Winter Thoughts

Hello All! It has been such a long time since I've written on here! I cannot believe that I've been home for almost two months. In all honestly, the move back home has been more overwhelming than I thought it would be. When I left Valencia, I felt as though I truly was ready to come home. I laughed when we had our last meeting of the semester and our program director handed us "coping with reverse culture-shock" packets. I figured that I had traveled so many times before this, and that coming home wouldn't even phase me. At first this was most definitely true. I found myself back in the same patterns of grocery shopping, going to the gym, substitute teaching, and spending time with my friends. As winter break dragged on, the realization finally started to hit that my time in Valencia had come and gone. 

Going to Valencia was undoubtedly the best experience of my life. When else will I get to have all of Europe at my fingertips for four months while receiving college credit? The answer might be sooner than you think.

This semester has certainly opened my eyes to figuring out a way to get back to my beloved Spain as soon as possible. Although I do want to be a Spanish teacher in New Jersey, I feel as though another adventure is in store before I receive for a full-time job. Recently, I've been contemplating the idea of teaching English in Spain for the following school year. I think it is something that I would absolutely benefit from as far as my future career in education goes. Not only will I further improve my Spanish, but I will also gain experience in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), which is what I intend to start my Masters in this summer. 

My first reaction to this idea is YES, ABSOLUTELY GO! My gut reaction tells me ARE YOU CRAZY, AN ENTIRE YEAR? What about x, y, and z reasons why you shouldn't be considering it? I've found that I have been an active watcher in my life, rather than going out and experiencing it for my self. I wait in anticipation for things that probably will never even happen. The fact of the matter is, is that I am a 21 year old about to graduate in may. As far as real life adult responsibilities go, I have absolutely none. The timing could not be better. 

The one and only thing that is holding me back is fear; the fear of not finding a full-time job when I return, the fear of not having money, the fear of missing life back home, and the fear of being alone. I've realized since being home that your thoughts become your world. If I go into an experience such as this thinking all of these negative thoughts, the outcome will most likely be negative. I figure I might as well apply to at least have it as an option. 

Aside from future plans abroad, I've started student teaching this semester. Although it is very time consuming, I really enjoy the school I'm working at, along with my cooperating teacher.

Health-wise, I've also made a few changes. Still having to deal with this stress fracture in my left foot, I've been confined to the stationary bike at the gym. About two weeks ago, I started going to hot yoga with one of my best friends. We LOVE it! I've also started a pretty strict vegan lifestyle. Essentially, all vegan means is not eating any animal products, so no meat or dairy. It's only been a little over a week, but I'm feeling a lot healthier and positive about my body, have not been as stressed or worrisome, and have even lost a few pounds! At first I challenged myself to 40 days of being vegan, but now I'm thinking there may possibly not be an end to it. I'm having fun experimenting with new foods, and finding new alternatives.

That's all for now. I'll fill you in on how my first day of teaching goes tomorrow! For now, live without fear, and do something healthy for yourself!

domingo: un día perfecto para comer paella con la familia

I have officially decided that for me, this month has been "No Luck November." After weeks of Moroccan Fever, I finally returned to running this past Tuesday. Tuesday I ran 10 minutes, Wednesday I ran 20 minutes, and Thursday I ran 30 minutes. Thursday afternoon I started having pain in my left foot, and experienced difficulty walking. Since I live in a city, not being able to walk is not an option. Being that I've become an expert with diagnosing my own injuries after having worn two (yes, two!) air casts this year due to stress fractures and shin splints, I can confidently say I believe that I have a stress fracture. All of the signs & symptoms are there: swelling, hot to the touch, and sharp pains. For the first time I'll admit that I miss being booted. 

