Spanish Summer

When people think of Spain, the following tend to run through their minds, usually with vivid images flashing by to accompany each idea:

• Flamenco

• Hot, deeply tanned girls/guys

• Beaches

• Parties that last all night

• Bull fighting

• Colors

And while much of this can be rightfully associated with the country, actually living here and being part of the culture is such a different experience than dropping into it for your holidays. Just like not everyone in California surfs, not everyone in Spain is tan, crazy, and dancing around bulls in flamenco dresses. Or however it is that works. In fact, living in Spain in the summer, while it has its many endless perks and pleasures, it also is quite the killer.

Spanish summers are usually hot, hot, hot, with average temperatures in the south being between 40 and 50 degrees celsius (90-115 F). As a matter of fact, on the news right now, they're talking about how more and more Spanish people are having a really hard time sleeping at night, most lucky if they can get 4 hours during the summer months. So while many come over here and stay in hotels blasting the aircon, we "locals" sit here in the living room with the television on, all the window blinds down to block the sun you're tanning in out, with massive fans pointed directly at us. And still sweating and smelly. Of course it's not like this in the whole country, in some places you still need a blanket to be comfortable at night. But the parts I tend to inhabit are more closely connected to nights of light, restless sleep, lots of tossing and turning, checking to make sure the window really is open and the fan really is on, and praying for 3am to roll around so you can catch a break.

It's funny the way we tend to think of a place before we assimilate ourselves into it. Before I came to Spain the first time, I was so sure I was going to be living in a world draped with flowers, always at the beach, partying at clubs till 8am, and spending all my nine months abroad with a beautiful, golden tan, surrounded by incredibly hot and equally-as-tanned men. Then I arrived in Pais Basco (the Basque Country), and within three weeks of arriving, it started raining, and it seems it didn't stop for another 7 1/2 months. Then, by the time I moved to Southern Spain, where I likely could have succeded in living the Spanish dream I'd envisioned three years before, my desires had shifted, and being surrounded by hot guys and out all night were no longer priorities.

Now my priority is to remain as still as possible, so I can minimize the affects of the heat that engulf us in the house. ;) And to embrace the heck out of every second I'm sitting here, because come this time tomorrow, I'll be on my way to the airport to begin the journey home. Pray for me family, a lot more emotion is going to be faced in the coming 48 hours! I'm going home, baby!

Blessings, Love, Light & Wonder to all,

Have an incredible morning/afternoon/evening/life

I love you so much,

-Allie-Sun <3