Turning 23 in Madrid

This past week I turned 23 and it was one of the best birthdays I have had. I am so fortunate to have such wonderful people in my life who truly care about me! On Wednesday, I spent the day with friends and later that night we went to an Indian dinner together.

After dinner we all headed to Carlos and Justin's place where we all hung out and had drinks. They were also so sweet to surprise me with a homemade gluten free cake! :)

The festivities continued on to Friday, where my good friend Byron let me throw a party at his apartment. It was a wonderful time with a good mix between Spanish, British and American!

Vogue's Fashion Night Out

This past past Thursday Vogue hosted Fashion Night Out all over the world, from New York City to London to Sydney and to my neck of the woods: Madrid!

Erin, Justin, Carlos, Kelvin and I put on our best attire and made our way for Calle Serrano. We had a good time strolling the busy streets and popping into stores that are far out of our budgets-it's still fun to oogle! :)

Justin kept us all entertained, as he has an eye for spotting Spanish celebrities. So on numerous accounts we would turn around to see Justin running in the other direction screaming, "MARIO!"

Justin shmoozing with Miss España

It was a great night and we all love having Erin here! :)

Erin's big move!!

After 30 hours of travelling, broken planes, delays and missed flights Erin is finally here in Madrid!!! Erin is one of my best friends from the states.. we met in Gamma Phi at SDSU where she became my "big sis" and we have been inseperable ever since! So needless to say, I am ecstatic to have her here!!

Once Erin got into Madrid we both moved into a new apartment living with 2 Spanish girls and a French girl. Our apartment is very cute and cozy... and our roommates are wonderful and welcoming!! This move will definitely throw us right into Spanish immersion, which I have already experienced first hand when I had to jump right into speaking Spanish as soon as I woke up.

Erin will be here atleast a year teaching English as well. And I am already trying to advise a plan for us to stay longer!! :)

These past few days we have been settling into our new apartment and I have been showing Erin all the good spots around Madrid and most importantly introducing her to everyone!!

I am looking forward to all the great things this year has to offer!!! :)

Uclés, Uclés

For the month of July I have been in a small town (population 285!) in Castilla La Mancha, called Uclés. I spent my time working, and living, in a 16th century monastery. Every summer, English camps are held in this monastery and I was lucky enough to be able to experience it! I ended up working two camps (each 2 weeks long) and it was a wonderful experience! It was the first time I have had my own classroom so I definitely learned a lot! I also couldn't have asked for better students, co-workers or boss. Now I'll try to give you a quick recap on the month:

FIRST QUINCENA

Each class made a Postcard from Camp. The students are able to show their parents about their time in English class and show off some of their English :)


SECOND QUINCENA

Uclés and Teachers!

Thanks for a great month!!! :)

London bridge is falling down...

because Erin & I were finally reunited after 9 loooong months!!!

The two weeks prior to London, Erin was in Tanzia and Zanzibar, Africa volunteering in a school. Isn't she great?? Instead of going straight back to the states she decided to extend her trip by two days in London! So, I knew I had to find a way to see her!

Although the trip was far too short, it was nice to be able to see her and catch up on our lives!

While in London we saw lots of things given the short amount of time we had. It is a beautiful city but now I think I would like to see more of the countryside or smaller cities in England. And I must admit, that being in an English speaking country just made me wish I was in America.

And there did't even need to be a tearful goodbye because in 2 short months Erin is moving to Madrid with me!!! WOOHOOO!!! :)

A little piece of San Diego in Madrid

Right after my dad left Spain I was lucky to have another visitor-my first visitor from San Diego! After 8 long months it was so wonderful to see Lindsey and be able to catch up! But now I have been spoiled too much and want her to move here!!! Our time together consisted of sangria, lots of laughs and introducing all my friends to her! I could not have asked for a better week and I hope that she will want to come back soon!! :)