tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9951580582249542272024-03-05T07:16:38.455+01:00A Broad in Barcelona“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” It was with these inspirational words from Mark Twain that I made the decision to move to Spain five years ago. As an American girl living in Barcelona, I love exploring this new continent and discovering the adventures that life in a different country can bring.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger245125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-34186125683155639462015-01-10T19:19:00.003+01:002015-01-10T19:19:31.057+01:00Eastern Europe - a place I have to visit more often!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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At this point, I've been lucky enough to see a lot of both Western and Central Europe. And I've even visited a bit of Eastern Europe by going to places like Prague and Budapest. However, I recently got to spend some in what felt like <i>real </i>Eastern Europe - and I can't wait to go back!<br />
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My most recent literacy coaching conference was held in Sofia, Bulgaria in November. (To be honest, a place I hadn't even thought about visiting!) The whole trip was wonderfully organized by the teachers from my cohort who work there, and happen to be Bulgarian.This meant we definitely got to enjoy a bit of the local experience!<br />
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I was really surprised by just how good the food is there. Bulgaria borders Greece and Turkey, which means the food has quite a Mediterranean influence. We enjoyed delicious tomato/onion/olive salads, cheeses, and grilled meats. The wine was also excellent. And everything was so inexpensive! <br />
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The weather wasn't the best while we were there, cloudy and rainy most of our visit. The grayness of both the weather and many of the buildings was exactly what I expected in a country where Communism ended just over 20 years ago. There were definitely a number of gorgeous monuments as well.<br />
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After this trip, I was especially excited for my trip to Romania with Tessa and Tanya just a few weeks later. We had decided to go there for a long weekend mainly because it was somewhere we hadn't been, sounded interesting, and flights only cost 80€. We had an amazing time!</div>
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Again, everything there was SO inexpensive - our hotel, meals, drinks. Bucharest also seems to be a place where tourism is just starting to take off, which meant customer service was excellent and most of our interactions were with locals. </div>
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It was cold and cloudy most of our time there as well, which was perfect for drinking mulled wine in the Christmas markets. Again, this weather, combined with the many abandoned buildings and rough look of the people, was exactly what I expected. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the inside of an old theatre - beautiful!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">interesting facades</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a splash of color</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">candy cane anyone?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">it's been awhile since one of our family photos!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">i love everything about this picture</td></tr>
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Needless to say, these two recent trips have confirmed that this is a part of the world I want to visit more. A bit off the beaten path, cheap, and full of things to discover. Next stop - Macedonia?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-82246913280077588282015-01-10T18:49:00.002+01:002015-01-10T18:49:29.819+01:00The Holidays in ThailandSince moving abroad, I've had the chance to celebrate the holidays in a variety of places: Sevilla, Milan, Denver, Barcelona, London, and Morocco. This year took me to my farthest destination yet - Thailand!<br />
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Only in the past year or so has traveling to Asia really started to interest me. After hearing many stories from friends about the food, the beaches, and the inexpensiveness, Thailand began to sound more and more appealing. And as soon as I found out it was at the top of Dani's travel list, we started to seriously consider going. A little research and a few conversations later, tickets were booked!<br />
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We decided to spend all of my winter break there, giving us just over two full weeks there together. Dani opted to stay an additional 10 days (he's enjoying Chiang Mai as I type this :). We wanted to see quite a bit and I definitely wanted some time on the beach. Our final itinerary included nights in:<br />
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<li>Bangkok</li>
<li>Ayutthaya</li>
<li>Ko Tao</li>
<li>Ko Phi Phi</li>
<li>Ko Lanta </li>
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What an adventure we had! It was so fun to explore a country that is so different than anywhere I've been before, yet also so full of similarities.There's SO much I could share about these two weeks - we learned a lot and had such a great time. And in person, I would love to! Here are just a couple of highlights for those I might not see in the immediate future:<br />
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<i>Bangkok</i></div>
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<i>Although crazy and full of people, we really enjoyed our time here, albeit short. The temples were stunning and full of great photo angles. We both wish we had more time to explore this city!</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some of my favorites at the Grand Palace</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reclining Buddha</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wat Pho</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddha, after Buddha, after Buddha</td></tr>
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<i>Taking almost every mode of transportation possible - </i></div>
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<i>plane, train, ferry, catamaran, bus, car, moto, tuk tuk</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimwYcr3laz-FvFL6xIqQfDeYsVXk7pt9Y8jmME3B6xncbAFa1QeRKRs7bwhnqaERCZk-XtqkPxnG4RPb0cEIj9hYTNUAIs4fKoKO-mqqG0eN2GHTZyLPsz1lPFumqqv6JiOzCJsbqXCuO/s1600/IMG_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimwYcr3laz-FvFL6xIqQfDeYsVXk7pt9Y8jmME3B6xncbAFa1QeRKRs7bwhnqaERCZk-XtqkPxnG4RPb0cEIj9hYTNUAIs4fKoKO-mqqG0eN2GHTZyLPsz1lPFumqqv6JiOzCJsbqXCuO/s1600/IMG_0183.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>The food! I loved that fresh fruit and fruit shakes could be found everywhere! My favorite dishes included: pad thai, green curry, tom yum soup, stir fried chicken with cashew nuts, banana pancakes, papaya salad, and mango sticky rice - yum!</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fresh pomegranate juice</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzviFcyga69WZfsyQBsO5j2WeN17j83qOmorwb4ogD9B9XLRp1xwY9fdqlBK-9XGEiFmM_ARyzx3qT6SYdWbU-D5y5xKTAuea0JHszgEJqnyC3fz2Th02Bm9Ex-fN1itSffB8sFBi7P35z/s1600/IMG_4471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzviFcyga69WZfsyQBsO5j2WeN17j83qOmorwb4ogD9B9XLRp1xwY9fdqlBK-9XGEiFmM_ARyzx3qT6SYdWbU-D5y5xKTAuea0JHszgEJqnyC3fz2Th02Bm9Ex-fN1itSffB8sFBi7P35z/s1600/IMG_4471.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tom yum soup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFMJMvmywndeh5HsrNN1hDg6TSSpNDU1aEcA5Fo6zHZmhSFu8-i8nInNW_G45HMeGMou0alz5WVVvisfuSFfe0cHdWmXV5O-s-ThKQ9YQshGirS90PxPZIm71ZejFQ1EelzdZZ9LIkXKI/s1600/IMG_4472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFMJMvmywndeh5HsrNN1hDg6TSSpNDU1aEcA5Fo6zHZmhSFu8-i8nInNW_G45HMeGMou0alz5WVVvisfuSFfe0cHdWmXV5O-s-ThKQ9YQshGirS90PxPZIm71ZejFQ1EelzdZZ9LIkXKI/s1600/IMG_4472.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pad thai with chicken</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDG-RmLB82-hiRXI8Z9eh7P9ubqiWeAAQ9o9LaFV9RaLTHHM1xa0471ZMGfTWdUnKmv7SKy03kAoav8qKZxMopM6qY7_eWxJ4YtxIET-9aquOUL7MkvOASRD_-QoLzLMYnpF9IqbX-w5gD/s1600/IMG_4474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDG-RmLB82-hiRXI8Z9eh7P9ubqiWeAAQ9o9LaFV9RaLTHHM1xa0471ZMGfTWdUnKmv7SKy03kAoav8qKZxMopM6qY7_eWxJ4YtxIET-9aquOUL7MkvOASRD_-QoLzLMYnpF9IqbX-w5gD/s1600/IMG_4474.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">green curry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCx044JWh19PKJZ2EHSN8dboHGnG7fOUruuE8zf-n7X-kGNtGGObWbKFpOgzjISeE_IFWO5cMUy9Hh4qf_1v6TSO3BC6h7HQECkXpSjyj6habb57t1yh7ZR5Y44LUR8X5-lbUW0NnIosRb/s1600/IMG_4475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCx044JWh19PKJZ2EHSN8dboHGnG7fOUruuE8zf-n7X-kGNtGGObWbKFpOgzjISeE_IFWO5cMUy9Hh4qf_1v6TSO3BC6h7HQECkXpSjyj6habb57t1yh7ZR5Y44LUR8X5-lbUW0NnIosRb/s1600/IMG_4475.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">stir fried chicken with cashew nuts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Ko Lanta - recommended by both Tessa and Hayley, this island was definitely our favorite. Long white beaches, Thai massage stands every 100 meters (each cost about 6€), Bob's Bar, sunshine every day - it was wonderful!