And it all came to an end...

The program officially ended and it was time to spend an extra week in Europe with my mom and aunt. These two women are by far the funniest people on this planet. I’m so happy that I have women like them to look up to and spend my time with stress free.

My mom booked a last minute flight to Italy for my birthday. (I love you mother)! We got to Italy and I was so tired but with these two it’s always go, go, go. My mom says, “We’re not here to sleep, we’re here to explore.” Her motto was similar to our motto during the program, “We’ll sleep when we’re dead.” When we were trying to figure out how to get around the city my mom overheard a woman speaking Spanish on the phone and automatically turned her networking skills on. The woman was a Columbian who had been living in Italy for quite a while. Mind you she is now fluent in Italian. She really helped us out to reach our destination. Warning: Italy metros are way sketchier than Spain ones. First we went to Coliseum and there we were able to learn about the history and the events that went on during the Roman times. Learning about it all made me want to watch all sorts of movies about Roman times. It was interesting hearing about how the battles went on, what the different colors of togas meant that the audience had to wear, as well as the animals that were being battled. Next we walked up to a hill and learned about where special emperors lived; pretty cool stuff. Our day was finally ending and I was dead tired. When we were walking back to our hotel, we heard a sudden yell of Spanish out of the windows. We looked up and it was the Columbian woman! She invited us up to the apartment (pretty nice) and they chit chatted while my head bobbed up and down trying to stay awake. It is safe to say that I now have someone to stay with in Italy if I ever go back.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! We decided to go to Venice for the day. My, oh my, this city is absolutely beautiful. I’m sure most of you know that the only way to get around Venice is by boats. I rode a gondola for the first time but I learned something about my mom; she hates boats and dogs. I literally was dying laughing when we got on a gondola to cross the water, a man and his dog hopped on and sat next to my mom, and there went the freak out. My aunt and I were laughing so hard, people thought we were crazy. When I was walking around the common things I saw around in the stores was Mureno glass and Carnival Masks. If I wasn’t a broke study abroad student I would’ve bought everything. Most of the day was spent walking around just exploring, looking at pretty buildings. On our way to the hotel, this drunken Italian thinks it would be hilarious to just take my hat and run off with it. I got it back, but he was just so rude! Spaniards > Italians.

We only spent 3 days in Italy and it was time to leave. However, before we left we went to the Vatican City. My aunt and I took a nice, tour through the Vatican museum. Everything was so detailed and beautiful I couldn’t believe what I was seeing right before my eyes. The ceilings were covered with artwork that I had never seen and probably won’t ever see again. We walked down long hallways to only find the big shebang…the Sistine Chapel. Michaelangelo what you did was amazing! I loved the stories you decided to paint on the ceilings of the church. They are by far my favorite stories. God is good.

I arrived in Spain on Wednesday and my flight to America was on Friday night. The next few days were spent relaxing and putting together my thoughts. I couldn’t believe that it was all over. I was finally going back to America. I am so blessed to have been able to experience something like this. I made friends for a lifetime, got to know myself as a woman, as well as learn to appreciate so much more than I have. If you ever have the chance to experience something like this, PLEASE DO IT. I promise you will have the time of your life, but only do it if you’re able to have an open mind because you will not enjoy it if you don’t step out of your comfort zone. Try new things; don’t live life assuming you don’t like something when you’ve never tried it. I’m grateful for everything that my life has turned out to be right now and I couldn’t be happier. If God lets me…Spain, I WILL see you in two years! Ya estoy extrañando España mucho.

Love,
Carolina (La chica enamorada de España)

The events of our last week as a group!

Well my last week in school was spent in Toledo, Segovia, and Madrid. I do have to say that it was probably one of the most bittersweet moments of my life. I was glad that school was over but insanely sad that my time abroad was ending.

After our final on Monday it was time to say our farewells to our lovely tutors that night. We all went out and had a good, first and last time out of school, together. Our last night consisted of going to the usual places then randomly hitting up the discoteca one last time… on a Monday. Who would’ve thought? I stayed up all night because I had to board the bus at 6:15 to head out to Toledo. What can I say? I’m a champ, along with my other classmates that joined in on the fun.  Some of the tutors I became extremely close to (Irene y Javi) and I am extremely sad that I won’t see most of them again. They have not only helped me as a Spanish student but they have offered to help me with my future plans. My future plans are to live in Spain for a good 2 to 3 years to perfect my Spanish and also, just to enjoy my life while I’m still young. Yes, I love Spain that much and plus… los chicos son MUY guapo. I never thought that saying goodbye to people I’ve only known for a month would be so hard but it only got worse when I got to Madrid.

