Bellota de Oro.

As most of you know, I spent last year in a little city called Mérida ("mary-duh") in the province of Badajoz ( "baaadahjjjo") in the Autonomous Community of Extremadura.  It was amazing and will without of doubt be one of the places in the world that I will call home, no matter where I end up. (Valencia is a wonderful city with lots going on but fails in comparison to the home-y and welcoming feel that Mérida has, and Merida has the best Jamón Iberico EVER)

Campo! 

Back to the point of this entry, a recap of my fabulous weekend in Mérida.  The journey from VLC to Mérida is about 8 hours in a car, 9 in train and in a bus (my mode of transport) 10+ hours.  I had to stop in Madrid and change buses, which at 7 am in the morning is just plain annoying.  But, the journey is well worth it.

I woke up on the bus somewhere between MAdrid and Merida and could tell just by looking at the terrain that I was back in Extremadura.  I was anxious to get out of the bus  but also was feeling a bit like that scene from Love Actually where you see everyone walking through the gates to hug their children, family and friend? I was happy, yet nervous and excited all at once.  As soon as I saw Fernando and Gonzalo waiting for me at the Bus Station I couldn't stop smiling and it just felt right to be back in town. Not surprisingly, it was surreal to see them again without the rest of the gang hanging out (Shout out to brits, americans and sara!) We went to my favorite place for afternoon beers and breakfast: Chamorro! and waisted no time in getting down to business:  Cañas (little beers) and tapas, yum! Shout out to ANA CRUZ who came and joined us before she had to head in to work. A couple more friends and some new British girls living in Merida also showed up.

Pablo, Fernando, Joaquin

After a couple hours we took a trip to a house out in the country side (casa del campo, from here on I will say "campo" and you will say "oh that means a house in the spanish country side").  We chilled out all afternoon, it was awesome.  Later that night we went to my favorite late night spot in Mérida, GAROA!!!!  I consider it a Spanish twist on a college/townie bar, you know or at least recognize everyone but it's got a cool hip design and great music (spanish and english). Overall a great first day night back in Extremadura.

Must add a side note that  I stayed at my friend Fernando's house and he was a great host, dealing with me wanting to do and see as much as possible in a limited amount of time thanks Tiiioooo!

Botellón

Saturday was filled with more cañas and tapas, lunch in Campo and Botellón (think tailgating but there is no athletic event, just the bar) later that night followed by another night in Garoa.  Sunday was a relax day...chinese food, tv and much needed naps.

On my last day in the Capital (Merida was once the Roman Capital of the Iberian Peninsula, hence the nickname "Capital") I headed into town to  meet up with a few more people and do some shopping.  I had breakfast with my friend Pedro and even stopped by the Foreigner's office to say hello to all the people from last year had helped us.

New Kicks

After I set out on a shopping trip. Yes, I know I now live in a much bigger city, with much better shopping, but there's something to be said about walking down a Main Street rather than taking an escalator in the mall.    Anyway, my shopping list was short: a pair of Kawasaki sneakers (a brand from Denmark, not the motorcycle) and a Bellota de Oro....A gold acorn (the pigs for the Jamón Iberico only eat acorns, which are plentiful in Extremadura) Thus by having a "bellota de oro" necklace, I'll always have a little piece of Extremadura with me. Yes, I am mildly obsessed.

Rufo, Monica, Blanca y Oscar in Garoa

Monday afternoon I spent with a teacher from last year and the British girls, coffee for me and Tea for the Brits.  Later that night I finally got to spend time with the couples pictured on the right, again it was surreal not to have the others from last year with us but it was really nice regardless.

That night we went to Garoa and once again danced up a storm, chatted with everyone and anyone (including someone with the nick name "glass breaker" ) and went home much later than one should ever admit to.  In the morning  Fernando brought me to the bus station, I enjoyed one last Tostada con Jamón, got on the bus and fell asleep after yet another unforgettable weekend in Extremadura.