KarlaKramer

Last night, the annual Feria event kicked off in Malaga. Around midnight, we walked down to the boardwalk with the kids to see the grand fireworks display that takes place at the port of Malaga. As I ran on the boardwalk yesterday morning, it was exciting to see all the festival booths being set up for the big concert taking place on the beach last night. We did not see the concert, since we had the kids and they were super tired. A couple of nights ago, Eva & I went downtown to dine and hang out with some of her old friends from the university - most of whom work as translators. It was fun to see all the preparations for the Feria in downtown as well. They hold the festival downtown during the day, ... read more

Lucas & I visited Morocco for 5 days (returned this past Sunday). My friend and colleague Karen lives there with her husband Adil, and 2 children - Amira and Salah. We had a great time visiting Rabat & Casablanca, and Lucas loved playing with his new friends. ... read more

Hi there, I've been fairly unsuccesful thus far in posting any entries, so my apologies for that. Yesterday, Lucas & I travelled from Malaga to Rabat, Morocco, where my good friend and workmate Karen lives with her husband Adil and 2 kids ages 3 & 4. We arrived into the Casablanca airport, and much to my dismay, I did not bring Karen's home address or phone number with me. This is now required to pass through customs & border control, due to the concerns with swine flu. Thank goodness I speak French! It came in handy and a very nice Moroccan customs officer escorted me & Lucas out to the exit to find my friends, and get the info. So far, everyone has been so nice! They are also a very child friendly country, and complete ... read more

Lucas & I arrived safely a couple of days ago and have been to the beach each day. I´m making this posting in the hostel of my host sister Esther in downtown Malaga. It´s very cool, modern and hip, with beautiful Bougainvillea on the front terrace where people eat breakfast and hang out. This morning I met a German women and her son, a Portuguese couple, and a Dane with her half Danish/half Brazilian daughter. The Dane speaks Brazilian portuguese so we understand each other pretty well. It´s a lot easier to understand than Portugal portuguese. Lucas is definitely getting an international experience here. The Dane´s daughter only speaks Danish, but with kids they communicate well without language. We´re having a ball, and trying to get Lucas used to the time change. He´s made fast friends ... read more

Dear Friends & Family: Lucas & I take off tomorrow for our big trip to Malaga, Spain to visit my host family from when I lived there in high school. Hard to believe that was 20 years ago! Well, we've managed to remain in close touch and visit one another many times over the years, including our extended family on both sides. Dave & I are excited to introduce our little guy to my host family and to the castellano language. We've got a little side trip to Rabat, Morocco scheduled in there as well to visit my friend & colleague. Lucas is now 4 years old, and I've been speaking exclusively Spanish to him since March; he already understands just about everything, now we just need to get him to speak it. The next month ... read more