 

Granada

It's like a whole new world over here. I know I keep saying that, but it really is. People look at life in a different way and in a different light. Life is simple over here. It's just that. Why stress? Why worry? Why have mini freak out sessions? haha. I say that like I do that.. haha. This experience is amazing. I have never felt so free, so independent, so strong, so brave...ever in my entire life. This has been the hardest challenge I have ever taken, but it is worth every struggle, every tear, every battle. I have grown and developed in ways that I did know were possible. I found new friendships, I have built relationships that I will never forget, I have learned and submersed myself in a new culture and language, I have appreciated life, everything, and everyone that I have. This adventure has truly opened my eyes...

I am taking a culture class here in Spain & I have learned so much.. I want to share some of it with you :) 

1. In the United States, when you greet someone, you typically shake their hand or possibly give them a hug. Here in Spain, you greet people with "besos" or kisses. One on each cheek!

2. In the United States, people are always in a rush. Not here in Spain, people stop all the time and have conversations on the street, shops, schools, bars etc. This is probably the reason Spaniards are NEVER on time. 

3. Spaniards are always late. You do not show up early. Ever. If you have an appointment at 10:00, you would never get there 15, 10, 5 minutes beforehand. You would get there 5, 10, 15 minutes after. I am not kidding, classes never start on time, my classes at the gym do not start on time... etc. 

4. When you stand in an elevator, you should never turn your back towards someone, in Spain that is horrible education. When people are in the elevator, they make small talk... it is never silent. It's super sweet, men usually hold the doors open for you and ask about your day...precious. People are so sweet here!

5. Lunch here is in the "middle" of the day. In Spain that is 3pm NOT noon. 

6. Water is SUPER expensive here in Spain. Let's just say it's a race in the shower.. how fast can you go!?

7. On New Years Eve, when everyone is counting down the seconds until New Years. The last 12 seconds, everyone eats grapes. The little girls I tutor told me this. At the last 12 seconds of the year, they eat a grape for each second. You can even buy cans of 12 grapes for New Years. 

8. Here in Spain, they celebrate Christmas and Three Kings Day on January 6th. 

9. In the United States, it is typical for us to make a sandwich. A sandwich, two pieces of bread and some sort of meat/cheese. In Spain, there are 2 types of sandwiches. A sandwich is two pieces of bread and then tuna, salami, ham... BUT there are also bocadillos. A bocadillo is basically a sub sandwich. It's on a sub type bread and they are always sent with us when we travel. It's funny :) 

10. There are cute little fruit and nut markets everyone. I love stopping in and grabbing some fruit on my way to school or shopping! 

11. Gum is NOT popular here. They don't have the typical flavors or sizes that we have. One of my first days here in Spain I was told that a stereotypical American is like this.. a) wearing athletic clothes b) wearing tennis shoes c) has some sort of North Face apparel on & d) chewing gum 

12. It is so difficult to not shop. There are stores everyone. Shoe stores, clothing stores, makeup stores...etc. I LOVE IT. And boots are so popular. Short boots, high boots, uggs, you name it they got it here in Spain. It is so difficult to not want to shop!!! I love it!!! 

13. I love the little candy shops! There is one right next to my house, that I always stop at and get chocolate covered peanuts :) 

14. There are so many little bakeries, cafeterias/restaurants , and little stands full of candy, drinks, newspapers, magazines all over Granada!! 

I Miss You...

I am loving every single moment here in Spain, soaking up as much culture and diversity as I can. However, I would be lying if I said that I wasn't missing anything from the United States.

My Number 1: My Family & My Nick

It is difficult. I knew my semester here in Spain was going to be a challenge. I knew that I would miss people and things, but not this much. This experience is extremely difficult and anyone who tells you it's not, they are lying. Yes, I have had some amazing days and I think that I would never want to go back to the United States. On the other side, there are plenty of days where I wish I could snuggle up on my couch in my baggy sweatpants, with a cup of coffee with peppermint mocha cream, and watching a movie with Nick. Also, I miss the camaraderie between my mom, dad, and brothers. I miss the jokes, the silly inside dumb comments, that no one would understand BUT them. I miss the simple conversations with my mom about what she bought at the grocery store and what good deals she got. I miss laughing until I almost cry with my dad with his stupid humor (about Moe Moe), that I absolutely LOVE. I miss my brothers because right before I left, I felt so close to them. I was able to talk to them and have real conversations with them, more than 5 words. I miss my family.

