those lazy spanish days

So I realize that I may have dropped the blogging ball, but do not fear! I am alive and well-traveled. I'm hoping to do quite a few posts in the next couple of days so that I don't have to pack all my stories into one post :)

Madrid.

I wasn't planning on going to Madrid, I had no interests in it whatsoever, but I started thinking about the next time I would be in Spain, and thus, I ended up in Spain. I hated leaving Sevilla, when I think the city is so beautiful and so rich in architecture and history but I decided Madrid needed a full day to itself.

And I'm glad I went!

Apart from the hostel crew I met in Stirling, I met some really awesome people in Madrid! I met Paktis, who also likes to powerwalk and see all there is to see. I must say, I don't think my legs have hurt that much since that one day in Coombe Abbey!

So with our one day in Madrid, we managed to see SO MUCH. We went to markets and to parks and to shopping and to a museum and to the palace.

gas mask stand in El Rastro market

El Retiro

El Retiro

Paktis, in El Retiro.

City Centre Madrid

Our day ended by us walking to the hostel after a somewhat bizarre adventure to find cheap food. The man at the hostel told us exactly where on our map to go, and that when we get there it would be 10 euros for all you can eat. Now, being poor travelers, we were up for all you can eat, and ten euros isn't too bad. And we were convinced that if we couldn't find this place, we would go for cheap groceries and make things at the hostel.

Instead, we ended up at a slightly pricey Indian restaurant eating and watching Bollywood film clips. I don't know why I don't watch more Bollywood - it is hysterical!

I was pretty tired by this point, and was convinced of going to sleep upon return to hostel but that also got thwarted! Ended up meeting some really cool people and talking late into the night!

I wish I had more time in Spain.

One of the weirdest things about my travels to Spain is that I was constantly told before I left about Spanish men, and about pickpocketers. You know, being a single traveling girl people automatically assumed I had never thought of these things. However, I did not encounter any problems! I did drop my wallet once, but that was my fault and it was returned in perfect order.

In Madrid, I still was carrying all my suitcases and stairs proved to be quite difficult. In times where my arms just couldn't manage anymore, there was always some man or woman who helped me lift my bags up the stairs, and with a smile!

People were definitely way creepier in Belgium.

Anyways, I will definitely miss Spain, and speaking Spanish. I am already making plans for 2013...

 

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my life the past while

So the month of May passed by so quickly! So sorry for the lack of updates! I'll give you guys a brief overview of what's been going on and what I've been up to. It's pretty random stuff.

Firstly, I convocated! YAY. And with me here are my beautiful education graduate friends! I love you two.

This is the meal I ate yesterday. I was both a little scared I wouldn't have enough pictures on this bog for Lauren to like this post and a little proud of my cooking abilities so I thought this should probably make it up. Garlic-cheesy chicken with rice and veggies! :)

I booked my ticket to Europe! More on that later. But when I am there, I will see this one...

I just love this picture.

So sunny outside! Squinty shadowy picture!

If you look closely, the giraffe is sticking it's tongue out to get the leaves.

Lauren's cabin with some really wonderful people. So calm. 

Maybe tomorrow I'll talk about my summer plans! :)

Mondays Are Awesome 001

Since Mondays generally a sleepy haze of a day I thought I would set up a little series. On Mondays I will post a list of things I love. Starting today!

1. Successful school work

Though I would not advise staying up until 4 in the morning to complete anything, my unit plan went so well! I got my mark back today (my prof is a machine when it comes to marking) and I did sooo much better than anticipated! It really pumps me up before this whole teaching business.

2. Hummus

To those who know me well, this is in my top 3 favourite foods. Edmonton locals, go to Happy Camel and get the original hummus - so freaking delicious. I'm addicted.

3. A clean car

This is generally not the case with my car, but right now he is beautiful. I washed inside and out and am now unashamed to take people places. Before it was "come into my car but please don't look anywhere in the backseat...".

4. Scarves

I just ordered the prettiest one off etsy today and I can't wait for it to come! I actually just love scarves in general. I want many soft scarves in all colors. :)

my small obsessions of the moment

just in case you are one of the very very few people that haven't heard me rave about cellos and/or pandas over the past couple weeks, I thought I would enlighten you.

First: Baby Pandas!!

 

I just want one so bad. They look so cuddly, no?

Second: Cellos

I asked for a cello for my birthday but I didn't get one.

Evidently they are several thousand dollars.

Third: Social Studies. Ask me about it! I could talk foreverrrr.

That's all.

cinnamon bun adventure!

(Shhh, this isn't a 30 day challenge post.... and tomorrow' won't be either!)

Today, Andrea and I made the most delicious cinnamon buns from scratch! They were quite unique in that the batter was made from potatoes and we used bananas instead of eggs. They ended up very tasty and I thought I would post some mouth-watering pictures.

This is our dough right before we rolled it. We used splenda brown sugar instead of normal brown sugar so it became clumpy. Lesson learned. And then we rolled it the wrong way.

But they turned out so yummy. Probably because of the kosher salt... 

Day 12 - A picture of something you love

To make up for the general unhappiness of the last post I will post many pictures of things that I love!

1. This quote

Mamihlapinatapai: A look shared by two people with each wishing that the other will initiate something that both desire but which neither one wants to start.

2. This man

Take me now, Thor!

3. This tattoo

4. This puppy

and lastly, 5. This picture

Windmills in Holland