AMAZING!!!!!  THE BEST TRIP EVER!!!!

so today Marisa and I just shopped in dublin to use up our euros and went to the movies.
we leave tomorrow morning to go back home to california.

This morning we rode bikes through the Puerto Viejo before heading to the airport, and after a sad goodbye, we are in Dublin again.

Today we went with Elena to the Fiesta de Paella.  So much fun!

Lots of sangria … mmmmmmm.

Elena with the Paella.

So in other news, the allergy bumps have pretty much gone now, but after spending the whole day in the sun I look like a tomato.  I wonder what other vegetables I could look like before the end of this trip …

Today we took the metro into Bilbao and walked around.  We stopped at a Kukuxumusu store, which is a place that sells shirts with designs made specifically in the Basque Country.  We also stoped to try some Pintxos, which are like little snacks on small pieces of toast.

Anyway …

Elena speaks Spanish and English, and her mom only speaks Spanish and French, so when we are all talking together, it’s a mix of all three.  Sometimes, because Marisa and I have been in Italy, some Italian sneaks its way into the conversation too.  Needless to say, I think I am going to have some serious language issues when I get back to California.  I’m not going to know what to say.

Marisa, Elena, and Me in Bilbao.

Elena and her boyfriend Alex took us to the beach today.  It was beautiful, the air was hot the water was cold and there was a perfect breeze.  We played cards, and Alex taught me a few Spanish phrases.

By the way, we are staying in Getxo (pronounced “get-cho” … as in get yo freak on).