Friday June 21st

Friday I got up in time to catch the through train to the airport.  The night before I had waited to make sure the plane left, and the arrival time said it would be in Barca at 9:15 and at the gate by 9:25.  I made it to the airport by 9:00 just in case, and when I got to the gate the sign said arrival at 9:40.  At 9:30 the time changed to 11:20!  With two hours, it still wasn’t enough time to go to work, so I decided to walk the airport and visit the different stores.  After I ran out of stores to see, I found a chair, put my hand in my pocket to hold my wallet, and dozed in and out for an hour and a half.  But it was all worth it when Nikki finally came through the gate. 

I pushed my way up to the front so that I was the first person anyone saw when they exited the gate.  Literally, the sliding door opened and I was front and center.  I’m going to take it as a complement in that I blend right in.  I must have looked very European because Nikki came out, didn’t see me, and kept walking over towards the tourism office.  (She may have been really tired, but I like to think I look European, so I won’t shatter that illusion just yet.)  Anyway, I shadowed her all down the walkway and the second she made it around the corner she walked right into me.  Yes, we did stop traffic, but who can blame us?  I would have stopped too;  after all, we are a good looking couple!  By the time we took the shuttle to the train and had boarded, Nikki was falling asleep, so I took her home, tucked her in, and went off to work where I got a new and exciting project.  This project is in the political realm and is my first translation assignment.  I actually find it quite fun and interesting.  I also spoke with the Consul and Nikki will be coming to work with me on Tuesday to tour the facility and meet people. 

I think it was the fastest I have ever made it home!  Nikki was there waiting for me and actually working on her first cross-stich.  I may be biased, but she is really good!  She had gotten a little sleep and was ready to head out for the night.  First, we decided to stop by a local restaurant where we got some bocadillas, a local type of sandwich which I find particularly delicious.  However, after looking at the menu, Nikki decided to buy a bikini instead.  No not that kind!  It’s a different kind of sandwich here.  I also ordered some horchata, a drink I especially love; thus far my favorite kind has been el Salvadorian.  This horchata was from Valencia, a region of Spain further south, and it was very sweet!  Because it was horchata it was still good, but not my favorite.

 

We went to see the fountains at the National Palace again, and it was so much better to go with someone.  The palace all lit up, the waterfalls all down the front, the giant fountain in the middle synchronized to the music playing over the speakers.  It was really crowded but we found a spot – there was a section of wall on the side of the bridge with some palm trees behind it.  We were able to climb up there and get above the crowd just the two of us.  Just a great night!  The fountains themselves are great, but they were significantly more enjoyable as Nikki was there with me.  We also ran into a “jam session” for the school of music and listened to some American classics such as Bon Jovi sung by a Spanish woman, before going home.  I think Nikki would agree that this is just an amazing city!