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI40lS9znGAA1fW0pinRxjYTCUFxVlRrUvPEwwD1BASXYrQ1-FvMccBF72WSINra5ORTbrbxFGeH5YoS_P5mxw_0WlCMO5G4cgbaD5hcChQaBJxr_EkjNPr89-SsJExFI9c8WNFdajB7YP/s1600/IMG_0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI40lS9znGAA1fW0pinRxjYTCUFxVlRrUvPEwwD1BASXYrQ1-FvMccBF72WSINra5ORTbrbxFGeH5YoS_P5mxw_0WlCMO5G4cgbaD5hcChQaBJxr_EkjNPr89-SsJExFI9c8WNFdajB7YP/s1600/IMG_0320.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the view every evening</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAOs8eJS7Qp2Kdj9IDAdZigg75GuLkT-Vvc9ycGUBjvPnxF2xbcxLIhUzBHcSzgvsvUtbb_XmLpiWPMJ5yNr7yxPkOc0rjSFQyiUtqCaji54GH-bNVv_7reTjQAlFOsB8s9BdYlHCscSu/s1600/IMG_0326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAOs8eJS7Qp2Kdj9IDAdZigg75GuLkT-Vvc9ycGUBjvPnxF2xbcxLIhUzBHcSzgvsvUtbb_XmLpiWPMJ5yNr7yxPkOc0rjSFQyiUtqCaji54GH-bNVv_7reTjQAlFOsB8s9BdYlHCscSu/s1600/IMG_0326.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lush jungles and the sea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6j-T5lOkQwj-13Y_jE5TiEY25B72_9EhPVIyurJwEeLwdOYxNylwPfRQu0Lq2r004-Qwnsd8POENuz9W01IHvTOCg6z9wRoMUTF0vvWB6_jdP6-AqqHk5FkUVqlTloDXcbS1gejYH87NP/s1600/IMG_0333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6j-T5lOkQwj-13Y_jE5TiEY25B72_9EhPVIyurJwEeLwdOYxNylwPfRQu0Lq2r004-Qwnsd8POENuz9W01IHvTOCg6z9wRoMUTF0vvWB6_jdP6-AqqHk5FkUVqlTloDXcbS1gejYH87NP/s1600/IMG_0333.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">elephants!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2x1aUSrRjKfbV2wq3vYDW1qSYT5SRKBVe3NjXkL_VfhoqYiqrCP2yVy6XL1nid46LzydJeX4C3csU2bPKXs76nXl24au7DBPwovX4Udr2A6dfpw70hU4meoAjWrm2puuFUgLqD9b49qI/s1600/IMG_0337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2x1aUSrRjKfbV2wq3vYDW1qSYT5SRKBVe3NjXkL_VfhoqYiqrCP2yVy6XL1nid46LzydJeX4C3csU2bPKXs76nXl24au7DBPwovX4Udr2A6dfpw70hU4meoAjWrm2puuFUgLqD9b49qI/s1600/IMG_0337.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gorgeous sunsets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXYWn4vrUs1wknnZbPIXnBr3rEBmTz8u-MU4Urp0x6rAHAi1yRpubyXIGJRNFf8Vjy8NEToBhhS6bCQ8vSICi6JFuDFdmgp56cAlts9126HZ_nVKUMY8g1vvKb0ZfsZilCOOxoCd_x2Ph/s1600/IMG_0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXYWn4vrUs1wknnZbPIXnBr3rEBmTz8u-MU4Urp0x6rAHAi1yRpubyXIGJRNFf8Vjy8NEToBhhS6bCQ8vSICi6JFuDFdmgp56cAlts9126HZ_nVKUMY8g1vvKb0ZfsZilCOOxoCd_x2Ph/s1600/IMG_0338.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have no doubt I'll be returning to Thailand in the future - I feel like this was just the beginning of my Asian adventures. I can't wait to go back!</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-15645986669504224372015-01-10T18:08:00.001+01:002015-01-10T18:08:37.602+01:00A Return to SevillaIt's hard to believe it's been almost five years since I left Sevilla (and six since I left the US!)! I'd been thinking about going back for a visit pretty much since the day I left. I had impressed Tessa with my stories of Feria and we'd searched for tickets every year. However, they were always crazy expensive and the timing just didn't work out. <br />
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So although it was much later than expected, when I finally got the chance to return to Sevilla in November, I couldn't have been more thrilled! The annual MAIS conference was being held there, which made the trip work-focused, but still a chance to be back in the city that made me fall in love with Spain.<br />
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Seeing familiar sights like La Giralda, orange trees, and Real Alcazar instantly brought me back to my first few weeks in Sevilla. Wandering the streets of Barrio Santa Cruz, having a caña on Alameda de Hercules, and seeing my old gym (Gimnasio Sevilla Gym Gimnasio!) brought back a flood of memories. I was reminded of how much I learned about myself that year, what an amazing friend I found in Anna, and how I realized living abroad really was the life for me.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8b1dn7258W3odHmTuyvVry1SZcg_axAICLdThpBpBEKcflAr8nZQ-9C5Jnm__rNloYrB70V1112LzZhh_xSnsaABmH2E5kYpAgBszYBFQC84v2GMyR-eforNoDBiwCcunfuGY56R5xAvq/s1600/10384859_10152344022046891_3870078936794079072_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8b1dn7258W3odHmTuyvVry1SZcg_axAICLdThpBpBEKcflAr8nZQ-9C5Jnm__rNloYrB70V1112LzZhh_xSnsaABmH2E5kYpAgBszYBFQC84v2GMyR-eforNoDBiwCcunfuGY56R5xAvq/s1600/10384859_10152344022046891_3870078936794079072_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Giralda (y más!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAySLMjkd8BZK1Xt6Jrb9wtrn9OTpw3HjQjJYZfMHomcCWSt2L5_rXDKGjG_OTTvZ4-4fq0G9afUGkwCOPsXL3IP1nCthgjPIfp-Eb4964d91EkoInM6-VaKzPt22Wzb9WAYGa5aOP9Acm/s1600/1743455_10152344026916891_8000822836300959036_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAySLMjkd8BZK1Xt6Jrb9wtrn9OTpw3HjQjJYZfMHomcCWSt2L5_rXDKGjG_OTTvZ4-4fq0G9afUGkwCOPsXL3IP1nCthgjPIfp-Eb4964d91EkoInM6-VaKzPt22Wzb9WAYGa5aOP9Acm/s1600/1743455_10152344026916891_8000822836300959036_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wandering Barrio Santa Cruz</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rHaaVQCBMiTJ4Jx17iwnf_kZkbWaHqry9ePCeWvgW3QiXBhFt7idbUglanfyyeTiuEuK8eBEAn9vg4Hal2_etnanVDAzmPaOJXLuG7fqDoGvwNrobbbtGatFEUIz4Kvi8Q5ROjHDjbN4/s1600/10384657_10152344022406891_504852783570222200_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rHaaVQCBMiTJ4Jx17iwnf_kZkbWaHqry9ePCeWvgW3QiXBhFt7idbUglanfyyeTiuEuK8eBEAn9vg4Hal2_etnanVDAzmPaOJXLuG7fqDoGvwNrobbbtGatFEUIz4Kvi8Q5ROjHDjbN4/s1600/10384657_10152344022406891_504852783570222200_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Real Alcazar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pXaX6q2zt64B7UCCMYS8NbrvFsKzx0zPbflwbf7Ejsy9GIZIVncqR3X7tqvp-WE1dxt9a6cmZdIQ4QsgoBqi7W6mFRbXxzwJ_dWV_bLZpYKffsNO9aLMgqQg-aFN6J07XaGKn_VnNy0J/s1600/1464627_10152344027156891_1641043217111737708_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pXaX6q2zt64B7UCCMYS8NbrvFsKzx0zPbflwbf7Ejsy9GIZIVncqR3X7tqvp-WE1dxt9a6cmZdIQ4QsgoBqi7W6mFRbXxzwJ_dWV_bLZpYKffsNO9aLMgqQg-aFN6J07XaGKn_VnNy0J/s1600/1464627_10152344027156891_1641043217111737708_n.jpg" height="196" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sevilla Gym</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It quickly became clear that a weekend in Sevilla wasn't nearly enough, especially when the majority of it was spent in a conference. And what became even clearer was that I have to visit again. I look forward to sharing the city with Dani or meeting Anna there for a reunion in the near future. Without a doubt, a part of my heart will always be in Sevilla . . .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuR_sh0LjZEqktayi_WkHdnpfDnUE4N0p6aM20aI4IizB_5GGaGqXeoJbL5iIs4hPwv0IY6p8Vl3gn4wLIfneoiSUnDXWSTfLMtj_Jvwa_8R4pmJ4HPRkSsblYwpnPtOdMM50BoQDXRf3/s1600/1456642_10152344023521891_1064015514324565546_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuR_sh0LjZEqktayi_WkHdnpfDnUE4N0p6aM20aI4IizB_5GGaGqXeoJbL5iIs4hPwv0IY6p8Vl3gn4wLIfneoiSUnDXWSTfLMtj_Jvwa_8R4pmJ4HPRkSsblYwpnPtOdMM50BoQDXRf3/s1600/1456642_10152344023521891_1064015514324565546_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-84725922574843834262014-07-15T12:39:00.002+02:002014-07-15T12:39:30.543+02:00Summer, summer, summertimeI feel like every year I'm reminded of just how amazing summer vacation is - it truly is one of the greatest benefits of being a teacher. All of a sudden, I'm rested, exercising everyday, crossing things off my to do list (that have been there for months!), and <i>finally </i>relaxing with afternoon siestas, on the couch with a good book, or a day at the beach. It's so wonderful!<br />
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I have about two and half weeks in Barcelona of true summer vacation and it already seems to be flying by. It's hard to believe that in just over a week I'll be heading back to the USA! This trip is full of exciting things - the most exciting being that Dani (my Spanish <i>novio</i>) is coming with me AND Mike and Sarah are getting married! I'll be in the states for almost a month, which is longer than I've ever been back for before. Seeing as this is Dani's first trip to the states, I wanted him to see as much as possible and that is definitely what we'll be doing! During this time, we'll be visiting:<br />
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San Francisco<br />Yosemite National Park<br />
Lake Tahoe<br />
Las Vegas<br />
Utah (Zion National Park? Bryce Canyon?)<br />
Denver/Beaver Creek<br />
Indianapolis<br />
New York City<br />
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It's going to be quite the trip! I have to admit, I think it will be fun to be a "tourist" in the USA again. We are visiting a number of places I've never been and driving through the west, which should be a lot of fun. I've never shown the US to someone who's never been there and can't wait to see what Dani thinks of it all. How will the reality compare to TV, movies, and music?! I can't wait to find out!<br />
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Needless to say, although I've only had a week of it so far, summer is as amazing as ever - and I expect that it's just going to get better. :)<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-16056194054734388462014-07-15T12:23:00.000+02:002014-07-15T12:23:17.937+02:004 Years Later and Still in Love . . . It's hard to believe that I've been living in Barcelona for almost four years now! How quickly time passes. As one of the new teacher coordinators again this year, I've had the chance to spend some time with a few new teachers as they've arrived in Barcelona this summer. Being in this role gives me the chance to show off the city a little, as well as answer as many questions as I can about transitioning to life here.<br />
