Blakely's Blog

I have only run one major race in my life, and it was a half marathon in Nashville with my sister. My entire time in Spain I enjoyed running in the afternoons and the once-a-week brutal stairs at the top of the one hill in Huelva.

My roommate Sarah and I decided early on to run the 10K race in Madrid and take it head on! My half marathon in Nashville was sponsored by Rock n' Roll and this was their first international race. What an awesome thing to be apart of!

Sarah and I loaded the dreaded overnight bus from Huelva to Madrid. (10pm-6am) We arrived to the heart of the city and were overwhelmed by the metro system, of course. I think being half asleep also didn't help! We navigated our way and probably an hour later we made it to our hostel, Albergue Juvenil. It was huge and the people were very welcoming. During breakfast we met someone running the race, too from France. Another travel we met was a passer through our age that was just seeing the world. People we met always had the most interesting stories about their travels. It's cool to say I have stories to bring to the table now.

Sarah and I walked all over Madrid... but not before stopping by Starbucks and indulging. I think our entire time in Europe we didn't pass up one opportunity to get some sweet overpriced American coffee. Our approach to site seeing was fantastic: Start walking and when something looks important, pull out the map and figure out just what you're looking at.

We also had to find where to pick up our numbers and tags. The place was on the edge of town quite far from where we were staying. We hauled butt and finally made it to the Expo. It was nothing special at all but wow there were so many people from all over. We then treated ourselves to their pasta lunch with all you can drink beer. Why yes, thank you! A few hours later and our happy feet walked the rest of the city to indulge in the views.

The next morning, Sunday, was the race. We were pretty close to the start so we didn't rush to get there early. The only problem was we couldn't for the life of us find where to drop off our things for them to hold while we ran. We finally found an English speaker, and she informed us that we had to leave it at the finish... oh just a mile away... 15 minutes before the race started. You've GOT to be kidding me. So we ran all the way to the finish, ran all the way back, to realize we were one of the last people to start the race.


We took off and we were on our way. There weren't many fans watching, but maybe there was at the start and we just missed it all (??) It was so cool to run down the middle of major roads in MADRID, SPAiN and know you were kicking butt! There were 18,000 participants including 900 Americans running through the center of Madrid while seeing amazing places starting at Plaza Colon, passing the Real Madrid Stadium, the Alcala Arch and Gran Via, and ending in the beautiful Retiro Park. We finished in an hour and were soooo proud of ourselves... WE DID IT!!

After the race we decided to take a paddle boat out on a lake in the Retiro Park. The park was absolutely gorgeous and one of my favorite places to spend time. We then had lunch at Cien Chupitos accompanied by a large celebratory Cruzcampo! We toured the city and even got lost looking for... Victoria's Secret? I can't remember but my oh my where were we?!

This was one of the most unique and exciting things I did in Spain. Not many people can say they've done what I have. I had a great time with Sarah, she always pushed me to my best. I appreciate her helping me run and I loved sharing this experience with her. I know we have some in our future!

Oh Portugal. Last I saw you Jason and I were in Lisbon... let's hope I have better luck this visit!

Albuferia is on the Southern coast of Portugal and holds some of the most beautiful beaches in the WORLD. So needless to say Sarah and I were so excited!!! Her parents, Ale, and I packed up the car and made our way early on March 31st. It rained the entire way but when we arrived, the darkness cleared. We walked to the beach and collected seashells and rocks. The cliffs that stood against the clear blue water was beautiful. We walked for awhile until we came upon the city center that comes right up against the beach. Low and behold we found MEXICAN!!

Mexican has to be in my top three favorite foods and I haven't had any in months. We grabbed a seat outside and ordered a pitcher of Margaritas. The server even brought out huge Sombreros for us to wear. I felt like the happiest tourist this side of the big blue. Then we returned to the beach to play some more.

There were caves and hidden spots all along the cliffs that we explored. After playing, we returned to a cafe to overlook the beach and drink Sangria. What an amazing day.

