I know you have busy lives; that's why I appreciate anyone who reads this silly blog. Over here in Espana, the vacation has gotten a litle busier as well. This actually does not come as a bad thing, but I have to be more purposeful with my time. This weekend, I had my first homework assignment (tarea) in 2 months (hehe), and went to church. Also, I found time to enjoy the gorgeous weather and attend Carnaval.
Carnaval is the celebration of the beginning of lent in Espana. For you Protestants, Lent is the 40 days before Easter, and is observed by practicing Catholics by make little sacrifices
throughout the 40 days and forgoing meat on Fridays. The little sacrifices are reminders of the full sacrifice Jesus made. However, the Carnaval itself is similar to Holloween. Everyone dresses up and just celebrates for the whole weekend. In fact school was out all the way through today. I really enjoyed the entire event.
There is a nearby town called Santona (San-Ton-Ya) were Carnaval is the most important day of the year. You are not allowed in the town without a custume (disfrace) and all the streets are filled with partiers until like 10 am Sunday morning. I did not go to Santona.
The festivities in Santander were still fun, but, true to the atmosphere of the city, more family-friendly. Groups from all of the city dressed in coordination and performed dances on a stage while everyone danced and laughed. There was a school of fish, a posse of Egyptians and a Roman Legion. On Saturday night, all these groups marched in a great parade, which I also attended. I also got dresesd up, buying a sword and a hat to become a pirate. (Don't worry,
pictures are forthcoming). It was overall a great time, and the most fun was to whip out my pastic sword and poke people with it until it broke.
A couple of friends and I also went to a Baptist church on Sunday, which I will tell you about next time.
We have our exam on Friday to complete our first month of (not that) Intensive Spanish training. Thus, I have been spening some time studying for that.
Finally, this weekend we are going to Bilbao, which is a nearby town in the Basque region of Spain. Pictures and a summary of this trip next!
Here is a map showing where I have been:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=40.480381,-3.55957&spn=9.757169,19.775391&z=6&msid=101129060515329838183.000463c6737508f90879e
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4 comments:
yes it has! what are you doing with you spare time besides not blogging? just kidding man, great to hear from ya. hope to talk to ya on Sat/Sun.
Sounds like you are having a great time, Charlie! So glad to hear it. I was sorry to hear about your fall. I did the same thing in college... maybe some sort of right of passasge! We miss you here and are praying for you! Take care of yourself.
Julie / Mrs. L
Did you pass your exam?
Good to hear from you again.
How often do you think you will be able to post?:)
Have a good week!
IT IS SNOWING HERE!!!
What is the weather like there?
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