Seeya Sevilla!

The last week in Sevilla I was in denial, not realizing that this was actually the end, that I had to say good-bye to dear friends and teachers whether I wanted to or not.  I'm more fond of saying "See you later" than "Goodbye."  Hannah and I went to our favorite spots one last time.  

     I studied by the river to even out my tan.  A policeman rode up to warn me about my purse, that a woman just like me got mugged the other day... that was comforting.  I read my notes for the final exam and watched ego-driven boys jump off the 30 foot tall Puente de Triana bridge.  Most of the time though I read a book called "Me Talk Pretty One Day" (it's funny for a certain humor).  

   Meals were filled with final laughs and jokes with José  and Amparo.  We found a lock on the bridge that had "Siempre Juntos  Jose y Ampy."  The locks are littered across the bridges.  Lovers write their names and a promise, lock it to a bridge or another lock and throw the keys away to symbolize the bond they have.  I bought locks for my sister and parents!

   Hung out with Kike one last time, we went to an Alcazar garden concert with a Spanish guitar player.  We then went out for churros con chocolate, which I could not possibly finish at midnight.  I got sad saying goodbye to my real Spanish friend.

   The exam was intense, but went well.  We had to describe 5 photos of something we had studied - art or architecture.  I will miss that class a lot; Carmen was a phenomenal, interactive teacher.  

   After the exam we all went out for Hagen Daas - the school was paying so I got an 8 euro waffle with ice cream and summer fruit!  We hung out for a little while, then it was off to switch gears and pack for flying out.  I ended up sending a bag by ground transport because it was too heavy for a flight.  I'm hoping to distribute things amongst my family members for the plane ride to the states.  If in doubt, people, pack light!!!

   Hannah and I watched the Office that day and prepared our gifts for Jose y Amparo.  Hannah drew a riverside view of Seville.  I bought them Coffee, air freshener for after we leave, and DIET chocolate for Amparo to treat herself.  

   I saw Hannah off to her taxi at 4am the next morning and I left in a taxi at 12pm that day.  I started to tear up bad when I kissed my parents goodbye.  They said I have a room in Seville for whenever I come back!  I will surely be back...

I met my family in Barcelona and we're now in Vic, Catalonia.  Gotta go - the Spain trip is far from over!

4th of July Spanish Version

Hola a todos!  I hope your 4th of July was filled with friends and fireworks.  Mine was a bit of a different story.  

Saturday: Hannah and I caught a 60 person bus to

Matalascañas beach in the South of Spain for the day.  Every seat was filled, roads were packed, it took 2 hours with traffic to get to the coast.  We finally arrived at the windy, lush, very popular beach.  There is a massive 40 foot tall rock protruding from the ocean about 20 yards from shore that used to be a naval blockade; now it serves for a wonderful jumping platform for the local daredevils.  One of the brave souls who jumped off (and got scraped up) was an American graduate from UT named Ryan.  He and his friend Paul were traveling throughout Europe and they spent the patriotic day with us American girls (Maycee and Deanna joined us later).  The guys were really nice and we had incredibly encouraging conversations about the Lord and what great things came from the 80's!  There is a common theme with the people we befriend here:  1) American boys   2) College graduates

  So I put on 60 sunscreen that morning, and sweated some of it off on the 30 minute walk to the bus station.  Then it washed off a bit in the chilly Atlantic water.  All this to say I left that day looking like a spotted tomato!  I'm infamous for uneven tans with my fair skin and determination to develop a tolerance for the sun.  

   Friday:  backing up a bit.  I decided to not go to Salamanca on this last travel weekend b/c I only had a week to book hotels, trains, and coordinate meeting up with friends from Auburn, who would have arrived the weekend I visited.  Too many logistics convinced me to just chill in Seville this last weekend.  So Friday was a free day and Hannah and I took full advantage of it.  We enjoyed a full morning of taking advantage of the July sales at our favorite stores: MANGO, Stradivarius, H&M, and Sfera.   After a filling lunch and quick siesta, we walked to the Centro in search of the Arab Bath house.   Tucked away in an intimate alley in the Jewish quarter of Barrio Santa Cruz lies an original Arab bath that is a perfect break from the monotonous hot days of Sevillian summers.

