SarahnSpain

One of the best experiences of my trip was meeting David and getting the chance to spend a few weeks together in Salamanca. He is a dreamer if ever I met one and once he finished his photography project in Morocco, he hitch-hiked his way across Spain to be with me. We spent our days talking politics (mainly Spain and the US), the suffering in the world and its imbalances, and all the ways we want to help others. We also had the chance to do some traveling together-car camping in what is now one of my favorite regions-Extramadura (a gorgeous area of small pueblos practically untouched by tourism and modernity). David challenged me in so many important ways and I feel renewed in the challenge to be a better person, to live a better life. ... read more

Thoughts to Jot: Where to even begin! My time in Morocco was like a dream. Warning to everyone now-this entry will likely be far more sentimental than all the others so stop reading if need be...The second we (another American female student from my program and I) stepped off the plane in Marrakech I was thrilled. It was so different, so incredibly different, than any other place I had ever been. And the heat that enveloped us was unbelievable-I loved it. Shortly after arriving, we began wondering the souks-the amazing street markets. First, we got an unofficial tour by a Moroccan boy of how some of the beautiful fabrics and dyes are made. Then we were wooed into one of the small vendor’s “stores” by a 20 something-year old Moroccan, Kareem, and offered Moroccan tea. And ... read more

Thoughts to Jot: I've already said this to a couple of you, but one of my favorite parts of traveling is that you have no idea what each day will bring you! I seriously feel so much more open to spontaneity and what the Universe has to offer when I travel. Last weekend I had no evening plans and Judith invited me out with her friends. We were out until 4:30 AM-hanging out with 2 different groups of friends of hers. She showed me all the cool bars where the Spaniards hang out (VERY awesome places-unlike the bars I've seen in the States) and I found myself dancing to solely Spanish music all night and watching spontaneous bouts of Flamenco dancing break out. Very fun! The next day (I slept three hours that morning then was ... read more

Thoughts to Jot:Well I find it extremely fitting that I just received my clinical license (to be a therapist) since this entire housing issue with my host, Judith, has proved an experiment in conflict resolution between an American and a Spaniard. On Saturday morning, with Judith's friend finally gone, and her mother having come to the house late the night before to provide me with all of my favorite foods, I decided to take advantage of Judith's good mood at breakfast and try one final time to discuss everything. The night before I found an apartment (further outside of town) for an amazing rental price and near an American friend of mine. I had the option of moving into it immediately (providing that the University gave me my money back!). I went with my intuition to ... read more

Thoughts to Jot: So technically this entry should say something wonderful about my experience in Granada. However, instead, in typical La'Sarah fashion, a trip to Europe is just not a trip to Europe without some kind of drama. With the hard rain falling on the marble streets of Granada came the fall of my ass. There I was, alone in Granada, maybe 5 feet from my hotel entrance when suddenly I'm on the ground, having fallen very hard and very perfectly on my tailbone. Seriously have never been in so much pain in my life. And the old Spaniard who attempted to help me hobble into the hotel informed me very matter of factly, as I sobbed hysterically, that I had been carrying too much baggage in an uneven fashion and hence my fall. Thank you ... read more

Thoughts to Jot: Earlier today, Judith, her friend Tencie, and I had just finished a conversation about Pepsi vs. Coke (I brought home a diet Pepsi), when I began talking about my experience of never having dated or banged any other man when I married my ex-husband. I was trying, in a sad attempt, to explain that since my divorce I have been dating and experiencing the world so to speak. I was struggling to find the words in Spanish, so Tencie interrupted, saying “Es como si te gustas Coke, Pepsi, Fanta” (you have to try Coke, Pepsi, Fanta, to see which one you like best). God bless her for making something that seemed so complicated to explain so damn simple. I need to compare men to types of soda more often! Sentiments: A very BIG ... read more