Battling the Storms of Budapest

I was planning on writing last night, and got involved in Facetiming people back home, so that didn’t happen.  But, that’s ok-I now have a new adventure to share!  Last week, we had orientation, and today was the first day back to work with all new staff.  I scheduled a manicure today to treat myself to something relaxing after a full day of meetings, and my mind overflowing with new and exciting information!  The nail salon is on the top floor of the mall, about a seven minute walk from my apartment.  I enjoyed sitting at the nail “booth,” and helping the technician practice her English.  After a satisfying result, I headed down toward the exit. 

It had rained earlier today, as we had all been hoping for, as it has been SO hot and humid.  As I approached the door, I recognized what was happening.  People were gathering at the door waiting for the rain to stop.  With no umbrella, I had to pause and problem solve.  After a longer glance, I realized it wasn’t just RAINING, it was POURING, and FLOODING.  Cars were starting to flood, so I knew taxis were becoming out of the question.  I raced back upstairs to the sporting goods store and bought one of two ponchos left.  I placed the red, waterproof, poncho over my bags and took off-“now or never,” I thought! I wouldn’t have been worried, but my phone, and some school books were in my bag—things that couldn’t get wet.  For the next five minutes, I held my dress up with my left hand, curled my toes around my sandals, and waded through, at some points, thigh deep water.  The further I went, the “better” it got as I was walking uphill.  But, there were cars that were flooded, traffic backed up with no where to go, and some people (like me), wading through water and looking at the others thinking “WOW.”  One man even told me he had NEVER seen anything like that and asked me to take a picture.  I made it home safely and soaked and laughing tucked that experience in my memory.  It reminded me of a time I got caught in Spain in a rain and wind storm when bricks were flying off a building!!! I guess we learn here to not complain about the heat :).

This past week, I have crossed some things off my “to-do” list.  I hit up Ikea once again, and am finally satisfied with my apartment.  My credit card is also happy I’m done.  I am enamored with the character of the apartment, with high ceilings, and an amazing balcony that looks at the Parliament building.  For me, it is simply a place that feels like “home.”  I also finished a week of new staff orientation at AISB.  I have met many wonderful people, who are both professional, and welcoming.  It could be a bit overwhelming, but I think all of us newbies tried to soak in what we were hearing.  The school perfoms very highly on the international stage, and sends some kids to the best universities in the U.S. and Europe.  The focus is definitely on student learning, and I have observed a big emphasis on collaboration and documentation.  I am overjoyed to become part of a dynamic staff!

In addition to orientation, we were also treated like royalty by being taken to dinner by the director and administration, and then on another night, having appetizers and drinks at our director’s home in the Buda Hills.  At first glance, from a semi-outsider perspective, the staff emphasizes team building in activities outside of the school.  I find this an important and appealing aspect, seeing as though most of us are away from our families.  I have been impressed by the warm welcome of the staff.  I have also felt blessed to have been able to spend time with the other new teachers who are in the same situation as myself.  There are only three of us this year, and so we have spent nearly every night this past week having dinner, and discovering the city together.  From taking the rickshaw that we picked up in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica, and getting “advice” on where to go from the cute little bike rider, to wandering the streets of Pest (mostly because were were lost, with no Internet), it has been a great adventure, and many laughs thus far with Ashlee and Dennis.  

Individually, I’ve also found a little Catholic chapel in Buda that has mass Sunday mornings, so that has been some nice stability with a little piece of home.  Yesterday, I went to breakfast at Ashlee’s and then to mass with her, before heading home for some Sunday relaxation.  I ended up (after a nap of course), taking off on a bike ride to Margarit Island, that was filled with people.  It was a great ending to a week filled with laugher, growth, and adventure.   

Surviving the flood.  Thank goodness for the poncho.

My living room 

My cozy bedroom :)

This was part of our dinner view on Saturday night!

Langos, a traditional Hungarian food.  Kind of like pizza-fried dough & you choose your topping!

Catholic chapel in Buda

Just a little flash flood, no worries.