We didn’t head straight to Madrid. Our first pit stop was in Toledo. Toledo, by far has one of the most beautiful aerial views. My past excursions we all got a little loco, but this one was different. I was able to enjoy artwork by Greco (a great painter by the way) as well as just free my mind of any doubts, negativity, and evil that were restraining my mind from being free. Night time arrived and the city lights swept me off my feet. Oh my gosh! My camera broke fourth of July so I haven’t had a camera to document my moments on BUT the image will never be erased from my mind. Enjoying the breeze and the quietness of the city, I had a nice, long, mature heart to heart with Alida. We had a lot of these this trip. I know I’ve said this many times in my past blogs but I cannot express to you how much I now enjoy the smaller things in life and I seriously challenge you to take a look outside and be HAPPY and GRATEFUL for EVERYTHING. Toledo… you will forever be in my heart.

Next up was, finally, Madrid. We got into the city around 6 PM. It was enough time to take a much needed power nap and get ready for dinner. Dinner… I was not too impressed but it free so who cares. After dinner, us troopers went out to see what this city was all about. In mathematical terms the night was greater than the dinner.

We didn’t stay up to see the sunlight but we were extremely tired. Our schedule was extremely busy for a block of 9 hours…we are popular people. My whole time in Spain we saw a handful of palaces but none like the one we saw in a town close to Segovia. This palace matched the pictures in all my imaginations. I was in awe not only because I never thought I would see something like it but also because real people, years ago, actually lived there. The palace had a lot of beautiful gardens but I wanted to go to the maze. I can finally say I’ve been through a maze. The whole time I imagined that I was in a battle for the goblet of fire, seriously. Some advice to those that ever go through a maze: use the restroom before entering.

I finally got my much needed bathroom break when it was time to head to the city which holds the castle that inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella castle--AMAZING. Christine was going absolutely crazy, but it’s understandable because she works for Disney. Segovia had beautiful architecture such as the Cathedral and the Aqueduct. I wish we could have had more time there because I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more than I think I did.

After a long day, we headed back to Madrid. It was Thursday night and it was time to celebrate John Juan’s birthday as well as celebrate my birthday early. I took a nap, got ready and went to eat some tapas with Ali. Sad to say I got food poisoning the next day, bummer. That night we hit the streets of Madrid and went to the same place we went to the night before. Let’s just say we definitely livened up the place. Afterwards the party poopers went home and Ali, Clayton, and I went to Joy Eslava (very popular discotech in Madrid). This place was huge. On the outside it looks tiny but the inside is a very nice theatre. My early birthday celebration ended at 6:30 AM and that’s because the club was closing. I couldn’t believe it.

On Friday, we had a free day in Madrid. I, however, did not get the chance to enjoy it because of my food poisoning/stomach virus that I just so happened to get. My mom and my aunt were coming to Spain that day. Even though I was sick I was ecstatic about my mom being there with me. All I did was lay in bed all day, see the guapo maintenance guy fix our AC, and find out that I got an A in class. After I felt better I thought it would be a good idea to get something to eat. Ali and I were walking when we found Samuel! Samuel is probably one of the funniest, sweetest guys I’ve ever met, I can’t wait until we hangout in Lubbock. Dinner was tough but hilarious at the same time because of Sam’s little comments. We told him that we were going to have a movie night in our hotel room and that he was invited to join; it turned into him staying the night with us in the extra bed. I hadn’t laughed that hard in a while. I always love meeting people that you can be yourself around as well as laugh at the most pointless things. With those people you tend to share the best memories with.

Our last week came to end and I had to say goodbye so some really special people. Shout out to Alida Paine for being true to herself, and thank God for putting someone who has just as a big heart as me, in my life. I can’t wait to see where our friendship goes! Also, Samuel, my little chismoso, I can’t wait to see you in Lubbock! Christine aka roomie, your loud laugh and huge personality are what make me excited to go back to Lubbock. Nonprofits here we come, can’t wait to hang out with you! Everyone else I really hated… just kidding. I can’t wait to see you guys in the fall. It’s like we’re going to be in Spain all over again but Lubbock edition. Prepare yourselves.