That night, we dressed up and headed for dinner. Store owners and servers alike are very demanding and great salesmen trying to convince you to eat at their restaurant. It was overwhelming until we broke down and just picked one at random. We ordered a pitcher of champagne sangria, thee best drink I have ever tasted! I talked Sarah's dad into sharing a traditional Portuguese seafood meal. We had rice placed on our plate and then came every seafood known to man kind in a red sauce. It was so good and very filling. I enjoyed it but I don't think Sarah's dad would eat it again. He explained he's more of a stick-with-what-you-know man.

We all joked and laughed as we made our way back to our hotel for the night. That night Ale, Sarah, and I grabbed a Caprhina at the bar. It is a traditional Portuguese drink and strong as hell. We played pool and had fun.

The next day we decided to do a boat tour as advised by our friend from the Rio Tinto. It was absolutely miserable. The wind blew very hard as we drove for an hour through the sea. The landscapes were gorgeous but the cold salt water splashing me was not too enjoyable.

We arrived to a cave where a few people at a time would get on a small boat to go through the grottos.... and as soon as the first group took off, the boat broke down. So we rode all the way back. I was disappointed but it was neat to see the beaches from the ocean.

This past month has held nothing than leisurely trips to the beach and spending time with friends.

A few weeks ago I had a nice visit from an old friend. Jon and I went to school together through the years and he messaged me saying that he was stationed in Rota, Spain. What a small world! He and his girlfriend, Ruth, came to visit for the day. Jen and I took them out for lunch and coffee then headed to Palos to see where Christopher Columbus left when he discovered America.

Palos is a small town on the coast that harbored the Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria. There are now replicas that you can walk on and investigate. They were so small!! I expected grand ships but we learned that the Niña only held 30 sailors. We watched a video that described the journey (the translation was oh so bad...) 


It was great to see an old friend and familiar face so far from home. I loved meeting his girlfriend Ruth, she cracked me up. I wish him luck as he makes his first tour to Afghanistan this month.


In the past month the girls, Ale, and I have frequented Punta Umbria and Mazagon. I have gotten a lot of sun and no tourists are out yet so we basically have the beach to ourselves!

For St. Paddy's Day Jen and I spent the day in Seville. We walked further into the city away from tourist areas and found a cafe to have a few beers. There was supposed to be a party next to the river in the afternoon, but after not seeing too many people there yet, we went into The Pheonix Pub in the Plaza de Cuba. A rugby game drew in travelers that were visiting Seville so we were in good English company. We bought a few pints of Guinness and shots of Jameson as we kept gaining "prizes" of hats, glasses, wigs, etc for the holiday. We ended the trip a the Terrace de Cuba on the river then headed back to Huelva for some Kebab. St. Paddy's was a great success!! 

This past Saturday we got up early for the beach to discover that it was raining!! It never rains here. Ever. And the one time it does it's on a Saturday. For cryin out loud! 

I came up with the brilliant plan to start drinking at 2pm. We were going to have a few beers on the beach, why not do it at home? After a few beers I had an even better plan. "LET'S BUILD A FORT!" Sarah and I when to work collecting sheets and grouping chairs together for the tunnel into our fort. I remember being so much better at fort building when I was younger... what happened!? I don't think the Bloody Mary's helped... 

We ate dinner under our fort and played a game of cards until it was time to go out on the town... but not before I Skyped my family.


Everyone was gathered at Adam and Lindsay's for the Third Annual Chili Cook-off. I was really upset that I could not be there but it was nice to talk to everyone. I may have looked completely ridiculous sitting in my fort half way across the world but I was having fun. I tried to coach Jason on his chili but no luck, we didn't get any votes. At least he made it this time compared to bringing his mom's the first time and Wendy's fast-food chili the second. I even ate chili for dinner all last week as a celebration for the cook-off. I'm disappointed I missed it but I know that next year I'll be taking home the prize. Watch out Mark!!


My students are really improving on their English skills and can't wait to show me when I walk into the classroom. I've grown attached to a few of them and my teachers. I know it will be a hard time leaving them. One of the administrators at my school complimented me on my Spanish. He was impressed which made me really happy! Ale also told me my Spanish had improved. Whew, for a second there I thought I was just losing my English!!