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So far, I've been able to take people around my current neighborhood, Poble Sec, as well as visit my old barrios - Born and Gotico. I love the moment when I hear people new to Barcelona say things like, "I love this place!" or "I'm so happy I moved here!" or "This city is amazing!" And I love that even after four years, I <i>still </i>feel that exact same way! <br />
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Between the energy and constant activity of the city, to the ease of driving an hour or two and being on gorgeous beaches, Barcelona continues to provide endless things to do. There is just so much to see and experience all the time - I love it!<br />
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One of the most consistently asked questions among international teachers is, "So how much longer do you plan to stay in . . .?" For me, until I begin to fall out of love with Barcelona or begin to desire something different, I can't really imagine leaving this incredible city. For now, my heart definitely belongs to Barcelona.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-42151545530284004382014-07-09T09:59:00.000+02:002014-07-09T09:59:50.982+02:00so many places in so little timeAs always, when in the midst of the school year, my blogging takes a bit of a hiatus; and now that I'm on vacation, I have plenty of time to share some updates :)<br />
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I've been thinking about this post for since April, a month where every weekend landed me in a different country for a wide variety of reasons! Although I know that this type of travel is possible in the USA, it never happened to me quite like it does here. It's just so easy to get everywhere and I feel like there are more "reasons" to visit places than ever before.<br />
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During Semana Santa, I had my third literacy coaching cohort meeting. This time it was in Budapest - a city I was thrilled to visit again! In the hopes of also seeing someplace new during this week, I opted to head to Vienna and check out this Imperial city first. Although I enjoyed Vienna, I didn't find it to be the most exciting of places. (I think the very cold and miserable weather may have contributed to this!) However, it is a gorgeous place!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUMrImxJwGqOGhqqMGx4k3VohVSzmsl3hq2altTRB8DM4mutMUp3Twv2tKbYeUb6cpGmy67W-sdES-oYR6hAYbyPqjqoVY2c7rmkHbkqaYc1gOJ0NnBdaXgloseOIIELyiTosbrW0v5R_/s1600/IMG_2284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUMrImxJwGqOGhqqMGx4k3VohVSzmsl3hq2altTRB8DM4mutMUp3Twv2tKbYeUb6cpGmy67W-sdES-oYR6hAYbyPqjqoVY2c7rmkHbkqaYc1gOJ0NnBdaXgloseOIIELyiTosbrW0v5R_/s1600/IMG_2284.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful Russian church</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MdZCaJvTyfMNlpGywufal4Wvr02HU7j69uOFhmFPPWa7yuWxJFWW5E0jkLwBAelLMFwfikFsqU0dT1l6c33LCQYnF87-53a1U9Eik-HUI3K6-yU_xF7pchbjVmv6ybIXFj6xuXIprkud/s1600/IMG_2287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MdZCaJvTyfMNlpGywufal4Wvr02HU7j69uOFhmFPPWa7yuWxJFWW5E0jkLwBAelLMFwfikFsqU0dT1l6c33LCQYnF87-53a1U9Eik-HUI3K6-yU_xF7pchbjVmv6ybIXFj6xuXIprkud/s1600/IMG_2287.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Live" music was everywhere!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNN3AROCHzFcVQ010g2CSD8jobyN9N7VTZQ0pK0UsO7ZdRtcORSNN4V6wXF96WW1GGy1dIoXlg00-s_d51xxjxwhNcaNkXcmMTRguF68_NmRZIqCCoRVjkl06EuSNvnVFsZ8I55dEVt6p/s1600/IMG_4533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNN3AROCHzFcVQ010g2CSD8jobyN9N7VTZQ0pK0UsO7ZdRtcORSNN4V6wXF96WW1GGy1dIoXlg00-s_d51xxjxwhNcaNkXcmMTRguF68_NmRZIqCCoRVjkl06EuSNvnVFsZ8I55dEVt6p/s1600/IMG_4533.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful corners and cafes</td></tr>
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After a few days in Vienna, I headed to Budpaest via train. Again, I fell in love with this city! I definitely think it's one of my favorites in Europe. The mix of history, culture, and edginess give it such an interesting vibe. The fact that it's so inexpensive helps, too! Although the majority of my time was spent in an (excellent!) conference, I was still able to see the city.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZuL41JZv5Fkx3q4vYZhttaNFrOYW5-E9d0PUK83yKZKDkFnXFn8dX7w7sMwIdNQPEpBGWaPhN-u54xlaJmm7wgWgASWba7Oczw5HdZaJHQPipAkxdo3coR3ln-3KAfP0IJE3DaQIOknc/s1600/IMG_2363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZuL41JZv5Fkx3q4vYZhttaNFrOYW5-E9d0PUK83yKZKDkFnXFn8dX7w7sMwIdNQPEpBGWaPhN-u54xlaJmm7wgWgASWba7Oczw5HdZaJHQPipAkxdo3coR3ln-3KAfP0IJE3DaQIOknc/s1600/IMG_2363.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another visit to the baths - so wonderful!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zdJ2fIZ3d1L40-W4XtU_joUvg6D6kp4OhlN5sGj1iNFd9qGBhWBJrSQ6OQbC7cgCCnXJwzSwU1XQUDIh0JvbRPYHdRf0IEWsiqCnYHhA3E_qUHLawWf81PhyHOTEN-CuAxnWtfm1s_Fd/s1600/IMG_4545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zdJ2fIZ3d1L40-W4XtU_joUvg6D6kp4OhlN5sGj1iNFd9qGBhWBJrSQ6OQbC7cgCCnXJwzSwU1XQUDIh0JvbRPYHdRf0IEWsiqCnYHhA3E_qUHLawWf81PhyHOTEN-CuAxnWtfm1s_Fd/s1600/IMG_4545.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Truly one of the most amazing sights there is!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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After a week visiting a bit of eastern Europe, my third April weekend took me to Paris - for the first time! I'd been dying to visit Paris since moving to Spain, but just hadn't made it there yet. When I heard that Justin Timberlake would be playing there, I knew it was the perfect excuse to go. The city and the performance didn't disappoint!<br />
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I have to say, Paris was even more incredible than I expected. Just having a chance to see a place that is so often featured in books and movies in person was amazing. I truly loved everything about it - the Eiffel Tower, the parks, the French cafes. Wow.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIL2hc14yGR6q2_K2eGtMb0ysg1gpimvtiIF0ZlNJ4tckGW3K467Bn-BVcvAIeDAypxEvqxXaL_94U8oRFjHPkh8BrfxDifJkaG3KWDpnR_a2HSjK8Pdm1ZUBV65Q4DAJ4K1hc90I9N7E9/s1600/IMG_2435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIL2hc14yGR6q2_K2eGtMb0ysg1gpimvtiIF0ZlNJ4tckGW3K467Bn-BVcvAIeDAypxEvqxXaL_94U8oRFjHPkh8BrfxDifJkaG3KWDpnR_a2HSjK8Pdm1ZUBV65Q4DAJ4K1hc90I9N7E9/s1600/IMG_2435.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even more amazing in person!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNuFdnbNF7vpTsBfm1w5DT0HnVNxJJtjo1OFUQhCkcRHlYjkpEeLjN3FS3W-CnKiZVDbv3NFAjm2Lgo5RZixWtxU4v81nYfcbnHu0m2vqaCit404Ac8nMSb959e0aR2v_NtofxL6FtdkT/s1600/IMG_2531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNuFdnbNF7vpTsBfm1w5DT0HnVNxJJtjo1OFUQhCkcRHlYjkpEeLjN3FS3W-CnKiZVDbv3NFAjm2Lgo5RZixWtxU4v81nYfcbnHu0m2vqaCit404Ac8nMSb959e0aR2v_NtofxL6FtdkT/s1600/IMG_2531.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yum . . .</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2LAi6VfyONUgQYBJB6jIwX6OFFvwyQ5mWzY6dpTmuwB20_reWHEa9PvscTAKlDScL8fxnBf-Ha4_67Tm8FKDnEzq7w5WO06_sytAfLm6ZgkALsu70hrK2O2ivUc7vnNhycJRuyadPsz-/s1600/IMG_4554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2LAi6VfyONUgQYBJB6jIwX6OFFvwyQ5mWzY6dpTmuwB20_reWHEa9PvscTAKlDScL8fxnBf-Ha4_67Tm8FKDnEzq7w5WO06_sytAfLm6ZgkALsu70hrK2O2ivUc7vnNhycJRuyadPsz-/s1600/IMG_4554.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arc de Triumf</td></tr>
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And Justin Timberlake put on the best show that I have ever been to! Almost 2.5 hours and every song I could have hoped to hear. I've been his fan for a long time, but officially fell in love with him during this concert. (Sorry about the video quality - dancing and filming aren't the best combination!)<br />
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After three amazing weekends outside of Spain, my last one led me up the Costa Brava - the stunning coastline north of Barcelona. With stops in Roses, Cap de Creus, and Tossa del Mar, I was again amazed by just how beautiful the country I live in is! It's hard to believe that in just an hour or two, I can be in place that looks like it was taken from the Caribbean.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_NBv3Kjwn_W0MaaUko9i1q6EjmcVSWtJoTNlSi6MihOIvZXAKIwP9iS5xlVmhFlMVpK-RchAJfkeJdlN4CECQwCJWLYeLSF6hSg-o0JYjm0wcioFBZpiebK_Egp7RrWjJyZz4fd7n5QS/s1600/IMG_2615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_NBv3Kjwn_W0MaaUko9i1q6EjmcVSWtJoTNlSi6MihOIvZXAKIwP9iS5xlVmhFlMVpK-RchAJfkeJdlN4CECQwCJWLYeLSF6hSg-o0JYjm0wcioFBZpiebK_Egp7RrWjJyZz4fd7n5QS/s1600/IMG_2615.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVM_6gbu3lKAhqdmwnN_NIW5PU-en2PPF-l5fCjFVP4FKban4MHw25xkWuDpqxwL0AkvxmYWlS1fnj70NkD2dAQP0gpJXewNtSRPGpr4FssIC86ckJFNRx0__zx5vCHrHQXODYWcvvjyUb/s1600/IMG_2640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1uhs00TT8PlS5Btb5Xr_CxR4fkE266kPF2AoDnAo1lNdAq2dD3xM4J8BiJp5rlEv7LEcUzz5byu2fVbIYPsGhDWRe5rJ1bIiv6kSScU7Pdaz7izHJ1b5wJgoCjdRo8nfLOL1s4g_XTPv/s1600/IMG_2641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1uhs00TT8PlS5Btb5Xr_CxR4fkE266kPF2AoDnAo1lNdAq2dD3xM4J8BiJp5rlEv7LEcUzz5byu2fVbIYPsGhDWRe5rJ1bIiv6kSScU7Pdaz7izHJ1b5wJgoCjdRo8nfLOL1s4g_XTPv/s1600/IMG_2641.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>I am reminded again and again how lucky I am to live where I live and have the opportunities to explore so much, so easily. What a great month this was!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-54046760943519395352014-02-02T13:43:00.000+01:002014-02-02T13:43:33.016+01:00Creating Memories <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Last weekend I went to Venice with Anne, Tanya, Tessa, and Lauren.
