Last Adventure

The girls started school today on a Friday, so I had a free day.  I decided to visit a small village north of here called Legutio, founded in the 13th century.  This small medieval village has many stone houses and is surrounded by reservoirs, rivers and mountains.

It’s beautiful everywhere!

Original door - Arch of Christ 

Nanny Diaries 3 - Final Chapter

There’s an artist in residence practicing face painting on Mornin.   Cats and butterflies galore, and even learning to spell my proper name.  Amazing!   

I bet you’re wondering about this dish.  These are mama’s homemade pancakes, which are light crepes.  The kiddos love to spread chocolate spread, similar to Nutella, roll them up and slice them into bite sized pieces.   I tried my best to stop at 2 crepes, and they forged ahead and ate twice that.   Let me tell you that these are delicious!

I accepted the challenge to build this puzzle with success.  Yeah Mornin!  It was fun and a little addictive.  

This is a park area with built in little people tables surrounding the trees for natural shade.  Isn’t this the cutest?   Functional, colorful and family-centered.  I love this place!

Needless to say, we continue to have lots of special times together.   The girls have learned new words from me - goodness, amazing, taco, and more.  We had taco night with hard shells and they really enjoyed it.  I taught them to do the taco neck and watching them do it was hilarious.

My time here is coming to an end and I feel so lucky to have experienced Spain life with this beautiful family.  They will forever be in my memories, especially the girls.  We will continue to exchange news and pictures and hopefully be with each other again.   
 

Maestu One Last Time

Sunday was my last visit to Maestu.  On the way, we stopped to visit a sunflower field.  This was the first time I was up close and personal with these beauties.  You feel pretty small. They really put a big smile on your face!

We picked apples at the family’s orchard.  It was fun and I imagined myself being an apple picker for a day.  Tiring!  Their cousin’s garden had massive squashes.  It must be nice to go to the garden and pick your veggies for the week. 

I planned my last hike starting in the village of Korres, population 30.   It’s tucked inside the Izki Natural Park, a 22 acre forest surrounded by mountains.   The hike guide said the level of difficulty was easy and they were lying.  I walked up some high elevations and experienced mossy trees, tall grasses, tiny paths, rocky paths and finally a big rock.   The descent was on a paved path and much less exciting, except for the massive black cloud ready to bust open.  Luckily, only a little drizzle, but a welcoming cool breeze.  I passed only 4 hikers and of course, a 4 legged one.  I was proud of myself and pretty tired after a couple of hours.   Exhilarating!

GOOOAAL!!!

Walking to the stadium

My seat midfield 

My sweet family gifted me with a ticket to the Vitoria futbol game- Deportiva Alaves vs. Atletico Madrid for my birthday.   It was fun getting to the stadium via foot, through a wealthy neighborhood and beautiful trees.  It was a 20 minute walk from the city and lots of folks were walking there.   When I got there, the parking lot was completely empty.   I learned later that no cars are allowed to park there for security reasons.  I went to the entrance and scanned my ticket and walked in with no metal detectors.   The police asked to look in my bag and I had to take out my water bottle.  Oops didn’t think about that.   All I had to do was give my name and number, and I got a little ticket with a number to claim my bottle after the game.   It was like going to a show back in the day with no security detail. 

I had an amazing seat at midfield.  The game was very exciting with lots of loud chants and cheering.  The soccer was good and we tied the game!  

On the way back to the tram, I passed through the park and was happy to see the dance party.   The elders really know how to party on a Saturday night.   I absolutely love watching them dance!

                                   Mass exodus!

                      My Favorite Couple-very smooth!  

Dogs of Northern Spain

For the dog lovers!  Dogs of all shapes and sizes are everywhere - in front of, in back of, next to, alone and just sniffing around the general area of their owner.  Most are off leash and very well behaved.  Every once in awhile, one will look at you, but rarely approach you.   Often, they patiently wait outside of the store, longing for their owner to finish shopping.  They live a very free life!  

Go, Dog, Go!

Oops that’s a cow!

For the kitty lovers 

Feliz cumpleaños para mí

Jumpin’ for Joy!

Play-doh cookie made for me

Now I can say, it’s my birthday and I’ll cry if I want to, but there’s no cryin’ in Vitoria-Gasteiz.  I’m feeling lots of happiness, joy and sadness today. I get to spend my day with my new Spanish family and two beautiful chicas.  Yesterday we made animals with play-doh and L looked at my snail and said, “Gorgeous!”  That’s a new expression for her.  I didn’t know I said gorgeous, but she said she learned it from me.  It’s probably because there’s a lot of flowers here that are gorgeous.  That makes me happy!  It’s the first time to not celebrate with my peeps, which makes me sad, but I’ll be home in a few weeks for a big homecoming and celebration!

Today’s post will highlight some of my favorite things.   A tough choice, but gotta do it!  

Hike to Castillo de la Mota - San Sebastian

Choripan from bakery in Maestu

 

Gorgeous windows 

Chillin alone on hike - Sean and Nathaniel hiking to waterfall

This lady has the best flowers in Maestu


Lovin’ mama’s fashion sense





Ribbon grass used in my wedding 

Kilos of cat balls - mama’s gonna make jam

This beauty visited Rachel and I at the bus stop!