Because When Carla Choate Tells you to Do Something,

you do it.

I was lucky enough to have lunch with Carla one day this Summer, and as always, she was full of useful advice. One of the best tips that she gave me was to start a blog so folks back home could keep up with what I was doing in Spain. At first, I didn't think that was something that I would really be into, but then I thought about it, and I realized it is far easier and more fun than sending out multiple emails to family and friends.

So, here we are.

Anyway, I have been here in Huelva for about a week now, and I'm really making an effort to feel at home here. It's funny how quickly one forgets how challenging it can be to move to a new apartment, or a new city, or a new country...especially the last one. So, of course, I go and do all three.

I mean, seriously. The whole moving thing is pretty ridiculous. Whenever you move to a new place, you have to drop hundreds of dollars on new cleaning supplies, rugs, towels, and all sorts of things that you've bought countless times before but feel the need to replace once again. When you move to a new city, you often have few friends and have to "start over" meeting new people, finding new hangouts and generally making it all cozy and homelike. Finally, when moving to a new country, top all that off with a language barrier and the pressure of learning all new customs to add to your list of things to do.

It's so terrifying, all you can do is laugh. Like that time I bought a family-size jar of jelly (cause I do be lovin' the jelly/a bargain) and I dropped it in my kitchen as I was putting away the groceries. I hadn't even opened it, yet!! Family size, unopened jelly ALL OVER MY KITCHEN!! Of course, it had been one of those days too, where nothing was going right. I was so pissed/defeated that I couldn't even be angry; I just had to laugh.

That little anti-stress move is one that I've busted out on more than one occasion here. Baby girl gets lost with two HUGE suitcases and sweat stains to boot? Ain't no thaaaang, I just sit down next to a homeless dude, eat a sandwich, smoke a cigarette (I know! But sometimes, it's necessary!!) and refuse to feel sorry for myself. I mean, life might feel overwhelming, but I was pretty sure he had had a harder day than I had...probably a few actually. So, what do I decide to do? I pick up my suitcases and head off to my hostel--no worse for wear.

A week later, I am sitting with a few new friends: an Italian, an American, a Belgian and two Moroccans, and life is good in our little international club. We are going to see Manditos Bastardos (A.K.A Inglorious Bastards) and hopefully enjoy our last few days before work begins. Oh, yeah. That's why I came here.

Cuidense familia y amigos y nos vemos pronto!!

Un beso gigante,

Charlee