Un Viaje a Toledo y Madrid

Okay I know I am behind on posting, however there is a lot to talk about. I have refrained from putting up a lot of pictures in this week's blog because most of them you can browse through on my Facebook.

On the 4th I was all packed and ready for my trip to Spain but before leaving I had a delicious breakfast with Jacob at the Crepe and Croissant place on Byres road: 

As always the chats were good and the food, well food never disappoints me as long as I have some. 

I took a bus to Edinburgh where I caught a flight with EasyJet to Madrid, Spain. I got there at night but was welcomed with open arm by Naomi Forman. I will talk a bit about her at the end of this blog, for now let's continue with the adventures in Spain. The airport in Madrid might seem like it goes on for hours and when we finally got to the end, we took a metro and a bus to arrive about 2 hours later in Toledo. I probably spoke Naomi's ear off because I was so excited to see her and just catch up on everything and anything. Her host family who I lived with for the next 5 days really was such a blessing and I am so thankful for them hosting me as well. Christina and Pepe. Now I haven't spoken Spanish in over a year and a half and man did I have to remember it quickly. Christina and Pepe didn't speak a lick of english and my broken Spanish didn't really help, however I soon found that I actually remembered a lot of it. After a delicious meal Christina made me, Naomi and I went to a pub nearby to meet some of her friends. The pub was called O'briens, and Irish pub. After the introductions Nay and bumped into another South African at the bar. Such a small world because I haven't met anyone from South Africa since I have been abroad. After the pub we went to Dragos and La Nuit, some local places in Toledo.

The next day was exploration day in Toledo. Christina made us some breakfast, and in Spain, they eat olive oil with bread, and you heard me correctly because none of their dishes are made without olive oil! Nay was my personal tour guide who showed me the library: 

The city streets who are all this narrow and old looking. Apparently Toledo is one of the oldest places in the world and the true capital of Spain. I think. 

We went to the Catedral del Toledo and found a back entrance without having to pay. 

As we continued to explore some places, we found a staircase that was extremely narrow and something out of the Lord of the Rings,which led us to the top in an encaged square: 

While we were at top there was no openings except some holes in the walls, but even with those there were wires put in to keep pigeons out. We spotted one pigeon inside and had no idea how it had gotten in there. Determined to set it free I finally grabbed it after bouldering some walls, and taking out wires. When the pigeon got out we followed it and saw that other pigeons were waiting for it's return and as if a couple hadn't seen each-other for a while they embraced each-other with their beaks and bodies. We kept walking around and enjoying the sun. Toledo is pretty hilly so we got to the top of one and saw this beautiful view. We sat and just embraced the moment: 

After we walked around Toledo it was time for Lunch. So everything in Spain is done way later than expected. Lunch is from 1-4, dinner is normally around 8 or 9 and then people don't go out until 1 or 2 in the morning. We had lunch with Christina, Pepe, their son and daughter in law, and their grandchildren Pablo and Sarah. Pablo is quite popular on Instagram, Nay and I still can't figure out how. After lunch we met up with Emily Collins: A Cali girl who goes to San Diego. Most of my time was spent with Nay and her. She is quite the character but really nice and on point with her comebacks. Quite the sassy one. The three of us walked by the river side exploring what sites Toledo had to offer us: 

When it comes to climbing, I am always willing to do so without hesitation. This time it had me in quite the pickle tho. I got to the top and getting down wasn't so pretty. Emily and Nay were having such a laugh watching me trying to get my big butt down. 

We walked back and met up with Chris and Delaney. Chris came to visit Delaney for the weekend and they both are from Cali also. We walked up to the Rock in order to watch the sunset over Toledo: 

After a massive dinner, a PDN was needed. Post dinner nap. Nay and I woke up to meet up with the gang again at a tavern called Livingston. It was an African Tavern where I found St. Johns College:

We met a couple of Spanish guys, Mario, Miza, Edu and Rodrigues and just talked for a while before departing and going to bed. 

The next day we went to grab some Churros with Emily in the park close by. When the two girls went to grab the Churros I was sitting down at a table, a guy came by to clean it when this conversation happened: Guy: De donde? 

Me: Soy de SudAfrica.

Guy: SudAfrica? Pero no eres Negro. 

