Things I Wasn't Expecting

After realizing this move to Spain wasn't just a possibility, but a reality, I immediately started imagining life in Espańa. Who wouldn't? I expected endless glasses of Sangría, hours spent on the beach, endless tapas, immediately speaking Spanish, and traveling every weekend to another country.

But upon my arrival, I realized I had been imagining a life on a clock. I realized there was no rush to do everything or drown my body in Sangría. Living with a host family has given me the opportunity to meet other families, eat homemade Spanish dishes, try the local restaurants that don't have English translation, and drink their favorite Spanish wines. It has made the whole experience more than I could've hoped because I am actually living the Spanish life with lots of real paella and siesta's. 

Siesta's should become custom in the United States as well. Personally, I think everyone would be a little happier with a nap after a big meal.

I have tried the Sangría and while it is delicious, I still would choose a glass of wine, a very very cold beer or currently a gin and tonic. Patatas Brava's are hands down my favorite tapas, but am also a fan of the ensalada de Russian and any dish with atún. I have become accustomed to cereal every morning in a mug or a piece of cake or cookies with my café. (Living with families with children mean lots of candy, cookies, and sweets -- no complaints here!!!!)

 

TIP #1 when wanting to experience a new country: Live with a Family !!!!!

One thing that I didn't expect, at least not to this extent, was how much I would love these families. So far I have been with two and while both are different, I am immensely grateful for both!! I have been able to see the small Spanish villages and live the similarities and differences with families in Spain and America. I am so glad to see there is still so much love in each of them!! It is so enjoyable  getting to meet their families and friends, it really does feel like home. Living with a family means you are experiencing the real life Spain. You are going to the local restaurants and eating home cooked paella and dishes, which are 1000000x greater than those restaurants that claim, "best paella in Valencia". You will have time to do all the tourist stuff as well and trust me, it is so nice to return home to a family!!

And if you're as lucky as I have been you will have amazing families that allow you to cross things off your bucket list!! And when your host dad plays in a Jazz band -- go see them perform!!! Finally checked this one off the list and it was so cool seeing him perform and all his friends cheer him on.

 

Clau de Swing

And when you are living with a family, always always always go to the family events!! You will see some pretty crazy traditions that will have you dying of laughter and also it gives you the chance to participate in these festivals. This weekend, we went to Anna, Spain to celebrate St. Anthony. This meant another Spanish BBQ - full of chorizo, tartas (cake), pan, vegetables, wine, ribs, sausage - and watching a parade. This was not an ordinary parade because there were people riding on horses throwing toys and household items. It seems normal right? Some of the things being thrown were flower pots, fly swatters, funnels, and buckets!!! And not just a few either. This went on for 2 hours!! I have never seen so many people jump for buckets and toothpaste, this isn't saying I didn't completely join!! I got 2 plastic soccer balls and a bucket and a plastic tennis set. I was giddy, let me tell ya!! Family events in Spain remind me so much of my own family for multiple reasons

1. There is always an large amount of delicious, home-cooked food

2. It is very loud and filled with kids running around and adults chatting away

3. There is a lot of laughter and everyone is relaxed and comfortable

Spain has been nothing short of wonderful and I still have five months. Highly recommend jumping to any opportunity to live in another country. Time to start exploring this amazing country !!

Next stop: Toledo, Granada, Sevilla, Cadíz and Cordoba, Spain