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Christmas in Spain has been a wonderful experience. The festivities commenced on Tuesday, December 22 with the fiestas and Christmas caroling at the school and the teacher's lunch. We went to a really nice restaraunt in El Ejido were we ate typical Spanish foods like jamon serrano, croquettes, pan con tomate, fresh tomatoes in olive oil, bacalao with potatoe puree (cod - not my fav), steak with french fries (finally some beef!), brownies (not as good as the U.S.), and mojitos. After the meal we all (ages 23-55) headed over to Van Gogh, a bar, where we had drinks and danced. It is so cool that everyone, of all ages, goes out dancing at the bars. The music was a mixture of classic American disco songs, like YMCA and In The Navy (haha), and spanish disco. At 8pm when then decided to drive to Almeria to have tapas and go out dancing. After twelve hours of partying, the evening ended with me being named "la reina/la princesa" of the dance floor. I definitely showed the Spainards that the term "fiesta" is universal!
On Christmas Eve is when the families join together to have the big holiday meal. I joined Celia (the English teacher who has been helping to organize my stay here) and her boyfriend's (Francisco) family for dinner. Francisco is the middle of 6 children the youngest being my age. The meal began with various types of seafood, like crawfish and calamari. Then came the lamb, pork, and chicken. Next was the flan and arroz con leche. Followed by champagne, rum, and tiny cakes. The big "surprise" however was when "mama" noel (Francisco's mom dressed as Santa Claus) came bearing gifts. Everyone was so thoughtful and friendly to me. I even received a gift from Mama Noel! After dinner, I met up with some friends to go out. The evening was alot of fun...except for our final destination which was called Mundo Paralelo (Parallel World) that only played hard core, heavy metal Spanish rock...not my fav and definitely not the type of music you want to dance to. So, I called it an evening at the early hour of 5am. The one lesson I did learn is that I will never again where high heels out at night...even the most comfortable pair start to hurt after 8 hours and the streets here just aren't made for walking up on sticks. My next purchase will definitely be a cute pair of flat black boots!
After waking up late in the afternoon on Christmas day, I skyped my family at Cobb Casa central where I was able to virtually take part in the opening of presents. Santa did a good job this year! I was able to chat with Nee Nee and Uncle Mac, see Sister Belle sleeping by the fire, see Layla play in the wrapping paper, see dad hold up his famous waffles, see the snow outside, and check out Zac's spiffy new classes. It has been a fabulously memorable Christmas and thankfully for technology I can still be connected to family and friends on this special day.
On Christmas Eve is when the families join together to have the big holiday meal. I joined Celia (the English teacher who has been helping to organize my stay here) and her boyfriend's (Francisco) family for dinner. Francisco is the middle of 6 children the youngest being my age. The meal began with various types of seafood, like crawfish and calamari. Then came the lamb, pork, and chicken. Next was the flan and arroz con leche. Followed by champagne, rum, and tiny cakes. The big "surprise" however was when "mama" noel (Francisco's mom dressed as Santa Claus) came bearing gifts. Everyone was so thoughtful and friendly to me. I even received a gift from Mama Noel! After dinner, I met up with some friends to go out. The evening was alot of fun...except for our final destination which was called Mundo Paralelo (Parallel World) that only played hard core, heavy metal Spanish rock...not my fav and definitely not the type of music you want to dance to. So, I called it an evening at the early hour of 5am. The one lesson I did learn is that I will never again where high heels out at night...even the most comfortable pair start to hurt after 8 hours and the streets here just aren't made for walking up on sticks. My next purchase will definitely be a cute pair of flat black boots!
After waking up late in the afternoon on Christmas day, I skyped my family at Cobb Casa central where I was able to virtually take part in the opening of presents. Santa did a good job this year! I was able to chat with Nee Nee and Uncle Mac, see Sister Belle sleeping by the fire, see Layla play in the wrapping paper, see dad hold up his famous waffles, see the snow outside, and check out Zac's spiffy new classes. It has been a fabulously memorable Christmas and thankfully for technology I can still be connected to family and friends on this special day.