Me:.... no comment 

For those of you who don't speak spanish. The guy asked me where I was from and then when I told him South Africa he said you can't be because you aren't black. (Really) After Nay and Emily returned we were enjoying the Churros with Chocolate when the guy returned and ask the girls where I was from. After repeating my answer the guy said that I have to be from England because the background of South Africa is not white. Very interesting way to start off the day. Before lunch Nay and I grabbed some rays in my ENO hammock:

We hammocked in el parque de Mozarabe. Lunch was packed as always with some delicious food: Lentejas con verduras y croquetas de jamon. I also tried some spanish fruit called Chirimoya which tasted a lot like a Leechie. The rest of the afternoon Nay and I took a bus to Madrid to meet up with Sarah Johnson, Emma Burns and Lauren Ulrich. We saw the palace, the cathedral and a park that is easily bigger than Central Park in New York. I had my first tapas at the market. One thing I realized is that Madrid had so many people in it that even on the streets it was hard to move: 

After the short trip to Madrid, Nay and I spent the next day along the river side, watching people lead climb, and enjoying the blue skies in Toledo: 

Easily one of my favorite dishes prepared by Christina was the Tortilla Authentica. Made with eggs, and potatoes this was hands down the best thing I have eaten in the last four months. We went to Emily's house to get some homework done and studied for our finals. This was the view from her balcony: 

We went for a walk with Pepe at night while he was trying to show us the best place to view the sunrise. We didn't wake up because I have been too sick this past week. Nay had her finals on Monday so I went to Madrid for the day to meet up with Sarah: 

A very hipster coffee shop called The Bicycle Cafe. During this time I learned a great deal about Sarah and her story. I didn't really know much about her but I am so thankful that she shared with such detail. She is truly such a nice girl who made me realize just how much I value listening to someone. Also she is 4' 11 which makes her such a funsized person, genuinely so happy to have spent the day with her, getting to know her more. We explored Madrid's parks and restaurants. We ended up just going to the market instead because there were no spaces in the restaurants: 

The night was spent back in Toledo with Nay watching a movie. The morning after we went to a market with Emily and Nay before my departure back to Scotland. This is a picture of the kitchen and Christina. The table had a heater underneath it, so awesome: 

So Naomi Forman: She's a Vegan. She is short. She is a hippie. She is almost fluent in Spanish. She is friends with the only two South African's at DU. Those are just the basic facts about her and what I knew before actually staying with her for five days. One thing I knew before however was that she is very accepting. What I mean by this is she is always open to hearing things and accepting them for what they are. One of the nicest girls to be around because she makes you feel welcomed. She is always willing to listen, and willing to try new things, except food. Such a blessing to be around honestly. 

Before I got my flight back to Scotland I had lunch with my flat mate Brooke Edelson, just one of the three beautiful people I will be living with shortly! 

The rest of the week I am just busy working on my final essay and while u procrastinated a little bit I found it well worth it. I read this amazing book and it flipped my head upside down! Seriously read it if you want some awesome perspective change:

A true Scottish experience:

The week started off with me saying goodbye to Maryke and then immediately going to the climbing center where I met up with Jacob, Michael and Jasmyn. This blog is going to involve a lot of people being mentioned because let's face it, my time abroad in Scotland is running up a lot quicker than expected. 

First off I would like to mention Jacob Malaluan: To sum up Jacob I would probably refer to one of his quotes this week: "I don't understand how people live here?" This was referring to how cold it is here and something to note about him is that he is from California and this is his first time out of the country and into a place where the sun is almost never out. One of my best friends I have come to find here in Scotland, he is always such a wise person who is willing to talk about everything. He has been there for me when I needed someone to just vent to and his endearing faith truly is an inspiration to me.  If it isn't his smile that cheers you up it is probably his one liner comments about the cold that gets you. So thankful to have met him. 

Tuesday came along and because it is approaching finals week I have been working my butt off in the library and that is what I have been doing almost everyday. 

On Wednesday the gang dragged me along to go and see Mockingjay with them.

Thursday night came along and about 8 of us decided to go to the Celtic football game. Now when I say 8 of us decided to go...the 7 of them so graciously invited me along. Here are some pictures of the stadium: 

In order from left to right: Gregor, Laurence, Raddi, Ethan (the 14 year old in front wearing blue), Ciara, Dan, Johanna and myself. 

Note to self: When yelling out a chant or anything for that matter, make sure you know the right words...

