Dancing in a Different Language: My Golden Day

I was quite the lucky girl this past week. I was lucky enough to spend my ‘golden,’ 25th birthday, Spanish style, and to have my best friend Julia, from California with me. Not only was it special for me to share my life in Spain with her, but she provided me with a piece of home.

As my alarm sounded the morning of Thursday, February 25 at 10:30am, Julia and I both awoke, ready to take on the day. I awoke with a little more enthusiasm than Julia was hoping, considering we had gone out the night before and did not return home ‘til 4:00am (Welcome to España Jules.) I however was excited because I knew today was going to be a great day.

As I rolled out of my bed, I found a note that Lindsey had slipped under my door. ‘Happy 25th Dinner! It’s your birthday…eat dessert for breakfast! Look in the bottom drawer in the freezer…Love, Benjamin’ I ran into the kitchen to find Kit Kat drumsticks with my name written all over them. Never ever had I enjoyed such a delicious breakfast of champions! Thanks Benj 

Jules and I got dressed and headed to my school for a special birthday party that the first grade teachers had arranged. Knowing a little about Spanish traditions, I made a point to stop at the BEST pastelería, (bakery) to buy some goodies for all the teachers since it was my birthday. We arrived at Serrano de Haro during recess, and I felt like a celebrity as I was instantly bombarded with ‘Felicidades’ from the students and for the risk-taker 4, 5, and 6 year olds, ‘Happy Birthday!’ Maria Jose, Marilola and Anabel had a cake and treats all set up waiting for me. I was serenaded in English and Spanish and I felt very special knowing that my gracious co-workers took the time to recognize my birthday.

With my birthday already off to a great start, it was just about to get even better. Jules and I decided to have a ‘romantic’ lunch together at Jaén’s castle, Castillo de Santa Catalina. As we climbed the mountain, I conversed with the taxi driver and Jules admired the breathtaking, bird’s eye views of Jaén. We shared a lunch filled with excellent ambiance, food and conversation. As I sipped on my glass of wine, I again felt very special and royal-esque. Jules and I had taken the time, and reached a little further into our pockets, to enjoy a quality, ‘romantic’ experience together.

After indulging in some delicious food, we headed back to my piso for a much needed siesta. We took advantage of España’s custom and slept for two hours, prepping for the night’s events.

Time to fiesta! We began the evening at our local barrio favorite, Casa de Cordoba for some delicious tapas in a family-esque setting. Antonio spoiled us again by giving us ‘patatas a la pobre,’ (poor mans potatoes) and other tapas that are my favorite. The lights turned down, the music sung loud and I was again serenaded by a traditional Spanish tune. Awesome! With our bellies full, we went to another favorite, Iroquai for some killer music and we don’t mind the free drinks. (Thanks Quique!) As my friends and I were sharing laughs, what do I hear? Oh just my favorite tune, David Guetta featuring Akon! Oh yaaaa! I immediately headed straight to bust some moves on the dance floor. 4:00am rolled around and it was now time to head to the discotecas. We landed at 20th Century Rock and danced amongst the masses. After many songs were danced and sung to, we finally decided to call it a night around 7:30am.

February 25, 2010 will be a day I will never forget. I was surrounded by lots of love and felt very special. Thank you to everyone for your kind words and wishes that were sent via, facebook, tuenti, skype phone messages, emails, hugs, pieces of paper, texts and the lucky ones who I was able to reach by phone. Even though some of you are farther away than I would have liked you to be on my birthday, just remember you are even closer in my heart. I love you all and thank you for making me feel so ‘Golden.’

Felicidades a Mi: 25