German Expeditions: Zoo!

 Penguins on a mission!

 Totally reminds me of the British voice over animal video on YouTube. Google it!

 Adorable Easter decorations.

 Stunning colors.

 Covered in glitter? Diva. 

Least favorite part: Owl feedings!

If Alice in Wonderland was set during Easter this is what it would look like.

Hanging out. 

Sweet Sorrow

Traveling creates a constant sense of upheaval.  My world is transitory- nothing is permanent.  As much as I love travel, there exists a slightly sinking feeling in knowing that everything has a time limit.  Now as I near the end of my time in Spain I can't help experience 1) Inevitable excitement to return home mixed with mild homesickness 2) Sadness knowing that all the people and places I have come to know will be left behind, uncertain of when or if I will ever see them again.

As I debate traveling more in the future, I am caught between the allure of new experiences and the fact that once again I must put the rest of my life on pause.  I have met amazing individuals, seen beautiful things, created my own world within the wonderful places I've lived in & visited this year. This makes goodbyes even more difficult. I am on borrowed time in all these situations, never fully putting down roots because of the risk of having to leave some part of me behind.

In a way it is lonely.  Never having your friends and family around to share in the new experiences.  Never being able to build relationships without feeling like a countdown until goodbye.

Let me be clear however, I regret nothing about this year.  My time abroad has completely changed me for the better.  As the saying goes "It is better to have loved and lost, then never to have loved at all." I have so many new found loves because of this year, even if the forever impending goodbyes make them distinctly bittersweet.

InstaUpdates

Old journal entry, with two of my favorite quotes. 

100 Montaditos- that giant Wine and Chips is only 2 euros on Sundays. Obsessed. 

Politically charged bathroom stall. 

Berry colored lipstick- new favorite. 

Amazing frozen yogurt, perfectly tart and just the right amount of sweet topped with melted dark chocolate.

Decor at Mandala, cafe with an amazing blueberry hot chocolate & green tea/cocoa/blackcurrant milkshake. 

Cucumbers and cherry tomatoes grilled and topped honey. 4 of those + entire bottle of Rose Wine for 6.50 euros. Win. 

Madrid & Toledo

                  

Beautiful views above the city of Toledo. 

 My favorite at the indoor market of San Miguel in Madrid. 

 Ancient Gypsy Temple

 More of my yogurt obsession. 

 Amazing door carvings.

This sign explains my life. Food + Wine= Happiness. 

 Protest against the privatization of healthcare in Madrid.  We were lucky enough to be right in the middle of it.  It was like seeming all my research on public versus private healthcare last semester in the UK come to life.  Clearly, it is a UNIVERSAL issue. 

Curfew (2012)

A story of redemption.  Growing up is hard.  We lose ourselves when we are hit with the terrifying realities of what our lives have become.  Sometimes it takes the innocent black and white perspective of a child to help us sort through all the grey that has clouded our vision.  That is what Curfew does- it takes the ugliest of what the world can do to us and shows how something pure & full of love like a child can stop us from giving up on everything.  This almost 20 minute masterpiece takes out all the plot filler to deliver a vivid picture well worthy of it's Oscar nomination.  Written, directed and starred in by Shawn Christensen.

"Not Broken, Just Bent..."

Pardon my french, but screw the bullshit love stories of Disney Princesses.  Give me a love like P!nk (Alecia) and her husband Carey Hart.  She's an amazing role model for young girls who is not afraid to be different.  Not mention I am completely addicted to "Just Give Me A Reason" with the fantastic Nate Ruess.

Behind the Scenes

Just Give Me A Reason Official Video

Bullfighting Museum

 Bullfighting trophies- including ears and a tail!

(Above pictures are from my visit to Salamanca's Bullfighting Museum)

I am buying tickets for my first Carnaval del Toro in Ciudad Rodrigo.  Each part of Spain has a specific time of year when they are allowed to have their bullfights, and there are large Carnavales accompanying them.  Everyone dresses up similar to American Halloween and gets absolutely crazy.  They are largely tourist attractions now.  It is a myth that all Spaniards still think of Bullfights with pride, but there are still many who enjoy the tradition.  The bulls themselves are raised specifically for these fights,  and a huge source of honor for the people involved.  I will most likely be skipping the bullfight- still excited to experience my first festival!