Zaragoza

Last week, I had a 2 day working week. That was thanks to the Spanish and Catalans and their constant need to celebrate something. 

Anyway, this time it was Castanyada. I'm not really sure what the story behind the whole thing is but the Spanish eat roasted chestnuts and little cake things. My second day of work (Wednesday) which only starts at 11am, was fun and games in the afternoon so I technically only did one day of teaching. This was absolutely fine by me as you can imagine. I didn't let all the free time go to waste though- don't worry.

I was invited to my mentor's house so she could show me what normally goes on at Castanyada. Jade and I went over in the evening bearing nothing but a pumpkin that I carved for Halloween and had a fab evening. We met up with Merce and Tomas (who we already know) and their friends Jan and another woman whose name I can't remember. Jade and I were most impressed by the fact that Jan was an Inuit who could speak 5 languages, play guitar, paint (pretty well), and make amazing Sushi. The night was lush and it felt really family-ish and homelike. 

On Friday morning, Jade, Anna and I went on a little 'holiday' to Zaragoza. We arrived in the city about 5ish and after checking in at the hostel, we went straight to the Palace building, which seems to be the 'image' of Zaragoza. The building is MASSIVE and the area it's in is just lovely. 

We did lots of exciting things over the weekend including visiting an art museum (it was free), going to the future (the futuristic looking buildings of the city), going inside (and up) the palace building, visiting the university, walking around a lush looking park and going to clubs and bars. Arguably the best bit of the trip was the last night when we went to the El Tubo area of the city where all the bars and restaurants are. We had the most incredible Tapas ever and for only 10 euros each. I also had the best xocolata desfeta in a gorgeous place on the main drag through Zaragoza, and it has gone to the top of my list as the best one I've tasted since I've been here.

Once again, had an enjoyable weekend away discovering another part of Spain. I would definitely go back and recommend it to friend. Definitely falling for this travelling malarkey!