This was a trip we had talked about going on for well over a year. With
Lauren now in Madrid, we decided we had to make this reunion happen -
and I'm so glad we did!<br />
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In just about 48 hours, we
explored a stunning city, ate great food, enjoyed lots of spritzs and
red wine, told stories, and had so, so many laughs. I left feeling full,
sore from laughing, and SO grateful for having these ladies in my
life.<br />
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Without a doubt, I think it's trips like these that
bring
people closer. The moments you experience together, the stories you
share, and the laughs you have really create memories that last. I know
there are moments from this trip that will continue to make us laugh for
a very, very long time.<br /><br />
I think the older you get, the
more difficult it can be to create new, strong friendships. I've known
these ladies for almost four years now and I really think it's time,
shared experiences, and some important commonalities among us that have
made our frienship that much stronger.<br />
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I can't wait to see where our next adventure will be! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-22233687400215054852014-01-03T11:56:00.000+01:002014-01-03T11:56:03.739+01:00Feeling lucky about . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just before break, Tessa, Anne, Tanya and I were discussing what we thought 2014 would be the year "of." We all agreed 2013 was a great year, but that we were also ready for the next one - and expected it to be even better. And so we decided that 2014 would be the year of "luck." Who knows what exactly this will entail, but I can't wait to find out!<br />
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This idea has prompted me to also think about all that I <i>already </i>feel lucky to have in my life. For example:<br />
<ul>
<li>my health</li>
<li>an amazing family </li>
<li>really, really great friends, in Barcelona and around the world </li>
<li>a steady job that I love </li>
<li>the fact I get to live in Barcelona</li>
<li>enough money and time to travel</li>
</ul>
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In addition, there are so many things happening in 2014 that I already feel so lucky to be part of:<br />
<ul>
<li>my parents visiting in February</li>
<li>January girls' weekend in Venice </li>
<li>being part of a literacy coaching cohort with upcoming meetings in The Hague and Budapest</li>
<li>seeing Justin Timberlake in Paris in April!</li>
<li>Mike and Sarah getting married in August (and officiating their wedding!)</li>
</ul>
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I mean, I'm a pretty lucky girl already :) I can't wait to see what else 2014 has in store for me - and you!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-25578477385354288002014-01-03T11:28:00.001+01:002014-01-03T11:28:58.176+01:00A Moroccan ChristmasSince moving to Spain more than four years ago, I've spent Christmas in Seville with Anna, in Denver, and in Barcelona - once with Anna and once with my whole family. This year flights home were extra expensive and I knew I wouldn't have any visitors to Barcelona, so I decided to make Christmas a bit of an adventure! I was looking for a country I hadn't seen and something that was a bit more physical (that time on the Camino was really motivating!). After lots of searching, a week trip to Morocco in order to do some hiking in the High Atlas Mountains seemed like the perfect fit.<br />
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It's hard to believe, but this was the first trip I'd taken on my own since moving to New Zealand back in 2002! I knew Morocco wasn't a place I wanted to explore completely by myself, so I opted for a trip through <a href="http://www.intrepidtravel.com/" target="_blank">Intrepid Travel</a>, a company a number of friends had used before. The "Atlas Panorama" included a few days in Marrakech, then 4 nights/5 days in the High Atlas Mountains.<br />
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Upon arrival in Marrakech (during the middle of the Casablanca/Bayern Munich Moroccan World Cup Final), I instantly felt that I'd been knocked a bit outside of my comfort zone! The differences in language, people, culture, religion - everything! - were instantly clear. And although this was uncomfortable, I also loved it. I think it's so healthy to be outside of one's comfort zone -- this is when growth happens.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 16px; orphans: auto; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jamaa el Fna, the main square in Marrakech, is full of action!</span></i></span></td></tr>
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I have to admit that I fell in love with Morocco. The energy and craziness of Marrakech was exciting to be a part of; the flavors and spices of foods were such a welcome and delicious change; the people could not have been kinder and more welcoming; the landscape was varied and gorgeous. It was great to spend a week eating healthy food, getting lots of exercise, and not drinking - the opposite of a typical Christmas holiday!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXdTNyJSPE4peFWil73Ll4vZoITaAzQ36v0nL65aCgSFgWnf337x27YcKvOp_xg_zSGsNjZaY-f1Cs6dQ-c6YVJXqLZnWVPHfZK0adaxrLOEguRVoUm3H22AuFHF7ykOQp4MOdOshBSGo/s1600/IMG_1755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXdTNyJSPE4peFWil73Ll4vZoITaAzQ36v0nL65aCgSFgWnf337x27YcKvOp_xg_zSGsNjZaY-f1Cs6dQ-c6YVJXqLZnWVPHfZK0adaxrLOEguRVoUm3H22AuFHF7ykOQp4MOdOshBSGo/s320/IMG_1755.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mountains, rivers, hills, rainbows - wow!</i></td></tr>
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I think my photos (see right sidebar) give a pretty clear picture of the trip. What they don't show as clearly are some of the great people I met on this trip. There were 16 of us total - ages 21-71, coming from countries like the US, Australia, Ireland, England, Finland, and Malta. What a mix! This group provided lots of laughs and some amazing stories. Many of them were so fit - I can only hope to be in that kind of shape a bit later in life! It was quite inspiring. I have no doubt that I will cross paths with some of them again in the future.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>most of the group on one of our shorter hikes</i></td></tr>
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Although I missed my family a lot this holiday, I'm so glad I decided to spend Christmas 2013 in Morocco. I was able to see a new country (one which I will definitely return to), experience a bit of disequilibrium, spend lots of time in nature, and meet some really great people. I wonder what Christmas 2014 will hold . . . Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-32447749293151078542013-09-15T14:40:00.001+02:002013-09-15T14:40:58.675+02:00Rediscovering Barcelona<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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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. </div>
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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.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>sunset run</i></td></tr>
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In addition, there are constantly new bars and restaurants to discover! <a href="http://tarannacafe.com/" target="_blank">Tarannà </a>is my new favorite place to order breakfast and work away on the weekends. <a href="http://www.federalcafe.es/" target="_blank">Cafe Federal</a> 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The night ended with this AMAZING band - one of the best, and <br />most unusual, instrument mixes I've heard in awhile</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>a new plaza and delicious white wine</i></td></tr>
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I can't wait to continue exploring Poble Sec and all of the new discoveries we'll continue to find!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-74550995744584535252013-09-15T14:21:00.000+02:002013-09-15T14:21:01.143+02:00A new year, a new roleThis 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-36543607894785111012013-09-15T14:05:00.000+02:002013-09-15T14:05:05.530+02:00Best Trip YetIn 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!<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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 . . .<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1RKVnp4LnoAPndbIRH9FxodJ8OiLVufSl9ehlMtIdEa2KTyyu8uP0fSQwvWG8U230vmIHlK0YebCT1xPZ81WOtwe0gOHQzop-x8CJVk5vQnO_7NaOQMRAGx36KU5wj6u3xgKL3Scbq2s/s1600/IMG_0756+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1RKVnp4LnoAPndbIRH9FxodJ8OiLVufSl9ehlMtIdEa2KTyyu8uP0fSQwvWG8U230vmIHlK0YebCT1xPZ81WOtwe0gOHQzop-x8CJVk5vQnO_7NaOQMRAGx36KU5wj6u3xgKL3Scbq2s/s320/IMG_0756+-+Copy.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Great times with the best older brother ever!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdBnhaXYnhs8TvL0BtS7ILgA7B-9Aw7-kgs2bgqPunPktGw5uobJgpj2CpZKGwAoCga14H-b7PsoozhSr7Hdt6glPLfE81IGB3GlM0_MwtxqUZxCgEp-4_XsYaeb6EcxKWZvXEQbNoiRf/s1600/IMG_0864+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdBnhaXYnhs8TvL0BtS7ILgA7B-9Aw7-kgs2bgqPunPktGw5uobJgpj2CpZKGwAoCga14H-b7PsoozhSr7Hdt6glPLfE81IGB3GlM0_MwtxqUZxCgEp-4_XsYaeb6EcxKWZvXEQbNoiRf/s320/IMG_0864+-+Copy.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>How did my nephews get so big?!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Best friends forever - really. I love these girls!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Great hike and camping trip with the best little brother ever!</i></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-21641049323681626252013-09-15T13:43:00.001+02:002013-09-15T13:43:16.744+02:00Just 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!<br />
