Cheers!

As most of you know by now, drinking in Spain is sincerely a part of the culture here. Going to drink a cervecita (little beer) is just as common and accepted as going to drink a coffee. That being said, I want to do a somewhat different entry: This is a toast. A toast to you, dear Espana, and all of the somewhat peculiar things about you that I have gotten use to and will somehow miss....

To having all the children/teachers stare at my purple reusable water bottle at school as though it just fell on planet earth from Mars. One teacher even asked if I had just water in my bottle "no wine or liquor?" "Really?" I thought to myself. "At school?"

To being called RUBIA. It's basically my new name.

To cat calls/random pickup lines. Best two I've gotten so far: "Dame tu boca" (translation: Give me your mouth) and "I want to make you a ham and cheese sandwich."

To knowing that if I wear any flip-flop/thong sandals in public, my feet will be stared at...or if I'm with Spanish people I know, they will stare at my feet and then promptly ask me if I just came from the beach.

To knowing that if I have ANY skin exposed, despite the 75 degree weather outside, it's pretty much a 100% guarntee that an old woman at the bus stop, a teacher at school, or some random stranger in the street will comment "que fresca!" (meaning "how chilly!").

To introducing myself as "Brittany...como Britney Spears" to ensure proper pronunciation of my name. I shall forever be tied to the American pop queen. :)

To regularly seeing women/children donned in flamenco outfits and watching random processions in the small streets.


To having people boldly give their opinions of my Spanish skills...in front of me and others.

To accepting the fact that most stores in Spain close for siesta and random unexpcted holidays...and then getting really excited when I realize things are open (abierto!).


To viewing intense make out sessions on the bus, on the beach...basically any public place is free game.

To expecting to hear "O-BA-MA! O-BA-MA!" when I tell a new Spanish person that I'm from America.

So here's to Spain...the country that will forever have my heart, odd pickup lines, water bottle comments, feet stares, and all. And that, my dear reader, is the definition of true love. :)



Salud! (Cheers!)
Brittany