    We confirmed our reservations for a 32 euro 1.5hrs of bath-hopping and a 15 minute massage.  While waiting I naturally struck up conversation with an Irish woman named Kera who had just spent some time with her boyfriend in Portugal.  She was in Seville for a  night before meeting her friend on Malaga's Mediterranean coast for the weekend.  She did not know much Spanish, so she stayed close to us throughout most of the process.  We all put on blue booties over our shoes and entered the dressing rooms to change into our swimsuits.  Fortunately nobody went "all-natural" that afternoon.  

    We started our on the bottom floor in the warm salt bath.  Then tried the sauna, but I felt like my face was going to melt off!  Then it was off to the jet pool.  There were jets that shot at your back, legs, and even a seat with bubbles coming up the bottom.  I laughed a lot of the time we were in there.  On our way to the next pool sequence we three girls took  a tea time break in the dimly lit salon with arabic designs gracing the room from floor to ceiling.  The next room consisted of a medium temperature pool that you had to wade through to reach the hot tub and ice cold tub.  I cannot describe the intensity when you sit in the hot tub for 10 minutes and then dive into that cold pool - BRRRRR!  Kera got a kick out of our girlish excitement to be so pampered for the day.

   After frolicking in the baths, it was off to the massage (my favorite part!).  Mind you, Hannah had NEVER experienced anything like this.  We were ushered into the dark room, greeted by a man and woman masseuse.  I went in first and the woman  patted the bed, so I went to her; not thinking how awkward Hannah would get having the man masseuse.  She was so funny afterwards, worried what her boyfriend would think!  I tried to explain that it was his job, and nothing personal...but she still flipped out.  There's nothing like a bit of pampering at the end of a long trip to feel back to normal again.

   After the Arab baths we hung out and got a snack in the Centro.  Hannah wrote in her journal and I walked around a bit.  We had a concert in the Alcazar royal gardens that night at 10:15 and were waiting to meet up with Joel at 9:15pm.  That night must have been the official "Let's get married" weekend because Hannah and I saw at least 5 brides and grooms followed by photographers and horse carriages.  A violinist played Cannons on the street corner for tips.  Bell towers joined in the celebrations and the night carried a bit of magic with it.  Little kids were wide-eyed with excitement as well and we laughed at their shrieks to the horses.  

   How often do you go to a live acoustic concert in the royal gardens?  Much less for 4 euros?!!!  Hannah, Joel and I went to the back entrance and were greeted with a thick program and 20 song CD of summer night performers.  At dusk the gardens were so romantic, regal peacocks called to one another from atop 15th century old walls, swarms of ducks guided their chicks into nearby ponds, anticipation for the concert mounted.  The pace of life slowed down as the temperature cooled and the seats filled with eager locals.  Manuel Iman was the artist whose fingers on the classical guitar moved with such ease and created stores of sound.  Each song correlated to a plaza that affected his youth.  He also surprised us with some American classics like "Sweet Home Chicago," "Moon River," and "Dancing Cheek to Cheek."  The last one he pronounced "sheek tu sheek" ;)  Hannah and I were overjoyed with it all.  I got a bit teary the first song when it sounded a bit like how my dad plays guitar.  I will forever love the acoustic because of him and my brother.  What a beautiful night in Spain under the stars amidst wise palm trees and ancient  castle walls.

You know you’re an ACENTO student if…

1. You sleep in a bed that is 6” too short for you
2. Once the hot water is turned on you have 3.4 minutes to complete your shower.
3. You sleep more during the day than you do at night.
4. You subconsciously improve your dance and soccer skills daily by avoiding the dog caca (or air conditioner drips) on the sidewalk.
5. Meals consist of garbanzo bean and spinach soup 4 times a week.
6. You have not done real exercise in 3 months.
7. You can purchase a beer with your Big Mac and fries.
8. It has become okay for you not to shave or shower frequently.
9. They don’t sell meat by the pound, but by the body part.
10. You used to wear pants in a size 12, and now it’s a size 8.
11. You would not be caught dead wearing what you are right now back in the States.
12. You have seen bumper cars bigger than the cars they drive in Seville.
13. You think it’s normal to salir around 1am and return at 7am.
14. You have forgotten how to spell words in your own language.
15. You start to invent your own language a mezcla entre Spanish y English
16. You know about 40 other people who speak that same language!
17. You are addicted to McDonalds 1euro conos de helado.
18. You start making defense plans against the rain, considering the bridge your major point of attack.
19. You consider fruit and yogurt real desserts.
20. You are a guy, you are not gay, and you still wear capris and a pink shirt.
21. You have just had the best semester/summer of your life!

