Hola 2014

And adios 2013. I won't say good riddance, but honestly, I'm not sad to see you go.

 The past year is probably best summed up with these famous words...It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

Truly a year with the highest of highs and lowest of lows. I lived and loved another year of Spain, falling more deeply for its charms, enjoying its lifestyle more than ever before. We indulged in all things la buena vida - food, drink, travel, experiences, quality time with friends, lazy days of leisure. 

But it was also a year of challenges and heartache. We lost two dear family members. Our car was totaled in an accident. Graham was not chosen for an opportunity that we had both pinned our hearts to. And that is just the worst of the bad. Like most people, for every happy snap on instagram or excited update on facebook, there was always more to the story, life behind the scenes. 

So, this year, I'm hoping for a more even keel. It's our last year in Spain and I want to make it count, to focus on life here in El Puerto and to plan for trips throughout the country and Europe. I have no idea what my world will look like this time next year. But for now, I have my lovely life in Spain, a great husband (and two little dogs) to share it with, wonderful friends and family flung far and wide, and a long list of travel dreams. I am grateful and I am optimistic.

I spent New Year's Eve with Graham and several close friends. At midnight, I ate 12 grapes, chased them with cava and kisses. On New Year's Day, we had black-eyed peas and greens. I'm hedging my bets with both Spanish and American traditions for a happy 2014!

And I'm wishing you the same. Besitos and best wishes!

12 grapes, cava, and collards

from Meghann:

We had planned to go to Lisbon, then thought about Sevilla, and ended up ringing in the new year in Jerez de la Frontera, a larger town about 15 minutes from Puerto. Last year we didn't know what to expect on New Year's Eve, but this year we were prepared. An amiga of an amigo made dinner reservations for our little group at a restaurant next to the bull ring. Very Spanish and decorated floor to ceiling with bullfighting posters, paintings, and memorabilia. 

Dinner was long and filled with lots of traditional food and, of course, plenty of wine. Just a few minutes before midnight we paid our bill and were shuffled out of the main dining room. Somehow we ended up in a private dining room. As the clock struck midnight we ate our 12 grapes (one at each chime of the clock, for prosperity in the new year) then washed them down with some cava. We may have met a matador...only in España.

Of course, since it was only midnight, and most Spanish people were just finishing up with their big family dinners, there was still plenty of celebrating ahead. We hit the town (and didn't hit our bed until 5) but I don't have many pictures of that part of the evening. Probably better that way...

It's still Christmas season in España (Three Kings Day isn't until January 6th) and the streets were decked out in lights. It was a great night to be out, celebrating the new year, our last full year in España,  in such a Spanish way.

Of course, the next day, we kept it American, and had the New Year's Day southern staples of black-eyed peas and collard greens.

What are your New Year traditions? We figure between the grapes, cava, peas, and collards, 2013 should be especially wonderful.

¡Feliz Año Nuevo! 

¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

Hola 2012!  We've all said adios to 2011 (it was a good year - we got married, we moved to Spain, Graham learned to order a beer in Spanish) but the holiday season isn't over yet here in Spain.  While people in the States are already taking down their Christmas trees, putting away the Mannheim Steamroller CDs, and folding their ugly sweaters, the Spanish are still in full swing.