School: English, French (the library with Natalie "learning Spanish") then Literature. Today, in Literature, I had an epiphany. First off, I didn't even get drowsy. Second, I understood the lecture, and not just get the gist of what she said, but I understood. She was talking about Italian writers and then went on to say that in Italy it used to be that they spoke many different languages, not just dialects. They decided that they needed to determine a national language-the most beautiful dialect in Italy. It just so happens that Dante Alighieri published his Divine Comedy in 1321 in the "sweet new style" of Italian, shocking the world that he did not write in Latin. He was from Florence. So they chose this, therefore: Italian. Here's the cool part. This is all from Eat Pray Love. Crazy? Yes. I'm such a fan of irony it is ridiculous.
Break: El Banco. So Merche meets me during my break to take me to the back to open my account here (banks are only open from 8:30-2:30). Merche, Natalie, and I go to the bank and we wait through the paper work and scanning of my passport until the lady has finally finished. I go to hand her my travelers checks and she looks at them and tells me, "Oh, we don't accept those. They're just paper." Umm...what are Euros? Do you want travelers coins? This was my thinking. So we go to the bank across the street and ask them. "No, but you can try the Santander in Plaza de Castillo." Which is on the other side of town. Merche has to return to work and Natalie, school. So I go alone. I have my map. Good enough.
At this point I am frustrated and worried beyond belief that no one will take my checks. Extreme concern. So I am walking with determination, telling myself that I am a strong person and I can handle this...then it rains. "Great," I thought, "Raining and I'm without an umbrella. In Alliance I always have an umbrella." That's when a gigantically beautiful metaphor came down and struck me. Of course my umbrella is in Alliance. It provides protection and comfort from the harsh nature of this world. It's not necessary, but oh so helpful in the rain. And you know, we really can take umbrellas for granted. It's not on purpose, they've just always been there so you don't know it's like without them. At the same time, if we never feel the rain we won't appreciate the sunshine. So I am considering all of this, comparing it to my life. Walking and walking and missing my umbrella until the moment I remembered; I have a hood. I have a hood to protect me. It's a part of me and it's all my own. I put my hood up and I feel strong; brave.
After this great deal of thinking, I had made it to the Plaza del Castillo. Here's the series of banks I walked in and out of with a hopeful spirit and bright smile:
1. El Banco Popular. "No, try Santander."
2. Santander. "Try Citi Bank. It will be cheaper for you. It's really close to here."
3. Me on the streets. "Donde esta el Citi Banco?!"
4. Santander. "I can't find it. Will you draw on my map?"
5. Citi Bank. "We don't take any travelers checks."
6. Me. "Funny."
7. Santander. (May as well be persistent)
As I walk into Santander for the third time I laugh with the three men there at how ridiculous I happen to be. I told the nice old man that Citi Bank does not take travelers checks and I asked if he could please just accept these. he said, "well I can only do Euros...for free. American dollars will cost you." RELIEF. "Great! I'll pay it! What will it cost me?" Only 18 Euros. Hell yes. So I start signing checks. I am so happy at this point and I am talking to this man about America and my time in Spain (you know, being my talkative self). We are joking and having a good time (there are a lot of checks to sign, mind you) and he tells me where I need to visit and that I will love Pamplona and that I need to get a Spanish boyfriend because they are the best. So I am laughing and agreeing and loving this guy. When I finish signing checks he prints me a receipt and tells me that I don't have to pay a thing. "WHAT?! Muchas, muchas gracias!!" Banker, "Shhh!! I don't want everyone to know!" Ooops...I mean I'm loud to begin with and when I'm excited...well, you know. The other banker is younger (and cute) and just laughed. This bank is never going to forget me. Needless to say, I left Santander for the third time with my money and my happiness. You've gotta love karma.
When I walked outside, it was still raining. I put my hood up and thought back to my metaphorical discovery. Haha. I was walking through town on my way back to school, then yet another thought occurred to me: If you hood is always up you will never feel the wind in your hair. I lowered my hood and walked back, taking the long way through the parks with the beautiful flowers.
The Rest of My Day: School. Economy...uhhh...what? After school Natalie and I walked around town and bought our first chocolate ice-cream cones. Delicious. It was amazing. We walked for awhile and then Natalie took the bus to her town and I walked home, once again taking the long way through the park. After this, Merche and I went to Movistar, the mobile phone shop. I bought the cheapest prepaid the phone they had. It is a Samsung of course, just like my other phone except much smaller. Samsung and Little Sammie. After I bought Little Sammie we went to a birthday party for a baby who turned one in the family. Family parties are nice, but they are hard for me. I miss my big family! So much chaos and commotion. I think I will really love this family though too. It will just take some time. After the party I packed for Madrid and Skyped with my Mama.
There are two gorgeous fountains in the city. They are my favorite part of Pamplona. I refer to the smaller one as Brandi and the larger one as Mom. When Natalie and I see them she says, "Hey, there's your Mom." My dad is the running of the bulls monument. They are the most gorgeous part of this town in my mind and Brandi, my Mom, and my Dad are the most gorgeous part of my heart.
I'M GOING TO MADRID TOMORROW! I'll play catch up on Sunday night. I love you all! Besos!
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