BUDAPEST Discoveries

My first week in Budapest: quick, majestic, filled with new experiences, and many opportunities to laugh….at myself.  The first impressions this city gives are incredible. I suppose it depends on the outlook of the person living the experiences, as with any new experiences of the sort.  I came into this new phase in my life with a promise that I would be willing to try new things, not fret the small stuff, absorb changes, experience trials, and celebrate the triumphs.

  My first seven days have been filled with repetitive “Szia,” (Hi/bye) and “Koszonom,” (Thank you)  with a large smile on my face hoping that the Hungarians will be accepting of someone making an effort to speak their language (partially).  Heck, the man who carted every single box I shipped over up my stairs showed me that he appreciated my effort.  I offered him “viz¨: (water) as his huffing and puffing each trip up didn’t go un-noticed.  The young guy who was unloading the truck must have won the bet, he only made the trek up once.  From there on out, each box he brought up, he taught me how to say the number on the box.  This was a great situation to practice the language with someone who doesn’t speak mine.  I have also been reminded the importance of learning-through-observation in situations like, for example,  in the grocery store and public transportation.  Where do you put the basket after you have loaded your items onto the belt?  How do you “unlock” the carts at the grocery store when they are chained together?  Who validates your metro pass?  What greeting will the cashier greet me with?  

I’ve also had to problem solve.  What do you do when Ikea is supposed to deliver your purchases to your residence, your phone doesn’t work internationally, and they don’t show up?  (Solution: have someone from school call for you and they arrange to deliver on Monday-your first day of work.  Awesome. A new problem).  How do I get this giant fan home that I purchased?  (Solution: carry it, and the million other things you purchased, you dummy).  Lots of fails, and therefore learning has also occured.  Thirst quenched my first day here, I confidently walked to the grocery store down the block from the Beatrix Panzio (my pension), entered the wrong way, and threw some waters in a basket.  Unbeknownst to me, when I returned to the hotel and thirstily and rapidly opened the water, I heard the “shhhhh” sound.  I quickly learned that the pink lid means flat/still water, and the blue lid, like the one I was holding in my hand, meant carbonated.  Duh.  In Europe, sparking water is king.  Fail.  Sparkling water doesn’t quench my thirst….but that night it made do!

Generosity and exploration have also played a significant role in my life this past week.  Multiple colleagues volunteered to help me move, meet up with me, and assist me when needed.  This is a gift I will certainly never forget, and hope to pass on to others in the future.  Budapest is also filled with endless opportunities for explorations.  I must admit that I did not know much about my new home before accepting this position, and many reactions from people back home were not always favorable when I shared where I would be moving.  I believe in great part, this was due to the changes this city has lived through in recent years.  In my eyes, this is a must-see European destination that will completely fulfill, if not exceed, expectations.  My first few days here I didn’t need to look for an apartment like I thought I did when I had the ticket booked, so I was able to play tourist in my city.  I jogged, and walked all over Buda (where my apartment is located), and into Pest.  I saw things such as the Parliament, Margarit Island, the Buda Castle, Andrassy Ave, City Park, Heroe’s Square, and also ventured out to Nagykovasci to see my school campus.  

At this moment, as I sit on my balcony looking across at the Parliament Building elegantly lit, and listening to country music, I feel blessed to be here in my new home, and reminded that each place I go is just another amazing piece added to my puzzle of life.  Each piece adds more clarity, but the pieces themselves don’t mean anything isolated.  It makes me happy to listen to my little piece of home, look at the pictures of my family and friends, and to add more pieces to this puzzle with each passing day.  A grand life indeed.  

                                       
                                         Buda Castle

                                       
                                          Heroe's Square

                                          City Park

                                          City Park

                                          Parliament

                                         Chain Bridge

                                      St. Stephen's Basilica

A long time coming...

         In the Fall of 2008, I embarked on a journey I had never desired before I began, and certainly did not realize the effect it would have upon my life.  I simply knew that it must be done.  You see, I had a regret in my life-one regret.  As simple as it may seem-I never studied abroad as an undergraduate student at Cal State Hayward, and this, was my dream. 

