It's Sunny, Ha!

Last week was a bit different, because it was Semana Blanca (like spring break because this Monday was la dia de Andalucia, this region of Spain). I played with and taught the kids approximately eight hours each day, whenever the parents needed. A few days I had the afternoons free, which I prefer, and the weather was beautiful so was able to see more of the sights. I went to the Castillo Gibralfaro and the gardens of Puerta Oscura (hidden/dark door) and they were incredible!

The gardens I believe were built in the turn of the 20th century; they are a maze of hidden arches and small sitting areas with all kinds of trees, flowers, and beautiful paving. They are on the side of the hill next to La Alcazaba and on the way up to the Castillo.

I hiked up the hill to the Castillo and though it took forever, it was worth it. The view is amazing and I was delighted in the centuries’ old architecture. The Castillo has had many renovations, but the oldest parts are from the 15th century. It was historically used as a military fortress because it is a large hill close to the sea.

I especially enjoyed it because I personally love European history and it was the discovery of a historically-rich side of Malaga I had not previously known—at face value, Malaga is very modern and geared around the tourist beaches.

Later in the week I also wandered around but did not go in La Alcazaba and the Roman Theater (pictured).

Last weekend I went to a town very near called Torremolinos with my friend Marie. I went to a Mexican restaurant that, of course, was nothing like the Tex-Mex I am used to. We went Latin dancing and I had a crash course in salsa, meringue, and bachata! I spent Sunday afternoon with a guy I met in Cadiz, who speaks four languages. The more people I meet here, the more I feel I am lacking in the language department! However, I surprised myself by being able to talk about many different topics.

Monday was a holiday and so I went to the beach and a café with some new friends. I have also been meeting a woman who wants to practice her English and I can practice my Spanish with her--she is very fun and eager to talk.

Things I am Enjoying Getting Used to:
-Jamon (ham), straight from the source in our kitchen

-Tiny coffees! Café con leche in the middle of a lazy afternoon outside on a patio…I have never been a coffee drinker but who can resist?

-Drying my clothes on a clothesline out the window…It is not cliché, it is normal! You almost never use the dryer and you iron everything.

-Bedtime stories and songs…Girl Scouts and Beatles are making the hit list right now :)

-Fruit for dessert after lunch and supper…makes me appreciate the sweetness of the fruit, which I usually eat during a meal.

-Speaking in Spanish, of course! I love that there are so many different opportunities to talk with people here…I am glad they are patient with me and do not mind teaching me!