Semana Santa

So, Semana Santa has now come to an end. From the beautiful city of Madrid to engagements to Easter processionals, it was all in all an amazing experience. I saw in total three processions last week out of at least 12. Despite the overwhelming crowd of people, they were incredible. We saw marching bands, banner and cross bearers, and these massive structures depicting the later life and death of Jesus that were so heavy that they had to be supported by about 30 people. At the last processional, there was a Mary statue and a Jesus statue, and the carriers actually ran at each other so that Mary and Jesus met in the middle of the Plaza Mayor in downtown Caceres. It was very cool.

Madrid was incredible, as I´ve already said. I can´t wait to go back in May!!!

I found out that a friend of mine from NC got engaged and then Kerry got engaged two days ago, too!!! She is the only person I know who got engaged in a foreign romantic country. How do you top that? We also had two dinners at the piso, American style. The first time, we had barbecue chicken, baked m & c, mashed potatoes, and absolutely delicious apple cobbler. One of our Italian friends ate with us, and my mom and Sandra went absolutely nuts over him. The same happened again the second night when a German friend was over. I don´t know what it is about European men that messes with women from the western hemisphere, but I think they were enchanted lol. That night, we had bacon, scrambled eggs, strawberries, and pancakes...with actual syrup!!! Mom brought it for me from home. Me gusta Aunt Jemima. She also brought me a massive bag of chocolate, skittles and starburst, shoes and clothes from home, perfume, makeup, etc. You name it. She brought it for me. Thanks Mom!

So we´re now halfway through the semester, but I´ve still got a few extra weeks to spend with Spain and my friends here. However, even if I had a lifetime, it still wouldn´t be enough time here.