Submitted by Emily Bange on the 2012 fall semester program in Granada, Spain…
It has been a weekend of tea, knitting, pajamas, and amazing homemade donuts! We had an extra day off from school this week because Thursday was Constitution Day, and most students went on a final long weekend trip to Paris, Rome, Copenhagen, etc. But I stayed here in Granada, having just travelled last weekend, and hung out with my host mother, her sisters, daughter, and friend. There have been six of us in the apartment for the past few days, and it has been one huge pajama party! We’ve sat around the kitchen table the past few nights, sipping anise, knitting, sewing, and watching Gangam Style on Magdelena’s phone. Crazy Spanish grandmothers that I’m living with! They are so great!
Right now we are all in the living room, and Fermina and Maria are wrapping Christmas presents for their grandchildren. It is so much fun when the three sisters get together. The noise level in the room doubles and everyone talks at once, reminding me of my own family, except that sometimes when they all start talking at once and so fast, I can’t understand them as well, lol. I only have two more weeks left here in Granada, and I am going to miss these women so much. They are so strong and caring and full of life. I have had the time of my life here, and they have made it so memorable for me.