Nochevieja

 puerta del sol, via

Another year has come and gone, and I can hardly believe it. I feels like just yesterday I was ringing in 2012 in my grandparents' driveway and tonight I'll be welcoming 2013 in Spain. Madrid is known for it's parties, and La Nochevieja (the old night) is no exception. In the US we have the ball drop in Times Square, in Madrid people gather in Puerta del Sol, the center of the city, to wait for the countdown. The tradition in Spain is to eat 12 grapes, one grape per chime, when the clocks strikes 12. And if you successfully eat all your grapes on time you will be prosperous and have good luck in the new year. The other tradition here is to wear new red underwear, which will also bring you good luck. My roommate told me that on the 1st you then have to burn the underwear, but I'm not crazy about the idea of burning brand new undies. I will not be eating my grapes in Sol with the masses, but having dinner and drinks and friend's bar which promises to be much more low-key. I hope everyone has a fun and safe NYE and see you all in 2013!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Being away from friends and family is tough during the holidays, especially when your friends and family away from home are at home with their friends and family for the holidays! Madrid is a truly magical place around Christmas time, full of lights and energy, but I have to say I am very excited for my Christmas vacation. Today me, my friend, and her brother are taking off to spend the next 5 days in Rome! Rome is one city that has always been on list, and I am more than excited to celebrate Christmas there! So Merry Christmas to everyone out there, have a fun and safe holiday week!

via

Thanksgiving in Spain

Ok, I know I'm a little late on this post, but better late than never! And to be fair, Thanksgiving is kind of still happening here at my house. We still have some pumpkin bread! I celebrated Thanksgiving last Friday with my 2 American friends, 2 British guys, 1 Brazilian girl, and 8 Spaniards. I honestly don't know how people prepare entire Thanksgivings by themselves, because just the turkey and two pumpkin pies took me all day. Oh and also a batch of funfetti cupcakes, courtesy of my friend Jessie who visited in May! In true Spanish style, Thanksgiving dinner started around 11:30pm and lasted until about 3am. It was so fun and rewarding, and I feel so lucky that I was able to share such a special American holiday with my Spanish roommates and friends. The turkey turned out delicious and the pumpkin pie was unanimously everyone's favorite! It would appear that I'm not as hopeless a cook as I once thought. I wish I could share more pictures of this (although I guess the turkey is the most important part of Thanksgiving), but right now I'm battling it out with Picassa... blogger says I've reached my upload limit.