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!

Dancin’ Machines

Vitoria celebrates a week long fiesta in early August called the Virgen Blanca festivities.  Thousands of Vitorians gather in the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca to start off the week’s festivities.  Dating back to 1884, these festivities honor the patron saint of the city, offering a unique blend of tradition, music, sports, community gatherings, religious ceremonies, children’s activities, theatre, and fireworks.  The folks dress up in traditional Basque clothing for the celebrations.  Elders dance the night away with lots of stamina and rhythm.  The line dancing and energy was incredible.   

Lacing up shoes on the tram 

Mas Playas

Llanes is a coastal town with beautiful beaches in Asturias.  The mountains of the Picos de Europa surround the gorgeous coastline.  The water was chilly and refreshing for only the feets.  Rocks and cute coves to swim around if you dared to get in all the way. 

A perfect day to relax and take it all in after our long hike in Tanes.  This was our last time together before the guys drove to Porto.  Happy and sad all at the same time.  

 

Back in the city before my first BlaBla carpool ride back to Vitoria - love that chicken at Popeyes!