No one is telling me the speed I should be traveling, so watch me take the lead.

Man, it feels like it's been a really long time since i've done this. But hey, this is the first day in weeks that I haven't had something planned today other than school. It's been fabulous! Siesta time for as long as I want, write in my blog, listen to music, FaceTiming. I could use another day like this(:


So anyways, this past week I traveled to the wonderful city of Barcelona(: But before getting there, we of course had to make a random stop. This time, the city was Zaragoza. It was super windy and cold, so it kinda wasn't my favorite visit. And of course, we stopped by some religious buildings. One of them said no pictures, but because I was bored, I took a picture anyways to be a rebel. (:

Then after a few more hours of traveling, we finally arrived to Barcelona. After dropping everything off at the hotel, we headed out to dinner at a pretty fun restaurant. But after dinner was the funner part. We headed out to the busier part of Barcelona down this one road with this super long plaza type thing down the middle. There were lots of touristy shops and these people selling these light up things that you can shoot up into the air. I just kinda liked the atmosphere of the place. Like though it was just a Wednesday night, there was a whole bunch of people kinda chilling. 


So the next day we had a tour thing, but we mainly stayed in the bus because the city is freaking huge. The main attractions of the city would definitely have to be the buildings and parks done by Antonio Gaudí. We checked out two of the houses he built, Parque Güell, and La Sagrada Familia. I would definitely have to say it was legit. I've never seen anything like it. And it was super awesome to be able to witness it in person. 


The first stop we had on our tour was Parque Güell. We you first get there, it's kinda just a normal park, but then once you get to the middleish, there's some crazy cool stuff. There's those type of people who dress up all weird and do stuff for money, lots of vendors of souvenirs, and then these two cool looking house things if you look over the edge. Also, after going down the stairs, there's this lizard thing that like everyone has a picture of basically, including me now! haha

Next stop, La Familia Sagrada. Definitely one of the coolest things I've ever witnessed. It's not even completely finished and I was still amazed. Yeah, it's a cathedral, but it's not like the others in the least bit. The stained glass windows were like amazing and the design and colors put together was just awesome. I would really like to go see it when it's finished, it would kind of be legit.

So the next day, we actually got to go into the two Gaudí houses. Not as exciting as La Sagrada Familia, but still very interesting to see. I would have to say that going on the roof of one of the houses was the coolest part. There were a bunch of random star wars looking people and the view was of course pretty sweet!

Because we were absolutely dead, Rachel, Bethany, and I just went to a market to get food tomorrow and chilled out in our room. It was exactly what we needed(: But then the next day was just kind of ick. But going to Monserrat was pretty cool. I got to witness my first wedding and I had no idea what was going on. Lots of singing and talking. But after we decided to leave, it was seriously pouring. I didn't have a jacket. boo. So I had to rid on the freezing cold bus with soaking wet clothes. Not my ideal car ride home, but I lived, surprisingly.

Now skipping a few days... So yesterday I got to attend my first bullfight! It was super weird at first. It was kind of like a state of shock, but by the end I was kinda like oh this is normal and sweet the horses are out! Not my favoritest part of Spain, but I didn't entirely mind it. Yes, I, Kristen, hater of all things painful and bloody, actually enjoyed it. Is that like a bad thing to say? I kinda feel like it is because most people dislike it a lot. hmmm. whatevs!

Well, that's it folks. One more week and one more trip. This is crazy. I feel like I just got here:/ boo. So then, there will be probably one or two more entries on here. Well, have a wonderful week my friends! I'll let you know how FRANCE/País Vasco is(:

I've gotta get outdoors while the weather's still here; take in the starlight before it disappears

Yeah.. maybe I should have done this on Sunday.. Oh wait, I was busy. Just like every other day I’m here. My bad! (:

So basically, last week was not all that eventful compared to some of the other weeks here. It was kind of weird because I actually had a full week of school for the first time. Yes, I have been here for a month (well, as of tomorrow..) and I have yet to have a full week of classes. It’s been nice, not going to lie. But the lame thing is that I have to make up a few classes on the next few Monday’s. For a situation like this, I would just have to say cualquiers (my bad/quite horrible Spanish translation of whatevs(: )

So, the fun began on Friday in Ávila. This would be a little Spanish city know for its ridiculously large muralla, which is just fancy term for wall, and for being the birthplace of Santa Teresa. We didn’t spend very much time in this city, but I would have to say that going on muralla was the best part. The view of course was spectacular. There are many awesome views here in Spain and I pretty much get to see all of them. Heck yes. I’m not going to be super excited to return to the States and see the view of Utah Valley. It’s just not super exciting compared to this. At all.