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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.<br />
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Highlights included seeing the acropolis in Athens . . .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKW4BJEdamvdVe7h2FtrfgfAAQY2Ll24sVy5SQ09z3GT2ZFIUMgvgW9985_tjWHF73vwiZIkCR0ByAaT8rLI41dgDgEuy_hZW7YjERL9JdCtdn3Am_BNs1Pu02PjhzmcErk6KEEAqYBSj/s1600/IMG_3807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKW4BJEdamvdVe7h2FtrfgfAAQY2Ll24sVy5SQ09z3GT2ZFIUMgvgW9985_tjWHF73vwiZIkCR0ByAaT8rLI41dgDgEuy_hZW7YjERL9JdCtdn3Am_BNs1Pu02PjhzmcErk6KEEAqYBSj/s200/IMG_3807.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2oM3ihRFk6KjZgx-e5DuvlNgdEtRrAnRL2Eeb2G05LOu1ggOquj3aD95Sxzbl45MmXuePU7qpV8b91tLlURsycrXKOpeE77DAu8pgTRSNHEQVg6NzP0EGHRU3v0OUG3qOC_CGmkcO7PU/s1600/IMG_0578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2oM3ihRFk6KjZgx-e5DuvlNgdEtRrAnRL2Eeb2G05LOu1ggOquj3aD95Sxzbl45MmXuePU7qpV8b91tLlURsycrXKOpeE77DAu8pgTRSNHEQVg6NzP0EGHRU3v0OUG3qOC_CGmkcO7PU/s320/IMG_0578.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Santorini sunsets . . .<br />
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cruising around on ATVs . . .<br />
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enjoying amazing Greek yogurt (wrapped in crepes!) and Greek salads daily . . .<br />
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and relaxing on gorgeous beaches . . .<br />
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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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-19217259514329626762013-09-08T12:05:00.001+02:002013-09-08T12:05:15.428+02:00It'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!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-49381867177715188672013-05-26T12:22:00.000+02:002013-05-26T12:22:18.846+02:00TapantoniDuring the month of May, the Sant Antoni neighborhood has been offering "<a href="http://www.santantonibcn.com/cat_tapantoni.html" target="_blank">Tapantoni</a>" - a tapas tour where 20 bars and restaurants offer a set tapa and a drink (usually a <i>caña </i>or vermouth) for 2€! I LOVE this idea because everything is decided for you - where to go and when, as well as what to order. It also provides a reason to check out bars and restaurants you may not have normally visited. I'm happy to say that I was able to visit 13 of the participating bars with a variety of friends. Every place was good, but I definitely had some favorites. Looking for a place to eat in Sant Antoni? Check these out!<br />
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<a href="http://www.timeout.com/barcelona/restaurants/bar-calders" target="_blank">Bar Calders</a> - located on c/ Parlament (one of my new favorite streets) and always full of people.<br />
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<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/caf%C3%A8-bar-merqu%C3%A9n-barcelona" target="_blank">Bar Merquén</a> - excellent bravas! Definitely a place I want to visit again - the menu looks delicious!<br />
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<a href="https://plus.google.com/100068709387237553942/about?gl=ES&hl=en-ES" target="_blank">Fabrica Moritz</a> - who doesn't love visiting a brewery? This place has great food, a great ambiance, and great beer on tap.<br />
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<a href="http://www.seriebcn.net/2013/05/05/vida-urbana/bar-nostalgic/" target="_blank">Nostalgic </a>- a teeny, tiny bar - loved it!<br />
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<a href="http://www.rekons.org/#!menú" target="_blank">Rekons </a>- so many empanadas, too little timeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-32724395767625098512013-05-07T16:44:00.000+02:002013-05-07T16:44:02.682+02:00A New Barrio, A New CityThis past week, Tessa and I left the neighborhood that's been our home for the past 2+ years and moved to Poble Sec. We were getting desperate to move away from the tourists and madness that is the center of Barcelona, especially as tourist season is now in full swing! We also wanted a place with more space and light, in addition to a few other specifics.<br />
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Although it was a stressful process, we finally found our new home and wow, do we love it! We now have a lovely, bright and spacious duplex. It's amazing how moving just 5-10 minutes away can also mean a completely different feel. Poble Sec has a much more local vibe - it's been rare to hear English on the streets, which is very different than the Gotico! The streets are also much wider and filled with many more trees. Within a 5 minute walk, we can step into Montjuic and feel like we're in a completely different city. It's amazing! And of course, a new neighborhood means a whole new range of bars, cafes, and restaurants to explore.<br />
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Below are some photos of our new place. We still have a few more things to do, but it already feels like "home." And we still have a spare bedroom, so feel free to visit and rediscover Barcelona with me!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJuU-i3mU3L7KANzdFgTms0wNnbzGIiI-RnzxNmqy75rhHMcSR9n2Ns3s8aL4htV6zmkMsNtpkLNu36_c_FopES3250EMcBZb-_K1WArs24edsNSCfE2bOb0e3TUNt7A8My4wUHKdnLZ7/s1600/IMG_3842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJuU-i3mU3L7KANzdFgTms0wNnbzGIiI-RnzxNmqy75rhHMcSR9n2Ns3s8aL4htV6zmkMsNtpkLNu36_c_FopES3250EMcBZb-_K1WArs24edsNSCfE2bOb0e3TUNt7A8My4wUHKdnLZ7/s200/IMG_3842.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Come upstairs to my room!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82S1GkP_DbEP3xiVq1Mi4pa-oktEg1CJDKSg8ujjrU7vDWv4xsO8ZGiUldWFe1m92eYyX8XbuUCxsh3f9ljKAvPZywzZkK2foeQoQeEt5sYFXZ8CWHQRKnls7qf-IgoPefJNVUh03YWKB/s1600/IMG_3839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82S1GkP_DbEP3xiVq1Mi4pa-oktEg1CJDKSg8ujjrU7vDWv4xsO8ZGiUldWFe1m92eYyX8XbuUCxsh3f9ljKAvPZywzZkK2foeQoQeEt5sYFXZ8CWHQRKnls7qf-IgoPefJNVUh03YWKB/s320/IMG_3839.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>my bedroom</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYWgSQ705b29oQKK-NTUI4NL5xBs7OyZNGuHd-axYgWSl0Lec90eTWkwDxbgxURPwUb-1In_0C4YjwxPpS_Oexq0992Ku0rJQOpiyoZ3ArUBc9UhEuCy6AYue8bNC04qynfMLAUYPiMVo/s1600/IMG_3840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYWgSQ705b29oQKK-NTUI4NL5xBs7OyZNGuHd-axYgWSl0Lec90eTWkwDxbgxURPwUb-1In_0C4YjwxPpS_Oexq0992Ku0rJQOpiyoZ3ArUBc9UhEuCy6AYue8bNC04qynfMLAUYPiMVo/s200/IMG_3840.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>my dressing room?</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDmoIk8piIPG2NciX48OPBr9Owo-a1GcmRmjD3D3Rn_HdS19G3Cpfakr74uZbQZAJOx2cTOFujz5bsqNA178rTn8GEIKGcxWLNhYXZHdLX26gWr5IAmnw4CQ90RS0uJSzAVPxscqsZUr4/s1600/IMG_3841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDmoIk8piIPG2NciX48OPBr9Owo-a1GcmRmjD3D3Rn_HdS19G3Cpfakr74uZbQZAJOx2cTOFujz5bsqNA178rTn8GEIKGcxWLNhYXZHdLX26gWr5IAmnw4CQ90RS0uJSzAVPxscqsZUr4/s320/IMG_3841.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>my ridiculously-sized bathroom</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFDK7BvKuVr3Q9ruoZO8mYwKyyopWlVbNpUdTk4nyRyLy3v2MLvam0b5ljl7mY6eWe_m8XcPlwoSbtF-8s2bsQNEGi7vCZwhy_RuRdx6lgeutxRGBfZE0v3-lD-uiQEDgR0jzdmg4B1rP/s1600/IMG_3843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFDK7BvKuVr3Q9ruoZO8mYwKyyopWlVbNpUdTk4nyRyLy3v2MLvam0b5ljl7mY6eWe_m8XcPlwoSbtF-8s2bsQNEGi7vCZwhy_RuRdx6lgeutxRGBfZE0v3-lD-uiQEDgR0jzdmg4B1rP/s320/IMG_3843.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>dining room/living room</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbOhNpkjzudK2TuFKy8shw15hUV8-hc6hxIad-ces7zAJLvMAnPiTotG5oIj2U0xa6wMrq0slj6NytbubUaZQmY38yeJx2KFH_VCg9bmGcWGoObg-ctfeorzk1W8_4C8HMRoSD_1VWXe5/s1600/IMG_3844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbOhNpkjzudK2TuFKy8shw15hUV8-hc6hxIad-ces7zAJLvMAnPiTotG5oIj2U0xa6wMrq0slj6NytbubUaZQmY38yeJx2KFH_VCg9bmGcWGoObg-ctfeorzk1W8_4C8HMRoSD_1VWXe5/s320/IMG_3844.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>drink anyone?</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyKklWuyYV-8JYdp6TTCiPbtPfn5CizfwhsMy7sutEaqC8TvEU_4E5QxbPrRnmJVZJFIe79eMkkmxcXQsJfIFy_-K4KQ0ZBW0ysjoA6N3-vyJG4K4zkRs8_I1WW5H1jWgg8Pwmw1_-HJe/s1600/IMG_3845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyKklWuyYV-8JYdp6TTCiPbtPfn5CizfwhsMy7sutEaqC8TvEU_4E5QxbPrRnmJVZJFIe79eMkkmxcXQsJfIFy_-K4KQ0ZBW0ysjoA6N3-vyJG4K4zkRs8_I1WW5H1jWgg8Pwmw1_-HJe/s320/IMG_3845.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>kitchen</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJXx57dTwJZsa3f7ueVjXNlcwG2mUeIFfxIycpmUcJiwGf83NhUBcw6eVE3Nlb0E9W0UA37uFFjNqeXuAPnFYeuoY3t5Hrdri08LmTLMHPN4aKAbMozO1i9itSGWo5aic3bUCB8mc5v6s/s1600/IMG_3846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJXx57dTwJZsa3f7ueVjXNlcwG2mUeIFfxIycpmUcJiwGf83NhUBcw6eVE3Nlb0E9W0UA37uFFjNqeXuAPnFYeuoY3t5Hrdri08LmTLMHPN4aKAbMozO1i9itSGWo5aic3bUCB8mc5v6s/s320/IMG_3846.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>extra bedroom waiting for visitors!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9f_eGK97dBkdmiKlNlmsTV2DS5X0RjuRCL1iBB_MyeB2pncgolAuO2fYZfrz5naLpQf-WZjQ_p575oiDNHPWL54VLSeCGfNIFvtQMp9lKHofW3HRFVB2yFsDRZFXWpz6zsjr-RlUax5ds/s1600/IMG_3847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9f_eGK97dBkdmiKlNlmsTV2DS5X0RjuRCL1iBB_MyeB2pncgolAuO2fYZfrz5naLpQf-WZjQ_p575oiDNHPWL54VLSeCGfNIFvtQMp9lKHofW3HRFVB2yFsDRZFXWpz6zsjr-RlUax5ds/s320/IMG_3847.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>evening views from our balcony</i></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-68447232757310170462013-05-05T14:01:00.000+02:002013-05-05T14:01:13.118+02:00A Weekend in BelgiumJust a few weeks ago, Tessa and I went to Belgium to meet Anna there for a quick weekend trip. This was the first time my two "Spanish" best friends would meet and this weekend followed my 33rd birthday, so the timing couldn't have been better!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0oO6ZS5euZhhVWdemJjSPwtZT7ghe0nIFM8R26Z5fuIqMYxElpKEX0RVqk2Ii6xwmZZvELExoMMIzgYEWjcExP5_LcGrNSo9M1OjjDvIic_6slvErQoBA22cbjMaN-NvvkkyTfZJ4-C4/s1600/belgium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0oO6ZS5euZhhVWdemJjSPwtZT7ghe0nIFM8R26Z5fuIqMYxElpKEX0RVqk2Ii6xwmZZvELExoMMIzgYEWjcExP5_LcGrNSo9M1OjjDvIic_6slvErQoBA22cbjMaN-NvvkkyTfZJ4-C4/s320/belgium.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>love these ladies!</i></td></tr>