         It was at the end of my second year of teaching at West Valley High School in Cottonwood, CA that the seed was planted.  I had dated my college boyfriend for almost six years, and ended the relationship.  It was hard, like a divorce, and was the most prolific, difficult personal move I had ever made. In the process, I hurt a great person, but knew that for me, it was right.  I needed time to find "me" and to make right with this regret that lingered in my heart and soul.  It was after this separation that I decided to do something for myself, and no one else, for really the first time in my life.  I decided to pursue a master's degree, and study abroad in the process.  I didnt know how it could be done, but I knew it could.  I believed my parents when they told me when I was younger that I could do anything that I put my mind to.

         While researching, I found the perfect fit.  I knew as soon as I found the Master's degree program in Teaching International Languages at California State University, Chico, that this was my calling.  It combined my love of teaching with the Spanish language, and there was also the chance that I could study abroad as a component of the program.  I knew I must pursue this opportunity. 

         In the Fall of 2008, I realized the sacrifice I must make to pursue this crazy dream.  I took two classes my first semester at Chico State, in which I would leave my full time teaching job at the final bell, literally run to the parking lot twice a week, and drive to Chico to get to class (somewhat) on time.  It seemed like I never had a chance to rest.  My second semester was the same.  However, from November through March, I was also coaching basketball, in addition to teaching full-time, and taking classes an hour and a half away, part-time.  Seeing that I could only miss two classes at Chico State a semester, I had to sacrifice coaching several basketball games to attend classes, and miss several classes to attend basketball games.  I just kept telling myself that it would be worth the sacrifice when I got the chance to study abroad, as this was my ultimate goal.  This is what I never did as an undergrad, and this is what I desired.

         My third semester in the program was challenging to say the least.  I was entering my third year teaching, and was taking two classes at Chico State that semester.  In addition to teaching full time, and taking two classes, I was also teaching an adult ESL class in Corning twice a week as part of my Chico State coursework, and coaching JV basketball at West Valley High School.  I can look back at the calendar from the Fall of 2009 and shake my head in disbelief.  I simply don't know how I managed to balance my committments, but somehow I did.  A major motivator was one afternoon in the fall of 2009 when my principal, Mr. Karl Stemmler, walked into my classroom and informed me that I had been granted a leave of absence to study abroad in the Spring of 2010 in pursuit of my master's degree.  I teared up in front of my class, realizing that my dream was about to become a reality.  I was going to live abroad.  THIS was why I had worked so hard, THIS would change my life.

         Shortly after the New Year in 2010, after finding a long term subsititute teacher for my classes at West Valley, I hopped on a flight to Madrid, Spain to begin my semester abroad.  I had to be granted special permission to study abroad through Chico State, as I needed graduate credits, as opposed to undergraduate credits in my classes, unlike the other students in the program.  This meant that more work would be required of me in each of my classes, but I was up for the task.  Also, I was significantly older, at age 27, than the majority of the students in the program. Simply put, I was different, and I didn't care.  I was achieving my dream, and wasn't going to let anything get in my way.  I arrived in Madrid, spent an evening catching up with a former Spanish exchange student at Corning High School, and then headed toward San Sebastian, the city I proclaimed on a trip to Spain as a senior in high school as my "favorite city in Spain." 

         It was in San Sebastian that my love for the Spanish- Basque people blossomed.  However, it is not to say that the five months I spent abroad were easy.  On the contrary, they were difficult, and that is why they are significant, but also extremely fun.  I faced many challenging experiences, including being away from family, friends, and a full time job, for the fist time in my life.  Additionally, I was older than many other people in my program, and lived with Spanish girls that were in their younger twenties.  However, I was in the most beautiful city, in an amazing country, and walked away with a new found appreciation for life.  I appreciated the little things-great food, reading the morning paper, walking to any destination at my own pace, and the beautiful sound of Spanish and Basque at every turn.  It was during this time that I was emotionally and academically challenged to become a better person, and I left with the belief that I improved in both areas.  I pushed myself, and felt rewarded with the result of lasting memories that can never be erased.  This was truly one of those moments when I found a piece of myself.  I spent a lot of time alone, learned to appreciate myself for who I was, met some amazing people, and had some extremely fun times I wouldn't have had back home as a full-time teacher.  I can also say that when I left San Sebasitan, after my parents came to visit me in the city I love, I left a piece of my heart and soul in Donostia (San Sebastian, in Basque).  It was inevitable, as any person who has studied there can attest, that I would return more than once again in my life to visit this majestic city.  

