Scenes de Córdoba pt 3

Yesterday, I was walking from my apartment to a new cafe where I was meeting up with some of mis chicas to plan future trips. Usually, since my apartment location is very central, everyone meets on my street. This was the first time I walked by myself to Cort Ingléis.

On the way there, I asked a nice, 20-something year old boy if I was going the right way. He ended up walking me the entire way to the cafe, since he said (?) that his apartment was nearby anyways.

Before I continue, (since I know you're reading this, Mom) let it be known that this wasn't creepy at all. It was broad day light. And this boy was seriously so kind and patient with me. Maybe it sounds creepy when it is being told second hand, but if you were there you would have also seen how nice and not serial-killer-esque this person is.

On our walk, we spoke spanish together the entire time, even though I felt like a baby when listening to him talk. I learned that he was studying for his LSAT and that he has lived in Córdoba all his life. His number one choice for law school is in Barcelona and it is one of his favorite cities, even though he has rarely travelled outside Córdoba.

It was a really nice walk and I am so glad I put myself out there and talked to a local. "Excuse me, how do I get to..." is probably my most fluent phrase in Spanish as of now (So surprising! Said no one). This may be one of the first times where being a direction-inept Asian has seriously benefited me. It's such a great way to meet nice non-serial-killer locals. 

Scenes de Córdoba (pt 2)

Woke up late after staying out until 4 am (doing España right!). Met up with mi chica Yalda and spent some time walking around the city, soaking up the sun. We ended up wandering to the center plaza and witnessing a very interesting spectacle. We followed the small crowd and saw that there was some sort of improv performance going on. Todo no entendemos. But it was amusing to watch, and I think I was called out as a volunteer. I think. All I know for certain is that someone handed me a green balloon.

I am so confused

 Later, as we delved into the more residential areas, I saw another small crowd outside a store. It turned out to be a grand opening for a small vintage, "segundo mano" store. Outside was a table full of delicious, home made foods, as well as beers and fantas. Everyone was chatting outside with their beers while snacking. The store owner greeted us very openly. She is so friendly and we all talked together and tried to practice our spanish. She insisted we try all the snacks on the table and offered us beers as well. The entire experience, intermingling with the locals, was absolutely lovely. These are the experiences that feel the most authentic. I will be sure to seek them out whenever I can!

Scenes de Córdoba (pt 1)

One of the many orange trees that are all around Cordoba. This picture has absolutely nothing to do with my post, I just really like this picture.

You're sitting in the living room that serves as the center of the apartment and all family activity. It is later into the night, so it is quieter than usual. One of your sisters is out at the bars. Your younger nieto is probably sleeping or watching television elsewhere, and your older brother is with his wife at his own house. It's only you, your madre, the older nieto Juan, and his mother. The lights are off, except for a small lamp in the corner, creating the same soft glow a fireplace would. You snuggle your feet under the table, absorbing the radiating warmth coming from the heater underneath you. The table cloth is thick and enormous, serving both as a decorative piece and a makeshift blanket. The edges of the table cloth are long enough for you to pull it closer to you, covering almost half of your body. This is the epitome of comfort. On the table in front of you is your spanish homework and your laptop. While you are conjugating verbs, everyone else in the room is glued to the television screen. You hear the sounds of gunshots and people speaking in Spanish. It's the show "24," and your family is obsessed with it. You think it is one of the cutest things you've ever known. From the exterior, this scene is monotonous. But only from within can you feel the exuding warmth beyond just the heater. It is a moment so pleasant and peaceful, you wish you could capture all the feelings and place them in a frame.  There's the popular saying that you should "stop and smell the roses." If that saying were translated into moments it would be one like this.  You're happy; you're so incredibly content and in disbelief at everything in your life at this moment. The sweet, sweet smell is especially overpowering when taken in during times like this. That's what make them so worth it. You realize to yourself, indeed, what a life.