Week 4, Only One More...

Week 4 in La Coruna. We've been here for a month! And next Sunday, we're leaving for Barcelona on a very enjoyable 15 hour train ride (we're really looking forward to that - Disney movie marathon perhaps?). While it's tough not to think about the future, we're doing our best to make the most of every day we have here, and last week was no exception! So, some highlights...

Think we found an end of the rainbow.

Tuesday, as you know, was our beloved Independence Day and we hope you all had wonderful celebrations! We celebrated, too, which in no way influenced our "stick out like a sore thumb" problem that we already have as Americans. Anyway, to celebrate, we did what Americans do best...eat. And boy oh boy did we do a good job! In some combination during the day, we had ice cream cones, churros and chocolate (not American, but I'm sure I was thinking about our Founding Fathers as I drank hot chocolate), real beef hamburgers (sometimes it's questionable), and french fries. I had french fries of sorts, too - they were made of yucca root (I don't know either, but they were delicious) and I'm not sure if I've ever been so full. Smartest decision? Probably not. Worth it? No doubt!

One day during our afternoon class we toured a nearby fort that has been converted into somewhat of a cultural center - we toured the exhibits in the refurbished fort led by a very nice lady and I think Addy and I understood more of this one than the last tour, so that's exciting!

Monkey arms coming in handy

On Thursday, we went to something called a Queimada. After how many times I've been surprised on this trip, I thought that I would be ready for anything, but I can guarantee that is not the case. We all went to a local bar around 10:45 guided by the lovely Soraida, who takes us to do all sorts of cool things. Well, as time passed, more people started to trickle in, until Soraida told us to go stand by the bar to get a good spot. Good spot for what? When we got up to the counter, all that sat there was a large sphere half-filled with a clear liquid, a tambourine, and a black cauldron. In case you missed it folks, that was cauldron. Like, the one on the Hogwarts school supply list. Then, at about 11:50, you'd think the building next to us was on fire and the only escape was through the back of the bar. For a place that only has room for 3 tables, it fit upwards of about 100 people I think, stuffed in every crevice in the room. And I mean every one. At the stroke of midnight, the room went dark, it got as quiet as that many people in one room can manage, and the ritual began. It was unlike anything I've ever seen - for about 15 minutes, the bartender chanted something that was a combination of Spanish and Gallego while wearing a straw hat and cape and stirring a pot of liquid fire. It was so, so cool! He had been performing the ceremony every Thursday for 20 years, and I don't know how long it took him to perfect it, but it was surely perfect when we saw it!

Fire in the hole!

On Saturday we toured the Torre de Hercules, the oldest lighthouse in the world! Constructed during the days of the Roman Empire in the second century, it has been a symbol of Coruna for thousands of years. It is even the symbol on the sewer holes (that's when you know it's important). It was restored during the 18th century and has been kept in pristine condition ever since. Though the sea breeze was very strong, it was beautiful! We had the best tour guide ever, too. Dressed in a blue checkered kilt, matching scarf, and authentic leather shoes, Oscar never broke character until he asked us for a review on TripAdvisor.com. He was hilarious and by the end Bret had another man-crush.

Soarin'...

Flyin'...

There's only one roof below heaven that Addy can reach!

Channeling her inner Zoolander.

Blue Steel.

Photogenic is an understatement for these two goofballs.

Awkward family photo.

Argh when we're happy. Argh when we're sad...(featuring Oscar)

After the tower and some lunch we tried to go to the Aquarium, but it was very expensive. So, being the cheap college students we are, we did our best to get our money's worth.

When the aquarium thinks they can keep us away from the seals...

"It's a beautiful night, we're looking for something dumb to do..." -Bruno Mars. What did we come up with? Singing! Loudly. In public. In other words, karaoke. So, made our way to the nearby karaoke bar. I can't do much to explain it other than quote Victoria: "Well, this is where I don't want to end up on Saturday nights in 50 years." We did belt out some pretty good songs, though, most notably in my mind was my favorite, Breakaway, by Kelly Clarkson. It was definitely an experience. I'll leave it there.

They were troopers.

Domingo was the perfect end to a great week, and hopefully the start of another one! We woke up late, met for lunch at a very delicious Thai restaurant, and decided to rent some bikes to explore a little more of the city than we could on foot. Well, almost all of us had bikes - Sarah and Bret tried to go with the go-cart, but it turned out to be harder than it looked. It only allowed one person to pedal, while the other was the side-gunner without a gun. Additionally, the only brake was the emergency brake. They handled it like champs, but they fell a little behind as the rest of us pedaled off along the road. We decided to go around the large green hill/mountain that marked the end of the visible part of the city. When we got to the other side, it felt like we were in a different country. The colorful houses were widely spread out, the roads were cobblestone and quiet, and everything was either green or salt water. What a change, all in 30 minutes on a bike!

Bike ride buddies.

In the Octupus's Garden in the shade.

Yep. Nikki is moving to Colorado. She just doesn't know it yet.

You can never go wrong with some good finger guns.

"Quick, pirates!"

"Wait, what?"

When Vic chooses the pose.

Aaaand the real pose didn't get better.

We always knew she was royalty.

Taking life from every angle.

I'm basically the Hulk. Just kidding. I did nothing, but I like the credit.

'Sup ladies.

After we captured the scenery and the moment in the only way we are capable, we made our way back to the city, where we finished our evening with some delightful naps on the beach. Final week in Coruna, here we come!

More pictures from this week:

Tahona, our favorite cafe, is good for everything. Eating, working, and sleeping, all in one afternoon.

Yep. I bought a scarf. I couldn't help it. I have a problem.

Sarah and Vic are basically the cutest.

I said basically. It's really us.

Beach buds!

We have the best group. Like, ever.

  

Quote of the week: "Hey Vic, I'm wearing my fluffy butt socks" *pets flamingo socks* - Lauren. If there's any part of my closet that I'm proud of, it's my sock drawer.