I took this picture! It's real!
Holy cow you guys! I can't even believe that I'm in Spain! I've been here for less than a week, but it already feels like a lifetime. I've seen lots of different historical sites, gone shopping (for fun and for essentials- two different experiences entirely!), and I've gone to class for a few days. Doing all of these normal things in a different country is surreal. I feel like I'm in a movie ALL the time!
Today we went to La Balcón de Europa. It's a beach in the Nerja, a little town in the Malaga province. I've never played at the beach before. NEVER. When I was 15 my family went on an Alaskan cruise, so I've seen the ocean and been near the beach, but never actually worn a swim suit, played in the water, and gotten a tan! It was fantastic!
My cute Study Abroad friends couldn't believe that I'd never been to a beach before. They said "haven't you been to california? No? Oh man, you're in for a treat." When we hit the waves, I was filled with glee. It was very salty, but the perfect temperature! I was surprised by how big the waves were when we were so close to the shore too. Oh man, I can't even describe how wonderful my afternoon was!
After playing in the waves for awhile, Mikaila and I went exploring. We climbed over and under and around rocks and boulders, trying not to get pushed right into their jagged edges. All of the rocks were conglomerates and I just loved the way they looked. It was really fun!
Small side note: At most European beaches, tops are optional. This beach was no different. I saw pairs of really old, really young, really nice, and really perky boobs this afternoon. ¡En serio! It was a real eye-opener. I just don't know how anyone could be so comfortable with everything hanging out like that. Seriously, I was one of the most-covered people on that beach today. It was quite amusing. My host mom wants to take us out to the beach next weekend and I'm sort of wondering if she will wear a top, but I'm not sure how to ask politely. I don't mind so much if other people don't wear tops, but I seriously doubt that I can keep up a conversation with Ana if she is topless. Haha, more cultural experiences every day!
Today we went to La Balcón de Europa. It's a beach in the Nerja, a little town in the Malaga province. I've never played at the beach before. NEVER. When I was 15 my family went on an Alaskan cruise, so I've seen the ocean and been near the beach, but never actually worn a swim suit, played in the water, and gotten a tan! It was fantastic!
My cute Study Abroad friends couldn't believe that I'd never been to a beach before. They said "haven't you been to california? No? Oh man, you're in for a treat." When we hit the waves, I was filled with glee. It was very salty, but the perfect temperature! I was surprised by how big the waves were when we were so close to the shore too. Oh man, I can't even describe how wonderful my afternoon was!
After playing in the waves for awhile, Mikaila and I went exploring. We climbed over and under and around rocks and boulders, trying not to get pushed right into their jagged edges. All of the rocks were conglomerates and I just loved the way they looked. It was really fun!
Small side note: At most European beaches, tops are optional. This beach was no different. I saw pairs of really old, really young, really nice, and really perky boobs this afternoon. ¡En serio! It was a real eye-opener. I just don't know how anyone could be so comfortable with everything hanging out like that. Seriously, I was one of the most-covered people on that beach today. It was quite amusing. My host mom wants to take us out to the beach next weekend and I'm sort of wondering if she will wear a top, but I'm not sure how to ask politely. I don't mind so much if other people don't wear tops, but I seriously doubt that I can keep up a conversation with Ana if she is topless. Haha, more cultural experiences every day!
Side Note: I love love love my Swimsuit!
It's really weird that I had a whole-day excursion on a Sunday. If it wasn't included in my SUU Study Abroad trip, I wouldn't have gone (there are a few non-included excursions with the CLM that I will not be going on), but since it was "free" and it's part of my grade, I went. The whole time, I just kept thinking "Oh man, I wish I was at church right now!" I'm so excited to go to church here and get to know some members that live here. That will be so cool! I absolutely love that the gospel is true and the same no matter where you go- it's just so great. Since it is Sunday, I do have a spiritual thought for you: While I was at the beach, I noticed that I couldn't stay in the same place. Each barreling wave would propel me forward or back, and I couldn't keep my footing no matter how hard I tried. Jumping into the wave helped me stay closer to where I was, but I couldn't stay anchored. In the world, there are barreling experiences that will try your faith. Even if you have a good attitude about those experiences and trials, they still can shake you. How do you stay strong? You get an anchor. Find the truths of the gospel for yourself and then you will have a way to stay where you are. The winds and waves and storms will still come, but having an anchor will keep you from the danger zones.
Thanks for reading!
Thanks for reading!