Southern (Spain) Style Christmas (Acho!)

No matter how many Christmas lights, carols and red carpets were laid around the city, it still didn't keep me from feeling blue during Christmas.

Knowing that I'll only be living in this flat for a short period of time and everything I buy here, I'll have to take with me in the same two suitcases I brought, make it very difficult to decorate my flat the way I'd like. Considering I love to decorate for EVERY holiday to really get a feeling of each holiday spirit, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas were all feeling the same in my home. Just normal days. Nothing special.

This all changed when one day I received a notice that I had a package from the USA delivered to my apartment. This was strange because all of my family knew to send any packages to my school. From who and what was this mystery package? Well after a weekend, festival and one Correos imbecile later I realized the package at some point was delivered to the office at my building.. that no one is ever in!! Inside this package were a bunch of American goodies such as hot cocoa, instant oatmeal, hamburger helper, TWIZZLERS and best of all a little Christmas tree. Thanks to my two great friends Chelsea and Michelle for the Christmas spirit. I then started cutting and pasting together hand-made decorations that the kids in my classes taught me how to make.

Christmas gifts from Chelsea and Michelle

Despite all of this, Christmas was still found to be missing here. A friend of mine told me that here in the north it is normal for the people to have big celebrations for holidays but these celebrations are almost always closed to only family members. So every time someone asked me what I was going to do for Christmas and my response was “I guess I'll be alone” the conversation stopped there.

The tower in Valencia

Right about this time, my friend Candace from The States (who is also in this program but in the south) and I decided to spend Christmas together. I bought my plane ticket and a few days later started the journey to visit her. Starting by (step 1) leaving my place at 6:30 a.m to catch the bus to the airport. My flight left right on time (step 2) and I arrived in Valencia late morning. I had about 4.5 hours to kill in Valencia so I took advantage of that time and used my guidebook to hit up some incredible world heritage sites and of course Starbucks! The 3.5 hour bus ride from Valencia to Murcia capital (step 3) wasn't too bad except for when I thought I was about to be left at one of the stops because there was a line for the bathroom and then someone took my seat on the bus. Thankfully (rolling me eyes) I had 1.5 hours to wait at the Murcia bus station for the next bus (step 4) to Aguilas. Por fin, I arrived in Aguilas and was warmly greeted by Candace and two of her good friends, Thomas and Javi.

At the top of the tower is this beautiful bell

 

And so began my great Christmas excursion! Candace and I had about 4 days together and we rode bikes, hiked along the coast, watched Spanish TV, studied spanish and talked about our future plans. With her friends Javi and Nacho, we went cruising through the mountains and along the coast to some of the greatest views. We had dinners and coffee with her group of friends that lasted hours!

Nacho loves his car

Javi, Nacho, Candace and me

I'll tell you this is something I have really come to enjoy about the Spanish culture, that people come together and stay for awhile, really listening and talking and spending time to get to know one another. Making time for friends and family is very important here. Hours can pass by without anyone checking their phone or watch.

Javi wanted to make paella for me as soon as I arrived

As Nochebuena/Christmas Eve arrived, we realized everyone has a grand meal with their family on this night so naturally Candace and I had “taco night.” I'm not sure if the following is a southern custom or an Augilas custom, after the dinner its customary to grab a bottle of champagne and head to the main square to spend time with your friends. I'm assuming because of the cold and the grand opening of a new club, we all went there instead.

Aguilas coast

Christmas with Candace was spot on, we slept in, went for a sunset cruise on the bikes and then did our best at making a full Christmas dinner. We made green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, deviled eggs, and fried chicken! For dessert I whipped up some chocolate covered peanut butter balls!! Super tasty!! With the addition of some great red wine and semi-sweet champagne and the company of her friend Javi, the night was a complete success.

It wasn't until we settled down to start the skype marathon with our families that I couldn’t hold myself together anymore. Seeing all of my family together without me was very difficult. I knew it was my choice not to be home during this time but knowing all of the laughter and tears and Christmas surprises were still happening without me was rough. I wanted to stay here and explore more of Spain and this was the perfect opportunity to do so, however in that moment, it was very hard to tell that to myself.

Christmas dinner

Christmas dessert of course!

Yes, we study and drink wine at the same time

 

Two girls having fun

The time with Candace quickly ran out after Christmas. What an amazing and memorable experience I had with her and with all of her friends. 

Our hike along the coast

Playa de Carolina

The icing on the cake was on the day we both we leaving Aguilas for more travel. We arrived in Lorca to change buses and trains to different destinations, and Candace's friend Thomas showed up at 8:30am! He had bags of all kinds of baked goodies for the two of us to enjoy during our travels. Thomas apologized for not being able to spend more time with me. Little did he realize, he gave me two of the best presents I could have asked for on that trip: telling me I'm picking up a Gallego accent and simply his presence at such an “early” hour in another city!

Yes, it was a Merry Christmas.

Laying out on the beach with earphones and sweats! Love it!