So the picture decided not to load but imagine sitting in a lush garden with a fountain trickling in the background. The flowers are not quite in bloom however there is greenery all around and orange trees in every small plaza. In Andalusia this is typical scenery. Everywhere, especially at the Alhambra gorgeous landscape as far as you can see. I learned from various sources in my travels that these orange trees have a very interesting history. One guy from California that we met said that the King did not want the orange peels to be all over the streets so they were cross-bred with limes/lemons in order to have a bitter taste. Whether this is true or not is beyond me. Another source said that these oranges were used for marmalade. After a little bit of research I have found that this is also not the case. In fact my teacher Pepita clarified that these oranges (mostly seen by me in Sevilla) are exported to Britain. Seville oranges are used in the classic sauce bigarade, traditionally served with roast duck. Another tidbit about oranges is that when they first reached Europe, they were so rare that they became a symbol of opulence to be offered as luxury gifts. Hearing various ideas about how these oranges are actually used was a fun experience in my travels. My senora buys us oranges and we go through marmalade as if it was going out of style. Finding out what is fact verse fiction about one of my favorite fruits was quite an experience. I am still not sure of their intended use -those that come from Andalusia but I am definitely more educated about these tasty treats.

The Heladeria Tiggiani makes stopping in busy Plaza Nueva worthwhile. The three of us stopped by here after the Alhambra and there is little information known about this heladeria but the Tiggiani family have been selling ice cream on the corner of the plaza and Calle De Elvira since 1961. It was by far the best ice cream I have ever had and because of this adventure we made it a point to search for an equal contender throughout the rest of the trip. Needless to say there was not one but it was fun to try. This was worthwhile because I was able to appreciate the small business man which sometimes is hard in the states due to the corporations buying out these nostalgic places. Walmart, while it services my needs, is also a pain for the small business owner and without proceeding into the economics behind this theory, this experience makes me appreciate the fact there are not many large chains in Spain. You must search for the experiences here and hunt for the stores that carry what you desire to find. I love that I am not bogged down by the labels that we have come to recognize in the U.S., here in Spain. It is nice to wander down the streets and actually go into the stores without much purpose. I think this is a memory that I won't forget because it reflects una vida sencilla.

Carnavales in Granada, Spain. This city was my favorite of the three we traveled to and to be quite frank I probably could have spent the entire time there. We ventured to La Alhambra on Saturday and it was simply amazing. The architecture is unlike anything I have ever seen in the United States and the intricate detail of every room was unbelievable. This picture was taken in the Court of Lions and unfortunately the lions were being restored, so I was unable to take a picture of them. They are one of the few remains of the Islamic animal representations. The incomparable beauty of this place and the way it made me feel walking through is beyond words. It is hard to visualize the Alhambra as anything less than magnificent because it has seen a great deal of damage after the Christian conquest of the city in 1492. The open work was filled up with whitewash, the painting and gilding effaced, and the furniture soiled, torn, or removed. Personally, I believe the preservation is amazing considering that explosives and an earthquake have also damaged the building. I enjoyed experiencing this magnificent place and roaming through the palace. Going to places like the Alhambra make you feel like you are apart of history instead of a lonely bystander who only reads about these places in books. Hands down the Alhambra has stolen my heart as far as history and beauty goes.

Coca Castle was built in the 15th century by Alonso de Fonseca; the mighty archbishop of Seville, during the reign of King Enrique IV of Castile. It's made up of two square baileys separated by a passageway. The double walls are 2.5 m thick and it's circled by a deep dry moat. It is considered to be the highest example of brick military architecture with Mudejar filigree work. This structure was simply amazing. I cannot describe the beauty that it radiated. Unlike much of the other castle we ventured into this one seemed to have more of its history preserved and appreciated. It seemed that even though it now functions as a school like the other castle it still makes you feel like you are apart of something much more complicated than you. I enjoyed the guided tour and everything this majestic place had to offer.

Churros con chocolate! A treat that I have come to enjoy. The churro con chocolate finds its origin in Spain and is sometimes referred to as the Spanish doughnut. These delacasies are fried-dough pastry snacks, sometimes made from potato dough. Churros are also loved in a variety of countries including: Latin America, France, Portugal and the U.S. The snack gets its name from its shape, which resembles the horns of the Churro a breed of sheep reared in the Spanish grasslands of Castilla. There are two types of churros in Spain. One is thin -usually knotted-and the other, especially popular in Madrid, is long and thick. They both are normally eaten for breakfast dipped in delicious chocolate. I have had my fair share of these treats and have to cut myself off otherwise I would be spending quite a bit of money on fried dough. However, the thing I took away from this experience is why they are shaped the way they are. Who would have thought is was becasue of sheep?

