My Year (or My 4 Months in Spain) in Review

So here I am, more than 4 months into my study abroad... and I have to ask myself, what the heck did I do?

But before I answer that question, I will first tell you what I did within the last week: a lot of nothing. Ok, so I did do some notables things, but for the most part I stayed in my room, played computer games, and studied a bit. What did I do that was notable, one may ask? Well, I went shopping. I didn't know it tell I got into the stores, but apparently now is one of two (I think) major sales times of the year! Everywhere were discounts of up to 50%, or higher! I have been to the malls and shopping centers here several times, but they have never been as crowded as they are now.

Anyway, what did I buy? Well, the first day I was just on a quest for food. However, I did buy that day MOUNTAIN DEW! Yes, I found mountain dew, so I bought 6 cans. I would be very happy... except the MD here tastes nasty! I am going to write Pepsi Co. here in Spain regarding this... really, it tastes extremely nasty.

Today, I went out again and bought more interesting items. Namely, clothes and a George Foreman grill! Not to be used together. I had to literally force myself to buy clothes here... they are not my current style, but I decided I needed to take some risks. I will hopefully remember to put up pictures next week.

Ok, now the YEAR IN REVIEW!!! Plus some new, never-before-seen photos!

• Two-week language course in Gandia. Meet a lot of cool new people. Spend more than half of my time on the beach. Barely get a tan. Try my first tasty paella (traditional rice dish). Course banquet dinner thing. 'Twas a lot of fun.
• Went to a bull fight!                                                                                 I think I fared better than the bull...
• Went to some Discos (clubs, not like Saturday Night Fever). Got sick for two weeks.
• Went to classes, played video games, saw some movies in English. Saw a movie in Spanish!
• Drank expired milk. Got sick again.
• Went to the beach some more. A few times in Valencia and once to El Saler (a bit south of Valencia).All I have to say is... oh yeah!
• Got care packages (one in November, several in December)! Woohoo, loot!
• Started teaching English at a local private school. Lots of fun!
• Irish roommate Ruth leaves. Do I really smell that bad? And my monthly shower was coming up in two days!
• Lots of dinner parties. I will try to continue these when I get back to the States! Minna eating tacos at my place. Mmm... mexican food in Spain.
• Went to some Museums. Planned on going to even more! But I'm lazy.
• Had a good ol' American Thanksgiving, thank to Jessica Potter. Thanks for Thanksgiving!
• Got a haircut... need to get another.
• Christmas dinners! Even held a turkey dinner at my place on Christmas day... and I didn't screw it up too bad!
• Christmas presents... for me. Didn't send anyone presents.
• Felt shame.
• Got involved (around early December) in Tandem program, where I meet with a Spanish person to talk Spanish and English. Have two Tandem partners, Paula and Natalia.
• Went to friend of Paula's apartment for New Years Eve party. Ate lots.

And anything else carries into this year, so it cannot belong on the list. Thanks for reading everyone, and please remember to leave comments!

Up next week: Studying for exams (ugh!).