Travel Adventures: Sevilla, Spain

One of my good friends moved to Spain, for two school years, soon after we graduated with our Bachelors; yes the same one that I went to China with. She applied to become an English teacher in Spain with the Language and Culture Assistants Program by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports, and the Education Office. It then became my goal to go visit her, however, the credential program had me really busy for a long time. Finally, I saved enough money and had decided to go visit her for spring break 2014. Her brother, on the other hand, was going to visit her during our winter break in 2013 and I immediately decided to follow. Two-weeks of winter break vs one week of spring break? That's a no brainer!

Now you may be wondering...Doesn't she have a daughter? Well yes I do! And I LOVE her dearly! But when a good deal comes along I can't say no. I love traveling, even if its only road trips with a few friends or with family. When I traveled to China, she was only 4. A week after I arrived to China, I finally was able to get in touch with her, I was sooooo excited! This is how our conversation went:

Me: "Baby, I miss you! How are you? How's school going? I miss you. What are you up to?"

Kailey: "Hi mommy, I'm busy watching a movie right now...can you call me later?"

Yes, she definitely broke my heart! And I thought either I raised a though young lady or an insensitive little girl (:|) . Then again, she was only FOUR! It sure makes me laugh nowadays. Going to Spain, however, she was older - 7 - and I knew she was not going to have the same attitude.

The year 2013, while finishing my credential, was a very tough year for my family. My grandfather passed away in January and two weeks later my mom was hospitalized with pneumonia. Her health went downhill from there and she wasn't officially in the clear until May. There were also family issues after my grandfather's death. In November my sister and her family moved in for a few months. I was in need of an emotional break and really, really needed to get away. I saw the opportunity of my sister living at home, taking care of my mom and keeping an eye on my daughter as a chance for me to get away without feeling too guilty. I sat down with my daughter to talk about me leaving for 2 weeks. She was not happy and was very tough to bargain with. We both came out winning: she got a tablet before I left and I got my much needed vacation.

Communication was much easier this time. She was able to FaceTime me at anytime and send me messages through Google Hangouts. Plus I took with me one of her stuffed animals named Oreo, and sent her pictures of his adventures with me. Every time I travel, I take with me one of her 'friends' to remind me of her and it helps her feel closer to me.

Guess this blog became longer than I anticipated, and way off tangent...next one will definitely be about Sevilla!