'Tis the Season!

Thanksgiving at Lauren and Christina's casa

Despite being away from my family and friends back home over the Thanksgiving holiday, there was (and is) SO much to be thankful for this year! The amazing opportunity to live, teach, and travel abroad aside, I have met some pretty awesome people and have already made memories of a lifetime! Not to mention, Thanksgiving this year was a two-day event spent at two different friend's houses so I was not deprived of over-indulging to say the least.;) Both celebrations were a success in the form of lots of delicious food and wine even though we had to replace the infamous turkey dish with chicken (this was partially due to cost restrictions but mostly due to the fact that a turkey would not fit in the majority of our Easy-Bake-sized ovens). Ayy, se la vi!

Tree in Sol with Christina and Sara:)

Madrid kicked into holiday-mode the weekend after Thanksgiving and all of the lights strung from building to building and the giant 'tree' in Plaza del Sol were finally lit up at night. Mind you, the tree is only lit up between 6:30-10:30pm due to 'la crisis' and it's not reaaaaally a tree but lights in the shape of a tree...but it is still beautiful nonetheless! I find myself wondering to random places around town, the sparkling lights attracting me like a buzzing little insect (really though). I'm such a sucker for all the holiday nonsense.:) It is, of course, the most wonderful time of the year!

We went to the Christmas market a couple of weekends ago and although it was a little sparse (just  one more thing to blame on la crisis;)) it was still fun to see. I've also heard word of a 'light tour' around the city, an ice rink, and Christmas shows throughout the center but have yet to investigate!

Christmas market in Plaza Mayor

All in all, Christmas in the city is perty neat, although I am looking forward to seeing some real lit-up trees when I am home for the holidays.:) Before I do that, though, I have to see what the holiday season in Italy has to offer (and of course consume my body weight in pasta, pizza, and wine!). Adios Madrid, ciao Italia!!<3