Christmas....
I know it's a bit late - but I'd like to back up and talk about my Christmas... a little less traditional than usual, but fun nonetheless!
First, here's Marco out on the terrace with my Christmas gift! :)
Sarah and I went back to our old apartment where, as I have shown in previous pictures, the cooking had been in full swing for two days. Everyone from the apartment was there: Marco, Tania, Elsa, Te'a and Nina. Plus a random group of ex-roommates (at least 4), family members, and good friends. Christmas Eve the apartment was full of people, music and plenty of food. Everyone danced the night away (well, except for me, I was ready for bed by 4)! Christmas Eve here is generally when everyone celebrates and Christmas Day is basically a relaxing day (to recover from Christmas Eve and get ready to go out for Christmas Day Night).
The meat...
Food prep and generally silliness
The ladies!
This is my mum's famous apple cake... except the ovens here in Spain just aren't quite up to par...
Nina's sister, Sarah and Te'a lounging about
Sarah's friend from the States, Denaz, dancing with Chris, one of the many Brazilian ex-flatmates
Nancy, Chris and Elsa enjoying a classic Brazilian dance
We all stayed in the apartment (Sarah and I snagged our old room!) and, of course, I was the first to wake up -shrieking with joy for Christmas stockings! My Mum and Dad had sent me a sock and I think I found the only stocking in Madrid and prepared one for Marco. We had lots of fun opening our socks and exchanging gifts! Marco gave me the stuffed zebra (in the first picture) and a Brazilian flag. :) I gave him a sandwich grill and lots of chocolate goodies in his stocking.
The leftovers
The Aftermath
After relaxing for the rest of Christmas Day we all went out together in the district where my new apartment is. A good time was had by all, yet no Christmas is complete with a few minor emotional breakdowns.... I really missed my family! Never had I wanted more to come home - but I've made it through the holidays - I think the toughest part is over!
First, here's Marco out on the terrace with my Christmas gift! :)
Sarah and I went back to our old apartment where, as I have shown in previous pictures, the cooking had been in full swing for two days. Everyone from the apartment was there: Marco, Tania, Elsa, Te'a and Nina. Plus a random group of ex-roommates (at least 4), family members, and good friends. Christmas Eve the apartment was full of people, music and plenty of food. Everyone danced the night away (well, except for me, I was ready for bed by 4)! Christmas Eve here is generally when everyone celebrates and Christmas Day is basically a relaxing day (to recover from Christmas Eve and get ready to go out for Christmas Day Night).
The meat...
Food prep and generally silliness
The ladies!
This is my mum's famous apple cake... except the ovens here in Spain just aren't quite up to par...
Nina's sister, Sarah and Te'a lounging about
Sarah's friend from the States, Denaz, dancing with Chris, one of the many Brazilian ex-flatmates
Nancy, Chris and Elsa enjoying a classic Brazilian dance
We all stayed in the apartment (Sarah and I snagged our old room!) and, of course, I was the first to wake up -shrieking with joy for Christmas stockings! My Mum and Dad had sent me a sock and I think I found the only stocking in Madrid and prepared one for Marco. We had lots of fun opening our socks and exchanging gifts! Marco gave me the stuffed zebra (in the first picture) and a Brazilian flag. :) I gave him a sandwich grill and lots of chocolate goodies in his stocking.
The leftovers
The Aftermath
After relaxing for the rest of Christmas Day we all went out together in the district where my new apartment is. A good time was had by all, yet no Christmas is complete with a few minor emotional breakdowns.... I really missed my family! Never had I wanted more to come home - but I've made it through the holidays - I think the toughest part is over!