The last few weeks have been pretty normal here. I never really thought I’d say that. But, we’ve crossed the halfway point of our time here, and most of us have more or less adjusted to our surroundings. It’s kind of nice to enjoy the routine of things rather than walking around in shock and awe all the time.
Perhaps the biggest recent update: I got a bike! One of my private lesson students – a physical therapist named Javier – lent it to me for the next few months (Thanks Javi!).
As many of you know, I’ve acquired a few aches and pains from my efforts at distance running over the years, and biking seems to be a great impact-free alternative. So far, this has proven true. I took a 10-mile (round trip) ride to the nearby pueblo of Peloche yesterday, and it was just awesome. The one thing I forgot was my camera, so the only picture to prove it is this image I shot with my phone.
Perhaps the biggest news from the high school this week was the success of the fundraiser for the victims in Haiti. The event was an indoor soccer match that pitted students against professors, and the house was packed. Although I don’t know the exact final score of the game, I’m proud to say the professors held their own.
More mediocre camera phone pics follow. Considering Shawna was nice enough to lend me her camera when I broke mine, I really should carry it around more often.
A few more odds and ends (since I obviously just downloaded all of the pictures from my phone):
Carnival, a seemingly Europe-wide Mardi Gras-style celebration that involves crazy costumes and lots of parties, is upon us. This group unexpectedly dropped in as some friends and I were getting tapas at a restaurant yesterday. They sang one song and left. Perhaps due to the language barrier, nobody could really offer me a clear explanation of why.
The sign from an awesome local festival a few weeks ago celebrating San Anton, the patron saint of Peloche.
The warning labels on tobacco products are much more straight forward here. Translation: “Smoking can cause a slow and painful death.”
Translation: “For Sale: A flock of sheep.” (At least I think that’s what it says…)
On a final note, the next big travel I have planned is Barcelona March 5-7. I’ll be celebrating the arrival to Spain of two good friends from Clinton, Mississippi (can’t wait to see you guys!). If you’re reading this and are going to be in town, let us know!
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21 days my friend. It is getting very anxious over here. On a side note, my first experience with the warning labels on cigarette boxes blew my mind. I spent 20 minutes reading all of the labels in the airport. So funny.
Good to hear about the bike. I hear cycling is pretty big over there. Not quite France or Belgium, but you all do have Alberto Contador. I expect you to be at the elite level upon your return.