Rediscovering Barcelona

As I mentioned a few posts ago, Tessa and I recently moved to Poble Sec and I have been loving how a new neighborhood means discovering a whole new side of Barcelona. 

I've become addicted to runs in Montjuic - the stairs and hills make it much more challenging, the greenery and hidden trails make me feel like I'm more in Colorado than in Spain, and the views are spectacular.

sunset run

In addition, there are constantly new bars and restaurants to discover! Tarannà is my new favorite place to order breakfast and work away on the weekends. Cafe Federal consistently delivers amazing brunches and great evening drinks. And c/ Blai is the perfect place to discover a new tapas or pinchos place each week.

And being in a new area means walking in new directions, discovering new streets, and enjoying new plazas. What started as a Saturday menu del dia for Tessa and I turned into a bit of a plaza and bar hopping day as we discovered areas we rarely saw before, just because we were coming from a different direction.

The night ended with this AMAZING band - one of the best, and
most unusual, instrument mixes I've heard in awhile

a new plaza and delicious white wine

I can't wait to continue exploring Poble Sec and all of the new discoveries we'll continue to find!

A new year, a new role

This past week, I started my 12th year of teaching - wow! I can look back at old class photos and still vividly remember my very first group of students (many of whom are now in college!), my nervousness on the first day, and all of the ups and downs of that first year. It doesn't seem like it was that long ago! But it was.

This year, for the first time ever, I don't have my own class. And it's been rough! Although it was nice to not have to prepare a classroom and worry about supplies, student lists, and first day of school activities, a part of me missed every one of those things. I LOVE being a teacher and I love working with kids every day.

Luckily,  I will be doing just that again very soon, even if in a different capacity. It's hard to believe, but after a four year hiatus, I'm back in the role of a literacy coach! Many hours were spent this summer on preparing for this role and essentially creating it for ASB, something I've never done before. And it's so exciting to be part of this transition! I am learning SO much everyday as I prepare to work with students and teachers from kindergarten through grade 5.

So although it's a bittersweet time for me at the moment, caught between missing my own class and the excitement of my new role, I couldn't be happier. And as Scott Robison told me this summer, this new position means I have the potential to effect twelve classes of students, not just one. And that's pretty awesome to think about.

Best Trip Yet

In July and August, I went home for the fourth summer in a row since moving to Spain. Although every trip back is fantastic, this one, for a number of reasons, was the best one yet! I was able to spend time in Indianapolis, Denver, and Nashville and saw SO many wonderful people!

This trip was one of those where I just felt so lucky the entire time. Lucky that I have so many great friends who take time from their busy lives to see me. Lucky that even when I haven't talked to someone in year, the friendship picks back up like it's just been a day or two. Lucky that my best friends are still my best friends for so many reasons. Lucky that my family is absolutely amazing and will do anything for me. Lucky that my dog still remembers me. And lucky that my friends and family are so happy and healthy.

Things are a bit different now - gone are the days of summer pool parties and big nights out (at least for the time being!) - instead many days were spent with babies and kids and learning about what becoming a mother really means. And although it was different, it was great! It was fun to see my friends experiencing something so new, yet continue to be exactly who they have always been. I just felt so happy to be a part of it, even if only for a few days.

Although by the time I boarded the plane to Barcelona, I was ready to be "home," I felt like I had spent the perfect amount of time with the people who mean the world to me, and it couldn't have been better. And I'm already looking forward to my next visit . . .

Great times with the best older brother ever!

How did my nephews get so big?!

Best friends forever - really. I love these girls!

Great hike and camping trip with the best little brother ever!

Just like the postcards . . .

Earlier this summer, Tessa and I ventured to a new country that's been at the top of my travel list for a long time - Greece. I had heard tales of Santorini sunsets, Greek yogurt, and gorgeous beaches from many friends, as well as seen photos and postcards of blue and white buildings and turquoise seas. Yet, I was still shocked by the fact that sunsets, and beaches, and buildings were even more beautiful than the postcards!

Over our ten days in Greece, we spent time in Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Naxos. It was the perfect combination of history, tourism, and relaxation.

Highlights included seeing the acropolis in Athens . . .

Santorini sunsets . . .

 

cruising around on ATVs . . .

enjoying amazing Greek yogurt (wrapped in crepes!) and Greek salads daily . . .

and relaxing on gorgeous beaches . . .

Usually when the end of a trip nears, I feel ready to leave and be back home. In Greece, this was exactly the opposite! I could have easily spent 10 more days in Greece. Needless to say, I will definitely be finding my way back there in the future.

It's been awhile!

Wow, I can't believe how little I've posted in the past few months! Although I've had lots of posts in my mind, none have actually made it onto the page - I guess that proves just how busy the past few months have been! I plan to post updates about Greece, a visit to the USA, the start of a new job, and the beginning of a new "year" as soon as possible - hope you can take a moment to see what this broad's been up to in and out of Barcelona!