Extremadura and my birthday!

22 Marzo

Last weekend, half of the API group went on an excursion to a region of Spain called Extremadura. First, we went to Mérida. It is famous for having some of the best Roman ruins in Europe, including a theater and an amphitheater. I had learned about the theater in my History of Spanish Art course and it was very interesting to see it in real life, it is amazing how well it has been preserved after so many years. There was also a beautiful park along the river with a cool Roman bridge – Steph and I walked around there for awhile and enjoyed the nice day. Next we drove to Trujillo, an adorable town that reminded me of someplace like Tuscany – like a little town on the Mediterranean. The streets were tiny and cobblestone and all the buildings were stone with cool roofs. There is a castle on the hill and it had the most beautiful views of the town and the surrounding countryside, it was so peaceful. We stayed in a really nice hotel that night that used to be some sort of old castle or stone building. It was right by the main square, which was really cute – SJ, Susie, and I ate dinner and ice cream there and watched all the bats flying around the square. There were also storks everywhere! It was so strange – every tall building had 3 and 4 different nests on the top!

Saturday we went on an amazing hike to get to Guadalupe. The first half was very difficult – uphill almost the whole time and climbing over loose rocks. It was a beautiful day though and the countryside was again very beautiful. Parts of it actually reminded me of NH – the big hills and the lakes and the meadows and pine trees. The entire hike was 10 miles and took us about 5 hours. I was very tired at the end but it was so refreshing to get out of the city! I love Sevilla but being outside, very far away from any major city was a relaxing change of pace. We finally reached Guadalupe and went into the Monastery where we were spending the night! It was an amazing building – it was huge and looked like a castle. My room was wicked big, with a huge Jacuzzi tub in one of the towers of the monastery and the most beautiful views from our balcony and windows. The ceiling was carved wood and it was amazing. SJ and I walked around that cute little town in the afternoon and that night we had dinner in the Monastery. After dinner, unfortunately I felt pretty sick and felt even worse on Sunday. I think I was just exhausted and dehydrated from being in the sun for so long plus I got a cold or allergies (there are so many beautiful flowers and trees blooming and I walked around in fields and forests all day so I’m guessing it might be allergies!). It was definitely a very fun weekend though, everywhere we visited was so beautiful and very different looking from what I’ve seen so far of Spain, I really liked it.

Fortunately I was feeling much better Monday because I had planned to go out and celebrate my birthday, which was on Tuesday. I went to a restaurant with some of my friends that has a whole gluten-free menu for me, as well as a lot of vegetarian options for SJ and some of the other girls. We got a few tapas (appetizers) and drinks and sat outside in the nice weather (it is starting to stay warm here even at night, which is so nice!). We then went to another bar that I really like for some Sangria. I was in a very good mood and was happy to be out celebrating my birthday in Spain!

The next day, my actual birthday, I slept in and had a relaxing day before heading to my class. My family sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers which are now sitting on my desk – they came in a huge box and I was very surprised! I also have a bunch of cards, I’ve gotten something in mail for a whole week now! I love it, I’m going to be sad when it stops haha. SJ and I went out and got a ton of ice cream that afternoon, it was so good! That night I had a few friends come over for dinner and cake. It was fun to have people over my house and have my friends meet Carmen since I always talk about her. The cake was SO good, I ate way too much of it! It was a very fun night and now I’m 20! Yay!

I’m a little stressed right now with homework/projects and trying to sign up for classes for next semester at URI but I’m leaving for Paris tonight! Julia and I are spending the weekend there and I’m so excited! Enjoy the pictures from last weekend and expect a lot more sometime next week! Thanks for reading <3

Merida and Trujillo

hike and Guadalupe