Griswolds go at it again

From Madrid my family and I drove up north to San Sebastian, which is in País Vasco. It was so beautiful I felt like I was in some other world. We stayed at a really pretty hotel right on the water called Hotel Niza, one my good man Rick had recommended. We hiked up Monte Urgull, a huge park with a castle and huge statue of Jesus. My dad made friends with this really nice guy working at the museum part of the castle. He told us a lot about the area, the language, etc., and made me forget my fears that Vascans are all scary. From the top of the mountain it was the most gorgeous view and when I figure out how to post pictures on this thing, you will believe me. We took a side trip into San Jean d'Luz, France the next day, which was so much fun. Admittedly we spent a lot of time in the car this trip, but I could not be happier with that fact. I miss that family time, even if we are not doing anything. Part of the part about this trip I have loved the most is just wandering through foreign cities with my fam and just catching up.

A few days later we drove down to Segovia and stayed in this gorgeous old monastery-turned hotel right outside the city center. We visited the Alcázar, walked the city and saw the old Roman aquaduct after a cute little lunch in Plaza Mayor. We drove to Toledo that day and stayed at a hotel called AC Ciudad Toledo, which was outside the city walls but had a gorgeous view and nice people working it. After we went to the Tuesday market and I showed my family around the city, we had dinner with my host family that night. I at first was nervous about how it might go— what if for some reason they did not get along? What if I told them the wrong time or something? But it was awesome. I was so grateful Dad speaks Spanish. It made conversation for the entire 2 and a half hour dinner awesome. We all exchanged little gifts afterwards. My family got me this beautiful K necklace and I once again, not because of the gift but just because of spending time with them, realized how great my host family is and how lucky I was to be placed with them. My mom cried a little bit, I think just at the realization that these were good people to genuinely cared and took very good care of her oldest baby. 

The next day, New Years Eve, tons of stuff was closed in the city, including the Cathedral and Alcazár, so we did a little more shopping for Toledo-stuff, including the local sweet Mazapan. That night my dad and I, although registration was already closed, jumped into a huge annual road race, which we thought was a 5K but soon learned from one of my professors we ran into that it actually was an 8.5K, which included a ton of hills. It was a great race, however, and the fans were even better, cheering at every step of the race and playing music. There was even a live drum band at one turn, which was awesome motivation. People were dressed crazy— matadors, 3 Wise Men, transvestites, etc. All and all a hilarious and fun experience. We spent New Year's Eve at the Plaza de Zocodover in Toledo and celebrated like the locals and popped 12 grapes in our mouths at midnight, as is the tradition. There were fireworks, a band, and everything. I showed my family the magic that is Don Simon. We went back soon after midnight, but it was still a blast. 

We went to el Escorial the next day, which of course was closed. It was still impressive and beautiful from the outside, and good to say we saw it. Also glad we did not over-museum the day, which might have been the case with a visit to that huge place. We kept driving on to Madrid for the last night and enjoyed one last tapas-filled night. 

I miss my family so much. I am halfway done, though, and will be seeing them sooner than I think. I always love New Years because it brings the possibility of a clean slate. I am excited a bunch more of my friends to be abroad this semester— many whom I have not seen since last fall. And I have Madrid and Twilight to keep me busy until I meet my friend in London on Monday.