Noja, Spain (slightly Northeast to Santander)
Last Thursday was a great day-I finally got to sleep in on a “work day,” then leave for Spain—could I have asked for anything more? Zach, Elle, Mary Margaret, Brittain, Jessica, Alexis and I had booked a trip to Santander, Spain for a relaxing weekend in the sun. We flew Ryanair (which never fails to amuse me) and arrived to Santander (on the coast of Northern Spain) around 4:30 p.m. We made our way into the city of Santander and figured out the bus to Noja (a small ocean-front town not known by many foreigners)—our final destination. It was about a one-hour bus ride from Santander to Noja where we witnessed the beautiful Spanish countryside. Once we were dropped at the bus stop, exhausted from traveling, we began to search for our hotel. This was a challenge. Our tired minds could barely speak English, nevertheless Spanish (especially mine which had to dig Spanish up from 8th grade, so I just followed). We walked, and walked, and walked until we FINALLY reached our BEAUTIFUL/CLEAN/SEASIDE hotel. It was called Maritimo Ris, was brand new, and was the nicest place I will ever stay (that was CHEAPER than our nasty hostel in Amsterdam). We walked outside to take a view of the beach, which happened to be right at sunset, and the splendor of the water hitting the land left me speechless; I was in heaven. This miraculous scene was a great reminder of how blessed I am and to remember to thank God for everything He has given me every day of my life. This spiritual reminder for me was greatly needed. Friday was the beginning of the summer season so not much was open for dinner Thursday night except the restaurant at the campsite on the edge of the beach. We were starving and stuffed down bread, fries, and pasta (EW CARB OVERLOAD). It was all basically microwave dinners I believe. We made friends with our waiter, Diego, who was one of the only residents of Noja who spoke English. This is when I realized the language barrier would be EXTREMELY difficult for me. We went back to our hotel rooms (mainly because we were so excited about them) and went to bed.
Maritimo Ris Hotel
After a late dinner, around 12:30 a.m. (they do not eat until 9 p.m. at the earliest), we headed out to the Spanish bars. We finally found the strip of 3 bars after about one hour of looking. It was a fun and interesting night. The girl who taught us how to flamenco dance ended up meeting us out and was a lot of fun until the end of the night. We were gathering our troops to go home (we did not make it to the Discotheque—which begins at 4:30 a.m.—thankfully) and this Spanish woman (around 24 years old) asks us to “sing a song in American with her please” Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Hanson, Backstreet Boys, and any other cliché American artist that comes to mind IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. Needless to say when we got to the Titanic soundtrack we were more than ready to go home.
Saturday we woke up at 11:00 and it was cloudy. We went down to Bruno’s cafeteria again and sat and visited while he made up ham and cheese sandwiches (the only thing that did not gross me out on the menu by that point after eating “cafeteria” food). He discouraged us when he said he did not think the sun would be making an appearance that day. Little did he know, the sun really was working in our favor because she came out shining bright! Although it was windy, we found a spot in between the rocks that blocked the wind so it was perfect for lying out (or getting burned in my case).
As our group split up Alexis, Brittain, and I found the most adorable, colorful cabana with a gorgeous view of the mountains and see. The sight was breath taking. We sat there to take in the view for about an hour then headed back to get dressed for dinner.
For dinner that night we had decided to go to the square (which was basically the entire town). This is the night where the language barrier really affected all of us. There were no English translations on the menu, therefore, we made educated guesses and hoped for the best. Everyone’s meal ended up coming out just right! I got tuna (which was not exactly what I was expecting) but I am glad I got it! We were so tired from Friday night and the sun that we decided just to go home. This was a bad decision because we told Diego and Bruno we would meet them out…and the poor fellows waited on us at each bar.
Sunday we woke up and finally made the free breakfast! It was good—like any continental breakfast but with a lot more bread, meats, and fruits! Some people went to the beach more, but I knew that was a bad idea considering I already looked like a lobster so Alexis, Mary Margaret, and I went into town to look for souvenirs. We found the cutest hand made Spanish bracelets for only 3 euros! We then found a little “ma-n-pa” café where we sat and took in the clean, Spanish air. Alexis and Mary Margaret got chocolate churros to munch on while I finally got paella (which I had been wanting to find all trip). The best part about this paella was it was only 1 euro and was about 5 bites (the perfect size for a little taste to satisfy my tummy). Once we finished (and the owner of the store had laughed at our churro and paella combination) we headed back to our hotel to say goodbye to Diego and Bruno. When we saw the brothers, they had told us they were planning a farewell barbeque for us later that day because neither of them realized our flight was Sunday (both thought it was Monday, which sadly was not). The beauty of the beach and the kind hearts of Diego, Bruno, and all the people we met made it extra sad to leave—Brittain even cried! We exchanged facebook names, numbers, emails, and hugs before we gathered our bags and headed back to London.
The girls with Diego
This trip was the first I have ever experienced arriving in a place that does not rely on my language. It showed me the importance of language in every day life; the small things in life that are overlooked, but without them there is no simple communication. The difference in culture was shocking to me as well. In Spain, the people appreciate tradition, spirituality, and gracious smiles. We did not meet one person that was not willing to work with us to overcome to language barrier in order to understand our wishes, and then contribute more kind words, information, and introductions even if the language caused a bump we could not defeat. Even the prices reflected the spirit of the Spanish culture: the food (mostly fish and beef) was expensive, while their hand made jewels/souvenirs and alcohol were much cheaper (3 euro bracelets and bottles of wine)! This trip came at the perfect time. I love London, but sometimes the combination of rain, work, and buildings brings you down. Spain uplifted me physically and spiritually. I truly have a deeper appreciation for my nationality and the diversity of cultures across the world. I also have a stronger nagging to learn other languages (I heard Rosetta Stone works wonders!) and travel the world (sorry mom and dad ;)).
When I got back to London and opened my Bible this is the passage I opened up to:
“The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.
The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul.”
~Psalm 19: 1-7
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