hoooola

hola guys-- I know its been forever. I've been very busily up to no good nothing at all and am just now taking the time to tell you about it. Let's start backwards:

Last night, Misha and I went out with David for the first time. Bar 31 (41? 36?) is right down the street from our house and boasts real American spirit. Darts and a pool table make this bar stand out from the others in town and American rock beats from the ceiling-hung speakers. Guitars in glass cases line the walls, all signed and labeled with names such as AC DC and Metallica. This place, void of any slutty 17-year-old Keisha drones, is a perfect place to find a relaxed atmosphere (unless I'm there after too many Jamesons) and really good music that makes you think "eight-track." So that's where I was on a Monday night. In the midst of Zamora's finest, I was the 'guiri' in the pink cashmere; and thanks to the new nation-wide smoking band, I left smelling like the lamb I came in as.

(Oh and I had a blast and learned not to bet people I would beat them at pool and learned not to mix beer and whiskey. Sometimes its scary to realize you're learning a lesson WHILE you're making the mistake. Maybe it's called common sense though ... who knows?)

On Mondays and Wednesdays I teach English at a language academy here in town. My 'students' range from 16 to late thirties and I really enjoy learning from them as well. It is my fountain of knowledge (biased of course) and can always count on learning something about their hated PM, Zapatero, how America controls the world's gas prices (surpri-ise!) or how a Spanish bachelor party is done properly. Did you know strippers here have many more jobs than their title implies?

Anyway, I worked on Thursday last week as well and this new class was a handful of older elementary kids. I LOVED IT! They are so fun and adoring and don't have that terrible attitude that creeps up around age 14. I know, I just sounded OLD but the young ones respected me so much more than my high school kids and I really enjoyed it. Plus, they respond better to my animation. I'm just a straight up idiot in the eyes of my 16-year-olds.

Earlier last week I began my 'job search' online which ended in a facebook distraction (inevitable). I did get a solid hour of looking though. Apparently Montessori schools require a 9 month training (with a serious pricetag); I've decided I better start teaching the cheapest way possible and make sure I like it first. I think my 'job' here has been great, but maybe a little deceiving as to how a real teacher works.

Okay so maybe I've wowed you enough for now. My life is sooo exciting isn't it? ;) I REALLY am excited to see Mom and Emmy over Easter though. I've done some research on the vitals and now need to narrow down my options from about 15 cities I'd love to take them to. Hope yall have a great weeek! Love YOU. Xx Alyssa

lucky number seven(teen)

Okay, so we all knew I wasn't going to blog everyday. thats just stupid. I've had a lot on my plate lately (drinking coffee, watching movies, working, cooking, etc.) So, lets catch up on the last few days:

nothing but dropping temps and trying on sunglasses (who can deny Tom Ford's talent and quirky style -- especially when they are MORE than half the U.S price? )

Back to reality --t onight I am taking the midnight bus with Rachel, Chelsey and Tom to Sevilla. We plan to spend three days there, head south to Granada to visit the infamous Alhambra (a gorgeous 14th century Moorish palace) and then to Cordoba to visit the one and only Mezquita. I am so excited for this mini vaca!! I am charging my cameras as we speak so expect photos sometime next week. (Insert quote from Dad here: "I'm a poet a didn't know it.")

NEVER LET THE ADVENTURE DIE!

(3 weeks)

First Snow

Madrid-Barça Game at La Pinta de Oro

Celebration in the streets

Fireworks

(welcome to authentic Espain)

24?

There are far and few between who are reading this, but I owe it to someone (maybe just 1 someone) to explain myself. Internet just isn't as reliable here and blogging everyday will probably never work. However, I still love spain so lets get on with the countdown.

24 days.

thanksgiving has passed, Thank the Lord, and I no longer need to remind myself that this would be my first thanksgiving away from family, friends and that perfect Texas fall weather (haha). But actually, I had a really fun thanksgiving with the group of students here in Zamora. Everyone brought something unique to the table and to realize at 4am that I had spent the nearly the entire night in Castellano was a fabulous feeling. (lets work on saying it correctly: In Spain, they speak Castellano. Not spanish. There is a very nearly invisible line between the two, but its there.)

Anyways Mom, thank you so much for calling me from turkey day lunch! It meant so much to pass around the phone and talk to everyone. Thank yall for thinking about me!

Refent discovery: EuroGrill. Fries and mayo (dutch style), texas-sized burgers (rhode island sized patty) and its is located next door. literally i went in sweat pants and a pea coat.

Another thing, this weather is GREAT! blue skies and sunshine. Loving IT. LOVE LOVE LOVe.

29 & 28

So you know what is so great about Spain? Unsolicited help. Everyone here in Zamora is so nice! I always buy my produce at El Cid -- a little store front on Calle Amargura. They are usually pretty packed with old folks but if you can get there before the crowd hits, it is so lovely to just walked around in circles and read labels and oogle things you've never seen before. This week however, I walked in with a goal: I wanted to make a pot of beans. I asked where the beans were and voila I had a personal shopper and recipe book at hand. The lady (I've got to get her name!) explained every type of bean, their origin, and how they cook. We settled on Pintas and as I checked out, she began to tell me the best way to do it. Then, the two ladies in line behind me chimed in and within minutes, I knew what to do, what to avoid and a request for me to return with my results.

And to let you know, the beans turned out wonderfully. They are the perfect meal for the fall-turned-winter weather :) Here, friends and family, is some unsolicited help for you:

Beans

Soak beans overnight in water.

saute garlic, onion, red and green peppers, carrots in a large pot. cook them down until the carrots are almost tender. rinse and add beans. add WARM or HOT water (never cold says the El Cid lady) and add chicken broth until everything is covered. add cumin and bay leaf. bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer and cook for 2-3 hours until everything is tender, and desired juice is left. Add salt only at the end to prevent the beans from breaking.

que aprobeche!

THIRTY

When in Spain, there is plenty of time to do nothing :)

I love spending Sundays catching up on the girls above Charlie, finding Vera Neumann scarves that I ADORE and laying in bed watching movies.

hint: I LOVE THE VERA FLORALS! :) (merry Christmas, anyone??) They can also be found at ETSY and Ebay!

Hope you are all doing great and getting ready for Thanksgiving!

31

The excitement of a new place is always just a bus ride away ....

My shopping day in Valladolid (an hour and a half north of Zamora) went fabulously.