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As expected, Belgium didn't disappoint! We spent Friday evening in Brussels, then left bright and early for Bruges the next day. Having watched "In Bruges" the week before, we had a few ideas of what to expect. This little town quickly became one of my most favorites in Europe. The size, the quaint homes, the amazing bars and plazas on every corner with delicious beers - wow. I loved it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNF7dfW7ytb8UKgYeI86Kmvcp2rNyj80_IDYuMHytvn-Vl5xvjFBOQ9gSD_cBaHwD42nLnv9ikzA4NpNj-EmrUQ_UEKisG_zAbnFOYHlmfoKbbKWUt3qnm4SUYio_X9BFro0RUsPDL08O7/s1600/bruges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNF7dfW7ytb8UKgYeI86Kmvcp2rNyj80_IDYuMHytvn-Vl5xvjFBOQ9gSD_cBaHwD42nLnv9ikzA4NpNj-EmrUQ_UEKisG_zAbnFOYHlmfoKbbKWUt3qnm4SUYio_X9BFro0RUsPDL08O7/s200/bruges.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Belgian canals</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79P7WDQdm_cBFhWS4jyfprDb09sBZvIk4rmY31s_v_mc3lqqYreOeewNstnMrs-yucgyZ1MN1NBXnStznlahnD2swOct7YsgzeQruTr2-xUD1eKn2TY1lv9-_6gJvsc9_Wh_cc51efn8x/s1600/sampler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79P7WDQdm_cBFhWS4jyfprDb09sBZvIk4rmY31s_v_mc3lqqYreOeewNstnMrs-yucgyZ1MN1NBXnStznlahnD2swOct7YsgzeQruTr2-xUD1eKn2TY1lv9-_6gJvsc9_Wh_cc51efn8x/s200/sampler.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>a delicious sampler</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZz3NwOkTC3jULU1Fwos4pphsgb3hgzikk6Z0O1aEFg9_05nrxsyMm5a6acEBhKh50uqskRmhYvTBmNz6pOGOZeUXLQSRbO1qI1o7v4EaXr31x3VkHc6cAX_j4gMJGBptwxc3szcsrgLF/s1600/beer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZz3NwOkTC3jULU1Fwos4pphsgb3hgzikk6Z0O1aEFg9_05nrxsyMm5a6acEBhKh50uqskRmhYvTBmNz6pOGOZeUXLQSRbO1qI1o7v4EaXr31x3VkHc6cAX_j4gMJGBptwxc3szcsrgLF/s200/beer.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>so many beers, so little time</i></td></tr>
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If you haven't been to Belgium, I highly recommend it. With just a few days, you could see the majority of this small, lovely country. I hope to get a chance to return and see more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXayLfF_Sdzr4-cVMbcFrz2zkYTkfB0v2L56TShlJKZFPYAZteh2Afq5Y8JUqSwaHIDIlpxm-zxsqA2D_pJMzAEyvysIIfA4Cd2w5u-fkuyy0EdYYEd4Ac3JVitU2n6HsWBNOTsNLusCPc/s1600/new+friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXayLfF_Sdzr4-cVMbcFrz2zkYTkfB0v2L56TShlJKZFPYAZteh2Afq5Y8JUqSwaHIDIlpxm-zxsqA2D_pJMzAEyvysIIfA4Cd2w5u-fkuyy0EdYYEd4Ac3JVitU2n6HsWBNOTsNLusCPc/s1600/new+friends.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>As expected, these two hit it off! :)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfg5X-LE8p2R-YpiOhtUZCTESyPAStcl-0-MYCVLyE2J3QJFEmXOVGECDMJnj-DJXZY2jbTiMGrX4zKr6rTaLH8dAFjmlPfgq3Yxp35ia17NyP3uaDNVkSQ935HLNV0QssO71FYVDTImj/s1600/night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfg5X-LE8p2R-YpiOhtUZCTESyPAStcl-0-MYCVLyE2J3QJFEmXOVGECDMJnj-DJXZY2jbTiMGrX4zKr6rTaLH8dAFjmlPfgq3Yxp35ia17NyP3uaDNVkSQ935HLNV0QssO71FYVDTImj/s320/night.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Good night, Bruges . . .</i></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-3406494027487001702013-05-05T13:49:00.002+02:002013-05-05T13:49:30.450+02:00Buen CaminoFor about the past year, my parents have talked about hiking the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Way_of_St._James" target="_blank">Camino de Santiago</a>. This is a journey I've always heard about and been interested in since moving to Spain. So, when my dad decided to visit during Semana Santa to begin the walk, I was happy to join.<br />
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My parents had done all of the research about what to bring and where to stay, so I was lucky enough to enjoy the benefits of their preparedness! My dad arrived with the backpack, blister treatments, collapsible water bottles, and much, much more - we were definitely prepared for the journey!<br />
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We started in Cizur Mayor, a few kilometers outside of Pamplona. (Due to limited time and pretty bad weather, we opted not to start in Roncevalles.) Our hope was to make it somewhere close to Burgos in the seven days I would be with my dad, because this is where I had a flight back to Barcelona. My dad's plan was to continue on to Leon and return to Barcelona after a total of 21 days on the Camino.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEUkXDhdVCh5OEDi-dH76S0XruOjnV3HGXkDsSNqnrDQHmWcDWNh8VwaL9UKgb_M_WlNPz1ni8R8_I5TImOHwvZ9S-M4DsXrQs07hqdMYavJsMpBB0sxWHPFzlksjO5chueTbQk4-ernA/s1600/puente.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEUkXDhdVCh5OEDi-dH76S0XruOjnV3HGXkDsSNqnrDQHmWcDWNh8VwaL9UKgb_M_WlNPz1ni8R8_I5TImOHwvZ9S-M4DsXrQs07hqdMYavJsMpBB0sxWHPFzlksjO5chueTbQk4-ernA/s320/puente.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">We quickly realized that the reality of walking 22+ kilometers a day is pretty tough! By the third day, my legs ached in a way I had never experienced before. The terrain at the start was more difficult than expected, but this also made for some spectacular views. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-qjXIq4VFi3i8yFfUiLhyphenhyphenF6DAO3B6qnC-N5R8CsNHPfvB4X7FLlqyr2mQOdJ1kf65ORw-Ae6LEenWeFzVyqIvlky9FExKtwdjEfUHsn7opdkkYMxkjdJPbHQjeoKRqLPF7ljlqDEM6zL/s1600/navarra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-qjXIq4VFi3i8yFfUiLhyphenhyphenF6DAO3B6qnC-N5R8CsNHPfvB4X7FLlqyr2mQOdJ1kf65ORw-Ae6LEenWeFzVyqIvlky9FExKtwdjEfUHsn7opdkkYMxkjdJPbHQjeoKRqLPF7ljlqDEM6zL/s320/navarra.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Navarra </i></td></tr>
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My most favorite part of the camino was the people you meet along the way. We spent a few of our days walking with a father and son from Scotland, an American man, and a girl from Belgium. We also met people from Spain, New Zealand, Germany, France, and more -- it's amazing to hear the stories of people who have come from all over the world to have this experience.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPDp_2X5w2tA_l-YhuU7gMFUAP-HURm8KYm6p2izLmOZtoBE1m3S4hH2PfKVAACiwaOkZSx7Ryh57WRvos4-qAUPWaFl5obkzBlpbUJnRHWAGy5pLbKrdwUa7gIUTzxP4PO0Ed52suLWy/s1600/walking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPDp_2X5w2tA_l-YhuU7gMFUAP-HURm8KYm6p2izLmOZtoBE1m3S4hH2PfKVAACiwaOkZSx7Ryh57WRvos4-qAUPWaFl5obkzBlpbUJnRHWAGy5pLbKrdwUa7gIUTzxP4PO0Ed52suLWy/s320/walking.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>some of our walking friend</i></td></tr>
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I also loved the encouragement we received from the Spaniards in small towns along the way. One of my most favorite moments occurred in a tiny town (population 40) called Azqueta. When we walked into this town, a little old man greeted us and asked if we wanted a stamp for our pilgrim passports. After receiving one, he noticed that I didn't have a scallop shell, the symbol of the camino. He led me around to his backyard where he allowed me to pick my shell from the hundreds he had. He measured the string and made my necklace. He then grabbed my shoulders, gave me <i>dos besos</i>, and wished me a "Buen Camino." It's a moment that still gives me chills just thinking about it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngun8sS2zUgu0TmiWlWG96d5VSEn2OET6HQOp00PXTwCUO6m1meghYeTkHejSuBS_SL-tLdlXXFrJZQRJDXxH15pDv6LWIvTglgYaA-Iu5jAWgHKT-gB69Mzn4brNrGGXejxZtN-Gu0gB/s1600/shell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngun8sS2zUgu0TmiWlWG96d5VSEn2OET6HQOp00PXTwCUO6m1meghYeTkHejSuBS_SL-tLdlXXFrJZQRJDXxH15pDv6LWIvTglgYaA-Iu5jAWgHKT-gB69Mzn4brNrGGXejxZtN-Gu0gB/s320/shell.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>my scallop shell</i></td></tr>
