Nochevieja Universitaria- 13/12/12

Last night, December 13th, was the "University New Years".  It's something that only happens in Salamanca, and is very well known.  People come from EVERYWHERE for this.  Everyone gathers in the Plaza Mayor, and when the clock hits 12, they eat the 12 grapes (a Spanish New Year tradition- one grape for each bell toll).  Then, the night continues for hours, in bars, clubs, and up and down the streets.

I went for a short time, but didn't make it until midnight.  Right now I am working on studying and preparing things for finals, so I wanted to get home early enough to be productive the next day.
However, when I was there, this is what I saw:

The plaza wasn't anywhere near full by the time I left... but the festivities had definitely already started. Singing, drinking, dancing, and laughter all mixed together in a huge celebration.

Normally, music and such really give me a lot of energy, but last night I just couldn't bring myself to get into the "holiday" spirit.  It didn't help that my stomach was killing me.
Either way, since I didn't get to stay for all the excitement, I'm attaching a photo I got off the internet of the "nochevieja" 2011.  It's from last year, of course, but still does a great job of showing how huge the event gets!!

Unfortunately, it wasn't all fun and games for everyone.  This unfortunate event brings about the reality of alcohol, and the dangers that it brings with it:

http://www.salamanca24horas.com/sucesos/78960-muere-una-joven-arrollada-en-el-paseo-de-san-vicente-por-un-conductor-borracho

A girl, 20 years old, was hit by a drunk driver, and passed away four hours later.  It's so sad that a night that's supposed to be filled with fun and joy had to end this way.

Please remember, who ever or wherever you are... be smart and be safe.  Even nights filled with happiness and celebrations can end with a shock of reality.  DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!! EVER!!

Thanksgiving in Spain

So, as everyone knows, this last week was Thanksgiving.  This is my first Thanksgiving not being with my family.  It was really sad not being able to spend one of my favorite holidays with my favorite people in the whole world... but, there were still good times and celebrations over here!

At first, on actually Thanksgiving, I was a little sad to be missing out on everything, but then, life just conitnued. haha  Here in Spain (obviously) they don't celebrate Thanksgiving, and really, no one even knows completely what it is.  So, it actually made it easier on me to not have to be around people celebrating with their families and such.  I thought I would miss the atmosphere of the holiday, but in all honesty, it was nice to not have to be reminded of what I was missing.

On actual Thanksgiving day I went to a friends house, and we made pumpkin stew! It was a lot of fun, and turned out really well!! We didn't get to eat a lot of it, as it was for a get-together we were having the next day, but still being in the kitchen and cooking pumpkin type things really started to get the Thanksgiving feeling going.

The next day, however, we had our International "Thanksgiving".  It was SO MUCH FUN!! My friend had a lot of people over, and we did a potluck-style dinner.  There were people from all over the world, and they all brought something to eat! It was amazing.

 We couldn't get a turkey, but we did get some roasted chickens, and a few Americans brought mashed potatoes, so it was basically the same thing. =) I ate more food than I should have, and it was amazing.  I was so full, but the food was so good, I couldn't stop eating! We all had a lot of good times, laughs, and made wonderful memories.

 More food... =)

 A good friend here in Spain, and another American! =)

 It was Pat's (my friend's husband) birthday!! We had a cake!! Super cute!

Learning how to line dance!! Not necessarily a Thanksgiving activity... But still something that reminds me of home, and added to the fun of the night! 

Needless to say, my first Thanksgiving, not only without my family, but out of the country was a success!! I'm very thankful for my friends who all made it so wonderful!!
=)