So now that we've already covered Dan and Raddi, Gregor and Laurence are going to be my next two victims. Gregor for some reason has such a simple name but whenever his name comes up I think of Gordon, who is another guy on the tennis team. Sorry mate. Gregor is such a nice guy who I haven't really hung out with a whole lot but always has a firm greeting of enthusiasm to see you which is a great quality to have. Next we have Laurence, who is quiet with his words, but he seems so knowledgable with his words and his one liners that he seems to slip in whenever seems fitting. Also side note, he doesn't really look much like a tennis player, but he has consistency on the courts! Seeing him mess up is normally just a sigh from him and then back to the end of the line which just adds to his awesome character. I'll save Ciara and Jo for later down the blog because they appear again. Oh boy...where do I even start with Ethan? Perhaps with Banter, banter and more banter. Have you ever thought of a stereotypical UK guy? For some reason he is exactly what I think of when I think UK. Pale, short hair, some freckles, skinny, short, he doesn't seem to have bad teeth so he escaped the stereotype there. The only other thing about him is that he doesn't have a London accent, but a thick Glaswegian accent. Rarely, infact never have I seen him in a dull state of mind. He always has a good laugh and some smart comment that he brings to the plate. His tennis technique would probably be a representation of his personality. Squak - a squirrel on crack. Constantly he is moving at such a quick pace, sometimes it's hard to keep up with his body movements. His laugh never fails to amuse me and others. A genuine guy who is always great to have around, especially when you need someone to pick on. I would easily say that his boy like features makes him an easy target for everyone, but he is a great sport about everything. 

Friday came along with a sunny day and some cornbread thanks to the McNellys, along with Bible study and some great talks during our time together in Sydney and Harper's room:  

Saturday was spent in the library after some breakfast with Katie Williams, a California/Colorado girl stuck in a London girl's body. Most of our conversation was talking about hammocking and slack linning among traveling and other languages. Great way to start my Saturday. At night I had my first Ceilidh, which for those who don't know, is a Scottish version of line dancing. The entire GUT team hosted it and it was such a blast just trying to figure out the dances, watching so many guys wear kilts and just great chats: 

In the middle we have Johanna: A german girl who I can't give enough justice to in this blog. Since day one she has picked up on every joke I have said and played along with every comment we have made up. Smart, witty, german what more can a guy ask for? Honestly she has become such a great friend of mine here and she has truly just embraced me into the team here making things so worth it. If we aren't joking about getting married we are probably talking about Dan and what a riot he is. Sorry dan, not really. Jo and I's "date" will presume once I return from madrid, we decided to get fancy for it and...well I won't spoil to much and save it for the next blog. On the end we have Momma Evans, Mum, or I guess Leila Evans. She probably takes the most beating from me, because well it's easy. I first started calling her mum after a post on facebook and ever since then if there was any situation where I could turn it against her , I did. She gives me as much grief back so it evens out kinda. Oh and no one talks to themselves more on the courts than this one. She is so much fun and easy to get along with because of her spunky attitude. Love ya momma. 

In the middle we have Ciara. She reminds me of a Teletubby in such a great way! Up until this past Celtic game I had no idea how animated she is. I think at one point she went on for a good 5 minutes doing the same tune and not even worrying about speaking words. She's also one of the only people I know that can rock a carpet as a scarf and still look good. I know that I've said this about a lot of people but she always has a smile on her face, and a great one at that. To some up she is the sweetheart of the team. 

Okay where are we now? Sunday - Church library and a lovely chat with Jacob! Here are some pictures on the way to church and inside the church itself: (It's always sunny on sundays here)  

Now before you ask why I have a half eaten donut in this blog let me explain the backstory: 

I think for the past six weekends now I have been going to this amazing church called Re:Hope, and before service they have some donuts, croissants and other things. For the past 6 weeks I have gone up multiple times and gotten a CUSTARD filled donut, hoping I would finally get jelly filled one. For the first time in 6 weeks I can finally say that after defeat and the loss of hope the dire times are in the past because not only did I get my first JELLY filled donut, but I got 3. Don't judge. 

Christmas time at our church.

Now I have truly started to follow my feet and walk on the path that God has set for me and I am running to His open arms. I truly am so thankful that He has turned my life around again and blessed me with such an amazing community here in Scotland, a loving family back home and such great experiences abroad. This week I am going to Madrid to visit my amiga Naomi.

