A New Year

So I’m in a restaurant again, this time with Turkish food (which is delicious). It’s now 2012 and nearing the end of a delightful Christmas break, though I don’t go back ‘till next week as Spain has two Christmases, one on the 25th to celebrate the birth of Christ and another on the 6th of January where the three Magi come and give presents to the children, traditionally in their shoes.

                So far this past month, despite having fewer excursions into the wilderness with Pablo, I’ve continued the constant breakneck speed that I prefer. December started with Pablo, Pilar and I in Madrid, seeing the sights, beginning with a walk through the main square (their version of Times Square where they watch the ball drop in Año Nuevo) and by the old palace and royal cathedral and ending with a hole-in-the-wall where I had the best churros I’ve ever had. Over the next couple days we went to the Reina Sophia (the museum, not the queen), where I saw Picasso’s famous Gurnica and many of Dali’s works, and to the Prado (where I saw too many famous pieces to count). I also met Pilar’s niece, Beatrix (Bea) who would later join us for Christmas and would be the first person I would have a philosophy conversation with, which made for a stellar present on Christmas Day.

                I later had my next few band concerts: the first was in a small theatre where we played a mix of Spanish songs and Christmas songs and the crowd loved it. The next was in the Gran Hotel, where we played for the mayor and members of city hall (which yes, it is still crazy that I played for the mayor). Although the older crowd seemed tired at first, after a few songs (and some help from a certain tuba player) they began to warm up and dance like mad.

                During this time, my aunt, her boyfriend and his father came to visit in Zaragoza where I showed them around (with the help of my eternal historical narrator and guide, Pablo) and talked a bit about home. I had a blast with them and enjoyed being the expert of the group, but I can understand why family usually doesn’t come until later as I will admit I was missing home a bit after. In either case, I’m glad they came.

                 Finally the weekend I was waiting for came: Christmas. Pilar’s mother came to stay along with the aforementioned Beatrix. We all gathered ‘round on Christmas Eve night for an enormous dinner of fish and opened a few pre presents (mine was castanets, something that I’ve been wanting for the longest time). Christmas day played out similar to the holiday in the states with a big meal, a few too many sweets, chatting, movies, and general joy and merriment. Although it wasn’t the same Christmas I’ve been doing for the past years, it was nice to realize that I felt part of the family and enjoy the day.

                The past week we’ve had off, although it’s been a little quiet, I made sure to keep it interesting with some museums and friends when available and I’ve very much enjoyed being able to sleep in and rest a bit (something I realized I needed). This past weekend however, the energy started again when we went to Pablo’s mother’s house in Calatayud where we watched the ball drop in the aforementioned Puerta del Sol in Madrid and ate grapes at each of the twelve bell tolls (a new years tradition in Spain). After, Gonzalo, Marta (his cousin) and I went out to dance the night away.

                And now finally, I’m back in Zaragoza, a bit tired, but happy to be back and continue with Christmas break. The fact that it’s the New Year, makes me think about all the things that have changed in my life. The obvious is that I’m talking, having conversation and hanging out with friends (which I’ve certainly found a group I consistently have fun with), but the language is only part of it. I’ve also become much more patient with myself. Before this I was neither a studier nor a man to apply force over a long period of time. I was one for finishing a project in one big effort and efficient quick solutions, but of course, a lot of things don’t have a quick solution. Now that I’m in Spain, I really don’t have any other option other than sitting down and “roughing the elbows” (as they say in Spain, or in other words, studying), and that’s been good. I guess, surprisingly, my habit of jumping in to things full force and without much forethought has yet to fail me despite the curious situations I find myself in.

                Anyways, I suppose I’ve already changed quite a bit and I’ll have changed even more. As far as the new year goes, I’m still seeking a drawing class, though If I don’t find that in a while, I’ll probably try some acting. As well, we (my family and I) will be going on a trip to the south of Spain and maybe Barcelona, which I’m of course looking forward to.

Hasta luego.