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It was moments like these, combined with the simplicity of literally waking up each day just to walk, that made me love the camino. By the fifth day, my legs felt good and I actually looked forward to walking - it is amazing how quickly your body adjusts and no longer wants to be still.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZH8xNEvdfSMyZC_7cBwBEuhVnpDXZPgTdg8ZKqhCmcQSUSTeg-Ex6fYrUfbMC9912HIZbLIVX4KsO4n11xDfiEzyGRNH7xO5IezBb8RBgmAzv5YE6y0-JCesg1FEqykK0B13M3M1xyfxY/s1600/wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZH8xNEvdfSMyZC_7cBwBEuhVnpDXZPgTdg8ZKqhCmcQSUSTeg-Ex6fYrUfbMC9912HIZbLIVX4KsO4n11xDfiEzyGRNH7xO5IezBb8RBgmAzv5YE6y0-JCesg1FEqykK0B13M3M1xyfxY/s320/wine.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A fountain of wine always makes walking easier!</i></td></tr>
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Unfortunately, our trip was cut a bit short due to an old injury flaring up for my dad. However, this allowed us a chance to visit Bilbao and Burgos, two towns I had always wanted to see. Without a doubt, I will be returning to the camino. I don't plan to walk all of it, but I know I will walk into Compostella de Santiago one day soon. For anyone who enjoys the outdoors, walking, and Spain, I can't encourage you enough to try the Camino de Santiago.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-17078518355644317632013-05-05T13:21:00.002+02:002013-05-05T13:21:47.010+02:00This is Brazil!Once Emily decided to move to Brazil from Switzerland last year, I knew I would be going to visit her. And this past February, I was lucky enough to journey to Rio to experience the original Carnaval - and wow, what a party it was!<br />
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Although there are many similarities between Spain and Brazil, the Brazilian culture definitely has a style and flavor all its' own. From the samba music being played in every bar, to the dancing in the streets, from the diversity of the people to the freshness of the fruit and juices, Brazil was like no place I've ever been.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tSeR3Hxy4XIsUZyIag-WvCru0xI_1Pubsxzoj7-UA8QfBx7ROkKi0SMBgkPjjNwOpxYFzW5I_Ut1NhsqIXF9auJh-LwlR9vAhHCKMB_VpPc4yT1xiHmlU4KOijjKLip8TKtXmCNCzpTg/s1600/coco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tSeR3Hxy4XIsUZyIag-WvCru0xI_1Pubsxzoj7-UA8QfBx7ROkKi0SMBgkPjjNwOpxYFzW5I_Ut1NhsqIXF9auJh-LwlR9vAhHCKMB_VpPc4yT1xiHmlU4KOijjKLip8TKtXmCNCzpTg/s320/coco.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Delicious agua de coco while strolling the beaches of Ipanema</i></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">We spent our first 4 nights in Rio to experience the craziness of Carnaval. We were able to go to the Sambodromo to watch the samba school competitions. I had NO idea that this was on such a grand scale - huge floats, thousands of dancers, and an hour performance per school - so impressive! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1L6W4ypdcxeNLyz6s9VYd71volzthTvizO7-nifbsrCLxstoZY6MVBiEXkBrpccTYLWRKa1X40LFSsa0gtugc8XTWqatBlMWTghyphenhyphenfT5H-9Uqud7ZE4LvgCmAln_oM8ClVR1D6hmlshd0g/s1600/tiger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1L6W4ypdcxeNLyz6s9VYd71volzthTvizO7-nifbsrCLxstoZY6MVBiEXkBrpccTYLWRKa1X40LFSsa0gtugc8XTWqatBlMWTghyphenhyphenfT5H-9Uqud7ZE4LvgCmAln_oM8ClVR1D6hmlshd0g/s320/tiger.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8VmTZKiaLWx5z1tZzMT2iaKE_vLlGngwoi4mOkf1UhLbv-wm3PizgJliGuSc3CkvGgn3QQ1I9Xgz4hnz8gX4nKI-9XSCqPnKhYrAcWV-vwMAvjzDzES9zNyNg9ZULPq9ambhmce22Gur/s1600/drums.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8VmTZKiaLWx5z1tZzMT2iaKE_vLlGngwoi4mOkf1UhLbv-wm3PizgJliGuSc3CkvGgn3QQ1I9Xgz4hnz8gX4nKI-9XSCqPnKhYrAcWV-vwMAvjzDzES9zNyNg9ZULPq9ambhmce22Gur/s320/drums.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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In addition to this, we happened upon many street parades in different neighborhoods, which I really loved. Seeing the locals in their element was fantastic. We also spent time on the beaches of Ipanema and saw Copacabana - places I'd only heard about in songs. We visited the Christ the Redeemer statue, something I've always wanted to see.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7sejBFRQ04029Mppuu25idJnyp-7ufHArpr5XMSl-GLM8Pd5g51T5jEUqdwQ128Hxz24-BCIgWee1b4wtiDQ5ln1BOXIQ6kYcxpUGTUja8Pe32r5I6c3JlNEF5M3mOHGYNJlr5Vg4vBK/s1600/streets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7sejBFRQ04029Mppuu25idJnyp-7ufHArpr5XMSl-GLM8Pd5g51T5jEUqdwQ128Hxz24-BCIgWee1b4wtiDQ5ln1BOXIQ6kYcxpUGTUja8Pe32r5I6c3JlNEF5M3mOHGYNJlr5Vg4vBK/s320/streets.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>an amazing street parade!</i></td></tr>
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Finally, we spent three nights in the lazy beach town of Buzios, a wonderful break from the craziness of Rio. The views, weather, and water were spectacular.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YE-K_HfncokQ9luBTvclufwGFn63rI_1D827wuV7Rd99PLkH-gSBw6bTIgH8o8nHphs2fZyKbVcYThN2qrsgU1WY5eRCYM9GajjCxNe7qXptH3WgfYuYFVbUELT-8-w0ZG8dY9SOrOmO/s1600/buzios.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YE-K_HfncokQ9luBTvclufwGFn63rI_1D827wuV7Rd99PLkH-gSBw6bTIgH8o8nHphs2fZyKbVcYThN2qrsgU1WY5eRCYM9GajjCxNe7qXptH3WgfYuYFVbUELT-8-w0ZG8dY9SOrOmO/s320/buzios.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Overall, it was a trip to be remembered! I hope to have the opportunity to explore a bit more of Brazil in the future . . .Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-52870391864963047502013-02-03T10:43:00.002+01:002013-02-03T10:43:46.861+01:00Put me in, coach!I feel like the conversation began during my first interview with ASB . . . and now, almost three years later, it has come to fruition. Beginning next year, I will be the half-time K-5 Instructional Coach at ASB! I can´t even express how excited I am to be back in this type of role. Working with students and teachers in all grade levels, planning and facilitating professional development, and helping in the implementation of new language arts standards, curriculum, and resources - it´s kind of a dream job for me!<br />
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With it being a brand new position, I know there will be lots of challenges and stress that come with it. However, it´s a challenge I feel ready for. Working as a half-time tech integrator this year has given me a lot of insight into ASB that has definitely prepared me for next year. And although it´s super-nerdy to say, I just can't wait to dig into literacy instruction and coaching techniques again. :)</div>
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I´m not sure what I'll be teaching during the other half of my time, but there are a number of possibilities. (Without a doubt, I'm nowhere near ready to be out of the classroom.) There´s still a lot left to be decided. One thing I know for sure is that I will be in Barcelona for at least the next two years because this position required signing a two-year contract. I had no plans on leaving, but it's actually really nice to be able to know for certain where I'll be for the next few years. (Tessa has also decided to stay, so we've just started the search for a new apartment - yea!)</div>
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Needless to say, I'm pretty excited to see what the next few years hold for me in Barcelona!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-82994687431100111442013-01-13T11:58:00.001+01:002013-01-13T11:58:16.625+01:00Oh, the Places You´ll Go . . .In order to get a visa for my upcoming trip to Brazil, I had to renew my passport a few months earlier than planned. As I glanced back through my passport, I was reminded of how much traveling we have done together in the past 10 years!<br />
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It all started with a return trip to New Zealand with Lauren and Liz ten years ago. Without a doubt, it was studying abroad there that made me want to see more of the world. And what amazing memories the three of us made in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, and Australia that summer!<br />
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It was the trip Emily and I took to Chile and Argentina that led me to move to Spain. I fell in love with the Latin/Spanish lifestyle on that trip and knew I had to <i>live </i>it, not just enjoy it on vacation.<br />
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And since moving to Spain, it´s been one amazing travel experience after another! I can hardly believe all the places I´ve been able to go . . .<br />
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I´ll be keeping this passport in a safe place, flipping through it from time to time I´m sure. And I can´t wait to see the places my new one will take me!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-43053309702702284722013-01-05T10:42:00.001+01:002013-01-05T10:42:54.156+01:00Food!<div style="text-align: left;">
As I look back at photos from my family´s visit, I love seeing how many of them include food! One of my most favorite things about living in Spain has been the food - from tapas to pinchos to fresh produce, it´s amazing! Although many dishes include similar ingredients, they are still so different. Here are some of my favorites from the past few weeks . . .</div>