My Number 2: Football
Oh my gosh, this has been so difficult for me. I haven't watched a single football game on TV. Yes, I watched a couple of Nick's games on the computer, but it's just not the same. The time difference is so big that games are on super late here and I usually am too tired. I miss the competition, football parties, drinks and amazing food, and the camaraderie between everyone. It's difficult because I have grown up with football, since I was born. It's been a part of my life for 22 years and I don't think it will ever leave. I love it way to much & enjoy it way to much! PS Go Pack!

Number 3: Mac & Moe
My dogggiesss :) I miss them SO much! I miss them cuddling right up next to me and keeping me warm. I miss taking them for walks! Can't wait to tackle these little guys, didn't think I would miss them so much, but I never like being alone and it's nice to just have that little dog right next to ya!

My Number 4: My Friends
I miss you all so much, you have no idea! I miss the silly crazy nights, the long talks, the random events that happen, the conversations, the cries, the laughs, the jokes, the gossip ;) haha just kidding..there is to much to even try to start explaining. I miss you all for all of your very own reason. I love you all and can't wait to see each and every one of you!! :) Love You All, thank you for being here for me, skyping me and talking to me whenever I need anything. You all mean so much and I am so lucky to be a part of your life.

My Number 4: Spicy Food
This may sound ridiculous. I am not kidding you, but their food here is bland and very plain. It's good and healthy, most of the time, but I need that spice. I miss nachos, guacamole, salsa, tacos, burritos, thai food, curry, the list could go on and on. Every since I started dating Nick, I feel like my taste buds are just accustom to that flavor.

My Number 5: Starbacks/Mugby
I love the coffee here, yes, it is delicious. I just miss running through and grabbing a peppermint mocha, a pumpkin spice latte, or a coconut iced coffee.

My Number 6: My Bed
This sounds funny, but it's not a joke. My bed here hurts, I can feel every single spring and bump in the mattress. The first couple weeks were bad, I couldn't even sleep. I guess I am just used to it now, but still there are nights that I wake up and my back is killing me.

**There is more to come**

"Te echos de menos"

As the end approaches, I am starting to have mixed feelings. Te echo de menos, means I miss you! I love this phrase because it isn't a direct translation :) The past couple of days have been rough. I signed up for my classes for next semester at Winona State and it made me realize a whole lot of things.
1. I am graduating in ONE year.
2. I am student teaching in ONE year.
3. I only have ONE semester of schooling left.
4. I only have 8 more classes to take at Winona State.
5. I miss my family SO much. It's getting to that point, where I just MISS them SO much and there is nothing that anyone can say or do to fix it.
6. I miss NICK. It's hard, because I am used to being in Winona with him and always available to help him or give him advice.

However, I have a friend here in Spain that has helped me with ALL of this. This person is wonderful. Always there for me and supports me through everything... Today, they told me this..

 "Everyone has all these problems and you have no idea what people are going through. Have full trust that God knows exactly what he is doing. God doesn't want you to worry about what others are thinking, he wants you to be free from these chains." 

"When you give him glory you put him before you and you humble yourself. He desires the glory for your own good, when we give him glory, he gives it back." 

"Your actions, all your actions, add up."

"Your life is a daily choice."

"It's a daily struggle to do what God calls you."

"Live in the spirit and you will not live in the sinful nature."

Thank you. This person is incredible. When I am close to this person, I can feel my spirit growing. I feel closer to God, when I am near this person. Thank you. I am so proud of myself for traveling through this journey. There has been plenty of bumps and curves and I am sure there are going to be plenty more. BUT that is what is making me stronger and that is what I need; to become a better person. Thank you God, for giving me this experience, to become closer to you. 

Sierra Navadas, here in Granada. Thank You God.
I see you in all aspects of my life and so thankful for all of them. 