Next stop: Salamanca! Though our hotel rooms were ridiculously small especially for 3 people, our location was legit. It was about a good 3-5 minute walk to the Plaza Mayor. And if you want to know anything important about traveling to Spain, you should know that all the Plaza Mayors are where it’s at on the weekends. Oh what do you know, we were there for a Friday when our curfew is extended by an hour and a half. Win. Okay, so the first thing we did there was a little tour around the city. I liked our guide. She was really interesting and funny. We of course visited the Cathedral, the University of Salamanca (4^th oldest university in the world in case you were wondering), and other places as well that I don’t exactly remember.. (:

Now I would like to share a few “for kicks and giggles” facts if you don’t mind. So with the University of Salamanca, they had quite the interesting graduation ceremonies. Each graduating student had the opportunity to have their own corrida de toros (bullfight). If the student succeeded, then they got to put some graffiti on a wall using the blood of the bull and olive oil or something like that. Knowing this just kind of makes me glad that all I have to worry about for my graduation is which hand to shake and not tripping of course.

Another interesting fact about the University. On the outside of the building, there’s this super intricately designed thing, and on it there’s randomly a frog on top of a skull. Because of this little tiny frog, frog souvenirs flood every single gift shop in the city. Not complaining it was kind of convenient for me. And also, because I found the frog, it means that I’ll return to the city someday (at least that’s what the tour guide lady said). Oh darnit(: Not objected to that in the least bit.

So then after our tour finished, we got to shop, go back to hotel, freshen up, and get ready for Telepizza! Definitely one of my new favorite pizza places because of their barbacoa (barbecue) pizza. All forty something of us basically filled up the whole store, and it was pretty sweet. I always love eating as a huge group on the trips. And we even got to eat this really good cake to celebrate all the people’s birthdays that happened in Spain. Delicious.

Now because our curfew is extended on Fridays, we decided we would definitely take advantage of it. After doing our own thing for a short while, we all met up in the exact middle of the Plaza Mayor, talked together, and of course at ice-cream. I would have to say it was my favorite part of the trip. The Plaza was awesome because all the night lights were turned on and the weather was perfect. I could spend a few more weekends like that(:

After talking for a little while, we attempted to go to like a discoteca. Yeah, fail. Even though our curfew is extended, it doesn’t exactly mean we get to participate in all of the fun which normally begins around 1:30-2:00 I think? So basically we spent the night walking around (even through an obnoxious protest thing). Gotta love curfew right?

So Saturday was basically pointless if you ask me. We basically wasted our time in two different cities for kicks and giggles. I would have to say it wasn’t my favorite day here. But hey, at least I got to enjoy the view from the city of toro and have Claudia as my twin for the day!

I guess I can jump to Monday now. Kind of a whatevs day, but after FHE, a small group of us went to Madrid to the Botanical Gardens. Wasn’t a super exciting place and I had bad allergies, but we definitely made it fun by taking a bunch of ridiculous photos.

Tuesday, around 5, Bethany and I met up with a few members from the church and we headed out to Torrejón to go to Parque Europa. Minus the absolutely awful allergies and abnormally high temperature, it was fun. We also took a whole lot of pictures with the random famous things from Europe. And then after, we went to the mall there where I bought some summery type clothes so I won’t die here during the summer in my jeans.