More upsetting than having an injury is the fact that I had to miss running the race I had been looking forward to for months. I understand that all runners experience injuries, it's a natural part of the sport, but I just don't understand why here, and why now. Although it was devastating to watch from the sidelines, it was a reminder of how much I'm craving a marathon finish. I think it's a feeling that most people wouldn't understand. For me, there is no greater feeling in the world than crossing that finish line and exclaiming, "I DID IT!" It has nothing to do with the expo, the pictures, the swag bag, the medal, or the sake of being able to say I ran 26.2 miles, (although I think it does grant you bragging rights!) yet has everything to do with the months of preparation through the blistering heat, pouring rain, and failing snow. It has everything to do with waking up before the sunrise and doing more in an hour than most people do in a day, maybe even a week, or maybe even a month. It has everything to do with all of the times that your head told you no, but your body defeated those obstacles anyway. For me, running has nothing to do with the actual motion of the running. Although I was able to witness a record breaking finish, I want to be able to run across the finish line breaking my own record. Even though today was not my day, I just have to continue to look for the positive (I'd say paella is pretty positive!), and know that my record breaking marathon finish will come.

"That's the thing about running: your greatest runs are rarely measured by racing success. They are moments in time when running allows you to see how wonderful your life is."

-Kara Goucher

Rose park in Valencia!

Race start of over 20,000 runners!

A record breaking marathon finish in Spain!

Wishing my GOTR girls luck on their upcoming 5K!

It's Sunday: paella making day!

Roommate and Padre!

Roommate and Madre!

La familia completa! (Wearing your favorite outfit, Kimmy!)

MOROCCO

I can finally say I have safely returned after conquering four cities, two continents, and one desert in 10 days. Despite the ups and downs of traveling, I can honestly say it was the best experience of my life, and I am certainly not the same person I was when I boarded the train to Sevilla two weeks ago. The trip started in the capital city of Fes where we stayed for two nights. It was the first time in my life that I have ever felt as though I physically do not belong somewhere. All of the women, the few that I saw at least, were completely covered, and of course, not blonde.

 This is the port where we left from Spain to go to Morocco.

 The King's palace.

In Fes, we spent the day in the Medina, which is a huge market where people sell and buy anything you can imagine. The streets are narrow, dirty, and have a horrible smell. Often, donkeys pass through the streets. Luckily we had a guide that took us to a jewelry, spice, carpet, scarf, leather, and pottery stores. Otherwise we would have been lost on our own for sure!

At the leather store we walked to the top floor where we could oversee how the leather is made. The smell is horrific, so they gave us mint leaves to smell.

 In the scarf store I tried on a traditional moroccan dress.

And tried traditional mint tea!

Picture of our group from Valencia!

Sunset in Fes.

The following day we left for the Sahara Desert. We traveled all day by bus, then took 4x4s to the campsite where would stay for two nights. The desert was incredible. It looked as though it was a movie set that could be knocked over if you pushed it hard enough. 

Our tents!

 The first morning we watched the sunrise.

After the sunrise we hoped on top of our camels to take a ride through the desert.

Sahara Desert by day!

Sunset in the desert.

Despite being terribly sick, the trip was an incredible, once in a lifetime experience. I enjoyed being in a completely different culture, on the continent of AFRICA! Luckily and happily my illness has passed, but I will always remember the positive memories I made in Morocco.

Weekend in Dublin

This past weekend was my first time leaving Spain in over a month! My roommate and I traveled to Dublin, and I can honestly say it was one of the best weekends I have ever had traveling. Everything was just wonderful. We stayed at a B&B outside of the city in order to be closer to the airport for our late arrival on Thursday, and early departure on Sunday. I surely took advantage of the breakfast part of the B&B being that I have not eaten breakfast in over a month! We're still only offered coffee and tea for breakfast, so I was overjoyed at the sight of bacon and eggs.

We started the trip by visiting the Guinness Storehouse, which included a tasting and demo on how to properly pour the beer. We had a fun time roaming around and taking pictures.

After that, we went on a free walking tour around Dublin to see some of the historical sites.

We took a break on the tour at the first tea shop in Dublin. I had chai tea and a blueberry scone!

Then we made our way to Trinity College, and to see the Book of Kells.

                                     

And of course, St. Patrick's Cathedral!

And I had to buy myself some pearls!

Just a few pictures on the bridges of Dublin!

This is where we went for dinner that night:

Then moved on to TEMPLE BAR!

Had Irish cream in Ireland!

The next day we went to Howth, a town outside of Dublin to walk around the cliffs. 

That night we went to a show called "The Irish House Party," which included a three course traditional Irish meal and a show with music and step dancing. 

And that was the end of my weekend! Looking forward to all of my trips to come!