Everyone left and I was the lone wolf. Hasta luego España y ciao Italia!

Love,
Carolina

To The End of the World and Back

It makes me depressed that this is only my fifth blog post but school, school, school it’s almost over which means my time in Spain is almost coming to an end but not quite yet. Over the weekends we’ve gone on a couple of excursions to hear about and see the history of Spain. The first weekend we went to Cordoba, where we saw a mosque that now is a Cathedral then we were able to see the Jewish quarters. We climbed on ruins in Italica and almost got kicked out—John got kicked out however—chicos malos. Our next stop was Granada. Probably one of the most beautiful cities I have seen. The Alhambra was an old palace that we were able to see—words cannot explain how beautiful it was, especially at night. I got the chance to go out that night, definitely a night to remember. Let’s just say the freaks come out at night, right Ali? Jajaja. That weekend came to an end after a short 36 hours but my favorite excursion I probably have to say has been going to Lagos, Portugal. What happens in Lagos, stays in Lagos…not really.

Originally Ali, Christine, Candra and I were planning on going to the party capital of the world—Ibiza. We didn’t going because we were informed that if we went to Lagos it would be fully paid for. Transportation there and back, food, and hotel, now that’s a bet! We pulled into the bus station and it was time to soak up the sun. Mis amigas y yo dropped off our stuff at the hotel and into our bikinis we went. The ocean was absolutely gorgeous. I was a mermaid in another life I swear. I could stay in the water for hours and hours. We took a mini ferry to get to the beach. The man driving the boat just had the biggest smile on his face, loving his life, in what I call paradise. His smile made me smile because it showed me that even the smallest things can do that to you. Anyways, we finally arrived at the beach and the water was probably -1 degree cold, but it felt SO good. Having a good time with friends, on a beach, in a different country is definitely a blessing that I am very grateful for.

Later that night we went to a burger place called NahNahBah. Oh my gosh probably one of the best burgers I’ve ever had in my life. (I’m sorry America but I haven’t tasted anything better yet. Let me know if you can find something you think can beat it). Finally, it was time for Round 1 to start. Three Monkeys, then Joe’s Garage we went. Both of these places were bars that got as crowded as sardines in a can. It was ridiculous—ridiculously fun. Everyone that I met was Australian. I never would have thought that I would meet so many people NOT from Portugal. All I have to say is that meeting Australians definitely made me add going to Australia on my Where To Travel List. My first night in Lagos was a success. By the way my roommate is a freaking CHAMP, probably because she was employed in ChamPR in Strategies class.

The only time I’ve had the opportunity to sleep in was in Lagos. Breakfast was amazing, but even better because it was “free.” We all know nothing in life is free, but it still made it better. Ali never woke up for breakfast, what a sad morning for her but it was time to hit the beach again. Ali, Candra and I went to a different part of the beach, the sand wasn’t as soft there but we were able to explore some caves without going on a boat. We then decided to go to the other beach because the sand was softer and we thought we would see our friends; trying to find the rest of the group was a failure but I definitely get to say I’ve done something that other people haven’t—GO TOPLESS ON THE BEACH—priceless. In Spain and a lot of countries in Europe it is very normal for women to go topless on the beach. Ali and I decided to try it. I literally am laughing right now typing this because I can’t believe I did it. Oh well, I loved it. When in Lagos… go topless. After being at the beach for an extremely long time it was time to go to dinner at Don Toro. Is it possible to have two great dinners in a row? Yeah it is but this dinner was perfect. We had an array of choices but of course I chose the salmon. I might say that the burger was the best burger I’ve had but this salmon was the best salmon I’ve ever tasted too mainly because it was fresh from the ocean and that’s always mouthwatering. It was time for Round 2. We went to the same places that we went to the night before plus some. Good times as always. For a majority of the night I told people I was Spain. It was working until I met a Swedish guy. I was holding a conversation with him quite well until I said “they are.” I didn’t think two words could make someone stop in their tracks and call you out on being American. I about died laughing because he caught me. He then turned to Ali and told her that he could tell she was foreign…JAJA about that. The people I have been surrounded by during this trip have been by far some of the funniest people ever, along with good company to go out with.

