One final entry...

Well. It's finally come to an end. This is my last week here in Spain.

Between graduation, end of the year stuff, the Germany trip, and The Hogueras festival, my birthday kind of snuck up on me. The problem with that is that my birthday was what I had chosen as the event/date that marks the start of the end, because after my birthday, I don't even have 2 weeks left. But I've been spending the small amount of time the way I like to: low-key. Some time with some friends, hanging with Sofia (my best friend here), with the family, enjoying the fireworks festival from the 25th-29th, and the like.

Last night, I finally cooked an American meal for my host family. I had been thinking about it when they asked out of curiousity if I was going to, so I decided then to do it. However, I really didn't want to do hamburgers and hot dogs and french fries or things like that, because that's TOO American, you know? It's just too stereotypical. I ended up asking my dad for the recipe, from my great-grandfather if I understand right, for the meatloaf he makes and his green bean. I made them both, to my apprehension, and my host mom made some veggies, potatoes, fruit, and a red fruit cheesecake to go with it. We invited over a couple from the urbanization that we know, a friend of Elena who lives in the urbanization and her son (who is Luis' age), and my best friend Sofia. It was a complete success. Everyone commented on how good it was, and I must say, it reminded me perfectly of the meatloaf my dad makes, so I didn't end up screwing it up. It was a good night of good food, good people, and good conversation.

Me and the food I cooked. Below, the food.

Lastly, I want to mention how crazy it's been trying to pack. I had no idea how I was going to manage it without adding another suitcase or going overweight. Not to mention the fact that people kept giving me going-away gifts. I was totally stressing out, because I didn't want to leave anything behind, even though all 4 of my parents were telling me I'd have to do that. In the end though, thanks to some creative thinking and reorganizing, I managed to get all the important, irreplaceable stuff (i.e. not the underwear, socks, undershirts, etc.) into the space and luggage I have. It's such a relief to not have to worry about that now.

Well, I'm coming home soon, so the next time I talk to you all, it'll probably be in person.
Thanks for tagging along!
Un abrazo
Erik

Currently listening to:
Song: I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow
Artist: The Soggy Bottom Boys
Album: O, Brother Where Art Thou? Soundtrack