Spanish BBQ

How is a Spanish BBQ different from a U.S. BBQ? I don't know, but there were no burgers, hot dogs or steaks in sight and instead of beer we drank tinto de verano (Coke mixed with red wine). It sounds gross but is actually very refreshing in warm weather and beneath the sun. Throw in an acoustic guitar, good friends, some cactus's, and a big bowl of strawberries with whip cream and there you have it.


Spain doesn't have marshmallows as far as I know. These bad boys were brought from N. York City courtesy of Ana (girl in the white shirt). I taught them the slow roast method, the combination of patience and twirl to achieve the ultimate roasted chestnut color. yumm
I am wearing my favorite jacket when flashes are involved, you can't help but be impressed by my bling.



















My roommate Jesús grilling up some pork and our friend Carmén drinking some tinto de verano and soaking up some sun.



















Little Spanish cottage.




















Leif poses with cactus in background.

























Goofing around.


















Yummy fruit bowl.

Trying to keep it together.

I work in two High Schools here in Spain, one in Cáceres where I live and one in Móntanchez. Móntanchez is about 45 minutes away by car from Cáceres and is a beautiful little town nestled on the top of a big hill. It is famous for its cured ham and also has a beautifully old and romantic castle that sits even higher up on the hill. One day I was giving class at school and explaining an activity when I suddenly heard a strange noise from out the window. I looked to my right and waaabam!!! I was looking into the face of a donkey similar to the one you see here. I gave small smile and continued with what I was doing, but inside I was dying from laughter and thought, "How cool is it to see a castle from your school window and also a donkey at the came time." viva Spain!!!

More photos of Istanbul

Hi all!!! I have posted a few more pictures of my trip to Istanbul, so click HERE to check them out. Here is a picture of Kevin (a U.S. guy I meet at my hostel) drinking tea on the boat ride from Europe side of Istanbul to the Asian side. Yahoo for 60 cent boat ride teas!!! We needed these bad boys.

Istanbul, Constantinople

How do you sum up a week in Istanbul? It is difficult thing for me to do, hence the late BLOG update. Lets start by saying that is possible that it is the most exciting and interesting city that I have ever seen. The food is fantastic. From baklava to kebabs, from ayran (a yogurt drink that helps cool hot spicies) to Efes Pilsen (Turkish beer) and beyond, Turkey offers a fun dance for any tongue. The people are friendly, the city has great cheap public transportation, the prices are good and there is shopping that will satisfy anybodies need to shop.



















Who knew I was so big?



















So pretty and so nice, the Hagia Sophia.




















By far my favorite food I found, fresh fish sandwiches off the boat. At about 2 dollar U.S. these
bad boys were tasty, filling and delicious.



















My nice roommates before a night of going out. The guy in the middle is the coolest Portuguese guy I have ever meet. Go Bruno!!!!!! Notice my sweet bling reflectors on my REI jacket. Safety first!