My Lagos trip came to end so quickly, but I will not look back at it and say I had a bad time because if I said that I would be lying to you and to myself as well. Before we officially headed back to Seville we stopped at the end of the world. An explorer a long time ago thought that this point we went to was the end of the world. He thought that once you have reached this point, there wasn’t any more land to explore. The scenery was so simple but so complex at the same time. God created all of it, ALL of it. Take a breath and take that all in. Isn’t that just amazing? It is for me.

After having a weekend to remember I’ve had some time to just sit and take it all it. I sit here right now staring out my window, enjoying the breeze and the skyline of Seville and I think to myself, I am truly growing as a human being. I am able to really appreciate the little things in life. Like sunlight, food, a breeze, ocean water, clean drinking water and most of all, the company that God has brought into my life. I have made some of the best friends ever on this trip and I’m glad to say it’s only the beginning of our friendship.

Many people live life complaining about how bad their life is (when it really isn’t), how unattractive they are, how they can’t find a significant other, how bad their burger form McDonald’s taste, how bad Lubbock water taste, or how bad their Spanish class is going but I could go on and on about the small and unimportant problems and it would be a waste of my time. There are so many people in this world that don’t have what we have, who aren’t able to experience some of the coolest things we are because they have to worry about whether or not they’re able to have food the next day, or maybe even see another day that the Lord has created. Next time you think something is so horrible when it really isn’t, take a breath, step back, and just think to yourself that things could be way worse than they really are. Appreciate the small things in life and smile. Smiling is the best accessory that you can use.

Life holds so many simple blessings, each day bringing its own individual wonder-John McLeod

Love,

Caroline (The girl who isn't worried about finding her future husband anymore)

Carpe Diem.

Americans go “balls to the wall.” Spaniards do to, but in a different way. In the U.S. there is a lot more binge drinking due to the legal age being 21. America is a lot stricter; when an underage person gets the chance to drink, well, they go crazy. However, in Spain and a lot of other countries around the world, the drinking age is 18.

A night in Spain usually starts after dinner which is around 10:30 or 11 or a group will go out during dinner to get tapas. Tapas are a very traditional here in Spain. If you don’t have any prior knowledge on the Spanish culture, a tapa is an appetizer or a snack that many people eat while they are at a place drinking. The tapas will get someone fuller while they are drinking; therefore it takes a lot longer to get completely intoxicated. It probably won’t be until about 4 am that a Spaniard could be at that level but usually their not; they “feel good.”

A lot of the young people here start off by going to a grocery store or a mini mart to buy beer or liquor plus some mixers. Since the custom in Spain is you never have visitors over at your house, people stand in the streets in big groups and mix their drinks while mingling with each other. After a little bit of mingling is done, the Spanish head out to some bars. The bars don’t usually get full until about 12:30.

This past weekend I finally had the time to go experience the city’s nightlife scene. My night didn’t start with the tapas but they will one of these days. We started off at this bar called Big Ben. Big Ben is on a street called Calle Betis. This street has bars along it that several people tend to go to. Big Ben, I’ve found out, is a bar that a lot of the students like to go to because it has cheap drinks. Their happy hour is basically just starting when we arrive at 11 or 12. After Big Ben we went to Long Island. Now, Long Island is interesting because, 1. It had a pringle chips dispenser and 2. They had a shot for every state of the United States (Texas isn’t too great I’ve heard).  I definitely got some entertainment at Long Island due to some of my fellow classmates’ American behavior. It’s okay we still love you. Finally, it was time to go the discoteca (club). If you know me, you know that I love dancing!

Discotecas in Spain don’t usually get packed until around 3 AM. By that time, Americans are usually on their way home. This is when the party is just getting started in Spain. Buddha was three levels. The first level was a really chill area where people could just sit around and talk amongst themselves. The second level was where a lot of the older crowd danced. The third level (where my P.I.C. Ali and I were the whole night) was where la gente joven (the young people) danced. Dancing in America and dancing in Spain are A LOT different; Spaniards just sway their body back and forth and Americans, well if you’ve been to club in the U.S., you should already know how it goes. The music the DJ played was a mix of house music, hip-hop, and some Latino American music. The reason I say Latino American music is because reggeton is not a part of the Spanish musical culture. Anyways, I have to say I had a very good time. Normally, since you don’t get to the club until around 3 AM that means you stay later. Well we didn’t leave until 5 AM. That is considered early for Spaniards and late for Americans. Needless to say, it was a very good night.

