Saturday 6/25 - Monday 6/27
Saturday
After sleeping late I met up with everyone to go to San Juan. Unfortunately it was busier and dirtier than I had ever seen it, but I still enjoyed playing some v-ball, Frisbee (everyone think Frisbee is super weird here because you never see it), swimming to the buoys, and body surfing the larger-than-normal waves.
The night began with a huge fireworks display on the beach at 12 that started a competition that would span the next 5 nights with different fireworks companies (even one from Italy) trying to outdo each other. It was funny that all of the sudden our spot on the rocks was covered with people and we could barely find a spot. It seemed like the whole town had come out to watch the fireworks and people blanketed, the beach, sidewalk, and seaside rocks. Afterwards the night was highlighted by our visit to the bar that has a Mizzou shirt hanging in it from previous study abroad sessions and our trip to the beach around 6 am for an early morning swim. I could tell this was my first true Spanish late-night because as I walked home I could see the horizon was streaked with the first rays of daylight.
Sunday
Today I stuck around the house until 5 when we met to go to this really cool upscale restaurant/bar called “IslaMarina” that our friends had raved about that was right on the sea. We had gotten bracelets to get in for free today from promoters on the beach a while back. It was mostly outside and all the staff were dressed in white to match the tables and lounge furniture. There was a nice wide open view of the seaside. There were several island/tiki styled huts where you could get food and drink and there was even a small pool you could lay around. The whole thing reminded me of a movie scene. It was definitely nice and it was definitely pricey (4E beer for instance). I was happy with a delicious NA apple slushy. We hung around and talked for a while as the place gradually filled up and seats became scarce as it neared midnight. I don’t really know what it was but after the initial charm of the place I got tired of it pretty quick. Maybe it was because it was obviously a place for people with a lot of money who liked to use it on partying and alcohol (of which I am neither). Of course that’s their prerogative and I’m sure they enjoy it, but I prefer to spend money on things I value (either experiences or something with long-term). I’m definitely not saying that I haven’t enjoyed some drinks while here, but I’m not going to spend 80E of my money on “bottle service” (which gets you a bottle of vodka and a sofa for you and your friends to share). I decided to take my leave when my friends took that option.
On my walk home I ran into a parade in honor of Corpus Christi that was just entering the church and I followed that in and observed the crowded service. Also, since I left early I got to have dinner at home instead of eating out. Some of my friends tell me how they eat out all the time, but I just can’t justify passing up the free meals at home (especially when they are almost always delicious)!
Later that night I went to watch the beautiful fireworks and had a rare treat of ice cream (toffee, I think) at a small cafe on the way home.
Monday
I started my last week of work somewhat reluctantly, but was cheered by the thought that I would only have a 3-day week because I move to the university and start phase 2 on Thursday. I think Jose still being on vacation in Germany made the day seem extra long. At least I had work to do: researching sites to buy stock footage, creating a database of translation companies in the US, writing a letter requesting their partnership.
After work I went for a run to the train station to try to sort out an extra $80 charge that shouldn’t be on my account. I hate that place! No one speaks English so I am left to vent in broken Spanish. They said the money wouldn’t be credited back to me until the end of July since I used a credit card (which was the only one that worked). They charged me a 9E service fee for cancelling my $80 ticket seconds after I bought it because the guy who sold me my ticket told me the wrong information. He also told me that if I bought a ticket at the station with my card it would be authorized to work online, which the guy today said was completely wrong. Their online system is apparently from the Stone Age and doesn’t accept foreign cards. Although it never tells you this vital little tidbit on the site! If I want to buy a ticket I have to buy it at the station and in some cases will pay up to double the price I see it selling for online. This was my 3rd trip to the train station, and everyone leaves me more frustrated than the last and apparently the only thing I can do is file a complaint online.
Tonight I am going to watch the fireworks for the 3rd time out on the rocks. Hopefully I’ll meet some of my friends there. I love all fireworks and can’t help staring at them in awe the whole show. They bring back lots of good memories, and I’m glad I will at least get my fill of fireworks displays since I’m missing 4th of July.
Hasta Luego,
Cóle
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