The orange trees are blooming and they smell so nice! I am enjoying running every day. I am up to six miles comfortably! On the 22nd I am gonna rock this 10K in Madrid!!


Only 31 days until Jason and I meet for our trip. I am so anxious it's all I can think and talk about! I can't believe I have gone this long without him and I know I will never have to do it again. I am so happy just thinking about seeing him!


Today's Monday so that means I'm running stairs today. Bring on the guilt from breaking our diets over the weekend. Four weeks until our race!


Happy Spring Everyone!

February flew by! I can't believe how quickly time is passing!

At the beginning of the month, Sara Kathleen and I decided to make a date out of McDonald's and Edward 40 Hands. Jen, Lisa, Sara, and I headed to McDonald's to indulge in American food. There are a few minor differences between Spanish Mickey D's and American Mickey D's. Here's your crash course.

1. There are no lines. Apparently when children are brought up in Spain, which is evident in my school daily, students are not taught to stand in line. So when you go anywhere... the bus, the atm, the movies, fast food joints... there are no lines. It causes complete chaos, especially in McDonald's because Spaniards pack the place to experience artery-clogging heaven. So you have to push your way to the front. Or, you can wait for it to become really unorganized and grab the employee that is taking orders in the middle of the crowd with a hand held device because the patience of the crowd is very limited.
2. Do not try to order in Spanish, but do use a Spanish accent. For example, when you want the New York Crispy, do not say, "Nuevo York." The cashier will think you want nine New York Crispies and then treat you like an idiot when you correct them and repeat in English, "ONE New York Crispy." When you want the McRoyal Deluxe on the other hand, say, "Royal" in your thickest accent you have or you sound like an American redneck craving a cheeseburger. (Guilty on all charges.)
3. When they ask you what to drink, reward yourself with a Mahou Beer. You just survived McDonald's ordering line, you deserve it. Plus, when you get back to the states, you won't get the opportunity to indulge in such a great combination... at least in public.
4. Do not ask for additional barbeque sauce. They are like Nazi's, or should I say Zaxby's, and will charge you for any sauce you want.
5. Good luck finding a clean table, people don't know what trashcans are in the rest of the world. But wear that smug grin on your face proudly as you walk out the door leaving your hamburger wrapper and empty plastic cup on the table behind you.



After a very satisfying meal with the girls Sara and I decided to partake in a painful game of Edward 40 Hands. Well here, instead of ounces, it's liters, so Edward Liter Hands. We even got the classy brand, Dia. Dia is a grocery store here that is pretty low on the class list... so it would be like getting Piggly Wiggly brand beer. We both finished off our two liters and headed out on the town. We met up with some friends and ended the night dancing at Mombosa.



The following weekend Sarah, Lisa, Anna, Sara Kathleen, and I went to a Spanish barbeque in Punta Umbria. The woman who gave us cooking lessons a few months ago cooked so many tapas for everyone. The food was amazing and it was so fun to hang out with a mix of American and Spaniards. We ate ate and ate, drank Sangria, and played beer pong and ping pong. After we had our fill we went down to the beach to watch the sunset. The sunset here is always stunning and was a perfect ending to the day.


Valentine's Day was last week and I thought I would be sad but I have never been so happy! My kids colored and sent me sweet Valentine's Day messages in my heart envelope. Manuel, my seven-year-old boyfriend gave me a cute card that he had made in class. And when I got home, I had a letter from my real boyfriend!! He sent me the cutest card (inside joke) that even came with a poster and 3D glasses! His message inside was so sweet I teared up. He also surprised me with the conformation for our cruise in April!!  I am one lucky girl! And lucky for him I made a Vday kit when I was home over the holidays so I could surprise him with gifts, he loved it! Hayley also sent me a cute package that included a Reese's Heart that I instantly ate too fast. I spent all day giddy and happy because I know how much I am loved and how great it feels! I can't wait for next year to be home and spend the day with Ray face to face <3.





Last weekend was Carnaval in Cadiz. Cadiz holds the third largest party in the world for Carnaval. Hundreds of thousands of people flock to Cadiz to celebrate. Everyone is wearing an outrageous costume, drinking, and making friends. We arrived to cadiz at 11pm and didn't leave until almost 7am! Churros with chocolate at 3am was definitely one of my favorite parts. We had fun though we froze our butts off!



