that time I drove to spain

Please note: when I say "I", I mean "we", and Leslie actually did the driving. We couldn't not go to fall in love with San Sebastián.

You see, we were so, so close by in Biarritz. It's a popular vacation itinerary to seaside town-hop along the Basque Coast. There are various public transportation options to bring locals and tourists to and from in the summer. But we were visiting in off-season, which meant international buses and trains were limited, making a full day in Spain seemingly impossible. The best solution: rent a car, of course! So although neither of us had ever driven in Europe (let alone across any European borders), rent a car we did.

We look trustworthy of such responsibility, right? Most definitely. Leslie got used to the endless traffic circles and I brushed up on my navigation skills. As mentioned, we did get stuck at a toll on the way because we didn't quite have enough money in coins and the machine wouldn't accept our credit and debit cards... but we made it to the charming and sophisticated San Sebastián eventually.

Then we wine and pinxto-ed all damn day. That is, once we'd parked, stopped for coffee, found a group of Spanish men and women to follow into a bar, and asked the server how to do so. "Hola... no entiendo cómo esto funciona..." He offered Leslie a plate to choose from the cold dishes on display and handed me a menu to order a few hot bites. I'm not sure which pinxtos we ate in the end, but they paired perfectly with the house red. We payed honor system-style on the way out. Afterwards, we walked along the Playa de la Concha and hiked up Monte Urgull before stopping by Bar Nestor, Bar Zeruko, and Gandarias. We also wandered through the San Telmo Museum and lusted after every item in Noventa Grados. And now I want to drive to Spain again. Come with?

to alicante by way of bogotá

Have I ever told you about VIF club? It's "an organization that tries to foster greater understanding among the different people of the world by sending our students on exchange program and hosting exchange students from other nations." 'Twas a popular one at my middle/high school and my involvement with it (those many years ago) really paved the way for my cultural curiosity. 

Now, it's my younger sister who's participating. At the end of the summer, she will be spending six weeks in Alicante, Spain with a host family as somewhat of an exchange student. What's more, two weeks following, my younger brother will be taking her place in the Spanish port city for a year-long study abroad experience.

I really hope to visit. Although I toured Spain as a high school student and spent a weekend in Barcelona while studying abroad in Europe, I've never been to the region of Valencia. I hear it's absolutely beautiful. Plus, Alicante is one of Spain's fastest growing cities with a Mediterranean climate and numerous examples of 14th-18th century architecture, in addition to a fun and lively beach scene.

What's funny, I suppose, is that the first photo you see is not of Alicante at all, but of Ibiza, an infamous party island off the coast of Alicante. I have a feeling my little brother's going to be able to show me a good time ;). Another detail I failed to mention until now is that the first photo is K's. She went there in 2010, and also happens to be the last person I enjoyed authentic Spanish food with.

More than a few months ago, her, Julie, C, Dani, and I dined at Socarrat. Gosh, I love that place. We enjoyed sangria, croquettes del día, garlic shrimps, a bottle of Spanish wine, and a seafood paella. It was delicious, as Spanish cuisine often is... and the memory just solidifies my desire to make it to Alicante. If not for any of the glorious reasons above, then for this fact alone: about 15% of the population is foreign, most of them immigrants from Argentina, Ecuador, and Colombia who've arrived in the previous 10 years. Yes, I am also on a Colombia-kick and so, so excited to be there in just 6 days! And, the title makes sense now :).

step one

My sister leaves for Spain this Friday. She's going with her Spanish class to tour her way though Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, and Costa del Sol. She's beyond excited, and I'm excited for her. I took this same trip with my Spanish teacher when I was a junior in high school. It was my first trip "alone," it was my first visit to Europe, it was my first taste of wanderlust. And in all that nostalgia,  I've collected a medley of photos from my first camera:

 

 

I like to think I've improved my sense of style, table manners, photography skills and food preferences since then. Ha. 

In other news, I've realized that balancing a full-time job with the rest of my life is going to take some work (pun intended.) I intend to figure that out soon...

te extraño

Good morning, how was your week, beautifuls? Well, worry not--whether it left much to be desired or was spectacular, things are bound to get better. It's the weekend, baby :). When thinking about how I wanted to spend my two days of freedom I've come up with the usual farmers market run, a movie, a museum exhibit, a wine bar... most of things I'd do alongside my best friend.

Unfortunately for me, that's a no-can-do; she's in el sur de España . She's spending the month of June taking part in a extensive study abroad program. I'm not happy at all about it... I'm jealous and I miss her ;). We've been through a lot together, including a 10-day tour of Spain four and a half years ago. It was amazing and I couldn't have been more excited. It was my first time in Europe!


I was a pretty well-dressed 16 year old, huh? We went with our Spanish teacher, a Madrileña, and fellow Spanish students to 9 different cities, beginning, very appropriately, in the city of Madrid. I was thrilled to be able to use the Spanish that I'd been practicing for six years. And, of course, all the exclusive tours, museum visits, and sights were wonderful.





We went seemingly everywhere, except Barcelona. But we all know that I made up for it :) what great memories of both trips.



For now, this is her reality. She's living in Grenada with a host family, taking classes in Spanish five days a week and making trips around the beautiful country during her weekends. One of which probably includes a 2-day visit to our friend, Santiago, who is currently living in Costa del Sol with his family. Our French friend, Marie, might even head over. I wish I could join them!


I hope that she's having an amazing time and soon, following her safe flight over the Atlantic, we'll be able to both reminisce about abroad experiences over baking. We make good globe-trotting companions :) we're planning our next trip in the U.S. for this summer and another one outside the country post-graduation. Can't wait. What are your favorite things to do with your best friend?