most importantly, my mom and dave made it granada in impeccable timing, avoiding the horrible winter weather that decided to hit the majority of western europe on the eve of their arrival. it is hard for me to even describe my elation when seeing their faces at the granada airport--my christmas, my 'home,' my parents had arrived. after taking the bus back to the city of granada (tightly holding my mom's hand the entire time...some things never change), i immediately took them out to one of my favorite spanish tapas bars with a soccer game blasting, smoking fans yelling, and enough spanish beer and free meaty tapas to go around.
it is an understatement to say that our time in granada flew by. i did my best to give my mom and dave a taste of my life--the various tapas bars, my school campus, the walk above the alhambra, meeting with my spanish friends and flat-mates, and walking through the city with purpose and familiarity. as we walked together through the tiny cobblestone streets, it hit me how much i have come to know this city in the past 5 months. oddly, i was showing them my home, the place that has become mine--and strangely enough, they, the people who know me so completely, were virtually strangers to it.
despite my worries about winter weather getting in our way, this time of year proved to be wonderful. the city was looking especially festive with public christmas decorations on practically every street.
this is my favorite plaza bib-rambla in all its glory. surrounding the square is a quaint christmas market and the center is full of shoppers, kids laughing on bicycle powered merry-go-rounds, and and a huge nativity scene with a long line of all ages excitingly waiting to see it up close.
the festive decorations are everywhere and are so very different from those at home. at first, i pathetically pitied myself, thinking "man, this does not feel like christmas. shops aren't decorated, no one says 'feliz navidad,' christmas songs by annoying pop bands aren't on a 6 track repeat in every store, and for goodness sake these kids don't even believe in santa. what is this?" yet, after some thinking and mom-perspective i realized something. this may be the most festive city i've ever been in, here there are lights, carolers, nativity scenes in every nook and cranny of the city--it's just different. and they aren't asking me to BUY anything. the decorations are only there for enjoyment, night-strolling, and "ooo-ing and awww-ing," nothing more. (does this make any sense?)
what i'm trying to say, is this holiday season was quite special, but i am sure looking forward to the next one and the traditions and people that truly make every holiday completely treasured.
some more holiday highlights:
christmas eve dinner with my granada family and parents. delicious dinner including wild mushroom risotto, salad with persimmon and pomegranate, various cheese treats, home-made apple pie, and tiramisu. it was a beautiful fusion of people from my two 'homes' and a great opportunity to celebrate together.
our decorations in our little apartment. plastic tree complementary of the 'chino' in my neighborhood. mom's magic mary-poppins suitcase did it again--presents and christmas novelties from home showed up to make the day even that much more special. and yes, dave is standing in the kitchen...claustrophobic visitors were not invited.
as i mentioned before, the week in granada flew by, leaving me feeling a little uncomfortable moving on when i still had so much more to show and explain. luckily, after arriving in paris my unsettled feelings quickly evaporated and i immediately fell in love with the enchanting city once again.
how can one truly describe the magic of paris? is it the never-ending art? the fresh crepes and croissants every few steps? twinkly lights and overall yellow romantic lighting? the historical landmarks packed into one walkable city center? the little bistros where beautiful couples share secrets, friends laugh, waiters join in on table conversation, and french wine enchants taste buds? or is it simply the undeniable parisian energy that captivates and intrigues its visitors? or, more simply, all of the above? like many, i don't have the answer, only the feeling of strong attachment to this place and the deep longing to go back.
now, being in paris in the winter was a completely unexpected delight. while there is no denying that some days were darn cold and day light faded away at 5:00, i loved the city in this season. between the decorations, ice skating rink, people bundled up and snuggling for warmth, and a lovely bubble bath in our apartment, i could have stayed there all winter!
here are some pictures to get a sense of the city in it's winter state:
as you can see, it was a beautiful trip with many memorable moments. new year's eve spent at our local bistro drinking champagne and eating like kings, taking the metro (free today) jammed packed with excited people, sitting on a bridge looking at the eiffel tower in front, notre dame behind me, with my mom and dave. it was an incredible beginning to which i'm sure will be a wonderful 2011. here's on last pic of mom and i on new year's eve:
naturally, it was so hard saying goodbye to my mom and dave. just being together and spending the holidays as a family was beyond wonderful. (despite the weird fact of me reverting back to being a 14 year old little girl traveling with parents. after months of experience being on my own you think things would have changed. but, nope. i was back to following around with my camera, asking when was the next time to eat, and not thinking about the logistics of travel. how does that happen? i''m still a little baffled and kinda frustrated with myself) anywho, seeing it end was an emotional adjustment. i think i am still adjusting. but, with 6 months behind me, and 6 more months ahead, i feel ready and grateful for our memories together and my future adventures ahead in 2011.
Happy New Year!