Now for Wednesday, we first went to two Don Quixote places (the windmills place and some inn place? Not entirely sure). But then we finally got to Córdoba which was pretty cool. It used to be the capital for the mulsumanes when they were in control for a little over here in Spain. There’s so much of their architecture here it’s ridiculous. And the Mezquita. Ah-mazing. I kinda get lost in there looking at all the arcs. It’s one thing to see all of the pictures of this place, but another thing to experience it. I would have to say it was worth the 8 euros that BYU spent for me to go see it(:

So then finally we arrived to Sevilla pretty late and then we went searching for dinner. Hermana took us to this “authentic” place that she told us was “worthwhile.” Well, definitely wasn’t my favorite. But it was food. Free food to be exact. Well, free meaning not from my own wallet haha. That of course is the most important thing.

For our second day in Sevilla, we of course had a tour. We didn’t see much but we did go to like the 3^rd oldest cathedral in the world. It was pretty legit, mainly because I was only feet away from one of the most important people in all of history. That person would in fact be Mr. Christopher Columbus. It was kinda a weird feeling honestly. I don’t know how many times I have had to learn about him in my life, and all of the sudden, there he was (in a tomb of course but still), basically right in front of me.

Then of course, free time. Like 6 hours of free time. Score. That meant nap time for me. After eating lunch at McDonald’s, I legit crashed for a good three hours. It was definitely needed. So after eating at Rodilla with Bethany, we met up with our group to go to like a flamenco bar. It was a pretty cool experience. We got drinks and then we watched the show. All of the musicians and dancers were pretty awesome (and some were even attractive;) ). Super talented too. Flamenco dancing looks pretty dang tough if you ask me. Lots of stomping like super fast.

Now the next day, we headed off to the wonderful city of Granada. It’s quite large, so we didn’t get to do much. Though, we did get to go to La Alhambra (red something?). I don’t know. It’s huge. I’m pretty sure we were there for three hours. Lots of cool gardens and buildings. My favorite part of course was looking at the rather large goldfish. They bring me such joy :D

Once we finally finished, it was time for dinner, Dominoes! Woo! I pigged out quite a bit on some delicious pizza and of course burnt the roof of my mouth in the process (and it still hurts, even today! Boo.). After eating, we got to go to the Arabic market. Pretty fun. My shopping experience was pretty short because I ran out of money haha. I bought two pairs of gypsy pants for a pretty darn good price. I definitely owe it all to Hermana. She’s quite the awesome bargainer. (:

Well that’s all of my fun adventures over the past two weeks. I’ve only got a little more than two weeks left now. It’s legit sad. But I’m definitely excited to come back and start my awesome new and improved summer schedule! Sweet action. Well hasta luego mis amigos! Pásenlo bien! 

There's a lot that i don't know; there's a lot that i'm still learning.

Hands down the busiest week here. We had something going on everyday beginning on Monday. Thank goodness for Sundays. Everyone needs a day to crash, right?


Okay, beginning with Monday then. We of course had FHE earlier than usual because we went to the Reina Sofia museum in Madrid to see mainly Guernica by Picasso among other things as well. It was a little more on the strange side if you ask me. But then again, I don't really understand most art in the first place haha. It was interesting for sure, but I definitely thought that some of the art was done by 3rd graders. ah, who knows. But anyways, this was the only picture I could take here. Kinda boring, but once you sit in the chair, it plays music for you(: 

Tuesday, off to Madrid again. But this time, it was super awesome! We left pretty earlier to go buy tickets for the Real Madrid game. After much waiting, the game finally began at 10:00 PM. Wasn't the greatest time for a game, but we had to deal because it's the only game we'll b able to see when we're here. And who wouldn't sacrifice their sleep to see the gorgeous Cristiano Ronaldo play soccer? Definitely not me. Though he seemed like a speck sometimes, definitely worth it. The atmosphere at the game was just super awesome. There was this one section that I swear sung like the entire game. No idea what in the world they said, but it was pretty cool. Wish I could have been down there with them. Well, now I can say that I have witnessed the great Ronaldo play the wonderful sport of soccer, and I'm pretty darn happy to rub that in my father's face(:

Now for miércoles. Madrid. again. After 3 days of traveling to Madrid, I felt like I started to hate the train station even more than I did in the first place. And I didn't even think it was possible. 40 minute walk which means 1 hour and 20 minute round trip. Try that one in heels. Actually, don't. It's a terrible idea. I would know because I did it on this day. We had to dress up super nice to go to Teatro Real to see some flamenco with the group. It was actually pretty fun minus my foot and awful hunger pains. Flamenco is quite amazing just to put that out there. It's like only guitars, clapping, singing, and dancing. Put it all together and it's super crazy cool. The dancers, singers, and musicians were phenomenal! The first part of the show was kinda like a forbidden love story. No words. Just dancing and music. I was a little confused at first, but by the end, it made sense. After intermission was just a bunch of feel good music. Definitely advise y'all to check some flamenco out sometime. 
Also, as Bethany and I were walking back from the train station pretty late, we saw our tuna friends again! And of course, they called us over and we talked to them for maybe 20-30 minutes. Also, they serenaded us again which is always fun(: And then we took pictures with like the hottest guy in their group. Definitely hope I see him around some more before I leave! 

Thursday. No Madrid today, but still had to make a wonderful trip to the train station. at 7:30 in the morning. ick. But hey, it was travel day! (in other words sleep time(: ) So first, we went to La Ciudad Encantada. Not my favorite place in the world. Basically we just walked around this path kinda of thing for about an hour and looked at large animal-shaped rocks. I know. You're kind of jealous. Ha. 

After this oh so exciting place, we went to Cuenca. Superrrrrr pretty city, but not much to do... Basically the Spaniards go there to chill and that's about it. We went to like a few places and then we had free time which meant shop at like the two shops there and then sit on the stairs and watch one of those musicians that plays for pocket change on the side of the road. Pretty entertaining. They played some flamenco stuff pretty decently. I contributed not very much to his little fund for kicks and giggles haha. Oh yeah! I made it on the webcam too! but my father is a horrible iPhone image capturer so i'm a tiny dot(in the picture below, yes that is me next to that white car. Don't I look great?!. woo. But anyways, we were supposed to stay there til like 5, but there was nothing to do so we left at like 3:30 haha. Fine with me! It meant Valencia a lot sooner!

So then came Valencia! Ah-mazing. We first went to the hotel to drop everything off. Our hotel rooms weren't even really bad. It was just Bethany and I, two beds, and a large bathroom with two sinks in a super huge room. Not going to complain there. The only thing that blew was no wifi. Well, there was wifi, but 3 euros for only 30 minutes? Heck no. I'm already broke enough. But anyways, the first night we went in the downtownish area where we ate at some italian restaurant. It was pretty good and it was super fun talking with the people at my table! Next day. First, we went to the Lladró factory where they make a bunch of porcelain stuff and we got to see like the process stuff. It was pretty cool. Lots of detail, but hey, the statues are simply incredible! Of course this one would be my favorite(:

So after lunch at McDonalds, we headed out to the aquarium which apparently is the largest in Europe? (you better be right Zatch). It was pretty neat actually. The first thing we saw was the dolphin show there, which of course is always fun! They did lots of fun tricks. Then we just kind of walked around and saw all of the fun stuff there until it was time to go to the beach! woo(: We had to go later when there wasn't a lot of sun to avoid naked people haha. But it was still fun anyways. I went out super far in the MEDITERRANEAN ocean. Like the farthest I've ever been in my life (Mom and Dad, you'd be so proud). No big deal eh? hehe. So then after the beach, we headed back to the hotel where we changed super fast and headed out to the downtown area once again for some dinner. There I learned that the Spanish version of fast food is fancy bocadillos and fries. Not complaining. It's pretty dang good. 

So our last day in Valencia was pretty fun. We had a tour guide for a little while who took us to the Cathedral among other places. My favorite part was trying the Horchata. It was actually pretty enjoyable until I walked into the market that smelled like raw meat and made me want to puke. 

