Success!

This week was yet another simple week in Spain. The biggest difference? It was sunny until Friday! I made use of the five whole days of sun by going running, laying out on the roof during homework time, and going on lots of walks. On Thursday I woke up in the morning and went to the market. I got all the usual fruits and veggies, but I was so excited because I got a kilo of oranges for 1 euro! (That's about $1.50) The guy even threw in a couple of extra oranges for me after he weighed them. I love being able to find deals like this at the market, it makes buying food so much more fun!

Friday I decided I would make use of my day off and get a bunch of things done, so I woke up nice and early and walked to Eroski, a huge store that is supposed to be kindof like a mix between Target and something more expensive. It took me about half an hour to get there and when I finally did it was closed! Turns out that it was Dia Del Padre (Father's Day) as well as el Festival del San Jose. Everything was closed, even the grocery stores! Because of that, I didn't end up being able to get anything done at all and instead spent the day reading and watching movies. I guess I might never get used to the Spanish way of life--not unless someone gives me a calendar of all these festival days! Oh well, it was a nice walk and I was glad to get a little bit of exercise. Not to mention I think I walked about 4 miles.

On Friday night I went to my friend Bret's for movies and dinner. We watched The Time Traveler's Wife, and Watchmen. I loved the first and hated the second. Bret made fried chicken and patatas bravas for dinner (see previous food entry to find out what patatas bravas are.) I was happy to have some delicious food and hang out with a friend I don't get to see too often because of school. Overall it was a pretty relaxing and fun nice.

On Saturday I made attempt number two at getting things done. I walked to Gran Via, the main street here, and wandered around the area for a couple of hours shopping and half-looking for a dress to take to Barcelona with me. Then I went to the grocery store and loaded up on the necessities before heading home. After a quick nap I picked through and soaked lentils so I could make lentil soup for dinner. Wow was it delicious! I am proud of myself for trying to make something new, and it turned out pretty good. I am learning a lot about cooking here because I'm trying to make new things. It is pretty cool to see that I can depend on myself to make just about anything--at least so far.

Today I woke up and went to mass at the church outside my door, Santa Eulalia. I like going to mass there because its really relaxing and I always feel more upbeat when I leave. After that I cleaned the apartment top to bottom and talked to my Aunt and Uncle for a bit--it was great to hear from them! In the afternoon my friend Daedre came over for attempt #3 at tortilla de patata. It was a success! Finally we seem to have mastered this Spanish dish. As you can see from the picture it turned out pretty much perfect and absolutely delicious. The secret? You absolutely MUST have a non-stick pan.

We spent the afternoon reading and doing homework and then watched a movie before Daedre headed home. I am starting to feel like someone who actually lives in Murcia now. I am more comfortable with the city every day and I'm more confidently navigating it and its people. I feel like the fact that I've pretty much stopped taking pictures is a good sign that I'm getting more comfortable here and becoming less of a tourist. The things that I thought were unique and cool before still are, they're just also things I see every day. I am getting ready to start traveling again, though, I can't wait for the next few weeks. One more week of class, then its Semana Santa (Holy Week,) Barcelona, Granada, a big festival called Las Huertas, and then Isaac comes. I think the next month will be a great adventure!