 

The other day we were out shopping and I suggested we climb the mechanical staircase or “escalera mecánica,” which you all know as an escalator… see it’s messing with my mind already!

Scrap the Schedule

Toledo – What plans?

            Woke up more wet than when we went to bed.  Outside was beautiful with swarms of birds devouring the pesky bugs, it was Hitchcock-like.  Caught the bus again with some old ladies gossiping about the latest scandals.  Back in the plaza we knew how to get to the Cathedral and made our way through morning tourists.  We went to a back entrance where we stepped in for free and saw much of what we had seen in other places in

 Spain.  I must admit that I am starting to get used to the massive cathedrals; I don’t want to lose that wonder, but it is difficult to maintain after touring about 5+ cathedrals in a month. 

            Wandered around and found the church of Santo Tomé which housed El Greco’s “Burial of the Count of Orgaz.”  It was worth the 2,30euro.  Kept wandering and found a monastery that was going to house the bodies of King Ferdinand and Isabella, however Granada won over their dead bodies!  Beautiful cloister with a well, and thick chains outside that used to imprison the Christians – they became a Reconqest symbol of being freed from historical Muslim repression.  (Listen to Chris Tomlin’s “Amazing Grace”)

            Hannah and I then decided to scrap plans and just explore, letting the city unfold her history for us.  In the next few hours we found neat stores, more castle structures, an outside escalator up a hillside (magical), and gradually increasing tourists.  I tried marzapan, which is famous there.  It was like sweet dough lightly baked, but it made my tummy hurt.  I tried it just to say I did, and bought some for friends to see if they enjoy it.  All who read this, be prepared for a taste!

            Our train left at 3pm and we had a frantic run to the station to make it just in time.  Toledo was great, I’m glad we went for as long, or short, as we did.

 

            Back in Madrid we saw Robert on our way to the Riena Sofie Art Museum for free.  We saw the incredibly famous “Guernica” by Picasso – black and white with people and animals writhing during World War II.  We saw some other pieces, but cut our visit short due to our exhaustion.  Back for another night at Hostel Metropol, we dropped off our backpacks in the new room 411, next to our old one.  Again, we saw a big black back pack and rightfully assumed we were to be the company of more American boys.   I actually was a creeper and read the luggage tag, which proved my assumption when I read “American Airlines.”  We did not meet them until later…

            One month and no American food can be invigorating but also lonely.  My stomach missed the extra salt, sugar and animal fat.  Hannah and I had no trouble deciding on T.G.I. Friday’s that night – yes it is popular in Spain, and yes their burgers are unbelievable.  Our waiter was from Seville, but we didn’t talk much because he was busy flirting with the table of 8 girls next to us, 2 were having their birthday.  In front of me was a mushroom, Swiss, onion burger about the size of my face.  You would have thought that Hannah and I had never tasted the savory sensation that a real hamburger brings.  It had been a long time, and we enjoyed every bite!

            After that experience in and of itself, we set off to discover the highly recommended Temple of Debod.  At 10pm the sky was still light, which made finding the park simple.  What we found was an oasis of trees and wide running paths, couples and teenage cliques hanging out on the grass, a playful wind and a beautiful evening.  Through the trees we saw the Egyptian ruins: 3 standing structures, one was a temple.  The impressive trio was set in a shallow pool of water that reflected the last rays of daylight.  On the backside of the temple was a panorama view of the city.  Hannah and I soaked up the moment of this romantic, serene place.

            It was getting late for us day travelers, so we reported back to the Hostel for another night.  The “boys” had moved their stuff into one bunk bed unit, unlike before when they took up both bottom beds.  Every pair of guys we had seen in and around the hostel, Hannah and I wondered if they were our roommates to be.  It had been no longer than 7 minutes when the two busted through the door and the suspense was over. 

Meet Alex: a 6’4’’ volleyball player from Dartmouth.  Recent graduate in Economics             and Geography.  He just came from visiting his grandparents in Poland; that is             where he lost his luggage.  This year he will embark on a grand adventure in             Korea to teach English.  He is a well-seasoned traveler, but does not know             Spanish!

Meet Houston: former tight end for Dartmouth, recent graduate in Economics and             Geography as well.  Next year he will work for real estate in Atlanta, GA.  He was             a gentle giant who laughed at a lot.  His family is joining him in Spain, just like             mine.

