I've clicked my heels three times... and no I am not in Madrid anymore.

Northface jackets. Nalgene water bottles. Mountains looming over campus. Snow. English speakers everywhere. Blonde, tall people. Bicyclist cutting off cars. No, I am not in Madrid anymore. It wasn't until I returned to the Boulder campus that it hit me. My professors all teach in English, there are NO 20 minute espresso breaks during class, and I can't walk home from the local coffee shop (I did on one of the first days I was back... and it took me an hour). It is a bitter sweet realization. The ending of a beautiful yet challenging time of my life. The beginning of... who knows. Graduation slowly creeping in and the dreaded 'real world' questions are already being asked about plans afterwards. It is unnervingly exciting. I hope to bring with me all the experiences and people from my time in Madrid into whatever is next for me in life. That colorful, life-filled Spanish spirit. Well, this is it as far as my blog goes. Thank you to everyone who has traveled with me via internet. If anyone would like to hear mores stories and see more pictures I would love to sit down and share a meal or a coffee with you!

Besos,
Kate

Schwab's Take on Madrid

Parents... meet Madrid. During the week of thanksgiving my parents flew out to Madrid. I loved showing them my life. We played around Madrid for a couple of days... road the bus tour, saw the castle, roamed the city center, saw incredible art and took in the beautiful Christmas decorations. We had many laughs, many entertaining metro experiences, even lots of late night dinners. I would post more pictures but unfortunately Blog spot has limited me to the number of pictures I can post... so enjoy the ones I was able to upload.

Norway: Northern Lights and Brown Cheese

One of the things I was first introduced to on my trip to Norway was brown cheese. You may be wondering if this is comment worthy on a blog... let me tell you, this surprise of an abnormal color of cheese was a sweet treat in the cold days of Norway. Add a little raspberry jam on top of a slice of bread to the cheese... delicious. I went to Norway because a dear friend of mine, Rachelle Johnson, was living in the Nordic lands. I packed my single sweater and coat and hoped for a warm front. It was a treat to spend time with a good friend in the middle of my semester. For 5 days we took in the beautiful scenery of the fjords, cooked tasty meals, saw the northern lights and raced of dog sleds down the icy streets. Enjoy the pictures... besos