Megan, Molly, and I ventured to Zamarramala for the Fiesta de Santa Agueda. It was very interesting to see the famous governor's wives, dressed in sumptuous gowns from the 12th century carrying the scepter of authority. Everyone proceeded to follow these "matahombres" through the streets as we watched in amazement. We must have arrived early because we were in the procession to receive the women from their houses. Unfortunately, we didn't stay long enough to see the burning of the "pelele" -a representation of machisimo that is still an issue in modern day Spain. This tradition dating back to 1227 has remained the same throughout the years . It is a time to remember and celebrate Santa Agueda the patron Saint of married women and mothers. It is important to these women and to me because in the United States women are very lucky to have the rights they do, while in other countries many women suffer as a result of violence and chauvinism.

I went to the bakery near the Kiis center because I wanted to take a picture of the yummy sweet treats. The purpose for the picture was because I am craving a cinnamon roll. If I could find a roll of Pilsbury cinnamon rolls I would be in complete heaven. However upon taking this picture in the window I was able to capture part of the Plaza Mayor and my roomate Janette. It is a really neat picture in that it captures different aspects of this trip so far. My craving for the american delicasies that I miss, my new friend and roomate, and the new city that I am beginning to discover. It is amazing what a camera can do but I appreciate this picture for its different qualities because this was not the original intent. However, when does anything we do go the way we plan? Thanks to the reflective glare of glass so that I could share this moment.

So home is where the heart is. That saying has been around longer than I have and well this is not my home in Paducah, KY but this is home for the next 3 months. Well I guess if I am being honest this is my part of the room in my home for the next three months. It is cosy and warm; what more could a girl ask for? You may not be able to tell but the bed folds into the wall if you push it up. Kinda cool, I know. Clyde the Murray State horse is hanging out on my bed to remember my Murray family and the pictures of my family reside within arms reach in the overhead cabinet. Josefina my Senora couldn't be any better. She keeps a watchful eye on Janette and I so that we are safe during our time in Segovia. She also feeds us like there may not be a tomorrow but I can not say that I haven't enjoyed her cooking either. Paella may not be for me but she makes an awesome tortilla. Whoops back on track...so there is my bookshelf with all of my possessions that fit into the suitcases. It is small but I have no complaints because I am happy to be a guest in Josefina's home.

Breathtaking! There has been so much snow and rain here these first two weeks I could not pass up the opportunity to capture this moment on my way home for lunch. Its a shame that there are not these amazing views at home. The area around Segovia is just gorgeous! I think more sunny days need to arrive so that I can take more pictures of this beautiful city. The sun just fills me with warmth and I feel excited and happy inside. In a strange way this picture makes me think of home and how I wish my parents, brothers and sisters could be here. They would love this. Although they did get some of this in Aspen so I guess this is my spanish Aspen. Here is to more beautiful days to come and the rushing warmth I get when the sun soaks into these cold bones.

On the way to our first excursion I had the pleasure of sitting with Gabby. Ella es una chica loca! She was so kind and listened as I spoke my broken spanish. She is a selfless person who like me loves the movie The Princess Bride. We only were able to watch part of it but making a new friend in Spain was awesome. Also Gabby has some interesting Spanish music on her ipod that we were jamming to. Dimelo by Enrique Iglesias and the spanish version of High School Musical were hilarious but also fun to get up and dance too. I have had fun getting to know Gabby and what makes her tick. So far I can say she is una chica muy divertida!

New friends make this trip even more exciting! Kat is probably one of the sweetest people I know and I am thankful for her spirit and energy. Also Trevor, he is a kind person who has a lot to share with us and this world. Everyone here has different personalities and we are all unique that makes getting to know everyone exciting.

I love this picture! I think the bear in it makes me the happiest person in the world. His face is saying, " Yes I like Sangria and I dont care who knows it." He is so relaxed and that is how I want to be with my spanish by the time this trip is over. I am not able to describe this photo with any other words than love at first sight!

A new country, new friends, and exciting memories. It has only been a week and I feel as if my life is already changing. This photo was taken on the very first sunny day that Segovia had seen during this first week. A flag being a symbol of unity, hope, belonging, and pride are the reasons that this photo has meaning to me. It is easy to forget where we come from and why we choose to live the lives we do but a flag has the ability to remind us why loyalty to ourselves, others, and our country is important.

I did it! I climbed those 152 steps to the very top of the Castle of Segovia. This was my first solo adventure in Segovia and seeing the city's history displayed in such a beautiful way was breath-taking. Literally! The first picture on the left is the wonderful view after the climb. This view showed the true beauty of God's creation. Here there are mountains, greenery and much more. Words hardly give the view justice.

This other photo is in the chapel of the castle and was so moving I attempted to capture the moment.