I am looking forward to March because it will be warm enough to visit the beach soon. When Sarah's parents get here we are making a trip up the coast to Portugal. I can't wait!

In April we will be visiting Madrid for our 10K and then I am off to Rome to meet the love of my life for our Mediterranean cruise!

Then in June right before I come HOME, the girls and I will be going to Paris!

I can't wait for all that my next three months holds. 100 days left! Make 'em count!
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 [EDIT]

Found a perfect video for living in Spain and trying to learn Spanish...

I found this awesome video that perfectly describes the process into becoming a resident/employee here in Spain. I can't believe I survived that process!! It took an entire year, but it was so worth it!


Also,Only 82 days until Ray and I start our adventure on the Mediterranean through Europe and Asia. I can't wait to experience Italy, Greece, and Turkey with my best friend!

Well, not too many major things have been going on here. Just getting back in routine and trying new things!

Ray laughs and says everyone will ask you what you did when you were home, and what are you going to tell them? You slept?

While yes, sleeping was and continues to be one of my favorite hobbies, I did manage to do a few more things than just snooze. Maybe never before noon, but I did do a lot of fun things.

Returning home took forever and my anxiousness was killing me. The roommates left a day before me and being alone in the city was very lonely. Packing took up most of my time, as well as watching How I Met Your Mother online. I took the 10:30pm bus to Madrid. A sold out eight hour overnight bus is not fun. What was I thinking? I was crammed into the very back of the bus after an embarrassing moment of being told by the conductor that there were assigned seats.

I arrived to the airport at 6:30am and had to sit and wait for the Delta counter to open at 8. Madrid's airport is a very good place to people watch. And I get really confused why so so many people have 2932 bags. Where are they all going? I tried to make friends with a small university group that was waiting with me but no one seemed interested. Either they were snooty or I just looked that rough.

I finally hopped on my 11am flight and made the 10hr trip home. Ray picked me up from the airport and I was absolutely so happy to see him. I always think I am going to cry but I am always just too busy smiling and smothering him with kisses. We met my family for dinner at Carrabba's. It was so nice to see them and felt so good to finally be home. Mama went all out for Christmas this year and the Hopkin's house was beautiful. She had made a large framed chalk board with a welcome home note on it. So sweet! Then, when Ray and I got to the house I saw my Charlie Brown Christmas tree he had put up for  me. He of course, made himself a Festivus Pole, which was hilarious. It was really thoughtful of him to do that and I appreciated it so much. I thinnk our little Christmas decorations should be an annual thing. Though if you know the story of Festivus (Wikipedia it), the holiday doesn't end until someone beats the head of household in wrestling...so it's not looking good for me!

The next night Ray and I went with Amy and Tim to see The Band Perry at Atlantic Station and then to see Corey Smith at Wild Bill's. We grabbed a few pitchers at the Mexican restaurant across the street from WB so I could get my domestic beer/chips and salsa fix. I was the happiest girl! The concert was a great time and even Colt Ford made a surprise appearance.

Christmas was amazing. I really enjoyed spending time with my family and Ray's. Ray surprised me with flowers and a note that said Merry Christmas Baby. I enjoyed waking up to those every morning. Everyone got me really thoughtful gifts that I love and appreciate so much.

Christmas Eve was spent at Dad's, he even fried up some pickles for me! That night was Christmas service and over to Mama's for our annual PJ's exchange. Christmas morning was breakfast with my adorable Memaw and family at my aunt and uncles then over to lunch at my Grandparents. The cousins and their men played the white elephant game. I got an awesome gift that Amy put in but Ray stole it from me. But like karma, Adam stole it and ended up with the best prize of the day. After spending time with my family, Ray and I headed to his mom's for dinner. We all unwrapped gifts and had an amazing dinner. I always have fun over there and feel at home. That night, everyone got together for a movie. War Horse put me to sleep but it was nice to see everyone and a great way to end the holiday.

