Karen Isabel

Note:

This is my primary blog, even though I DO NOT use it anymore. Tumblr needs to work on being able to switch your primary blog asap. Anyway, the blog I use is

atamend.tumblr.com

Follow me on there! Thank You!

Note:

This is my primary blog, even though I don’t use it anymore. Tumblr needs to work on being able to switch your primary blog asap. Anyway, the blog I use is

atamend.tumblr.com

Follow me on there! Thank You!

An Update:

It is a strange feeling to miss the place you wanted to leave for so long. I love Spain, I do, but I missed my home and the people that make it. Although I was not gone for good, I am glad I got away. I found something there, inside myself; peace, the quiet of being alone and the comfort it brings me. I have learned to put the noise aside. I am not afraid of what I do not know or of the dark that lies in the future. I am the best version of myself and I know it only gets better as I continue to learn and grow. Sometimes you have to leave behind everything you know and love and hate and fear so that you can realize what you hate and fear does not really exist outside yourself, and realize what is important in the things you know, appreciate who you love, and realize what it is you need to do to make yourself genuinely happy. It’s good to be home. As of right now, going back to Spain in September to study is in the works. I don’t want to make a hurried decision, because I would be gone for a very long time and there are a lot of things I need to think about. I am happy. School so far is going great, I look forward to class and my teachers. I am really happy in the spot I am standing in. I’m making the most of my life and it feels amazing.

January 8, 2012

We woke up and got everything ready to go to the airport. We said goodbye to Manoli and left. The flight from Madrid to New York was long to say the least, but it wasn’t too bad. We got to New York around 4pm, New York time. Our flight to Los Angeles left at 7:10pm and I am currently on that flight. It is 12:08am New York time, but I will be arriving in LA around 10pm. About an hour to go. I feel like I might die. My legs are cramping and I haven’t been able to get comfortable enough to sleep. I hate traveling, but i’m glad to be going home. I have missed my family and friends. I have a lot to do in these coming months and as of right now, I am moving to spain. I am so thankful for all that I have and for everything I was able to experience this past month.

January 7, 2012

We arrived in Madrid around seven in the morning and went home. I didn’t get much sleep because I can never get comfortable on these trips and strangely, I didn’t feel tired, so I didn’t sleep when I got home. We went shopping and then had dinner at Manoli’s house. Everyone went. The food was delicious like always. I’m going to miss the cooking, and I’m going to miss the people more. We finished eating and then played cards. We went to church at seven and after, Leonel had a get together at his house and the youth group of the church came. They are all so much fun and the guys attractive, too. We talked and ate and drank and had a gift exchange. At the end of the night, they invited me out for drinks and we went to a pub down the street. I had a really good time. We drank, we danced, we talked, and I invited them all to come to California in the summer before I go back to Spain. My last night was really good, and really bittersweet as well.

January 6, 2012

Three King’s Day and I got earrings. Another perfect weather day in Alicante, and sadly my last for this trip. But I will be coming back in the summer. I was able to sleep in for the first time in forever, which was really nice. We walked to the castle today. The walk up is a long, steep one and I thought I was going to die, but the view from the top is incredible. Not only does it overlook the entire city, it has the most spectacular view of the beach and La Costa Blanca. We took the train after to another city and went to the beach there. It was so nice. I can now say I have been to the Pacific, Atlantic, and Mediterranean Seas. We went shopping after and then ate. Our bus back to Madrid left at 1:45am, so we relaxed and hung out until then.

January 5, 2012

Alicante is soo nice. Im never leaving here. Sorry guys. The beach here is sooooooo nice. And the harbor is just as nice. And it’s warm. I missed the warm weather soo much. I’m so happy here. I have a nice view from the place i’m staying in. I keep meeting the most wonderful people here. Today so far, we walked around the city, went to the market, walked along the harbor, and walked around the oldest parts of town. We went to a museum too, of Fogueros. We came home and ate some really good food. Pizza, pasta, and had some wine. We had Italian coffee and dessert after dinner and then had our nap. Later, we are going to a sort of street parade for Three King’s Day. There are parties everywhere. Then we are going to walk down by the beach again. And I might go dancing. It’s too bad I’m only here for a couple of days.

11:13pm. It’s been a long, wonderful day. I’ve been doing so much walking on this trip, I just might have to cut my feet off. The parade was nice. All of the little kids are so cute. Three King’s Day isn’t celebrated very much back home, but its a really nice holiday and its based off more than consumerism, like Christmas is to most people. I love this city. It’s a party everywhere you turn at night. And the guys are so attractive. After the parade, we went down to the harbor, where there is a casino, clubs, and a lot of restaurants. After, we went to a small bar in an alley and had some drinks, and I had some fried vegetables, which were delicious. We took a taxi home and I am now in bed. Tomorrow will be another long, fun day.

January 4, 2012

Today was full of the essence of Madrid and the center of the city. I took my Mom on a nice little tour. We walked around the city. There were street performers everywhere. I love it there so much. I ate at a really nice buffet place called Frescco. Later that night, we went to a flamenco show. It was amazing. If you ever get the chance, go to one. At 11:45, we went to to airport and hopped on a bus. Destination: Alicante. Decisions made on a whim are the best.

January 1, 2012 - January 3, 2012

Truth is, all I remember about Tours and Poitier are all the churches, cathedrals, and basilicas we went to. I don’t think I will ever step foot in a church again, at least for a long time. I don’t like being forced into anything and that’s all my Mom ever does regarding that situation. I didn’t have much fun and I was pretty much over being in France. The only thing I really remember about Poitier is the French Fries and the well dressed guys. I wish I was kidding. I ate by myself at a little arab place. It was raining and cold. Arriving in Bordeaux and going to sleep was the best part. We stayed at a pretty practical hotel called Formula1 and were in Bordeaux for two nights. More churches. Such a joy. We walked by the river and then went home cause it started to rain. The streets were nice. We left Bordeaux on the 3rd. I’ve never been happier to leave one place. I love Madrid. We got to Madrid after a really long car ride and ate at the hospital. After, we went shopping. One of the worst things in my life is when I go shopping, with a large amount of funds, and find absolutely nothing. I was pretty tired though, and the malls were packed with people so it was pretty hard to shop. I then met up with everyone, and Manoli, whom I hadn’t seen since I left for France. I was so happy to see her, and she felt the same. Lucia was there too. I love them all so much. We walked around a different mall and then we went to eat gelato before going home.

January 1, 2012

I can’t believe it’s 2012. We’re all going to die at the end of the year so I’m going to make this one a good one. I am currently in the car, on my way to Bourdeaux. We are going to stop in Tours and Poitier. Bordeaux is famous for its wine. My favorite. Im hoping I get some Vin Chaud. I love traveling. I would love to do it with my friends and my whole family. All in all, Paris was cool and France is nice but it’s too cold this time of year and the people are pretty rude. This is how I am starting off my new year. I can’t wait to go home and be with the people I love.