A day in the country

On Friday, we went to Albufera, a place known for its tranquility and boat rides. It's only a twenty minute bus ride from Valencia, but there's a stark contrast between Valencia's busy, dizzy city-ness and Albufera's so-quiet-you-can-hear-flies-whisper ambiance. I felt like we were on a field trip because around twenty of us got on a rather aged boat while a local showed us around, and we sat like timid second graders trying to avoid the occasional splashes while eating our packed lunches.

Albufera isn't gorgeous, but its air is beautifully fresh, and we loved breathing it into our diaphragms.

Afterwards, some of us stayed a while longer and ate our bodacillos at a rustic little picnic table, and this was my favorite part. One of the greatest gifts this study abroad opportunity has given me is the experience of leisure and the enjoyment of each other's company. Sure we still have homework, but we can't help but recognize the fullness of each day and the less-stressed perspective that comes with that.

When we returned to Valencia, most of us got some gelato, but I instead went to the chocolateria and got some churros in order to satisfy a persistent craving. If you look at the second to last picture, you will see that my smile was ripping out of its seams just thinking about eating the greasy little treats.

Tonight is chick flick night because Katelyn and Rebecca's madre is off to clean her beach house, and she's allowing them to invite us over to watch The Notebook. I'm quite looking forward to it because it's been a while since I've done something girly and reminiscent of the slumber party high school years.