Madrid

Katelyn and I arrived in Madrid about 8am (Madrid time. FYI Spain is 6 hours ahead of GR) this morning. Our plane ride was long(ish)… 7 hours. We flew in a huge jet with 8 seats in each row and luckily the plane was not full. There were about 100 seats not filled, so we had plenty of space. We met a few girls at the airport terminal waiting to board and it is quite evident that girls out number the boys! Just like GVSU! Anywho, plane ride = non eventful. Watched “Life as We Know It,” had supper, and caught a few zzz’s. 

We had to wait at the airport until 11am for the ISA staff to pick us up. We all loaded in 3 HUGE buses and are currently at a beautiful hotel in downtown Madrid. The name of the hotel is called NH Nacional. It is very close to El Prado Museo & the AVE train station. 

Katelyn and I met two girls, Ally & Steph who we get along with very well. Steph and Katelyn found out that they both have type 1 diabetes. They’re soul-mates! We’re planning on going on an ISA bus tour of Madrid at 6pm with them and then out to dinner for some tapas and sangria! 

Tomorrow we are touring around Madrid some more and then heading to Toledo on Wednesday morning. We will finally be in Sevilla on Thursday! 

For those of you who don’t know, Katelyn and I are roommates and living with a single, 61 year old woman named Maria Dolores. We will be in the neighborhood of Los Remedios, which is about a 15 minute walk to the University. 

I will try to give an update on Wednesday or Thursday when we arrive in Sevilla. 

Don’t worry, we are safe and loving Spain! 

Love you! 

Kristina

P.S. A note about the weather.  It is sunny and about 43 degrees here in Madrid. It doesn’t seem that cold because of the wonderful sun and NO snow. Sevilla will be warmer, at 55 or so degrees. I LOVE THE SUN!!

A Note from Philly

Hi everyone!

Katelyn and I have safety arrived in Philadelphia! We have about an hour until our flight to Madrid takes off. We will arrive in Madrid about 2am Grand Rapids time and 8am Madrid time. Hopefully we can catch some zzz's on our flight.

Overall, our travel time has been moving along smoothly. I had a few glitches along the way, starting with my bag being 10 lbs over the weight limit; my scale at home lied to me. The lady was nice and let me get away with 72.5 lbs instead of 70. Also, there wasn't enough overhead room for me to fit my carry-on & "personal item," so I had to check it and pick it up in Philly. No biggie.

We met a 90 year old woman on our plane who is traveling to Israel by herself for a bar mitzvah! Precious. I love old, independent women!

Thanks for all of you who surprised me on Friday night. I had a wonderful time chatting and seeing all of you before my trip! I am very blessed to have such wonderful family and friends. I've had a great time reading cards and notes on my flight.

Lastly, continue to pray for safe travels as we board our long flight here in a little while.

Love you,

Kristina

OH and P.S. I was a little mushy-mush and shed a few tears at the airport in Chicago. GOSH!

1 WEEK. 7 DAYS

Man oh man.

In one week from now Katelyn and I will be on an airplane across the Atlantic on our way to Madrid.

CRAZY!!!!!!!

I have been waiting for this week to approach for some time now, and it's strange to think it's so close.

Today I had a mix of emotions. 

I spent the majority of the day with Pete and it was a lovely day. My mom made some yummy roast and mashed potatoes for my "last" Sunday, then Pete and I snuggled a bit (awww!), then ventured out to Grand Haven to see the sights. We chose a perfect day because not only was it sunny (gasp!), but Pronto Pups was open!!!!! We both enjoyed our pups and explored the snowy sights. Then to end our perfect day, we went to see No Strings Attached which was surprisingly funny and witty. We both enjoyed it. (Ladies, Ashton's butt is featured in it ; ) )

Spending this day with Pete made me realize how much I am going to miss him, and home in general. For one of the first times throughout this whole process, I felt sad. Sad to leave Pete, my friends, and my family. I have never been away from home for this long of a stretch before, but I know I am ready for this space and adventure. After this wave of sadness I felt excited again. Excited to make new friendships, see new places, hear new sounds, and to experience a trip I have always dreamt of.

So Sevilla, (sadness and all) once again, I can't wait to meet you! (in 1 week!!!!!!)

Pete and his Pronto Pup

Yey!

The Joys of Packing

I am an over-packer.
Have been and always will be. I like to give myself plenty of options instead of sticking to a strict wardrobe schedule. (Although I wear my favorite pieces of clothing continuously.)

For the past week or so I have been packing my bag and unpacking my bag to make sure it is under 70 lbs. 70 lbs. you say?! That's outrageous! Well keep in mind that I will be in Sevilla for 3 1/2 months... I need options! I really don't like this process because I currently have a suitcase in my room with all my wearable pieces of clothing in it. Oh what we women do for clothes...

Anyway, throughout my griping about packing I have complied a list of essentials I am taking with me on my trip.

1.) some Moleskins to journal in

2.) my fabulous shoes!

3.) my new leather (well...pleather) jacket

4.) my second hand shoes

5.) the Birks!

6.) my lovely ebay backpack

7.) Jack... always

8). & of course, MOOSHKIE! (yes, that is Derek Shepard in the background. My mom got me a Grey's Anatomy calendar. WOOT!)

blah... anything else I should remember?

The Joys of Packing

I am an over-packer.
Have been and always will be. I like to give myself plenty of options instead of sticking to a strict wardrobe schedule. (Although I wear my favorite pieces of clothing continuously.)

For the past week or so I have been packing my bag and unpacking my bag to make sure it is under 70 lbs. 70 lbs. you say?! That's outrageous! Well keep in mind that I will be in Sevilla for 3 1/2 months... I need options! I really don't like this process because I currently have a suitcase in my room with all my wearable pieces of clothing in it. Oh what we women do for clothes...

Anyway, throughout my griping about packing I have complied a list of essentials I am taking with me on my trip.

1.) some great Moleskins to journal in

2.) my fabulous shoes!

3.) my new leather (well...pleather) jacket

4.) my second hand shoes

5.) the ever-so-comfy birks

6.) my ebay backpack

7.) my Jack Johnson towel.
even though he's all crumpled up in my
super space-saving packing bag

8.) and of course, MOOSHKIE!
*disclaimer; yes, that is Derek Shepard in the background.
my mom got me a Grey's Anatomy calendar for Christmas!

blah... anything else I should remember?

LET'S GO!

This Thursday, December 16, I will be done with my 5th semester of college and commence my 6-week break before I depart for Sevilla, Spain on Jan. 30.

I am beyond ready.
My body is telling me in many ways.
I currently sound like a man because of my raspy, sick voice.
My breath reeks of strawberry Halls.
NyQuil & I are becoming good friends,
and I've been wearing the same yoga pants for about 3 days (days & nights).

See, I told you.

I'M READY!

So long school work and Michigan winter.
So long tired eyes and boring yoga pants (maybe not...),
and hello to ESPAÑA!

Sevilla, I can't wait to meet you.

Love, Kristina