New digs, new gigs

Figured it was about time for an update – things have been going non-stop since I came back from the States, but I’m moving in the right direction and find myself pretty happy these days.

Bound by bone

I haven’t found the time (or maybe motivation?) to update on my stay here at home in the States but in a nutshell, it has been filled with reunions with dearly missed friends in Baltimore, quality time with family, lounging in the sun, dogs, dogs, and dogs.  I’ve finished reading two books, eaten more than should be reasonably allowed for any one person, and felt infinitely inspired by the West Virginia countryside.

Homeward bound

I leave for the States on Wednesday and will make my rounds with friends and family for three weeks, give or take.  If all works out as planned I will return with Louie, my poodle x schnauzer mix at the end of May.  

Much on the horizon

Facing the last few weeks of classes, I’m reminded of how fast this graduate program has passed.  This July, I’ll have been here 12 months.  It’s truly crazy to think about because it doesn’t seem like too long ago that I was frantically looking for a flat and trying to get acclimated to life in a new place.  Since I’ve been here, I’ve met a lot of great people, explored the city, found some favorite local spots, and seen a good bit of the country.  But my time here isn’t done.  It’s too soon.

Old man bars and being ‘the other’

Sitting in a dark corner of a very typical Spanish old man bar, I have the pleasure of observing the ebb and flow of daily life.  Seated at the bar, an old lady talks animatedly about politics and playfully gives the barmen hell.  In turn, they smirk, looking at her with kindness; I assume she’s a regular.