Two Cowboys and a Solider walked into a bar...

Last night was Carnival- the Spanish version of Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras. Clearly, we dressed up and went out to party with the Spaniards. Our costumes were mainly homemade consisting of Pirates, Cowboys, Indians, random animals and freaky masks. The Spaniards had way cooler costumes - some were even on stilts!

Feliz día de San Valentín

Con todo de mi amor...

<3

(and yes, I really did make those Valentines...)

Salamanca

Zamarramala

The festival of Santa Agueda is a celebration in rememberance of a young Saint who was a marter. Basically, the festival is a women's appreciation day via burning figures of men and eating a lot of chorizo (sausage). The festival we attended took place in Zamarramala, which is about a 3 mile walk from Segovia.

TOP SECRET PHOTOS!!!

Since my host dad is currently in the hospital with kidney stones, my host mom is there with him and my host sister is at a friend's house for the night. I have the whole place to myself for the night! Don't worry about my dad though, he's quite the trooper. Here is the evidence to prove it...

Paco's trophies from his professional running days!! Kidney stones = piece of cake to this man.
salon = family room

Javi (my host brother) is carrying on the tradition and is also a professional runner!

Javi's trophies

There are trophies EVERYWHERE! When the sun comes through the windows just right, the whole room lights up in the glow of success. Prettttty darn impressive.

Also, another little suprise I stumbled upon tonight in the kitchen...

Yes, you can believe it- it is the hoof of a pig. And apparently, is going to be my dinner one of these days. I just have two tinsy-winsy issues with this: a.) I don't really enjoy eating foods with hooves still attached and b.) I generally don't leave my pig legs just laying around the kitchen, I prefer mine refrigerated. Good thing I'm not Jewish because this is definately not kosher.

The Hills are Alive

Today we went hiking in the mountain range very close to Segovia, just outside of the village La Granja. It was a fun hike, but got very cold at the top!! Our northface jackets and yoga pants were no match for the snowy, windy, mountain top. We were literally in the clouds!

Beautiful.

Parque Guell- this is a famous park we spent a couple of hours enjoying in one morning in Barcelona. The park was designed entirely by Antonio Gaudi and more than just a garden, it contains a maze of paths one could spend hours meandering, complex architectural structures, and a high point you can hike up to see the most amazing view of all of Barcelona. Summed up, it was absolutely stunning and I hope to return someday.