         Upon my return home from Europe, a month early (I came home as a surprise for my Grandfather's 80th birthday party), I was a changed person.  There is something about traveling and living abroad that changes your perspective on life.  My next year back in the classroom, I was ready to be a teacher again.  In fact, I was so ready (and so broke from my study abroad) that I agreed to teach more than full time, by teaching six classes per day instead of five.  I had the best students this year, that most of the time, it didn't matter that I didn't get a break in my day.  I had missed teaching when I was abroad, and was enthusiastic to share what I had learned, even if it meant not getting a bathroom break, or a chance to eat lunch.  I also resumed my duties as the JV basketball coach this season, and enjoyed this lifestyle.  I was also nearly done with my classes at Chico State, as I only had two pre-requisite classes left, and they were the only two online classes offered in the program.  My first year back, I didn't take either of them.  Instead, I adjusted to life back in the United States, while also mourning my experience abroad, and the culture shock I faced upon my return.  I had to realize that I was the person that was changed and had grown and make adjustments accordingly, because I knew that not everyone wanted to hear about " When I was in San Sebastian....."

         In 2011, I accepted the head varsity girl's basketball job at West Valley, knowing that with this acceptance, I would not be able to work on my thesis project or take my remaining two online classes during this time.  This season proved to be very rewarding, as my team created the best first year experience I could have imagined.  We won the undefeated NAL Championship, went on to win the Northern Section DIV Section Championship, and I was awarded several coaching awards that I looked at as awards for our school and program-my kids were the ones who did all the work!  This season in itself created some of the best memories of my life.  I have never felt so rewarded for hard work, or so proud of a group of people in my life. This stands as one of the top five moments of my life, along with studying abroad.  However, in the back of my mind lingered the guilt that I needed to be working on my thesis......

         Around rolled the 2012-13 school year, and the one remaining class (I took the other in the spring of 2012) that I needed to complete my coursework.  I told myself that I would finish my masters this school year.  I had no more excuses, and had invested so much personal money and time into this program, that I owed it to myself to finish, and to do so THIS year.  I was a finisher, and I had to make myself believe that.  For my thirtieth birthday, my Mom and I planned a trip to New York City.  However, before embarking on the trip, I needed to have a working copy of my thesis turned in before my personal October deadline.  The fall (before basketball season) was spent working, as I had the previous semesters when I was taking classes, on my thesis or homework.  Friday nights, and Saturday and Sunday mornings and afternooons were dedicated to "doing homework."  I actually got sick of hearing myself have to decline social invitations because I had "homework."  I am so grateful for my friends for their understanding, and patience, and don't know that I could been so understanding if I were them.  For my first year and a half before going to Spain, I was completely physically and emotionally unavailable on the weekends and holidays, and then when I was really gone, in Spain, I had deserted them.  The fall of 2012 brought the same scenario.  It was devastating on a personal level to not spend time with my friends and family; I felt selfish and full of excuses, but I just prayed that they understood.  I was faced with exhaustion once basketball season began in November, shortly after our trip to New York City.  The 2012-2013 season proved to be draining, but I realized I couldn't do anything half-way.  I needed to be 100% invested to make sure my kids had experiences they would remember for a lifetime.  Myself on the other hand, felt like a wreck- I had a hard time managing defeats in our new league, and knew I needed to be working on my thesis.  I was oblivious to my personal life, and put coaching and teaching first.  I felt like I had no other option, and was thankful for every second I got to spend with my friends and family.  For me, my basketball team was my family, and this season, they required extra work I was willing to put in.  We ended the season on a successful note, as runners up in our section, and nearly pulling off a first round upset in our state playoff game.  I was also very proud of this team, as they were warriors all season long.