God Bless

T.H.A.N.K.S.G.I.V.I.N.G

This week truly has brought me so much happiness. I will try and contain myself but no promises, it's just that this week had so many different little moments that made me realise how lucky I am. It started off with doing some research and trying to be productive in the library while the deadline for my finals are closely approaching, however this week soon distracted me from doing anything. I bought myself a little notebook that I can carry around with me in my pocket everyday and jot down some notes to myself, and it has made the world's of difference with remembering little details and things to do. Tuesday I got treated by Claire, Martin and Lise (again) to homemade crepes: 

This little notebook of mine really helps me with my french because I can write down a few phrases as the frenchies are talking. The crepes were unbelievable with a variety of ham and cheese to sugar and chocolate powder. 

Another thing I would have to mention was that this week was another dry week in Glasgow which made for some pretty amazing artwork in the sky: 

 This is the view from my room, and being woken up to this light coming into my window is such a blessing.

On wednesday I went to go see the intimidation game with the french girls and I was not disappointed. I highly recommend watching this film about the history of cracking the Enigma machine during a time of war around the world. After the film when I left the french house I saw a cute cat walking towards me and while on the one hand it jumped onto my lap and continued to be really cute and cuddly, the rest of the story didn't turn out so great. I got clawed in the face after she jumped up onto a garbage bin. I didn't have it in me to just walk away and leave our relationship like that however so I went back and we made up by her allowing me to pet her one more time: 

On thursday I had my regular lesson with Chris the bagpipe instructor followed by lunch with Sydney Cason. Syd was an interesting character to pin point in the beginning of the semester because she told me she was studying neuroscience yet she can sing opera. If it isn't her laugh it is her amazing enthusiasm to do everything and anything. She really is a gem to have around, especially because she always has a smile on her face. We ended up going back to the piping center before our lecture and both did a solid number with researching for our final papers. 

After our lecture a handful of us decided to have a wine and cheese night because who doesn't like wine and cheese? If not that then a chance to procrastinate more, perhaps? The night was a great success:

Friday meant bible study being back to the normal time, and although a lot of people couldn't make it due to weekend trips we still went on. This week was a little more in depth I would say because I could tell that a lot of people were at that time where finals and other stress in their life has hit them. This just gave us more to pray about and a chance to share some personal struggles:

Saturday couldn't have come any sooner because that meant that my cousin Maryke would arrive from London! Being reunited with my cousin really brought a special warmth in my heart. It amazes me how even after 3 years of not seeing her nothing seems to have changed. We spent the entire saturday going to the cathedral, the necropolis, and the modern art museum with Martin, Claire and Lise. We saw a wedding while at the cathedral:

Before we headed back out to the city center for night time we had some tea and cake at the french house where some of us passed out for an afternoon nap and others just played guitar. At night we attempted to go see Mockinjay, however after failing due to it all being sold out we ended up watching Interstellar. Now I have two words to sum up this movie: MIND BLOWN. Truly an incredible film that toys with your emotions, mind, beliefs, and perception of things. One of our fellow companions really wanted to watch interstellar the whole week yet couldn't make it every time. Brandon wasn't there this night but we tried to include him the best we could: 

Sunday was pure joy from the beginning till the end. We went to church and Maryke came with, also Calvin's family joined us. Every sunday so far it has been sunny during church service and it just really creates a sense of aw while learning about the Lord's word. This particular service had a baptism and right before she was submerged into the water she said a few words. For a person so young she spoke of words far past my vocabulary, with such passion and love it had most of the community in church: 

After the incredibly powerful service we went to campus to show the McNellys and Maryke around: 

Because a bunch of us will be traveling this weekend, not myself, we decided to do thanksgiving a week early. We ended up squeezing about 25-27 people into our tiny kitchen. The food stacked up against the counters and after the great feast it felt as though we had to roll everyone out of the kitchen:

Familiar friends, people we haven't really known for that long, families we just met and families reuniting from afar; france, argentina, canada, south africa, united states, texas and brazil. So many different people with so many different stories all coming together for thansgiving, for some it was their first. 

I am thankful for God blessing me with this amazing opportunity of coming over to a new country, meeting these amazing friends, having a loving family, and just for the amazing love He has given me throughout my life. 

Today was spent going geocaching with Maryke and placing a verse from the book of Psalm in each one we found. Following the exploration we took a lunch break in the botanical gardens in my hammock with some leftover turkey sandwiches from last night. After we went for a tour through the city chambers in the heart of Glasgow: 

I am so incredibly happy and although I am overwhelmed with how much work I have to do before my finals this week has been one of favorite weeks thusfar in Scotland. God is so incredibly loving and thoughtful. All glory be to Him forever.