So, as many of my followers already know, my nana recently passed. One of the many thoughts that flew through my head when I found out was this- I never got to tell her about all my adventures abroad... Adventures that, upon hearing them, she would have laughed, shared similar stories, and above all would have been proud that I took the initiative to enjoy myself and my experiences in Europe. I think I deserve it to myself, to...

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Alright, so I realize I've been really bad about updating my blog recently, but with good reason I promise! Spring break was a whirlwind, and the weeks after haven't given me time to write either. They really pile on the work towards the end of the semester :/ Plus, I had already planned trips for these past two weekends since before Spring break... little did I know I would want a rest after two...

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Since I had a test on Wednesday, the official St. Patty's Day, I decided to postpone my celebrations until Thursday after classes. My friends and I all dressed up in green and headed to an Erasmus party at Sala V.I.P- we made it to the right club this time. It was fun, but nothing like an American St. Patty's Day party and those Spaniards were severely lacking in their green attire. I'm pretty sure it's just another excuse for...

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Look what Jacklyn and I found one night! Bilbao is full of surprises.On the Ranita Loca (Crazy Fro...

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I've been slacking on my blog recently! However, I know some of you might be wondering how my weekend in Madrid was, so I won't leave you hanging... A few weekends ago, my program went on its last planned excursion- to Madrid and Segovia. My friends and I were so excited to go to Madrid, and especially to stay in a hotel paid for by CIDE. I think we might have looked forward to the trip a bit too much, because in the end Madrid...

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On Wednesday, the girls and I bought cheap tickets to a friendly match between Athletic Club and Paraguay. We ended up having pretty good seats, right behind the goalie and defender of Athletic Club! Since the match didn't count towards anything, Athletic was playing their second string team (they lost 1-3). We just happened to sit next to two members of the first string team watching the game! Not that I would have known had...

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The group at the top! After going to Irish Stones the night before (mainly so that Jacklyn could sneak out a prized Murphey's glass) to hang out with friends both Spanish and American, we didn't wake up in time for the 8am hike with hiking club. However, Jacklyn, Nina and I were determined to get a hike in this day, especially after seeing the beautiful pictures our friends had taken the day before on their hike. The same group...

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Jacklyn, Nina and I woke up considerably early to make it out to Plentzia beach- the last stop on the metro right on the ocean- to take advantage of a very sunny day in Bilbao. To our surprise, too, it stayed that way! A 30-minute metro ride and we were in Plentzia, and with a bit of difficulty we found the beach. Plentzia is a beautiful beach, and I can only imagine how it would be in the summer. There were surfers in wet suits,...

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Can I just mention how the Spaniards LOVE to dress up?? I feel like Carnaval has been going on for about 3 weeks, and the party in the dorm last Thursday was no exception. Yes, I said party in the dorm. This isn't the US anymore! We had a great time getting to know the non-American Unamuno residents and dancing to Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys. However, I am DONE dressing up!!! At least till Halloween...Michele, Caitlin, me,...

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I met with Olga this week for lunch with her friends, which was nice although I got a bit lost in their conversation occasionally. Also, one of her friends said I look like Reese Witherspoon... hah. Afterwards, Olga and I walked around town, during which she asked me some things that she has been wondering about in regards to American culture.... She asked if I had seen High School Musical (I haven't-...

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We had bought tickets for the Sunday game at the San Mamés Stadium, home of Athletic Club, where they would be playing Tenerife from the Canary Islands. Though Athletic was predicted to win, and win they did 4-1, it was an exciting game to watch. After sitting at some bars nearby before the game with Lizzie, Michelle, Nina, and Jacklyn, we headed to the stadium to find our seats. We weren't able to do the latter, and ended up...

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On Saturday, Jacklyn and I decided to go on a wine tour (can you believe it, dad?) with some new friends in the town of Haro, part of the La Rioja region of Spain where the country's best wine originates. Tired from the night before (yes, another night of clubbing at Fever. Not sure I'll go for round 3...), Jacklyn and I hopped on a bus to Haro and arrived with 30 minutes to get to the Bodega Bilbainas to meet up with the group...

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Another party in the Guggenhem! This time all of my friends were there...

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This past Friday, the CIDE group had another scheduled day trip, this time to the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Despite the name, the Bioshpere Reserve is just an area that spreads across 22 different cities in the Basque Country, two of which we would be visiting on our excursion.  Our first stop was to Gernika where we visited the Assembly House, the Tree of Gernika, and the Museo de la Paz. Though Gernika is considered...

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I found boots that fit over my calves! Right when I was about to hunt down the only fat person in Spain and ask where they bought their boots. Thanks for the thunder calves, DAD!Ta-...

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Carnaval, 2010= crazy! This past weekend was a constant party in Bilbao, and was full of new adventures- one of which I know my mom would be proud of, hence the title of the blog. First, let me start from the beginning. Thursday night: The start of Carnaval (at least for the Americans). While we thought we were to dress up every night, as the weekend progressed we realized that most people only dress up on Saturday night. In...

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