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Published: June 30th 2011
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Last Monty's
me and laura June 20th- 28th
I honestly can't believe how fast this year has gone by. I feel like I just arrived in Spain and yet I am already home. Where did all my time go?
I am not exactly sure how I feel about returning. On one hand I am so excited to see everyone again and yet this program and the lifestyle I have found in Spain is very appealing. So I definitely tried to take advantage of Madrid in my last week.
Monday and Tuesday were really my last day of work and tutoring. It was sad to say goodbye to my students from my private lessons. Some of the families and I really bonded over the year and I will miss them.
Tuesday after school I got to meet Laura’s brother and Sandy's parents. We showed everyone around the school and then headed to the caves in town to eat lunch. Since arriving in El Molar we have wanted to eat at these caves and it was so worth the wait. When we arrived we were given some wine and a tour through the caves where the fermentation takes place. At the conclusion of the tour
we headed back to our table for lunch. The food was even better than I imagined and surpassed any food I have ever eaten. It was all traditional Spanish food and consisted of 4 appetizers, a salad, 3 entrees and 3 deserts, not to mention all the wine we consumed. It was way too much food and we were stuffed to the max, but we ate every last bit. Our lunch took over 5 hours but it was unbelievable. After finally leaving the caves we headed back to Madrid and I spent the evening with Laura and Rich.
Wednesday was my actual last day at school but we didn't do much. The kids were cleaning out classrooms and watching movies so Sandy and I headed from class to class, saying goodbye to the teachers and students. I was fine all day but when I had to say goodbye to my director the emotions finally got to me. It was so hard to say goodbye. She has been such a support system this year and I just hope we are able to keep in touch. After school I headed home and did a bit of packing before going to our
Last Monty's
kyla, paige, ken last Monty’s night of the year. We stayed there extra long, enjoying the little sandwiches, before heading to a few bars for the night. We had an end of the year celebration and had a blast!
Thursday morning Laura, Rich, Kyla and I headed to a restaurant for a Spanish breakfast; churros and hot chocolate 😉. After breakfast we walked around and did a bit of shopping. Once at home I spent most of the day packing, weighing and repacking my suitcases. That night I headed to Laura’s house for pizza and wine.
Friday morning I woke up bright and early to join sandy and her parents for a day trip to El Escorial. After the hour long train ride we headed straight for the palace. We spent the entire afternoon walking through the rooms, library, basilica and gardens. I didn't realize how massive it truly was until we were inside of it. I definitely understand how it made Madrid become the capital of Spain. After we finished up there we headed to a restaurant for dinner. Once satisfied we took a walk through the town and back towards the train station. It was a fabulous day trip.
Last Monty's
me and Sandy Saturday was a very productive day. I finished packing up my stuff and taped up a few boxes to ship home. I was able to lie around in my favorite park and enjoy the 100+ degree weather. My roommate Itzbel and her boyfriend Denis took me out that night as a farewell gesture. We were joined by a few if their friends and had a very relaxing late night out.
Sunday morning I woke up nice and early again to meet Sandy and her parents at rastro. We spent the morning walking the streets and making a few purchases. We decided to take a siesta so I went home and relaxed in the park before rejoining them at plaza de Espana. We showed her parents around the plaza and then set off to parque de oeste to have a picnic in front of the Egyptian temple. Upon arriving at the temple we were surprised to find a belly dancing performance and got to watch a free show. After the show we had a massive feast and a wonderful night. We ended up staying in the park until midnight, losing all track of time (something I really enjoy about Spain),
Last Monty's
me and laura until heading our separate ways.
Monday was a very sad day. I spent the morning mailing packages, closing out my Spanish bank account, and deep cleaning my portion of the apartment. I took a few breaks to visit of my favorite parks before having a farewell dinner with my roommates. They were really sweet and got me a ceramic mug so I can remember them every time I use it. After dinner I headed to Sandy's house to spend the last evening with her. She was really sweet and gave me some farewell presents to. We pretty much stayed at her place until the metro was about to close. Then I said goodbye and headed home to meet Laura at my place. She came over to spend the night and help me lug all my stuff to the airport the following day.
Tuesday morning Laura and I caught a taxi and then I got all checked in. We had an emotional goodbye and then I headed through security. All 4 of my flights were late and it was a long day of travel. I arrived in Portland to 40 degree temperature drop and already missing the sun. But it
is great to be home with my family and friends.
This past year has really taught me a lot about the world and myself. I am so glad I was able to do everything I did in this last year and grow as an individual. Thanks to everyone for following my blogs, hopefully I will get to tell you all about my trip in person. 😊
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Auntie and Uncle
non-member comment
Home at last!
We are glad you are home and are anxious to see you! Hasta la vista, Jayleen!