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This morning began with some extra sleeping in on my behalf. When I did wake up, I packed. For what you ask? Well, as I speak... Or write... I'm on my way to Barcelona! I'll stay in Barcelona for a couple of days then go to Madrid for about a week. I'll be staying with some of Elisa's friends in both places. Another adventure begins!
Anyway, back to today. I enjoyed coffee with Bernardo as the sun warmed the day. Today we focused on the party for Arturo's birthday. His birthday is next week, but the party was today. And a party it was! When breakfast finished all the pilots went and flew. I helped Elisa set up for the party. But I also sat in a chair and watched planes do touch and go's. The sun was gloriously beating down and the planes were lullaby's to my ears. Perfection.
Slowly more and more people arrived. Some arrived in cars while some landed planes. In the end there were about 30-40 people at this fiesta. As the people arrived, Arturo's niece Adriana and I talked. She is sixteen and speaks English much better than I speak Spanish. Her younger brother, Arturo (yes, two Arturo's), was riding dirt bikes with another boy. She looked at me and asked if I wanted to take a four-wheeler and go for a ride. Um, yes. Yes, I did. Of course. I told her all about Alaska and how you learn to do anything on the back of a moving four wheeler. I told her she needs to come to Alaska pronto to really experience four-wheelers. Nonetheless, we explored the mountains near by the house. She showed me houses, well's, and little villages. We talked about Alaska, Colorado, sports, the importance of traveling, and so much more. I'm so glad I got to see some mountains with such an amazing girl.
When we got home, lunch was about to begin. Lunch was grilled lamb, baked potatoes, and a special kind of onion. The onions were the long green kind- not the round white kind. (I'm such a plant slacker. Bare with my descriptions. We'll get there.) You wrap a bunch of these together, then simply burn them. Yes, burn them. The outside is charred black waste, but the inside is yummy goodness. To eat them, you put on rubber gloves for starters. Then you peel off the burnt sections, which is harder than it sounds like. Finally, dip the cooked onion in a special sauce and enjoy. Not only is it fun to get to, but it's also delicious. However, in the end, I enjoyed more than my fair share of lamb. Arturo and one other man were in charge of grilling, and Bernardo was in charge of handing out the lamb. He would walk by me, wink, and put a piece of lamb on my plate. Just one of the many reasons he's one my favorite people I've met on this trip.
The other thing I learned today was another way to enjoy wine. I know at some point someone told me the name for this. However a lot of Spanish words were thrown my way today. Therefore I've forgotten it. Basically, it's a vase/pitcher combination. Each table had one. And you literally pour it into your mouth. The trick is to not touch it to your lips at all and get it high enough to be impressive. It was very fun to say the least.
The rest of the party consisted of a lot of food and a lot of drinks. I got a bit overwhelmed at one point and went inside. I just needed a breather of no Spanish being spoken quickly at me. Ironically, Iker came in and began to talk to me about his favorite dogs. How can you ignore 3-year-old cuteness? You can't is the answer.
Then advice a very dear friend gave me echoed in my head. "Max out on mingle time." I thought about the quote at the beginning as well. I took a deep breathe and went back outside. I sat down next to Adriana's father. He and the rest of the table began to quickly test my Spanish skills. Asking about my home in Colorado, my boyfriend, why I'm traveling, my friends, ect. Here's the thing. I can hold my own most of the time in Spanish. But add some drinks? People speak very fast and with serious lack of pronunciation, and I have to focus much harder. Which is fine, because let's be honest, they probably aren't to worried if I understand if not. However, we all laughed very hard through the whole encounter of trying to hold a conversation and had a very good time.We full on cheered when the conversation was accomplished.
I don't really know how to explain this moment in all honesty. I was sitting with people I knew were now my friends. I looked at the setting sun and was cold. I wanted to go inside and get a jacket but I was afraid if I moved, the moment of perfection would end. If you haven't had that moment, don't worry about this post. But if you had, you understand the kind of moment I'm talking about. Where you want to lasso the sun and pull the rope tight to hold on to that moment. Because sitting with a big smile on your face, laughing hysterically with wonderful people, feeling proud that you understand what they're saying, watching the sunset... Those things... Goodness, no language captures it.
Nonetheless, the next adventure must begin. I gave big hugs and kisses to everyone. Which let me take a second and say how big the Spaniards go with their hugs and kisses on the cheek. Then add a couple drinks and it's like they've known you their entire life. It's awesome. So loving, so awesome. I'm beginning to wonder if I was a Spaniard in a previous life. And now I'm off to Barcelona! I watched the sun disappear as I headed off to my next bit of España adventure!
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