Carpe Diem. Vale?

Love,
Caroline (The one who almost met her future husband but he doesn't like girls. Sorry about my bad luck.)

"Strange" People

When you go to a foreign country you expect the people to be “strange” because the food is “strange,” the schedule is “strange,” and the traditions and cultures are “strange.” Everything is "strange" to us when we step out of our comfort zone but after speaking with several people I’ve noticed that we are similar to Spaniards.

I’m a young woman who has an ambition to do great things with her life, but I’m also a young, SINGLE woman searching for my soul mate. Everyone wants love in their life right? Well in the realm of love, Spaniards, and Americans… we are the same. Spaniards love I mean love Americans because it is something they don’t usually see. In their eyes, we are foreign “strange” creatures but in our eyes we are normal and vice versa, but of course that is logical. (There’s a certain social psychology theory for this but I’ve been learning so much Spanish today my brain can’t function in English. That’s a wonderful sign for my grade in Spanish.) The fantasies that women and men of all countries are relatively all the same. We wish to meet our soul mate that is from another country in another country. I’ve come to find out that Spanish girls love the blonde-hair, blue-eyed stereotypical look of American boys. My fellow American friend Ali Paine (go read her blog) and I love the dark skinned, dark haired pretty boy look of the Spaniards. One of our tutors said it was going to be easy to find our future husband here, all we have to do is tell every guy that we are from America; it’s a done deal.

As far as music, Spaniards are obsessed with American music. Every store you walk into they are playing Rhianna or Ke$ha. I haven’t gotten the full effect of experience how they get down in the club but I’m sure I will in due time.

Food: a common word known around the world. Spaniards love American food, especially our drive-thru menus. Our tutor went around one day and asked us what our favorite food in America was; come to find out she loved chipotle and of course she liked the famous Tex-Mex food. Americans think that Spaniards love spicy foods but it’s the complete opposite. A lot of seasoning is used in the food but it doesn’t have spicy tastes.

Americans, Spaniards, Germans, English, Australian, etc., all have something in common—we are all human beings created and put on this earth. When you go visit another country, even another state in the U.S., try and learn about the “strange” people. You become wiser and you also gain a better perspective of the world.

You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist. -Friedrich Nietzsche

Love,
Caroline (The girl who doesn’t have enough time to go out and meet Spanish boys because of her Spanish homework.)

When in Spain, do what the Spaniards do.

I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.  ~Pablo Picasso

Good evening America and goodnight Spain.  In America we are used to eating big breakfasts and decent sized lunches and dinners. However in Spain the custom is to eat barely any breakfast and HUGE lunch then a respectable amount of food for dinner.

Today for breakfast, my roommates and I had toast to eat and water to drink. Yes, toast and water but when I say toast I don’t mean put-it-in-the-toaster toast I mean a limp piece of bread, white bread at that. You can only imagine how hungry I was during class today. At the table, the loaf of bread was set out along with our plates and utensils. Condiments included an off brand version of nutella (still just as good), mantequilla (butter), and mermelada (jelly). In this country it is not typical to have ice with your drinks. Therefore in our house the cups are put in the freezer, so that when you pour your water it can get semi-cold. Fun fact for the day. After breakfast it is time for the first day of school.

Mama Amalia doesn’t live too close to Recaredo 44 so that requires us to take the city bus every morning and every afternoon. Que lio! When you wait for the bus you actually have to be very attentive to when your bus is coming. Why? Because if you don’t stick your hand out to signal the driver you want him or her to stop, they completely drive by you. It hasn’t happened to me--yet. The bus took about 15 minutes to arrive to the school but I’ve been told that it takes a lot longer.

During school, about three hours into class, our tutors came. The tutors are students for the University of Sevilla. Oh Berto! He is like a huge bear that you want to hug but you really don’t. I was surprised to see how well he knew about universities in Texas. During this tutoring session, we learned slang terms of Spain. My favorite word—Vale—and many more but they are too inappropriate to post. Jajaja (laughing in Spanish).  Our day finally is winding down and it’s almost time for lunch.