         Once basketball ended, I had made a promise to myself.  I promised myself I would finish.  Although I was hung over from my basketball season, with little energy to do anything but sleep, I would complete what I started because that is how I operated.  That was the person I wanted and strived to be.   I can firmly say it took every ounce of courage to even open the envelope with the suggestions from my teacher I had received in November with my attempt at a first copy of my thesis (I didn't actually open it until January!).  I didn't want to do it-I was battling myself.  I have never ever ever ever struggled with myself internally as much as I did during this master's program.  I wanted to finish it, but I really didn't think I could do it.  Heck, I never really wanted to do it in the first place, I just wanted to study abroad. I experienced the lowest of lows during this challenging time. I literally could not have done it without encouraging words from family and friends. To them, I will be forever in debt.  I didn't always believe in myself, until they made me believe.  I didn't always (or ever) want to spent every Saturday and Sunday this fall and spring working ALL day on my thesis project, let alone come home from teaching all day to sit down at my table with tears streaming down my face, and force myself to write for at least three hours a night.  I never wanted to wake up and go to the gym at 4:30am after going to bed at midnight, but I knew a mind is only healthy if a body is.  I never wanted to do any of this, but I knew I had to; I knew I had to sacrifice if I wanted to finish this project.

         I was challenged, and I admitted it.  I was challenged with my time, and with my desire to complete this project.  Although I acquired a deep deep passion for the amazing Basque language, culture, and people, I really didn't want to do a thesis project.  I was already working two full times jobs teaching and coaching; I didn't need a third.  I just wanted my life to continue-I wanted to move on to setting myself up to have a family of my own and get past this task I for some reason started five years ago, that had been weighing on my shoulders!  This, along with realizing that I started this program to do "something for myself" were the reasons I chose to stick it out.  Also, I knew my parents, my biggest fans, were cheering me on.  I couldn't let them, or ultimately myself, down.  I had to do this, but it wasn't going to be easy.  I knew the only way it was possible was to be a little bit insane, and I was willing to be so. I set my mind to it, and I knew I could do it once I turned that corner.

         I tried every trick I knew- working early in the morning before school, late at night, working out, not working out, drinking caffeine, not drinking caffeine, taking my work to the library, listening to country music, listening to music I couldn't sing along to on purpose because I didn't know the words, taking walks after each twenty minutes of work, and letting my tears fall in the loneliness of my living room as I questioned why I was torturing myself sitting in front of my computer working on something I was never going to finish.  I set up a card table in my living room as my office, lit candles, gave myself snack breaks, stretched when I needed to, yelled at the top of my lungs, called my parents sobbing, let myself be depressed for days on end, put up a sign that my students made me as inspiration for my half marathon on my "wall of inspiration," of things I could look at, and even allowed myself to get massages, go back to Spain to visit, dance in my living room with no one watching, and be just a little bit wierd :).  I didn't care how I looked to anyone, I just wanted to finish.  This was for me. 

         As I look back on the five years I spent from start to finish in my master's degree program, I am in awe of life.  I learned many things, and so much happened during this five year period of my life.  I appreciate and value myself so much more than I did when I began a half of a decade ago.  I found out what it is like to fight for something you want.  I realized my strength, and my fighting spirit that I possess.  I realized it is okay to ask for help and admit weaknesses.  I learned who I am as a person, developed a passion for writing and for the Basque County, and who and what are important to me.  Many things have happened over the past five years.  Some of the things I missed because I was working on my degree, but here are a few things that stand out in my mind.

1.) I went back to visit San Sebastian, and went to Costa Rica and China with students; I continued my love of travel and adventure.

2.) My three best friends from college all had their first (and second) children, and have left me inspired at the wonderful mothers they all are.  Two other of my best friends have also become engaged and/or married.

3.) My nephew Colton was born, making me a first-time, blood aunt to a child I adore.  I will never forget finding out my sister in law was pregnant when I was in Spain studying.  My brother skyped me for the one and only time I was abroad, to tell me :)

4.) My basketball team won a Section Championship! This was more rewarding than winning one as a player in 2000.

5.) I moved into a place of my own, and have enjoyed the experience of living on my own, and figuring out how life works!

6.) I have continued to teach some of the most amazing students at West Valley, and am just finishing my seventh year as a Eagle!

         Life is short, and is filled with challenges.  I was gifted the strength to finish my degree.  I did it, with the support of my closest friends and family.  I have a changed perspective on life, and on myself as a person.  I am proud of myself, and am okay saying that.  I am also proud of my family and friends, and not afraid to share that with them, which I attribute to my semester abroad.  "When I was in San Sebastian..." I had to tell them how I felt, because I didn't get to see them.  I feel empowered-I have realized I am the first in my family to get a master's degree.  I did it to instill confidence in myself, which would not have happened had I not been faced with the struggles and challenges that come along with earning a master's degree.  I am extremely proud to say that I have a master's degree, and that I did it for ME.