While I was home I enjoyed seeing Hayley, EB, and Emily. I loved catching up with them and exchanging stories of the past few months. I'm bummed I didn't get to see everyone, the holidays can be hectic.

One night Ray took me down to his hunting camp and we hung out by the fire and drank a few beers. It was cold, but the sky was crystal clear and beautiful. The next day we went on a long ride on the 4-wheeler and he taught me how to shoot a few guns. I was intimidated at first but it was so fun and I can't wait to get back home and keep practicing.

That night was New Years Eve and everyone got together at Adam and Lindsay's for the Annual Let's Blow Stuff Up Party. Fireworks and Apple Pie Moonshine don't mix but give you great stories for the rest of the year!

On New Years Day we slept in until 2! Then we rode by a Christmas tree donation so Ray could steal a few trees so set on fire over at Buddy's. Holy cow, Christmas trees doused in gasoline go quick! Card games ensued and I ended up winning $15. Guess eating grapes and wearing gold undies on New Years really works!

One night Ray and I had dinner with his mom and Ansleigh. We played cards like we always do and Brenda and I actually LOST in Spades! We were undefeated last year. Looks like I need to teach my friends over here how to play so I can get some good practice in.

I enjoyed a last minute dinner with Mama, Mark, and Lindsay. I didn't know my margarita was gonna hit me like that, but man I enjoyed the food and the company!

On Saturday, the 7th Ray and I went to his coworker's, Knobs, house to hang out. Everyone was so friendly and asked me all about my trip. I am so surprised they remembered me, how nice. We drank a few beers and ate some amazing fried turkey. I couldn't stop eating all the skin! I hate that we missed Amanda and Colin, but there's always the summer time!

That night Lindsay and Adam also had their Engagement Party. It was beautiful. Mama and Lori did and amazing job. I enjoyed hanging out and talking with my family and getting to meet a few people from Adam's side. We are all so happy they are tying the knot, I can't think of two people who are more deserving of such great love and who fit so well together.

The last night Ray and I hosted a small BCS Championship get-together. Adam, Lindsay, Crystal, Jeremy, John Michael, Justin, Amanda, Hayley, Jack, Daniel, Mama, Mark, and Mike all got together to root against me and my LSU Tigers. We had a great time and it was nice to see everyone one more time.

All of my nights were spent with my best friend. We had some fun dates going out and some fun dates staying in. We caught a couple of movies, ate a some awesome restaurants, and even went for a long motorcycle ride. That's usually what we designate Sunday's for... motorcycle rides, laziness, and Chinese take-out. Time with him is unmeasurable and my love for him is unconditional. I am so lucky to have such an amazing person in my life!

Oh man we were livin’
Didn't waste one minute
We talked and drank and danced and said goodbye
We laughed until we cried

... And I'm Back....

Ray dropped me off at the airport. Saying bye to him was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. But knowing I have a great support system while I am over here and a great love waiting on me at home reassures me that I'll be okay. Being this far from home and all of my loved ones is a challenge unexplainable but I am overwhelmed with joy knowing that they love me just as much in return.

My flight back I slept for 30 mins maybe out of the 9 hours.
Took a public bus from the Madrid airport to the train station.
Took the 2.5hour train to Seville.
Took a taxi to the bus station.
Took the 1 hour bus to Huelva.
And I was finally back. Whew.

My first day back to school was so sweet. I hugged and kissed all my favorite teachers hello and my students were so happy to see me! Listening to all the kids say, "Mees Yackson, happy new reyear," was so adorable. It felt so good to be back in the classroom and feel missed and loved. It reminded me why I am here and how happy my job makes me.

I was so happy to see my roommates, and the rest of the girls. Last night we went over to Sara, Anna, and Lisa's Apartment and played Never Have I ever. Ale was the only boy, and the only native Spanish speaker, but he was a good sport! We had a great time catching up and gabbing like girls do. I am so happy to be surrounded by great girls in my city!

Tomorrow begins my first full week of classes. I hope to find some intercambio to work on my Spanish and get this ball rolling on my lifetime goal to be fluent. I also start working out again tomorrow. Goodbye holiday weight. Hello beach season!