The heat is at its prime and I am anticipating my arrival to the apartment. As soon as I arrive, lunch is almost ready, and I get enough time to cool down. There’s a lot of cooling need to be done. For almuerzo (lunch), our first plate was a delicious salad. The salad’s best accessory was the avocado. If you know me, you know that “me encanta aguacate” (I LOVE AVOCADO). Next, we were served a soup with potatoes and meatballs. It was a delicious, but a very filling plate. In Spain, it is a custom to eat fruit for dessert.

After lunch, it is also a tradition for “siesta.” Siesta is where businesses close around 2 PM and don’t open back up until 6 PM. This is because people leave work to go back home for lunch and a naptime. I wish we had this America. The woman of the house usually stays up a little while longer after lunch to tidy everything up, then she has about an hour to herself before it’s time to get back to work. Most women in Spain do not work because their job is to cook and clean for their beloved ones. I mean they love to do it. They are truly fulfilling the Proverbs 31 duty, which is great.

Spaniards usually eat lunch late. They eat at around 3 PM. You may think that is a late lunch but they don’t eat dinner until about 9:30 PM. Crazy right? I bought a tin of Pringles because I definitely was going to need a snack until then. Para la cena (for dinner) we ate a sandwich and these weird, cheese-filled, fried, cylinder-shaped, things. I have no idea what they were called, but I guess I should’ve asked. Like I said before, the portions for dinner are a lot smaller. Instead of melon for dessert, like we have had for the past two lunches and dinner, we got ice cream. I’ve noticed that the main desserts are fruit, ice cream, and cake. Not too shabby eh?

I can really get used to the traditions of Spain. Growing up in a Hispanic house hold I already have similar customs but my mother has learned to adapt to the American way of life. Don’t be afraid to try something new. You never know what you’ll get out of it and if you try it well hey, you learned something new—about yourself and about something else too. You only live once. Take advantage of every opportunity you get.

Hasta mañana,
Caroline (The girl who received binoculars from her house mom to look at the handsome spaniards playing soccer outside her window)

No Limits.

Seville, Spain, a city in the southern part of Spain about 7 miles in circumference when comparing it to a circle. On the map however, the main part of the city is shaped like an egg. Each step taken is on cobble stone and each street is the width of a small mover’s truck. It is summer time everywhere in the northern hemisphere of this world, but in Seville, as soon as you walk out of the door you are breaking a sweat as if you were just leaving an intense boot camp class at the gym; that is an understatement. The sun slowly begins to go down at about 10:30 pm while in America, it is 3:30 in the afternoon and the girls are out getting sun kissed by the pool and the boys are joining them for a taste of eye candy. Siesta is my favorite part of any day in Spain. Lunches are big and your food coma follows.  At night it is a lot cooler and the people are ready to P-A-R-T-Y. The street lights illuminate the skyline and the tranquility is livened up by the Spanish chatter at the bars, no matter the day. 

I do have to say, I would not be here if it weren’t for the power of the Holy Spirit and God’s love. Every day I was blessed to see another day which brought me closer to the long plane ride to this magnificent country. I still cannot fathom the thought that I am here, sitting in Mama Amalia’s apartment, overlooking the city. I’m blessed and very thankful for this opportunity.

I’ve been here for a week now and I absolutely love this country. It might help that I can speak Spanish, but it’s something I’ve never seen before. Until July 30^th I will be studying the beautiful Spanish language. My wish is to completely emerge myself into the Spaniard culture and to experience as much as I can. There are no limits. My mind is hungry for new knowledge and life-changing experiences.

Over this past weekend, I’ve gotten the chance to explore the history of this city with my new classmates. We went on a stroll, yes a stroll, to the largest gothic cathedral in the world. The architecture of this building is wonderful and the detail was extraordinary. I have never visited a cathedral; this is my first but hopefully not my last. The fact that I can just walk to a historic place and learn something new is an amazing feeling. I wonder how the locals feel about living in a city that is important to time.

Not only do I get to learn about history but I, as mentioned before, will also be perfecting my Spanish. Tomorrow is the first day of our intensive summer course. Am I ready? We’ll see. Can I conquer it? Positive.

From this day on, I will continue to share my adventures. Live it up! And Thank the Man above for each day you wake up.

Love,
Caroline (The Girl Seeking Her Future Spaniard Husband)

P.S. Vale means ‘Ok’ in Spain. Vale Vale Vale!

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page” – Saint Augustine