Both boys are brothers in the Beta Fraternity, and know Rahul Malik and Andrew             von Kuhn from Mtn. Brook – small world!  They were also traveling to Seville the following day to catch a bullfight. 

            We stayed up talking and laughing and sharing stories.  I had kind of dreaded the idea of more male roommates, but we were very much blessed both nights in the hostel to stay with these American boys.  That was a memorable night…

 

Longing for Seville

            The last morning there, they boys ate breakfast with us and then we parted ways.  They went to the Prado, and we explored the Rastro - the largest flea market in Spain!  It turned out to be much of what we’ve seen people selling in Seville.  We bought Spanish tortilla sandwiches for 1.50e after feeling weak from the incense in the air.  Spanish tortillas consist of potatoes and eggs in a thick, hearty omelet – Sooo good!

            Hannah and I returned to the hostel for our backpacks, from there we found a place to sit, rest, and read over tea.  After 2 hours we were energized to do a bit of real shopping!  Our favorite stores had huge discounts that day and we took advantage of the 50-70% sales.  With tedious shopping comes an appetite for food, so we explored and found a hand-made pizza parlor “Mt. Vesuvius.”  My Tropical (Hawaiian) pizza was in my hands after 10 minutes.  We watched them toss dough and decorate it with toppings while we waited outside.  I was standing in the sidewalk when, who do you think, Robert is waltzing down the street with his North Face backpack.  I called him out and we hugged like best friends.  Small talk lasted for a few minutes, another hug, and he was off for lunch too.  How random, but cool!

            Hannah and I had 45 minutes to get to the 6-hour day bus to Seville.  We scurried/ran through the Metro system, eating pizza when we were on the train (always accompanied by hand sanitizer).  With 10 minutes to go, we slid into the bus station and I darted to the bathroom.  Hannah ended up sitting next to a woman who looked like she had been on the maiden Titanic voyage.  I sat next to a dark-skinned man who was a talker.  A tasteless Spanish film played while I read a book from my sister, “Evidence Not Seen.”  Tried to sleep, but woke up when the bus was pulling g-forces in a mountainous ravine.  I understood why people pay 80+ euro for the 2hr AVE train.  I missed Seville so much and could not get back soon enough.

            Hannah and I felt back at home when we finally exited the bus and headed down the familiar San Jacinto street to our flat.  Jose and Amparo were out for coffee when we arrived, but they came back within 20 minutes.  I hugged Amparo in the American way and gave two “besitos” to dear Jose – it was Father’s Day.  That night Hannah and I shared about the trip over a warm, filling meal with our Spanish parents.  There is something special about Seville and the Triana neighborhood specifically that always makes me excited to return from wherever the weekend takes me.  A truly special place with a unique personality that is infectious to all who call this place “home.” 

Thank you Lord for watching over us this weekend and for delivering us safely “home.”  Continue to reveal Yourself to us while we wait to encounter You one day in our heavenly “home”.

Madrid Day 2 --> Toledo

            Our morning alarm was jackhammers on the busy street corner – Good Morning Madrid!  At 8:15am Hannah and I were dressed and eating our included breakfast from Metropol.  Robert joined us midway through, for which we were glad.  I like making new friends ;)  Breakfast consisted of:

-       coolers of coffee and whole milk

-       coco puffs that looked like fish bowl pebbles

-       mini corn flakes

-       warm whole milk for cereal

-       crispy round bread and jam spreads

-       and a mountain of packaged pastries which we stuffed for a snack later

            Our daily adventures began at the Royal Palace, again, and we didn’t need a guide thanks to our Rick Steves study the previous afternoon.  Inside the palace it was drop dead gorgeous!  We tried to hold our composure as we passed magnificent chandeliers (at least 37), intricate carvings on walls and furniture, antiqued sculptures, and fingerprints of ancient royalties.  We kept finding rooms to explore on our way out, including the impressive armory and brilliant kitchen/doctors quarters.  I HIGHLY recommend a visit to the Palacio Real if you are ever near or in Madrid – coool!

            Our feet and stomachs began to protest afterwards, so we found a shady spot under the bridge amongst the birds to have a “merienda” (snack).  Afterwards we meandered in and out of shops on our way across town to a restaurant recommended by our Spanish professor.  We found the little pirate pub “Maceiras” near the Prado on Calle Huertas (if you care to know). Quaint, under the sea theme, well-priced, watch your purse! 

