Oh, what a night!

Wow - last night was one of those nights that reminded me just how lucky I am to work with the people I do! The MAIS (Mediterranean Association of International Schools) conference was held in Barcelona this past weekend and ASB sent 50 staff members to the conference. It was a great opportunity to attend workshops and enjoy some professional development. In addition, I was part of a presentation - my first at a conference!

In addition to teaching and learning, there was some definite fun provided as well! On Friday, many ASB teachers took visitors out to dinner, including Tessa and I. This was great opportunity to show off the city and delicious Spanish food, as well as talk with teachers from all over.

Last night was the gala dinner, hosted at the Hotel Rey Juan Carlos, one of the fanciest in Barcelona. Upon arrival, we were greeted with glasses of cava and led down a palm tree-lined path into a beautiful outdoor area. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres were served there until we went inside for dinner and drinks. After dinner, there were flamenco dancers who were really good - it brought me back to Andalucia!

But, the best part of the night was definitely when the DJ started! Drinks were endlessly poured and the dance party began! I knew we had some good dancers at our school, but this was incredible! It was absolutely hilarious to watch dance-offs and crazy moves by many of our teachers, including our director and some older staff members. The best dance moves definitely belonged to Anne (not a surprise!), Alan, and Brett. It was SO much fun dancing for hours to a fabulous mix of music with this group. My body is a bit tired today, both from the dancing and the laughing!

Last night was a great reminder of why I love living and working here. Although I might get frustrated with things at times, the fact that I get to live in a city that takes enjoying life to a whole other level while working with such fun, amazing people makes it all worth it. I feel like a pretty lucky girl :)

Southern France - I can't wait to go back!

While my mom and dad were here, we spent a long weekend in southern France. It was my first visit and like Italy, it's a country I think I will return to over and over again! It's amazing how you can drive just two hours away and everything is so different! Again, this is part of what I love about living in Europe - a new language, a new culture, new foods, and new landscapes are so close!

We rented a car (a definite necessity to see this part of the country) and were able to see multiple castles and small towns, as well as drive through beautiful French countryside. We stopped in Thuir on our way to the bed and breakfast we stayed in - Maison Laurent in Pieusse. I can't recommend this place enough! The British couple, Anthony and Rachel, who own it are fabulous. The accommodations were amazing, as was the 4-course meal Anthony prepared for us one night. It was heavenly staying there!

We visited Carcassone, a beautiful walled village, and stopped at numerous Cathar castles along the way. We ended our trip with a night in Coillure - a town on the coast. Waking up to see the Mediterranean is always a treat :)

All in all, it was an amazing weekend. I'm already starting to mentally plan some trips to Paris, Provence, the French Riveria . . .

A Jumble of Emotions

Whew - now that it's coming to an end, it makes me realize that these past few weeks, although SO fantastic, brought up quite a few emotions in me. At the moment, I feel like I have about 15 different ones rushing to the surface at the same time - it's a bit exhausting!

I feel so happy that I get to show off this city as my "home." I love Barcelona and it's so great to share the city, the lifestyle, the food, etc. with people who are important to me - it's such an amazing place to live!

I feel lots of guilt for knowing that my choosing to live abroad makes people in my life sad, yet they support me so much! At the same time, I know that being here is the best place for me right now - I can't imagine being anywhere else. And I feel lucky that I'm able to be here.

I feel jealous of people who have what I don't have right now and a bit sorry for myself at times and the fact that I haven't found what I'm looking for - both emotions that I hate :(

I feel a bit of anger - mainly towards a particular someone and the fact that he occupies even a second of my thoughts, a second, that at this point, he doesn't come close to deserving.

I feel stress - particularly related to work.

I feel excitement and anticipation - for the upcoming places I have to visit, the people I get to see, the experiences I will have, and the inevitable fun that will surprise me along the way. . .

And I've been reminded that for someone who isn't especially emotional, sometimes emotions get the best of us - for better or worse. So, I'm trying to accept them, reflect on them, and hope that the positive ones soon outweigh the negative ones, as I know they will :)

Thoughts for today . . .

And think not you can
Direct the course of love,
For love,
If it finds you worthy,
Directs your course.

-Khalil Gibran

Those that go searching for love, only manifest their own lovelessness. And the loveless never find love, only the loving find love. And they never have to seek for it. - D. H. Lawrence

The road to finding "the one" is paved with a bit of promiscuity. - Ryan Erickson