It's the little things

This post is an anti-vent.

Sometimes you just need to vent. And sometimes you just need to list of all the great things that are happening so that the next time you need to vent you can remember that you actually do love Spain. Actually, love is too strong of a word for my relationship with Spain. We aren't there yet.

Ready? Okay.

I. Bicycle

1. I got a free bicycle upon arrival here from my friend Abel and a key to the garage to store it.

2. I needed to buy a lock and the man from the ferreteria (which unfortunately does not sell ferrets but hardware) actually came out of the store, brought me a lock and let me pay for it outside. Awesome.

3. Jerez is small enough that I can go anywhere on bici.

4. You can take your bike on the train!

5. On the train, I fell on top of my bicycle and bent the back wheel and break. Sad. But then the people in Cadiz were very friendly and helpful - even if I couldn't get the bike fixed.

6. Bike still worked. Then I got a flat tire, but my friend Mario changed it.

7. After the tire and the daily excursions around Jerez, back tire throws a fit and stops turning. I ask Jose Luiz - the director of studies at my school where I can find a bike repair shop. He says, "Oh, my dad used to own one. I worked there until I was 27. Let me get my llave (wrench). He goes to the computer classroom and pulls out a wrench. Then he proceeds to fix my bike and tells me on Monday he will bring his "real" tools and fix it better. And he's also bringing some grease for the chain. I can now use both brakes again and am hoping to be able to change gears after Monday.

II. Friends

1. My second night in Jerez, I go out with Faby's nephew (not in the American date way though). I ride on moped and am out until 7 am. But we've been here already. At approximately 3:30am, I have am not talking to anyone and start talking to a random girl next to me. I like her. She tells me her boyfriend speaks English and asks to exchange mobile numbers. Her name is Patri.

2. I text Patri and ask about hanging out. I meet Steffan, her cool Belgian boyfriend who is learning Spanish. Patri and Steffan met in France and speak French. Steffan and I speak English. Patri and I speak Spanish.

3. I meet Patri's friends and they are way cool. We hang out many times. We go out at 9 or 10 (very early) and I am home by 3 - happy! Only one smokes and she smokes very respectfully.

4. I meet Patri's family and get to go to the countryside

5. Turns out these friends like to ride bikes. We are planning a bike excursion for a whole day!

6. We are also planning a supper where Ellen (or Helen, as they say it) makes chocolate chip cookies. They are way stoked. So am I. This brings me to my next point...

III. Food

1. We have fresh milk in our fridge!!!

2. I am learning to cook Spanish food. Not like Spanish restaurant food, but Spanish home food. Stews and soups and lentils. Mm

3. Faby has at least three cookbooks that are about vegetarian cooking. I drool over them all the time. Someday I will actually cook something from one. Hello euro-measurements - I wish we had a postage scale!

4. I love fruits and veggies! And bread and Digestives and tea. And euro chocolate and Spanish Christmas sweets (which have been in stores since the beginning of October, btw)

5. Yesterday we went to the grocery store. Faby explained everything to me. We went up and down all the aisles. Next point:

IV. Faby

1. Faby lets me live with her for super cheap

2. Faby drives to school so my feet can rest

3. She also does not like to use plastic bags and everything in our house is eco friendly

4. She does Pilates too!

5. I can eat whatever, whenever, wherever. (Notably different from my last go in Spain) I frequently have supper at 6:30 pm because "me apetece" - I feel like it.

V. Random

1. I have to solicit (woah literal translation) a residency card. (YEAH!) I was supposed to do it in the first month. Yesterday someone actually drove me to the office, which was kind since this occurred prior to the bike fixing in I. They were very helpful and told me it was okay that I didn't do it yet. I just need to do it soon!

2. I am joining a gym with a pool and Pilates on Monday. (Samantha - everyone says it's expensive, but I'm pretty sure it's cheaper than the one in Sevilla)

3. One of the English teachers at the school and I are going shopping next week.

4. I get paid soon (Finally!)

5. I found real Kleenex in the grocery store. I bought them and they feel soft on my runny nose.

6. I told the English teachers I was overwhelmed with school and they are going to help me more. Thursday was the worst day in a long time.

7. It's cold at night and really warm during the day

8. I found chocolate chips in euro-walmart.

9. We have a woman who cleans for us every Friday

10. NW is coming in >2 hours!

11. I live in a culture where you are expected to eat a huge meal at 3 and then take a nap. That is what I am going to do now!