         

Despedida de Donostia

Xabier y Ana
Helene and I
Xabier Jr. and Helene
María and I after lunch and coffee

Relaxation before the storm of home!

At the Peines del Viento Sculptures at the end of Ondaretta Beach

Zurriola
¨Clásica de San Sebastián¨
Txampi con foie
Bon Jovi
Helene and I taking a break from bike riding along Zurriola Beach
Bon Jovi Open Air!!!!!!
A great shot of Buen Pastor Cathedral on a clear day :)

The past two days I must admit have not been filled with anything but pleasure! Friday was one of the best days I have had in recent memory for no other reason than I felt very relaxed all day long. Life can´t get much better than Friday. The morning started with a 30 minute jog turning into a 45 minute jog, just to enjoy the sunshine the day had to offer. My next mission was to find a Bon Jovi ticket at FNAC, the local Best Buy type store. After spending some time there, and also purchasing a CD and movie for my classroom, I headed toward Zurriola, ¨the surfer beach¨to read a little, and soak in the rays. Laying on the beach is not something I can do for hours, but I was so relaxed, and enjoyed listening to the conversations of the people around me, and what they talked about amongst themselves, while hearing the waves crash, and feeling the breeze that provided a nice balance of weather, not too hot, not too cold that I spent a couple of hours there. I secretly had a motive for wanting to go to Zurriola beach, because it is in the neighborhood of Gros, which is also where my favorite pintxo is found, in a restaurant called Senra. So, of course, I headed there, and ordered Txampi con foie, or foie (duck liver) with mushrooms on top, smothered in a light ali oli sauce, and drizzled with vinegar, olive oil, and maybe parsley. When a food melts in your mouth, I think you have the right to use the expression. This literally ¨melts in your mouth¨and has a rich flavor that must be soaked up with the basket of bread also given to you at any restaurant (nearly) for every meal. I was also engaged in conversation with a, shall we say, frequent visitor to the restaurant I would assume, who had once lived in San Francisco. Not the most in depth conversation, but it was conversation J. I cannot say how many times over the last year that I have thought about eating Txampi con foie, which Lisa and I always used as a motivator to get through studying, or to treat ourselves to. Absolutely in my mind a delicacy in this town. As for the walk home, I opted for the Spanish style, or window shopping to be exact. However, I didn´t just window shop, I shopped. It started with the purchase of a necklace for myself (red and gold detail…West Valley gear), and spiraled into…well…a couple other necklaces and earrings, a couple of books I need to find time to read, and then a stop at the Buen Pastor Cathedral shop to make a purchase for my goddaughter Kendall, who will be baptized next week. I made it my mission on this trip to not leave the shopping until the end, or I knew I wouldn´t do it. Suffice to say, I think I should be done J.

