The Times - They Are Golden

You would think that due to my absence from my blog that I have had either too little going on to write on or too much to share. The latter choice is the best way to sum up my life here in Europe over the past three weeks. Let me break it down for you:

1) Adjusting to my new apartment (more like no adjustment at all)
2) Parent’s come to visit for my 21st birthday and to celebrate my mom’s as well
3) Trips across Europe from Lisbon to Munich
4) Completing my September Intensive Course and starting school with Spaniards
5) Political turmoil and strikes
6) Continuing to get to know this amazing city

I’m going to have to break this down in a couple of entries to give justice to these past three weeks. Some might say they have been the best in my life so far.

THE VALLEY

On September 15th, I moved from my wonderful dormitory to an even better living situation, THE VALLEY. I live in an apartment in the center of the town on a street called Vallehermoso – the beautiful valley. In the apartment we have 8 different kids: Pablo the head of the house, Spanish from Galicia, Eoin, our token Irish man from Dublin, Matilde, equally as nice as she is cool Italian from Genova, Salva, a super chill Spaniard from the Ciudad Real, Dani and Danielle, both friends from California and also very chill, and Leticia, our newest member from Segovia, Spain. This hodgepod of people makes for an always lively living environment and I love it. I am proud to call the Valley home to date even if the space is nothing to brag about. It is sure to be a lot more to come about my new home away from home in the following entries. *pictured is eoin on a night out*

PARENTS ARE IN THE HOUSE
So I can officially drink in the states as of September 21st, 2010 (though its never been a problem before with very few exceptions). My golden birthday. However seeing that I am Europe, it loses its significance, right?? WRONG. My favorite people in the world, Bud and Stephana Dean, traveled thousands of miles to make sure I had a special day and they did so immensely. Upon their arrival, I went to visit them in their hotel and began to tour them around town. Serving as a guide and a fellow travel was a very special feeling on a very special week including both my mother and my birthday.

On September 21st 2010, Spain saw the invasion of the Dean family. A full moon night and amazing breezy weather set the tone for my special day. The views of the Royal Palace in the Plaza de Oriente over wine and cava wowed me as much as my parents. The birthday dinner was at Botin, the oldest restaurant in all of Europe where we enjoyed gazpacho and lamb – there was even a birthday cake involved. Afterwards, we walked through the Plaza Mayor to Sol to meet up with my friends that were ready to party with me that night (mind you it was a Tuesday – nevertheless there is always a party in Madrid!) Birthday shots and making new friends was a great way to spend my first night as 21.

So not to give away too much I am going to end this entry. I am so thankful for this past couple of experiences – spending time with the people you love in a new and exciting place is priceless. Look forward to exploring Lisbon the Deans, stressing on tests, nationwide strikes and missed planes in the next couple of entries.