Comer Para Vivir No Vivir Para Comer

One of the first weeks here, my host mom kept saying to me, "la comida.. comer para vivir, no vivir para comer.." She means eat to live and don't live to eat. This saying is very true. Eat when you are hungry and eat to live, don't overindulge and don't binge eat. We have had many conversations about food and diets. It is very interesting here in Spain. They look at food in a different way. Everything I eat is homemade. They even make the jelly, we have on our toast in the morning. Meals are very important to Spaniards. Every morning (desayuno), I have toast and coffee. After three weeks of the same thing, Sam and I asked, "Do you think we could have something different for breakfast, maybe cereal, yogurt, eggs?" Our host mom was like "Oh no, toast is for breakfast, everything else is not a breakfast item." Sam and I looked at each other and were like "Okay, well that's that. Toast it is." We have lunch (al mediodia) at 1 o'clock every day. It is ALWAYS a surprise. For the most part, it is getting better. At first, the food was incredibly difficult to get used to. It is very plain, plain, plain. There is not much flavor other than garlic, salt, and olive oil. It's good, just plain. I miss my spice! Spain has a very Mediterranean diet. Spain is the number one producer of olive trees. Which produces a whole lot of olive oil, therefore we eat it with everything!! One of my favorite meals is whole grain toast, with olive oil, cheese, and tomatoes. I could eat that all day long! We eat salads, vegetables, eggs, potatoes, chicken, pork..etc. Everything just tastes different. We don't have ranch, salsa, bbq sauce. Overall, it is much healthier than in the United States. The olive oil is amazing (it took me a long time to get used to it though..), the vegetables are marinated in a tomato sauce or garlic sauce. We eat a lot of soup, but it's more like broth. Like veggie broth or a chicken noodle broth type. Lunch is the big meal. It consists, of a soup, meat, grain, veggies, fruit..etc. Whatever you really want to eat, but they just eat more during lunch time. Dinner (la cena) is usually around 8 or 8:30, which is SUPER early for Spaniards. Typically, people don't eat until 10 or 11pm. I would HATE that! We talked to our host family about that and they said they never eat that late because it is horrible for your stomach and digestive system. Thank the Lord for my host sister Yasmin, she is a pharmacist and helps us all out on the whole diet, eating healthy, and when we should all be eating!! (Thank you Lord!) Dinner is a lighter meal a cheese omelet, veggies, a tunafish sandwich, my favorite toast/cheese/tomato combination. I have really started to enjoy the way they eat here. It makes sense. Eat a lighter breakfast, a bigger meal during the day, and then a light dinner. It is a lot healthier for your body and digestive system. I have always been a snacker, so I always have a piece of fruit or nuts during the day to help me, because I never eat a huge lunch, I just can't do it. It has taken awhile, but I am adjusted to the food and so is my stomach. I have to say, I haven't had nearly as many stomach problems as I do in the United States. That just tells you how unhealthy our food is there.. all the preservatives!

Some famous dishes here in Spain.
1. Fried Egg, Rice with tomato sauce over it, and hot dogs (I DON'T TOUCH THOSE)

2. Tortilla de Patatas (very famous, eggs and potatoes it's kind of like a casserole, it's okay not my favorite thing in the world, but I eat it because it is SO popular here.)

3. Spaghetti or Chicken Stroganoff (I will eat these, they are really good. They even make the spaghetti with soy meat (sounds really weird, but I LOVE IT))

4. Pizza (it's made with tuna and onions or ham or mushrooms)

5. Fried Eggs or Omelets with Vegtables

6. Paella (they have never made it for us, but I ate it in Nerja SO amazing!!)

7. Salads full of tomatoes and apples (olive oil, salt, and balsamic vinegar for dressings)
8. Croquetas (YUCK, I will not touch these. Fried dough with mushy stuff inside. Hate them, however I feel really bad because my host mom makes them from scratch!)

9. Lots of Soup or Guiso (which is like stew, I love these. They are usually made with lentils, beans, and lots of vegetables. My host mom has finally realized that I love spice, so she now gives me some hot pepper to put into these dishes :)

10. Arroz con pollo (chicken and rice mixed in a red sauce with peppers and vegetables.)
11. Also, they are in love with ham! You see it everywhere!! I have tried it and I know it is a huge part of their culture, but I just really don't like meat!! You see these everywhere...

Here is a little bit of what I have been eating for the past couple of months :)