So once our tour was over we got to go to the beach again! super fun this time and there was actually sun! I kind of got burned. Not too bad because we were only there for two hours hah. I was definitely sad to leave. I miss the beach so much! It's definitely one of my favorite places. Thank goodness for our other trip to the beach in Barcelona! I'm fosure stoked(:

Well mis amigos, that would be the end of my super busy week! And now, as of today kind of, I only have a month left in this beautiful country. Very sad. But part of me misses not being stuffed with food at this very moment and not having super bad allergies. My allergies are absolutely horrible here. I have like super attacks every time I'm outside. Gotta love spring right? Where's that darn Walgreens with fantastic medicine that works when I need it most?! Weren't they supposed to be on every corner? Ugh. Lies. Oh well, pásenlo bien y tengan una buena semana. ¡Nos vemos!

Arise and be all that you dreamed.

Flip dang fools, I ate me some pig blood today. ickkkkkk.


Oh yeah, happy mother's day to the greatest mom out there! I wish you could be with me right now in Spain to celebrate! It's quite the beautiful day(: But thanks for all that you do for me! I definitely would not be here right now if it weren't for you! Thanks! You're the greatest! 


So, I saved a few events that happened this week for this specific entry because all of the events deal with churchy kind of things. Hur we go folks:


A week ago was the first time we attended the church here in Alcalá de Henares. It was kind of weird because all of the meetings are out of order. 1st: Relief Society, Priesthood, and all those other things that normally happen during third hour. So because of the dumb bus, we arrived like 10-15 minutes late to this meeting meaning we sat in the back. There, I could barely hear anything and there was a baby that would not stop crying so I just kinda gave up on listening. Oh well. 2nd: Sunday School, which is the only hour that is the same. We all go to the single adult sunday school. It's located in this superrrr tiny room that we have to fit 40+ people in. Yeah, it can be a little crowded.. 3rd: Sacrament meeting. There's nothing different at all about it except that it's in Spanish and it's the last meeting of the day. I guess they weren't lying when they said the church was like the same all around the world haha.


Basically after that meeting I thought that I was barely even going to talk to these people at all and that I would see them maybe once a week. Ha. I'm normally wrong when I make assumptions like that. You'd think I'd learn. So, Wednesday lots of us attended FHE with the single adults here. It was actually really fun. We kinda played Taboo with movie titles. I chose Titanic and all I had to say was.. Oooh! It's about a boy and a girl and they were... (cue ocean hand motion) and then someone guessed it. I guess I'm better at explaining in Spanish than I thought hahah. After the activity ended, Bethany and I started to leave because I didn't feel good from my hunger pains, but we didn't quite make it home until 11:30. Two of the guys offered to walk us home, so we ended up talking on a street for quite some time. It was really fun. The guy I was talking to, Hugo, is from Paraguay I believe. He's trying to learn English and it's really fun to help him out and stuff. But at times he was really hard to understand. There were lots of Uhhhhh? Cómo? Blank stares etc. People, conversation is like way different than writing Spanish. And it's way harder! I don't think it helps that my ears are like awful too. I feel like everything goes in one ear and out the other no matter how hard I try to listen sometimes! I obviously have lots to learn. I guess that's why I'm here right? But anyways, the ward members here are super nice, really fun to talk to, and helpful with improving our Spanish! I also had the opportunity to speak with a few the following day at Institute, but not as eventful as FHE of course. 


So today, church was kind of normal, but after church was when the fun started. Immediately after church, Bethany and I hopped on the bus to go to Luisa's daughter's house for a barbecue. Yeah, they're slightly different here I guess considering I got tricked into eating pig's blood! Rule of eating in a foreign country: If someone offers you food with a not so familiar name, ask what's in it before eating it. Before eating the pig's blood, I ate something similar to sausage or something in bread, but then they were like - hey! try this thing. It's called this and it's way more delicious than the first. - uhhhh ok? (took a bite) Ummm. I think that's a negative.. - Oh well you just ate pig's blood. Cool eh?  - Uhhh I think I need something to drink now.... But most of the other food was normal. Not so much the salad of anything and everything, but we had ribs and a little bit of steak. Oh yeah, the people there were super nice. Two of her daughter's entire families were there along with her niece. They're quite comical. I think one of her grandsons was wearing my high heels at one point? But yeah, it was definitely a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon! Definitely will never forget it!


Well, I hope you all have a fantabulous Sunday! And happy mother's day again Trish! Hope your mother's day dinner is a little more tasty than mine was! Peace out my friends (: