I love writing. I was so proud of myself the first few weeks of this blogrimage. It wasn't always easy to sit down and focus, but I was always so glad when I did. And it's not like the posts were anything super special, but just getting into the habit made me feel more productive.
I've been reading a lot lately - some books about writing, some books not - and it seems that no matter what I'm reading my mind ties it back to my need to write. I think it is something good for me and something I need to do. Not just for me, but for something bigger than me. But I don't feel like I'm ready. Then again, I won't be ready unless I practice, practice, practice.
Even though I always recognize how much more valuable something is after it's had to be fought for and earned, I still always want things to come easy. I get mad when I'm not immediately good at something, so I just don't pursue it, no matter how much I want it. I will not let writing be like this.
Resistance is getting me down and I need to overcome.
I've spent the last couple weeks trying to figure out if I should do another blogrimage or start a permanent blog that has a purpose and direction (unlike my xanga), or both. And if I do either or both of those, what will I write about? Many times I feel like I need to have everything totally and completely organized before I can begin, and life just doesn't allow that. Sometimes you have to cook dinner with dirty dishes all around or you won't eat til midnight; sometimes you have to just start replying to and deleting emails or you'll forever have 1266 messages in your inbox (true story); sometimes you have to just take the 15 minutes your mom can spare to talk or you'll have to wait another week. The conditions will never be perfect or exactly as I'd like, but I need to keep focusing on doing what I can with what I have where I am. And luckily, writing is something that can be done anywhere.
Stay tuned for my future blog decision...
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Day 29: My iPhone
I've never wanted an iPhone. I always thought they were stupid. I hate touch screens and always type the wrong buttons. But for Christmas, my boss gave me his iPhone 4 since he got the 4S. I was kind of reluctant to use it at first and kept my old phone as well, but once I got the hang of the iPhone, I've decided I adore it.
I can:
-Skype on it. I don't have to be waiting in front of my computer for a skype call now!
-Listen to sermons on the metro from Beggars Table in KC.
-Read my kindle books on it...especially handy since my 1 year old kindle just crapped out!
-Talk to my brother and other friends in the US for free through the Viber app.
-Use Whatsapp to text here in Spain, thus avoiding text fees.
-Always have a flashlight handy.
-Play words with friends with Melissa!
The words with friends is what really got me appreciating my iPhone this week. It's a fun game, but it also helps me stay connected with my cousin. I don't feel so far from her now since we continuously have a game going, and can text messages through it as well. She even used it to tell me that everyone was alright during the tornado yesterday, so I appreciated it A LOT!
God bless technology!
I can:
-Skype on it. I don't have to be waiting in front of my computer for a skype call now!
-Listen to sermons on the metro from Beggars Table in KC.
-Read my kindle books on it...especially handy since my 1 year old kindle just crapped out!
-Talk to my brother and other friends in the US for free through the Viber app.
-Use Whatsapp to text here in Spain, thus avoiding text fees.
-Always have a flashlight handy.
-Play words with friends with Melissa!
The words with friends is what really got me appreciating my iPhone this week. It's a fun game, but it also helps me stay connected with my cousin. I don't feel so far from her now since we continuously have a game going, and can text messages through it as well. She even used it to tell me that everyone was alright during the tornado yesterday, so I appreciated it A LOT!
God bless technology!
Day 28: Royal Tandoori
Yesterday Yago and I went to one of our favorite restaurants. It is a small Pakistani restaurant about a 5 minute walk from our house. I don't even remember how we came across it, but once we did, there's been no turning back. We've converted Yago's sister and her b/f too. And then they converted their best friends...we're starting a Royal Tandoori revolution.
Aside from the food being AMAZING, the fact that they make it all from scratch as you order it, it is RIDICULOUSLY cheap, and super close, we like it because of one of the workers. Usually when we go - which is always at dinner time, we're one of only two or three tables. This always worries me, so I always pray that their lunch crowd is really good. But I think it's because of the slow business that the main waiter recognized us as early as our second visit. He got a really big smile on his face and shook Yago's hand and asked how we were. The next time the same thing and gave us a free appetizer. Another time a free dessert. He's always so happy and friendly! I love him! There were a couple times in a row we went and he wasn't there and I was sad and thought maybe he left, but yesterday he was back. He said he went on vacation to visit his family in Pakistan. I was relieved.
I really like having "a place." In Wichita I always had Outback, and in Kansas City I had the Foundry. It's such a great feeling to find a place that you can call yours, and go to and know the names of the employees and they know yours too. Before I worked at the Foundry the bartenders even had a special drink just for me!
I've been pretty homesick/family-sick lately, so our little trek to Royal Tandoori made me feel a little better yesterday; a little bit like I have a place here too.
Aside from the food being AMAZING, the fact that they make it all from scratch as you order it, it is RIDICULOUSLY cheap, and super close, we like it because of one of the workers. Usually when we go - which is always at dinner time, we're one of only two or three tables. This always worries me, so I always pray that their lunch crowd is really good. But I think it's because of the slow business that the main waiter recognized us as early as our second visit. He got a really big smile on his face and shook Yago's hand and asked how we were. The next time the same thing and gave us a free appetizer. Another time a free dessert. He's always so happy and friendly! I love him! There were a couple times in a row we went and he wasn't there and I was sad and thought maybe he left, but yesterday he was back. He said he went on vacation to visit his family in Pakistan. I was relieved.
I really like having "a place." In Wichita I always had Outback, and in Kansas City I had the Foundry. It's such a great feeling to find a place that you can call yours, and go to and know the names of the employees and they know yours too. Before I worked at the Foundry the bartenders even had a special drink just for me!
I've been pretty homesick/family-sick lately, so our little trek to Royal Tandoori made me feel a little better yesterday; a little bit like I have a place here too.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Day 27: My faith
Yago once told me that Christianity is biased towards Americans, and he didn't think that was fair. "It's so much easier for an American to believe in God than a European." I got really mad at his statement and vehemently opposed it. But then I really thought about it. I am lucky to be an American because it means I speak English (an advantage anywhere in the world, and the number one reason I got the job I have now), because it means I can travel anywhere in the world (well, except Cuba) without having to apply for a visa (I didn't even realize it wasn't this way for everyone until last year), because it means I lived in a developed country where I had clean water and electricity freely at my disposal, and because it means I was born free. I had never thought of my faith as a benefit received simply by being American as well, but I think it definitely is.
I'm not saying me being American is why I'm Christian, because Lord knows there are plenty of Americans who are atheists - one of my best friends being one of them - but it definitely plays a big part. It is not uncommon to be a Christian in the states. It is not uncommon to meet other Christians in the states or say "I'm a Christian" and get "Me too" in response. It is not uncommon to be a part of Christian groups in churches and schools, or at least be aware of them and have them at your disposal, in the states. And it is not uncommon to say your a Christian and have it left at that, in the states. In spite of Spain being a "Catholic" country, none of that is the case here. It is extremely rare to be a Christian here, more rare to tell someone you're a Christian and get the "Me too" response, and practically impossible to tell someone you're a Christian and have it left at that, with no intense interrogation and mocking of your faith. It's just not the culture here. So while Christianity is still available here, it is not as accepted.
However, as I mentioned above, I am not a Christian simply because I'm American. I am Christian because I know God. I have a relationship with Him. His presence in my life is undeniable - and believe me, I've definitely tried denying it. And it's more than just luck that I have these things, it is because I seek them out, I invest in them, and I work for them. I didn't realize how difficult it was for others to do or have these things until having some deep conversations with one of my best friends, Erich and my boyfriend, Yago, which makes me especially thankful for what I have; because while some may see it as ignorance or a curse, I see it as a definite blessing.
And another tiny plug for Chad, he's actually writing a book about all this - what it means to be a Christian abroad, why and how we become Christians, etc - soon.
I'm not saying me being American is why I'm Christian, because Lord knows there are plenty of Americans who are atheists - one of my best friends being one of them - but it definitely plays a big part. It is not uncommon to be a Christian in the states. It is not uncommon to meet other Christians in the states or say "I'm a Christian" and get "Me too" in response. It is not uncommon to be a part of Christian groups in churches and schools, or at least be aware of them and have them at your disposal, in the states. And it is not uncommon to say your a Christian and have it left at that, in the states. In spite of Spain being a "Catholic" country, none of that is the case here. It is extremely rare to be a Christian here, more rare to tell someone you're a Christian and get the "Me too" response, and practically impossible to tell someone you're a Christian and have it left at that, with no intense interrogation and mocking of your faith. It's just not the culture here. So while Christianity is still available here, it is not as accepted.
However, as I mentioned above, I am not a Christian simply because I'm American. I am Christian because I know God. I have a relationship with Him. His presence in my life is undeniable - and believe me, I've definitely tried denying it. And it's more than just luck that I have these things, it is because I seek them out, I invest in them, and I work for them. I didn't realize how difficult it was for others to do or have these things until having some deep conversations with one of my best friends, Erich and my boyfriend, Yago, which makes me especially thankful for what I have; because while some may see it as ignorance or a curse, I see it as a definite blessing.
And another tiny plug for Chad, he's actually writing a book about all this - what it means to be a Christian abroad, why and how we become Christians, etc - soon.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Day 25 & 26: Books and Mentors
I realize it might seem weak, or odd that after my "triumphant" return to this blog and not giving up, I immediately skip a day again. However, it was for a reason. Promise.
I've recently discovered that for me, books and mentors go together like chocolate and caramel (I don't like peanut butter and jelly so I'm sticking with, what to me, is an unbeatable combination). Maybe this is just because I enjoy reading and writing immensely, or maybe it's just a fact of life. Who knows.
I think my first true mentor was Mr. Andrew Davis. He was my high school AP English teacher, and also the teacher of Humanities, which was a special class he designed and offered, and I think should be mandatory in every school on earth. What an incredible man. He was so encouraging and inspiring and could find potential in you that you never thought you possessed. He could always bring out your best, but leave you feeling and knowing that you still could do even better. He pushed me in ways I never thought possible. He taught his students how to truly learn; how to analyze; how to not just settle for mediocre. He taught us to "be brilliant." And while all this sounds great, and it is, it was also HARD. I shed lots of tears in his classes. I was beyond frustrated in most of his classes. I left feeling more stupid than when I entered, many days. But I knew that I was stretching and growing beyond what I had ever thought possible for myself, so it was beyond worth it.
And in his classes, we read. (Well duh, one of them was an English class.) But we read a lot. For English and humanities. And it was good. He always chose the perfect books and taught us how to get the most out of them. I later bought a few of the books we had to read for his classes because they were so interesting and important to me, to the point of being formative in who and how I am.
My second mentor was probably Todd Giles. He was my intro to fiction teacher at KU. An amazing teacher for an amazing class. I formed a friendship with Todd that I still treasure deeply. I would go to his adorable, floor-to-ceiling book-filled, tv-absent home and talk about books and life. Most of my friends don't appreciate reading or writing in the same way I do, so it was nice to meet someone who not only appreciated it the same way, but was deeply passionate about it. He grew and nurtured that already budding passion in me, and was a huge part of why I feel the need to write. He too, was able to see potential in me that was beyond my own range of sight. While it didn't win, he submitted one of my papers for an award, and put the first ideas of seeing my work published, inside me. He showed me that it's possible to have mountains of debt and not let it run your life, and to even be HAPPY with those mountains of debt, because they were a necessary part of him living out his dreams of being an English professor. Sacrifices must ALWAYS be made to live out your dream; but it is ALWAYS worth it.
I read books in Todd's class I would have NEVER chosen on my own. Have you ever read Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas?? So not a Kelsey book, but I enjoyed it. Have you ever tried to read anything by Burroughs?? Mind boggling. He threw books at me that he knew would broaden my horizons and make me greater.
I came across my most recent mentor completely by accident. Actually I don't think of it as accident, I think of it as divine intervention. Chad Gibbs is an author that stopped by our house church group one Thursday a couple months ago. The day he showed up happened to be the same day I was making some big writing/career/future goal decisions. I talked to him after our meeting and I've been bugging him through email ever since. He's gone above and beyond, especially since I'm just a step above stranger, and sent me books, tips, and encouragement that have already started preparing me for what's to come. I've basically underlined, highlighted and written a big YES! next to every line in the most recent book he bought and mailed me because it is so amazingly perfect for me, I can't stand it. (Which, by the way, let's talk about that for just a minute...Chad, who I've talked to for all of 15 minutes, has already sent me a package here in Spain...not even my own mother, father, or brother have sent me a package yet!) What a huge blessing Chad has been, and how perfectly God orchestrated the whole thing.
And throughout all of this I've also definitely been mentored by different pastors I've had, and books have always been important tools of growth in those relationships as well.
I'm always so in awe of the amazing people God places around me. I really hope that one day I can live up to and fulfill the potential that these inspiring and encouraging people see in me, and make them as proud of me as I am of them.
I leave you with the words Mr. Davis left us with every single day, "Be brilliant. Go."
I've recently discovered that for me, books and mentors go together like chocolate and caramel (I don't like peanut butter and jelly so I'm sticking with, what to me, is an unbeatable combination). Maybe this is just because I enjoy reading and writing immensely, or maybe it's just a fact of life. Who knows.
I think my first true mentor was Mr. Andrew Davis. He was my high school AP English teacher, and also the teacher of Humanities, which was a special class he designed and offered, and I think should be mandatory in every school on earth. What an incredible man. He was so encouraging and inspiring and could find potential in you that you never thought you possessed. He could always bring out your best, but leave you feeling and knowing that you still could do even better. He pushed me in ways I never thought possible. He taught his students how to truly learn; how to analyze; how to not just settle for mediocre. He taught us to "be brilliant." And while all this sounds great, and it is, it was also HARD. I shed lots of tears in his classes. I was beyond frustrated in most of his classes. I left feeling more stupid than when I entered, many days. But I knew that I was stretching and growing beyond what I had ever thought possible for myself, so it was beyond worth it.
And in his classes, we read. (Well duh, one of them was an English class.) But we read a lot. For English and humanities. And it was good. He always chose the perfect books and taught us how to get the most out of them. I later bought a few of the books we had to read for his classes because they were so interesting and important to me, to the point of being formative in who and how I am.
My second mentor was probably Todd Giles. He was my intro to fiction teacher at KU. An amazing teacher for an amazing class. I formed a friendship with Todd that I still treasure deeply. I would go to his adorable, floor-to-ceiling book-filled, tv-absent home and talk about books and life. Most of my friends don't appreciate reading or writing in the same way I do, so it was nice to meet someone who not only appreciated it the same way, but was deeply passionate about it. He grew and nurtured that already budding passion in me, and was a huge part of why I feel the need to write. He too, was able to see potential in me that was beyond my own range of sight. While it didn't win, he submitted one of my papers for an award, and put the first ideas of seeing my work published, inside me. He showed me that it's possible to have mountains of debt and not let it run your life, and to even be HAPPY with those mountains of debt, because they were a necessary part of him living out his dreams of being an English professor. Sacrifices must ALWAYS be made to live out your dream; but it is ALWAYS worth it.
I read books in Todd's class I would have NEVER chosen on my own. Have you ever read Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas?? So not a Kelsey book, but I enjoyed it. Have you ever tried to read anything by Burroughs?? Mind boggling. He threw books at me that he knew would broaden my horizons and make me greater.
I came across my most recent mentor completely by accident. Actually I don't think of it as accident, I think of it as divine intervention. Chad Gibbs is an author that stopped by our house church group one Thursday a couple months ago. The day he showed up happened to be the same day I was making some big writing/career/future goal decisions. I talked to him after our meeting and I've been bugging him through email ever since. He's gone above and beyond, especially since I'm just a step above stranger, and sent me books, tips, and encouragement that have already started preparing me for what's to come. I've basically underlined, highlighted and written a big YES! next to every line in the most recent book he bought and mailed me because it is so amazingly perfect for me, I can't stand it. (Which, by the way, let's talk about that for just a minute...Chad, who I've talked to for all of 15 minutes, has already sent me a package here in Spain...not even my own mother, father, or brother have sent me a package yet!) What a huge blessing Chad has been, and how perfectly God orchestrated the whole thing.
And throughout all of this I've also definitely been mentored by different pastors I've had, and books have always been important tools of growth in those relationships as well.
I'm always so in awe of the amazing people God places around me. I really hope that one day I can live up to and fulfill the potential that these inspiring and encouraging people see in me, and make them as proud of me as I am of them.
I leave you with the words Mr. Davis left us with every single day, "Be brilliant. Go."
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Day 24: Struggles
I suck. I have no real excuses for being gone the last week. I simply did not feel very thankful for anything, so I neglected this blog. Ironic since the point of the blog was to make me be more thankful, especially in moments such as this past week when I don't feel thankful at all.
I pondered simply stopping the blogrimage, as is, since today is day 30...but then decided, no. I will still write 30 posts, even if there is a week lapse towards the end.
So here I am. Still not feeling super thankful, but trying to push through. Don't get me wrong, I still have tons of things to be thankful for, it's just my frame of mind that's not allowing me to see as the blessings that they truly are.
However, I think I knew this was inevitable. I was expecting this. I am a quitter. I quit at lots of things; but I am trying to change that about myself.
I've been learning a lot in my Bible study the past few weeks - in spite of the fact that, that too has been neglected more than it should have been lately - and one of those lessons is that we are to treasure our hidden times. Hidden times, deserts, struggles, whatever you want to call them.
I watched a Ted talk the other day about a woman who spoke of a gift she was given that provided her with renewed faith, a healthier lifestyle, greater appreciation for what she has, tighter bonds with friends and family, and a deeper sense of purpose. What was that gift? It was a brain tumor. Instead of seeing the tumor as a curse, she saw it as a blessing. Her struggle made her better, and too many times I forget that. I don't appreciate the struggle as something that will make me better, I just see it as an obstacle to hurdle.
But in thinking back, I know for a fact I would not have enjoyed the camino nearly as much as I did had I not sacrified tears, sweat, and countless hours. Had I just been given the money to go and gone the moment the idea popped in my head, it would not have been savored. I had to earn the camino. I had to work three jobs, live in someone's basement instead of having my own apartment like I've always dreamed of, not buy myself basically anything for at least 2 years, and pray pray pray.
Had I not gone through college - especially my senior year due to my parents' financial situation which was dire due to their divorce - on ramen and tuna and hand-me-down clothes, I would not appreciate all that I have now as much. I would not be as good and conscientious with money. I would not be as close to God. I would not have had as much compassion as I did for the children and families I worked with at Rosedale.
So while struggling sucks, without it, I would have nothing, nor would I be who I am today. And even though I feel like a big fat loser for quitting so easily a week ago, I'm glad I decided to come back and finish out, because it means I am growing.
I pondered simply stopping the blogrimage, as is, since today is day 30...but then decided, no. I will still write 30 posts, even if there is a week lapse towards the end.
So here I am. Still not feeling super thankful, but trying to push through. Don't get me wrong, I still have tons of things to be thankful for, it's just my frame of mind that's not allowing me to see as the blessings that they truly are.
However, I think I knew this was inevitable. I was expecting this. I am a quitter. I quit at lots of things; but I am trying to change that about myself.
I've been learning a lot in my Bible study the past few weeks - in spite of the fact that, that too has been neglected more than it should have been lately - and one of those lessons is that we are to treasure our hidden times. Hidden times, deserts, struggles, whatever you want to call them.
I watched a Ted talk the other day about a woman who spoke of a gift she was given that provided her with renewed faith, a healthier lifestyle, greater appreciation for what she has, tighter bonds with friends and family, and a deeper sense of purpose. What was that gift? It was a brain tumor. Instead of seeing the tumor as a curse, she saw it as a blessing. Her struggle made her better, and too many times I forget that. I don't appreciate the struggle as something that will make me better, I just see it as an obstacle to hurdle.
But in thinking back, I know for a fact I would not have enjoyed the camino nearly as much as I did had I not sacrified tears, sweat, and countless hours. Had I just been given the money to go and gone the moment the idea popped in my head, it would not have been savored. I had to earn the camino. I had to work three jobs, live in someone's basement instead of having my own apartment like I've always dreamed of, not buy myself basically anything for at least 2 years, and pray pray pray.
Had I not gone through college - especially my senior year due to my parents' financial situation which was dire due to their divorce - on ramen and tuna and hand-me-down clothes, I would not appreciate all that I have now as much. I would not be as good and conscientious with money. I would not be as close to God. I would not have had as much compassion as I did for the children and families I worked with at Rosedale.
So while struggling sucks, without it, I would have nothing, nor would I be who I am today. And even though I feel like a big fat loser for quitting so easily a week ago, I'm glad I decided to come back and finish out, because it means I am growing.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Day 23: Memories
It's ridiculous how fast my mood can change just by listening to a specific song. My Frou Frou album popped up while my iPod was on shuffle, on the way home from Bible study, and I almost started bawling on the metro. Almost.
A very special handful of people know what that album means to me. For the rest of you, here are just a few of the things that album represents:
-Austin, Texas
-Best friends, old and new
-Road trips
-Complete freedom
-Ice cream man
-Playing foosball with Miguel
-Hole in the Wall
-McKinney Falls
-Diego, Jack, Prince and many other amazing people
-Delicious food
-Great conversations
-happiness, joy, Euphoria
-Sunny skies
-Gilmore girls
-Inhibitions
-Carefree
-House parties
-Music
The last few months of my senior year of college I was a mess. For reals. Luckily, Alisha Dawn Schoenecker isn't one for moping, brooding, introversion or anything of the sort and basically told me to suck up and continue with our spring break plans even though I was against - and had been for weeks - any sort of human interaction. It was a life changing week. I really have no idea how everything happened that did, but basically the planets and fates aligned in my favor to let me experience pure, unadulterated bliss for a week. Every moment of that week was amazing; it was as though no wrong could be done, nor could anything get in our way or bring us down. I'm still completely in awe of how perfect it was.
During that week I made some amazing friends which led me to make the KC to Austin trek at least twice more in the couple months that immediately followed. Jack and Diego instantly became best friends. I am a person who believes friendship comes with times, shared experiences, etc., but the immediate bond between us all was undeniable. I don't think they will ever know how much they have changed and influenced/inspired my life just in our few short visits, but they did and I will forever be grateful to them. What completely amazing and loving people. I'm so lucky to know them and to have shared one of the greatest weeks of my life with them.
So at first, when Frou Frou popped up, my first reaction was to skip, because normally if I don't, I start to tear up and get sad that I'm not with my friends in Austin - because for me, that album will forever be intertwined with Austin in my mind - but tonight I resisted the urge; I just listened, and relived, and accepted the beautiful memory for what it was.
Thank you God for Frou Frou. Thank you God for Austin. Thank you God for my memories. Thank you God for irreplaceable friends with whom I share bonds that cannot be separated by neither time nor distance.
A very special handful of people know what that album means to me. For the rest of you, here are just a few of the things that album represents:
-Austin, Texas
-Best friends, old and new
-Road trips
-Complete freedom
-Ice cream man
-Playing foosball with Miguel
-Hole in the Wall
-McKinney Falls
-Diego, Jack, Prince and many other amazing people
-Delicious food
-Great conversations
-
-Sunny skies
-Gilmore girls
-Inhibitions
-Carefree
-House parties
-Music
The last few months of my senior year of college I was a mess. For reals. Luckily, Alisha Dawn Schoenecker isn't one for moping, brooding, introversion or anything of the sort and basically told me to suck up and continue with our spring break plans even though I was against - and had been for weeks - any sort of human interaction. It was a life changing week. I really have no idea how everything happened that did, but basically the planets and fates aligned in my favor to let me experience pure, unadulterated bliss for a week. Every moment of that week was amazing; it was as though no wrong could be done, nor could anything get in our way or bring us down. I'm still completely in awe of how perfect it was.
During that week I made some amazing friends which led me to make the KC to Austin trek at least twice more in the couple months that immediately followed. Jack and Diego instantly became best friends. I am a person who believes friendship comes with times, shared experiences, etc., but the immediate bond between us all was undeniable. I don't think they will ever know how much they have changed and influenced/inspired my life just in our few short visits, but they did and I will forever be grateful to them. What completely amazing and loving people. I'm so lucky to know them and to have shared one of the greatest weeks of my life with them.
So at first, when Frou Frou popped up, my first reaction was to skip, because normally if I don't, I start to tear up and get sad that I'm not with my friends in Austin - because for me, that album will forever be intertwined with Austin in my mind - but tonight I resisted the urge; I just listened, and relived, and accepted the beautiful memory for what it was.
Thank you God for Frou Frou. Thank you God for Austin. Thank you God for my memories. Thank you God for irreplaceable friends with whom I share bonds that cannot be separated by neither time nor distance.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Day 22: El Pulpero de Lugo
Whodda, huhdda, whadda?! El Pulpero de Lugo is the name of Yago's family's restaurant here in Sant Adrià del Besós. It is just caddy corner from our apartment and is one of the hugest blessings in the world. I go there every single morning at 8:45...ok, who am I kidding, I'm usually running late and get there at 8:50 or 8:55...to have coffee with Yago's dad and stepmom before heading to work. I usually go there for lunch too, and before I started my job at OAB, I ate lunch there every single day with Yago's dad, stepmom, sister and brother in law. We eat there for dinner a few nights a week too...like tonight. So obviously, this saves us A LOT of money, especially since we can eat whatever we want there, and if we were paying it would be about 40 euros each time. And when we eat there we can get dessert and coffee too and not feel guilty about it!
I also like el pulpero because it has broadened my food horizons. I now like seafood and sometimes even crave it! Being from Kansas, this is just plain abnormal. However, I do still crave a good steak now and again, and el pulpero comes through for me on that too...all I want filets!
In the end though, my favorite thing about El Pulpero de Lugo is not the food, it's the people. I'd say that at least 75% of their lunch crowd eats there every single day. I worked there for 3 months and got to know a ton of people in the area, and it makes living here a lot more like home in that I can go to the grocery store or pharmacy and see familiar faces. I also got to know a bunch of people there who wanted English classes, which led me into my second job I held here in Barcelona, and it was great. And finally, my fave, there are like 5-10 old men who come to the restaurant to play dominoes everyday and they are hilarious. They're always so serious about their dominoes and get angry and yell and are all such good friends, and I just love them. They all have a special place there and I think it's awesome.
I also like el pulpero because it has broadened my food horizons. I now like seafood and sometimes even crave it! Being from Kansas, this is just plain abnormal. However, I do still crave a good steak now and again, and el pulpero comes through for me on that too...all I want filets!
In the end though, my favorite thing about El Pulpero de Lugo is not the food, it's the people. I'd say that at least 75% of their lunch crowd eats there every single day. I worked there for 3 months and got to know a ton of people in the area, and it makes living here a lot more like home in that I can go to the grocery store or pharmacy and see familiar faces. I also got to know a bunch of people there who wanted English classes, which led me into my second job I held here in Barcelona, and it was great. And finally, my fave, there are like 5-10 old men who come to the restaurant to play dominoes everyday and they are hilarious. They're always so serious about their dominoes and get angry and yell and are all such good friends, and I just love them. They all have a special place there and I think it's awesome.
Day 21: Rollerblading
Sunday was gorgeous. Sunshine. No wind. Everyone outside...except poor Yago, who had to work. So since he was working, Arno and I decided to take advantage of the great day and go rollerblading down by the river.
I didn't realize that Arno is as bad of a skater as Yago. They have serious issues. Arno fell a couple times and I felt bad because he tore a hole in his nice pants...but that didn't stop me from pointing and laughing first. But I digress...
Yago and I are blessed to live about a 3 minute walk from the river, which has a 5 km long biking/running/skating trail. We used it a lot last summer and I am excited to start skating again since the weather has been so nice. We shall see.
Maybe next time Arno needs to bust out his helmet if he wants to hang with me...
I didn't realize that Arno is as bad of a skater as Yago. They have serious issues. Arno fell a couple times and I felt bad because he tore a hole in his nice pants...but that didn't stop me from pointing and laughing first. But I digress...
Yago and I are blessed to live about a 3 minute walk from the river, which has a 5 km long biking/running/skating trail. We used it a lot last summer and I am excited to start skating again since the weather has been so nice. We shall see.
Maybe next time Arno needs to bust out his helmet if he wants to hang with me...
If you can look at that and not at least smile, you have no heart. Love. That. Kid.
Day 20: The Beach
Being a Kansas girl, I never had the beach at my disposal. I think the closest beach was probably in Galveston, Texas which was a good 16 hour drive. I went to the beach in LA a couple times, but even being the middle of summer, it was still too cold to swim. The only time I actually enjoyed the beach was when I went with Alisha and Prince a few years ago in Galveston. I think we got there at about 1am. We swam though, and it was glorious, and the water was actually warm.
So that was my experience with the beach up until I moved to Barcelona. I think that after I moved here, there was a period of at least 2 months where I walked to the beach every single night. I couldn't get enough of it. It's only a 15 minute walk from my apartment, so sometimes it would be 1am, and I couldn't sleep, so I would head out to the beach. There's just something so mysterious and calming about it.
Then last summer, since I didn't have a real job, I basically lived at the beach. It was phenomenal. I just laid in the sun and swam to my little heart's content all day long.
Yago's mom has a beach house on Costa Brava in a small town called Sant Antoni de Colonge. The beach there is the nicest beach I've ever been to. It's so beautiful, and the water is crystal clear. Since Arno was in town, we decided to head to Sant Antoni on Saturday and hang out at the beach. After having some paella for lunch, we went down and took a nap on the beach. It was delightful.
I actually did snap a couple pictures too:
So that was my experience with the beach up until I moved to Barcelona. I think that after I moved here, there was a period of at least 2 months where I walked to the beach every single night. I couldn't get enough of it. It's only a 15 minute walk from my apartment, so sometimes it would be 1am, and I couldn't sleep, so I would head out to the beach. There's just something so mysterious and calming about it.
Then last summer, since I didn't have a real job, I basically lived at the beach. It was phenomenal. I just laid in the sun and swam to my little heart's content all day long.
Yago's mom has a beach house on Costa Brava in a small town called Sant Antoni de Colonge. The beach there is the nicest beach I've ever been to. It's so beautiful, and the water is crystal clear. Since Arno was in town, we decided to head to Sant Antoni on Saturday and hang out at the beach. After having some paella for lunch, we went down and took a nap on the beach. It was delightful.
I actually did snap a couple pictures too:
Thankful for the beach and friends to share it with!