Birthday parties and Italy

It's been so long since I've written on my blog and I apologize for that!

Spring in Galicia has definitely brought a lot of rain--but there have been a few amazing days.  One of those days I went to one of the spectacular beaches in Galicia with my friend Levon and Fan.  A short 40 min drive took us to one of the most beautiful spots on earth. Here are a few photos.

The weekend before my birthday my WONDERFUL host parents surprised me with a birthday dinner and cake!  They have a friend who is a chef and he came over and made fresh sushi and homemade Tiramisu for dinner.  It was just the sweetest surprise and I feel so lucky to live with such a thoughtful and generous family here in Spain.  It was so touching.

My mom also sent my girls the CUTEST towels!! Here are some of them modeling the towels.

This past weekend was my birthday weekend and my friend Jacklyn and I planned a trip to celebrate :)  Jacklyn had a break from school so we decided to spend a few days in Italy.  We flew into Milan on my birthday and had the most amazing birthday dinner of my life!  Italy is clearly known for their food, but having Italian food IN Italy is a whole different ball game.  The freshness, the flavor, the simplicity...it was just a perfect combination that left you wondering why on earth you'd ever eat anything different.  

The next day we caught our train to the Cinque Terre-five little towns that have a hiking path connecting each one to the other.  Also known as paradise.  Arriving to the Cinque Terre was one of those out of body experiences where you are there but ...not there.  You are above yourself looking down and wondering if you are dreaming.  Right after checking into our hostel, we threw our stuff on our bed, rushed into our bikinis and headed for the beach.  I did the first thing anyone would do when arriving to Italy--I bought a gelato :)  The first of many to come.  Jacklyn and I decided to lay out on a large rock for a few hours and reminisce in our decision to visit the most beautiful place on earth.

That night we went on a ferry ride to visit the last of the towns.  During our trip we met two super sweet Canadian girls and hit it off! We got drinks by the beach, had yet another gelato, and then went to dinner.  During dinner two more of their friends showed up and we decided that the next day we would do the hike together! BEST DECISION!  Hiking the trail with our new Canadian friends made the trip!  My legs hurt from the climb and my stomach hurt from laughing so much! 

That night, Jacklyn and I decided we would make a little dinner for our Canadian friends :)  Our hostel had a kitchen, so we went to a small store and bought fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, pesto, olives, and pasta.  Everything necessary for a delicious Italian meal.  So with a little wine and dessert from our Canadian friends--our meal was complete! Delicious!

Next Jacklyn and I decided to head to Verona to visit the town of Romeo and Juliet.  Verona is a beautiful, quaint little town that is the perfect setting for the story book romance of Romeo and Juliet.  We visited the iconic balcony from the movie and went inside Juliet's house.  On top of that we visited the Coliseum in Verona, roamed the streets, and just enjoyed passing the day in such a lovely city.  People say 'right out of a story book' and this town actually is.

 Anyway--It was the most amazing birthday weekend and so glad I got to spend it with Jacklyn and meet some new friends!  I missed my family so much and want to give a big shout out to my AMAZING TWIN, Kelly, who I am  so lucky to share that day with. You make my life complete, Kel! LOVE YOU!