            The 33 acres of Retiro Park proved to be a perfect place to rest after a hearty lunch.  We strolled to the center in search of “servicios, aseos, baños” alongside a gorgeous lake with paddleboats.  Spotted some cute boys tan from the beach amongst all the little kids.  Hannah and I found a bench near a glass palace house to read and get some shut-eye.  The two boys ended up at the bench next to us!  Hannah wasn’t comfortable on the wooden, bird poo-splattered bench, so we moved to the grass.  After a bit, the boys strolled over “to see if we had been to the Prado.”  They were 24 yrs old from Argentina, different accents, one could salsa (so he said), really chill.  We four talked for like an hour sharing Spain experiences and sharing pictures and stories.  It was nothing sketchy like we think in America, just four 20-somethings relating their lives for a moment, and then we continue with our lives.  I held my own throughout the Spanlish interchange, a “broma” (joke) here or there.

            It was 5pm and time to find a train or bus to Toledo for the night.  We had not bought our ticket, which turned out to be a bit messy and unlike the easy, line-less stations of Seville.  After a bit of confusion and panic, a blonde Spanish man (married, looked German) in line helped us find where to go.  We waited in line with him for a while making small talk until we got 2 tickets 20 minutes before the train left!  (Divine Timing)  The RENFE train was comfortable until my seat buddy was a thick smoker, however the ride was only  30 minutes.

           

            !HOLY TOLEDO!  First impression: hottt (42C, 105F) and lots of castle walls.  Toledo was a former capital of Spain – like most cities were at one time.  The government declared Toledo city a national monument, therefore no modern additions are possible.  Shame, because I wish they could pave the roads or something.  Everything is uphill to the city center.  A taxi driver laughed when he dropped us off at Hotel Diamantista saying that it was a hike to the center…great.  However, the Hotel was by the Rio Tajo where old men went fishing with their dogs in the late afternoon.  This location had its positives and negatives.

            The receptionist came out in what looked like his pajamas, but he swore that they were not.  It was a very tranquil place, no hot water, big beds, poor air conditioning, and a tv where we watched “Carlos y la Fábrica de Chocolate.”  After checking in we took a bus to the Plaza Zocodover and were greeted by a drum circle with about 15 guys and girls of all ages rocking out on their jimbe drums – tight! 

            We explored the buildings and got a dose of ancient architecture by sunset.  Rick Steves told us to try to get lost and it was nearly impossible since we just went down to get to our hotel.  Oh, the route for Don Quixote was marked alongside the road as we searched for a dinner place.  We asked an 80+ yr old couple where to grab a bite around town and they told us the directions about 3 times, so thrilled to be talking to American girl.  Oh, the old people here are precious and incredibly helpful.  Hannah and I on our first night in Toledo ate Greek lamb wraps and cherished our lemon Fantas with unusually massive ice cubes in the glass. 

            In our hotel that night we found a few surprises.  Cold water and no cold air.  We tinkered with the air and started smelling something burning so we left it alone.  Opening the window was a logical idea until we realized that the lamp outside our window attracted little green river bugs that wanted to snuggle up with us in bed.  In the end we went to be sweating and woke up in quite the same humid heat.

 

Life Lessons: Madrid

What this weekend taught me:

FACT #1: Madrid is a very different place from Seville, for example: map proportions.

FACT #2: Hostels make people get close fast!

FACT #3: Expired guidebooks are expired for a reason…

FACT #4: Comfortable shoes are always a worthy investment.

FACT #5: American food in a foreign country is magical!

FACT #6: College kids traveling together don’t stay strangers for long

FACT #7: Women standing around at night are not waiting for their husbands

FACT #8: Toledo is old for a reason, your eyes will discover why, but your feet will begin to cry!

FACT #9: Rest is sometimes more valuable than seeing every cathedral or museum in Spain

FACT #10: God is full of surprises and watches over his children, evidenced by the divine acquaintances who spiced up the trip or simply set us in the right direction.

Day 1 in Madrid

            After a 6-hour bus ride through the night from Seville, Hannah and I were a bit delusional, running on the adrenaline that comes from raw exploration.  We bought a map for Madrid, unfolded the little guy, and set out to conquer Madrid.  One thing, we couldn’t even locate the bus station on a map.  After 5 minutes of wandering and searching for street names a woman with her energetic spaniel asked us if we needed directions – in English with a French accent!  We must have looked obviously lost with our backpacks, big map and twisted expressions.  She sent us to bus 148 towards Plaza Callao on Gran Vía, making sure we completely understood where to go and when. (Praise #1)

            We boarded the ever-efficient city bus for our Hostel Metropol.  On the ride we (I) enjoyed small talk with an old woman whose daughter bought her a bag with cats and sunflowers on the front.  No, she does not own cats, but I told her about mine and she just enjoyed young people paying her attention.  Next up was an old man who sat across from us.  He is from Salamanca but is restoring a flat in Madrid.  He talked most of the time.  I had to sort through two accents: Spanish and “old person accent.”