The day was capped off with the best concert I have been to in my life, which I never thought I´d say after seeing my man George Strait multiple times. I didn´t realize how many Bon Jovi songs were hits that I actually knew, but I guess that is what happens when you have been singing for three decades. My 22 Euro ticket was worth every euro, as my seat was near the stage, but on the side, so although I couldn´t see the whole big screen, it didn´t matter. Bon Jovi, clad in a brown leather jacket and million dollar smile, opened with ¨Raise your hands¨, to which everyone did just that, and to my astonishment, sang every word as well. From infants to youth to adolescents and adults, to ¨mayores¨ (older people), everyone in the Anoeta stadium rocked and danced to nearly every song for two hours, including ¨Living on a prayer¨, or as the Spanish sang when Bon Jovi directed the microphone toward the crowd, ¨Leeeeving on a prayer.¨ Chants of ¨Olé, olé, olé, olé¨prompted Bon Jovi to come back out for the encoure to sing another five songs! Then, as he and the band tried once again to leave, he proclaimed San Sebastián ¨the city that is never satisfied¨, grabbed his guitar, and preceeded to sing three more songs. When chants of ¨otra, otra, otra¨ began to spread among the 35,000 people present, Bon Jovi´s smile hinted that he couldn´t leave the stage yet, and when he said, ¨Aren´t you ready to go home yet San Sebastián?¨and not one person had moved from their seat, he indulged the crowd in another two songs before officially having to leave the stage. All in all, he sang a solid two and a half hours, and seemingly felt guilty for leaving the stage after all that time with such a captivated audience. Strinking for me was the dedication he showed his fans, and his passion for what he does, and he could never quite say ¨no¨to playing another song because he knew he was a crowd pleaser. Also, as a foreigner at a concert given by someone from my own country, easy to be seen was the uniting of people from wherever throughout the world through music. We were all singing the same songs, and enjoying the same experience, although from all different walks of life. Around me was a pregnant woman and her husband, a younger couple Spanish couple, a middle age Spanish couple, and in front, a group of four lower twenties Spanish girls who chain smoked and danced the night away to every song, and then me, a two week visitor to a city, and a region in the world that has captivated me. Walking out of the stadium, I hopped on Bus 5 to Antiguo, like a local, and was reflecting on the night before getting off at my stop 10 minutes later, and how much I have learned about this place in the last year and a half. Two young ladies who showed the bus driver their address and got off the bus presumibly in the wrong spot, reminded me of what once was, before having a pretty good dominiation of the city. I felt like a Donositarra.

Still riding off the high from the night before, and waking up singing Bon Jovi, I joined the family for a day of biking the town. The Clásica de Donosita, or San Sebastián annual bike race, started at 11 on the streets of Donostia, so in the spirit, we too hopped on our bikes. We caught the racers about five minutes into their race, and then continued on our own, along the bike paths that I always had the desire to use, but never had a bike. We rode to the Sagues neighborhood at the end of Zurriola beach. Present were Helene, Ana, Xavier, and Xabier´s brother Iván. From there, we breaked for a coffee, and Ana and Helene rode to Helene´s swim lessons at the pool on the beach, while Iván and I followed Xabier on a guided bike tour around the entire city of Donosita. At several points, I had no idea where we were, save for the occasional view of Monte Urgull in the distance. Last year, they had been reconstructing several of the bridges and paths, so I had never been in several of the neighborhoods before. Everyday here has been a new experience! After returning with an appetite, Xabier prepared bocadillos (sanwiches on baguette rolls) of iberian ham, tuna, lettuce, and tomato, with a garlic mayonaise. Although a sandwich on half of a baguette is more than plenty, we all finished with full bellies, and then headed to the beach! We walked to Playa Ondaretta, claimed our spot, and didn´t move for about four hours, except to get into the water, roll over, or stand up to stretch out. Another completely relaxing day, and I left astonished at how the time had passed; we left the beach at 8:00 pm, just as the sun had started to wane. An enjoyable three hour dinner starting with sidra, iberian ham and bread, garlic olives from Corning, sauteed vegetables, and ribs with sidra sauce. Coupled with great conversation, and ice cream for dessert, who could ask for more?!!!!!

A little of this, a little of that

Beach time :)))))))))))
Iconic symbols of Donostia
Miramar Palace overlooking the city
In front of the Ayuntamiento (town hall)
One of many fruit stands near the house

Since Monday´s visit to Ipparalde (the French Basque country), the last few days have been spent here in Donostia. On Tuesday, after a morning run in the pouring down rain, but hell bent to do it anyway, I showered and set out to get some research done while the rain was holding up. Plans to visit the Mitxchelena library were post-poned, we shall say, when while walking next to Café de la Concha, the rain returned. I ducked into the café for cover, and decided that I would have a couple of pintxos there and start to work, as I knew they had Wi Fi. This turned into a two and a half hour work period, after which I rewarded myself with a little break to go shopping before meeting my language exchange partner, and now friend, María, in the afternoon. We met in front of the McDonalds on Boulevard and went to Bideluze to have a coffee and catch up on our lives over the past year. It was really great to see her, and I felt so comfortable talking to her, whereas last year, I was always really tired, or had spent a whole day at school, or working on my translation project. From there, we decided to check out the Museo San Telmo, a recently rennovated museum in la Parte Vieja. It was our good luck that it was the free entrance day! We spent the first hour watching different videos that had to do with an amazing exhibit in which they interviewed hundreds of people from different places around the world, asking them the same question. We watched a video on what love means to each person, the hardest moment in their life, what family means, and what happinness means to them. Being someone that is intrigued by the way that people live their lives, and cross cultural awareness and understanding, I could easily have watched all of the videos and spent all afternoon in that section of the museum. However, we ventured into the other parts, which were equally interesting, and having to do with Donostia, and Basque culture in general since it´s beginnings. After my despedida from María, I had about an hour and a half until dinner, and a craving for patatas bravas (potatoes with a Tabascoish sauce) and ali-oli, so I went to the other Bideluze, and indulged..just a little bit. This brought back a great memory, of going to Bideluze with my friend Lisa to celebrate after finding out that Brandie and Jeff were expecting Colton!!!! Dinner with the family concluded the day!