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Calçots - so much fun to eat and so delicious! The prime season for them is December-February. I recommend <a href="https://www.google.es/search?q=llar+de+foc+gracia&aq=0&oq=llar+de+foc&aqs=chrome.1.57j0l3j62.3012&sugexp=chrome,mod=8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">Llar de Foc in Gracia</a> for these.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Patrick was a fan of the calçots!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvll_YcTrDacgLTldCaomS9X4-l_8TL53rv0JJA9iTj4WBc2RD4hOHuiurUktrAfCXuj81foR_JHjnApj_T2VT-CwdoIHqYRhqmEYNlpRJFvAhZ73U7V7MH6XoJTDMVWz-3DNaT4oeDI0/s1600/IMG_3500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvll_YcTrDacgLTldCaomS9X4-l_8TL53rv0JJA9iTj4WBc2RD4hOHuiurUktrAfCXuj81foR_JHjnApj_T2VT-CwdoIHqYRhqmEYNlpRJFvAhZ73U7V7MH6XoJTDMVWz-3DNaT4oeDI0/s320/IMG_3500.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Prawns </i>- can´t eat them, but wish I could!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Mom, Mark, Heather, Mike, and I took a class with</span><a href="http://papaserra.com/" style="font-size: medium;" target="_blank"> Papa Serra</a><span style="font-size: small;">. He took us to some great vendors in the Boqueria, then helped us prepare a great Spanish lunch. <br />These were some of favorite dishes of that meal:</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cheese, jamon, tomatoes, and bread</i> - a perfect breakfast or snack!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Olives </i>- so many different varieties and flavors!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vVyzJtOedDx5FWw5wkLUKgV9ibtt0xfToyFJzC5nLtL16g8dlN0AxlDDR99UEboiPujyVVNUKB1NsvKc299dxLVz0c_NdRo0UgmjABvmZPLpmX1Pi06VYu-HZMaI59Iznj5vZm3GclJi/s1600/romesco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vVyzJtOedDx5FWw5wkLUKgV9ibtt0xfToyFJzC5nLtL16g8dlN0AxlDDR99UEboiPujyVVNUKB1NsvKc299dxLVz0c_NdRo0UgmjABvmZPLpmX1Pi06VYu-HZMaI59Iznj5vZm3GclJi/s320/romesco.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Romesco Sauce</i> - so delicious, whether it´s with calçots or chicken and potatoes!</td></tr>
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And last, but not least, pinchos. Such a nice change from tapas at times, especially because you can pick your own and try lots of different types. Love them!</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_fQwHq3G_VLswDXDSsnFVkU0OAyYwG-1qGzCP9LWu71OnmsICgI1bMuW43093eZR-nb9aUJcCOa1rJmMqp7oddE15T1JZAG5LecuOvXKUPB25_toSKCRGmM1rDJPQWUEO5GdsBouofvk/s1600/pinchos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_fQwHq3G_VLswDXDSsnFVkU0OAyYwG-1qGzCP9LWu71OnmsICgI1bMuW43093eZR-nb9aUJcCOa1rJmMqp7oddE15T1JZAG5LecuOvXKUPB25_toSKCRGmM1rDJPQWUEO5GdsBouofvk/s320/pinchos.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>Pinchos</i></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-36451426359537892442013-01-02T12:09:00.000+01:002013-01-02T12:09:35.071+01:00Best.Family.Ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>New Year´s Eve</i></td></tr>
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After months of planning, ten days of many laughs, great meals, and lots of memories, it´s hard to believe that the Killion Family Vacation to Barcelona is coming to an end! Everyone except Mike and Sarah are on their way back home and I have to admit, I´m feeling pretty sad about it.<br />
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As it often happens, after anticipating something for <i>sooooo </i>long, it can be a little depressing once it´s over! I feel so lucky that Mike and Sarah are still here - it will be great to spend more time with them and I think if I were alone after spending almost every day of the the past ten days with eight people, I´d be <i>really </i>sad!<br />
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As expected, this vacation could not have been better. We all had SO much fun together - whether eating, drinking, sightseeing, walking, or just hanging out together. For many, this was the first trip to a place outside of North America. I was so impressed with everyone´s positive attitude and willingness to do and try anything. I had wondered if my nephews (being ages 14 and 16) would get bored without some of the luxuries they´re used to, but they amazed me! I didn´t hear a single complaint; instead, it was just a lot of "wow, that´s awesome!" And I think if Andrew could have stayed longer, he would have :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4XHOfuhykdraIAO5OzPgxVxa-7uuwpG6A381uFotsvC7jOESC_vTSopNokr6kHfA0EbpLBRIW0VGkubzc6O4OFL7PamX4bWWAAN4jFobiy9Rcuxu0TP0c0GCbGt9jdqUGLxwFKBInyC8/s1600/IMG_3595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4XHOfuhykdraIAO5OzPgxVxa-7uuwpG6A381uFotsvC7jOESC_vTSopNokr6kHfA0EbpLBRIW0VGkubzc6O4OFL7PamX4bWWAAN4jFobiy9Rcuxu0TP0c0GCbGt9jdqUGLxwFKBInyC8/s320/IMG_3595.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Andrew trying pulpo - it´s clear what Patrick thought about it!</i></td></tr>
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I´ve always realized what an amazing family I have, but this trip really reinforced it. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by people who love me so much and made the choice to give up traditions, spend a significant amount of money, and do something out the ordinary for the holidays this year. Without a doubt, I really do have the best family ever. Love you guys!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDyYpvSaUoWXUX8HHUOCwCmaptPrIXzfXIHQTDU_QBF1qOxXOxD48k65lXzj84GbJHsDiR17QmeK7cbCG4pH90ZIIEfCIwkWb0vkzc5I-U8S7WQba2k_epL05TwaE2TGj4mxf8JPhaHZG/s1600/IMG_3604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDyYpvSaUoWXUX8HHUOCwCmaptPrIXzfXIHQTDU_QBF1qOxXOxD48k65lXzj84GbJHsDiR17QmeK7cbCG4pH90ZIIEfCIwkWb0vkzc5I-U8S7WQba2k_epL05TwaE2TGj4mxf8JPhaHZG/s400/IMG_3604.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Team Killion :)</i></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-10437041151356531842012-12-16T11:30:00.001+01:002012-12-16T11:30:15.880+01:00Holiday Fiesta!During the holidays at ASB, traditionally, each staff member gets a <i>lote </i>- a box filled with wine, cava, and turron. It´s a fantastic gift! However, this year we had a holiday party instead. And it was amazing! There were about 80 people who came, ranging from teachers to administration to kitchen staff to security guards. <i>Pica-pica</i> and an open bar meant everyone was having a good time. :) I was quickly reminded just how much I enjoy the people I work with and how much I love Spanish culture. Everyone is just so affectionate - giving <i>dos besos, </i>putting an arm around your shoulders, etc. I love this - it´s so different than American culture.<br />
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The dance party started early - Gangnam style, salsa, and dance-offs were happening everywhere. It was just so fun to see everyone dressed up a bit and having fun together. I´ll take a holiday party over a gift any day!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995158058224954227.post-56426635151198186292012-11-25T20:57:00.000+01:002012-11-25T20:57:35.886+01:00THE Topic of ConversationAlthough I´ve quickly learned that there are many differences between international teaching and teaching in the states, the biggest difference I´ve noticed these days is a very specific topic of conversation -- <i>So, what are you doing next year?</i><br />
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In the states, because (in my opinion) stability is highly valued - owning a home, a consistent job, having a family - people don´t tend to move around too often, unless they have to. So, conversations about changing jobs, especially in teaching, didn´t seem to occur all that often, unless it was for a change in position.<br />
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The world of international teaching is completely different! At this time of year, the conversation consistently centers around plans for next year (and it´s only November!). People are constantly asking if you´re staying or going, where you might go, when you´ll decide, etc. It´s crazy! Many people clearly know if they want to stay or if they want to go due to needing a change, more money, or just not enjoying where they are. But many people are in limbo, too.<br />
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This topic of conversation has again reminded me of my love/hate relationship with change. I love new experiences and the changes they can bring and I think change is essential and positive <i>most </i>of the time. But I also hate having to think about it! It gives me such an unsettled feeling.<br />
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I know I´m staying in Barcelona - at this point in time, I still love the city and have no desire to be anywhere else. (Of course it would be nicer to make a bit more money, live in a country with a strong economy, and feel like I´m living more in Spain than Catalunya, but . . . for the time being, all of that is not enough reason to move - yet. :) As I listen to others discuss what to do, I feel like maybe there´s some change I need to make that I´m not aware of! I start to feel unsettled and unsure - even though I AM really sure about my choice.<br />
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As I realized a few weeks ago, I think I need to make some changes so that I can personally feel more settled. Hopefully it´s as simple as finding a new apartment that´s a better fit and buying some things that make me feel more at home. It´s silly, but I think my own set of dishes, a new coffee pot, and the "wall of pictures" I´ve been envisioning might be all it takes to give me that feeling!<br />
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I know these conversations will continue to occur - it seems this is just the way things are in the international world of teaching. And sometimes, it makes me miss the stability of "home." Hopefully everyone will start to find their answers soon - for their sake and mine :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1