Good morning! And happy belated Thanksgiving! This past week marks 1 month since I first arrived in Spain! Wohoooo! I can hardly believe it. I feel completely different than I did a month ago, and while it's taken time to feel settled and adjusted to this season in Spain, I am happy with my progress!
Thank you again for taking time to spend with me (in thought through this blog!). Let's dive in to the good stuff from the past week!
Mondays are becoming my favorite days! Since I don't work on Mondays, I have another day for exploring the city, and eventually an extra day for other travels! Anyway, I met with Lauren for brunch, and it was incredible! I think I found my new favorite breakfast place and will definitely be returning to try something else from their diverse menu! So if it feels like I'm sharing a lot about food, I am, but I think food is such an important part of a culture and also brings people together! And as always, I was happy for the company and conversation. A good start to another week. I had savory pancakes with cheese, tomatoes, mushrooms and a poached egg, and a beetroot latte to drink. Then, naturally, we had to have a macron to satisfy our sweet cravings.
As you all know, Thursday was Thanksgiving! But, our American holiday is not celebrated here in Spain. I made it special anyway, and was still able to celebrate in a new way. Throughout the day, I read the cards that I brought with me and even video chatted with my family. Yet, I realized that Thanksgiving really isn't the same day without family and friends. The food is great, but without my loved ones, it just felt like another day. Maybe you've felt that way this year as well. I went to a small group yoga class and then we all had a potluck together (I made apple crisp)! One of the things I love about traveling, and living in an international city like Madrid, is the opportunities to meet people from all over the world and hear their life stories. And, vice versa, meeting other people just like me from the U.S, who are also teaching English and still figuring out what they are passionate about in life!
This year I am thankful for: my family and friends (as always, but especially this year), my health, my independence and strength to do something new, the kindness of others, and my first package from home!
Friday was Teacher day here in Spain! Of course I had no idea until I was at school...but, I think it's fitting that it came the day after my Thanksgiving. I am also thankful for the teachers at my school, and around the world! Instead of the normal cheese, meat and bread in our break room at school, we had churros con chocolate and Spanish tortilla to celebrate the day! Side note, Spanish tortilla is easily my favorite Spanish food.
Even through all the joy I found in this week, Saturday was by far the best day! I joined four others in a hike through the Valle de la Barranca, in the small town of Navercerrada! It was a cloudy day and therefore we were unable to see the views from the top, but the clouds definitely added their own unique and serene feel. I haven't laughed as genuinely as I had yesterday in a long time! The group was super welcoming and interesting and fun to be with! In all, we were 4 from Ireland, 1 from the Netherlands, and me! It was great to see some new scenery, get a good workout and some fresh air, followed by good times and good beer! I can't really put into words how much of a good day yesterday was...maybe you'll understand better through the pictures!
When people ask me "How is Spain?!" I don't know exactly how to answer. It has been such a personal journey so far. And there are just too many thoughts running through my brain when this comes up! But, I am making my way and I am incredibly proud of myself. Before I left Michigan, I knew that I wanted to grow from this experience and to learn self-love...and that this goal would push my outside of my comfort zone. While it can be uncomfortable at first, it is really a joy on the other side. Not too deep this week...but rather a celebration that I've made it through the first month, that I've felt so many emotions, and excitement for the months to come. As Billie Eilish said, "I'm in love with my future, can't wait to meet her, and I'm in love, but not with anybody else, just wanna get to know myself."