Yesterday´s agenda started with a return to my university, Universidad del País Vasco, to meet with two of my amazing teachers, Natalia and Mari Mar. Unfortunately, Mari Mar couldn´t stay as she had another work obligation, but we got to catch up quickly for about fifteen minutes. She is a wonderful lady!!! Then, Natalia and I got to work together for about an hour and a half or two hours. And, although she was my teacher, it was nice to be able to hang out with her on a different level. I left the university after visiting the USAC office, with a feeling of joy. I remember leaving last year feeling so inspired by Natalia and Mari Mar to be a good teacher, and felt the same after walking out the door yesterday. Natalia and Mari Mar had worked together all last year to make their own text book, which I got to see hot off the press, and it was AMAZING!!!! I can´t wait to get a copy of it in my own hands for use in my classroom back home. They said that they thought of me a lot throughout the process because I am a teacher too, and because I was a student that had to suffer throught the DELE textbook that is the only other one available. Walking through the halls with Natalia, I could see her love for her students, and her job, which inspired me last year, and have inspired me again….couldn´t be better timing as I have exactly one week at home before returning back to work. J After lunch, I jogged in the SUNSHINE, and then went back down to the Parte Vieja to hang out and enjoy any ray of sunshine that mother nature gives us here. I of course, had to eat my favorite mushroom pintxo, as a pre dinner appetizer, and then aimlessly wandered the streets of the Parte Vieja, enjoying my own company, and observing others before entering the house to find Tortilla de Patata on the dinner menu again J

At dinner last night, Xavier told me that it was supposed to be nice weather today, so I knew that I needed to spend the day outside. After a thirty minute jog around Monte Urgull, I raced home to put on my suit and head to the beach. Instead of going to the already crowded la Concha, I went to la Ondaretta, near the Peine´s del Viento sculptures. A nap preceded reading of one of the books Natalia gave me, ¨Basque Anthropological Culture Perspectives.¨ It couldn´t have been a more perfect day on the beach, with the breeze flowing just gently enough to keep me cool, so I wasn´t forced to get into the water to cool off, as I heard everyone around me saying, ¨el agua está congelada¨ (the water is freezing). Hunger peeled me from the beach, and I knew exactly where I was headed: Warrenchena. However, I had to find it first, which is reminiscent of when I lived here; I could never find it in the maze of the Parte Vieja. However, I found it, and enjoyed my iberian ham, cheese, and red pepper sandwich on a baguette. I then took the afternoon stroll, had an ice cream, and visited my favorite jewelery store: Eguzkilore. My new thing is treating myself to a piece of jewelery when I travel, so when I wear it, I can recall all of the fond memories of the tripJ. So….I bought a ring with the eguzkilore flower in the middle, and I love it! I took one last stop at MiraMar Park, on the mansion overlooking the city´s grounds, to read and rest before heading home, and working……….

Some pics of la vida donostiarra :)

A walk along La Concha after pintxos and a little bit of shopping :)
Sunset from la Concha
One of my favorite pintxos....some sort of mushroom thing!
Had to endulge...Bideluze is the bomb! Patatas bravas y ali oli...and no I didn´t eat them all! :) (although I wanted to...hehehe)
My friend María in front of the Museo San Telmo that we visited yesterday; it had some GREAT exhibits!!!