Well, for about the last 14 days or so Charlie or I (or Luna) have been sick. It's been a long trek that we wish not to repeat any time in the near future.
I came home from Spain with a bad, dry cough which later morphed into a cold. Then Charlie came down with the same thing as soon as I was starting to feel a bit better. The doctors weren't quite sure exactly what was making us sick, but it was some form of bronchitis, ear infection, strep, and a bacterial infection that required antibiotics and steroids. Oh joy. Our kitchen counter makes it look like an ad for a pharmaceutical company.
So what does one do couped up in an apartment for so long when sick??? Start a 1,000 piece puzzle of course that renders your kitchen table useless! Vicki had bought us a personalized puzzle for our anniversary (of the wedding party). We've begun to work on it, and slowly but surely we are making progress.... hopefully the grand reveal to come. Yes, we know we're so interesting. :)
It's been a while since I've updated--but with a legitimate excuse... I've been in Spain for a month and a half. I was getting the first part of my Master's degree in Spanish Education through a Cursos Internacionales program in Salamanca. I hardly had any time to sleep (let alone blog), so "Snearlytales" took a back-seat. But fear not... I'm baaaaack!
Palacio Real, Madrid
The experience. was. out. of. this. world. I think any time you visit a foreign country it changes you. I've lived in Spain before several years ago, so when I flew in in late June, a part of me felt like I was going home. I missed the language, the food, the people, the atmosphere, and I couldn't wait to find myself in true language immersion. It was beautiful.
This time around wasn't exactly a vacation, though. Our 6 weeks was jam-packed. Class all day, studying, adjusting to dorm life, excursions, city visits, seminars... you name it. And trying to fit in a little bit of fun here and there. ;)
View of Salamanca, Spain
My University was built in the 13th century.... so walking to class every morning was such a joy (we definitely walked a LOT!). The city streets are so rustic and unique...I just love them. Beauty is everywhere... over half a century of students have passed under the same doorways I did to get an eduction. I'm honored :) Here's a little video I made of the last 5 minutes of my walk to school... I hope you enjoy and are able to experience a piece of the beauty of Salamanca.
Spain wins the World Cup! Gooooooool!
Salamanca by night
Catedral de Segovia
My journey was the experience of a lifetime, but by the end, I was so ready to come back home to my husband, my pooch and my life in Charlotte. I remembered all the things that I love about home and why I'm so proud to be an American. A piece of my heart will always be in Spain, but my one true love will always be home and my family :)