            At the end of the line we got off in Plaza Callao and began again our search for Hostel Metropol.  Hannah and I split a Berry Mocha Starbucks – not that good and way too expensive.  After 10 minutes, we arrived in the Plaza España.  Knowing this was far off, I called the hostel and had a lovely Spanglish conversation that sent us in the opposite direction towards the hostel on Gran Vía. (Praise #2) After a good laugh and being turned around so early, Hannah and I finally made it to the Hostel Metropol – right next to McDonalds.

            Rick Steves was right when he described it as “colorful.”  We checked in at the receptionist desk on the second floor, only to hear that our reservation did not take!  It was a bit tense while we waited for the computer to decide our fate for the night…5 minutes of small talk passed.  They squeezed us in on the 4^th floor for the 2 nights we wanted! (Praise #3)  They then guarded our backpacks while we went to explore the artistic city of Madrid.

            This is now 10am by the time we make it to art museum #1.  We enjoy a generous student discount at the “taquilla” and enter the Thyssen art museum.  After an hour of following a pamphlet of 50 famous painting thumbnails I saw a sign that said “Salida Prado.”  I thought How considerate of them to point to the Prado Museum because I’m sure most people do both in one day.  Then it hit me – WE WERE IN THE PRADO!!!  For those of you who are unfamiliar with THE Prado Museum, it is a classical art museum that holds the major works of major artists including El Greco, Goya, Velasquez, Rembrandt, Raphael, and many others.  So I guess you could label that my “blonde moment” for the weekend!  For the next hour and a half we enjoyed our scavenger hunt throughout the 100 or so rooms.  You cannot go to Madrid without seeing the Prado.  I’m in Spanish art class this second semester in summer and we’re studying everything I saw!

            For lunch we followed Rick Steves suggestions and ate expensive and unfilling seafood “montaditos” (mini baguettes).  Rick was starting to let us down…

            We returned at 3:30 for a siesta, since the night bus wasn’t the most comfortable sleeping condition.  When we retrieved the key for room 412, we discovered that our roommates for the night were American BOYS!  I cannot remember the last time I spent the night with guys, unless you include 5^th grade birthday parties.  This was going to be interesting, an experience to say the least.  Hannah and I giggled quite a bit and wanted to check out their massive backpacks, but sleep took precedence. 

            After our naps we went out to tackle the Royal Palace; Madrid is the capital for a reason.  We arrived an hour before closing, but the time in Rick Steve’s book were an hour off, so Hannah and I sat across from the palace reading Rick’s vivid and imaginative descriptions of the exquisite palace.  It is the 3^rd largest and most ornate Palace in the world.  That would not be the last time we would experience the Palacio Real.

            What do you do when your plans fall through?  Go shopping!!  That is what we  did until dinner in the Plaza Mayor.  It reminded me of a miniature version of Plaza San Marco in Venice: picturesque, street performers, overpriced food, all the waiters call you friend to get your business.  At the end of our pizza a light rain cooled off the heat of the day as we walked back to the hostel for the night.

            A new receptionist at Hostel Metropol was Scottish and very friendly.  We were inquisitive about our roommates and he whipped out where they were from, what year they were born… After cutting up with him in English for a while we braved our room 412.  I walked through the door and said, “Which one of you is from Texas?”  The looks on the three boys was priceless.  They were traveling separate.  We enjoyed our time.

            Robert: Houston, TX – Senior at Texas A&M, just finished hiking for a month across                                     northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela, talkative, perfect teeth, great                                     hair, loved his Diet Coke and Gray’s Anatomy, called himself a “mama’s                                     boy.”

            Justin: from Michigan, lives in Austin, experienced backpacker with Ziplock bags                                     for all his clothes, cool cat

            Kevin: from Atlanta, lives in Austin, bought a cowboy hat in Spain, snores, loves                                     bar crawling

We ended up seeing Robert 2 times in the streets of Madrid and acted like old friends!