Down time in Pamplona

Sorry I haven't updated in a while, school was super hectic after returning from Monte Carlo. I had two big presentations due last week and I am so glad that they are over with. They both counted as half of my grades for the classes...no pressure or anything. Last week we had no school on Thursday or Friday (although I never have class on Friday), and we have this entire week off for Spring Break. Pamplona pretty much emptied out last Thursday, with all of the students and families leaving for "Semana Santa" or Holy Week. Since Spain is so tied to its roots in Catholicism, everyone celebrates Semana Santa in some way, by either traveling or hosting a large meal or just closing down businesses starting on Maundy Thursday through the Monday after Easter. Only one roommate, Adam, has been here with me this week as all of the other roommates are out of the country. Wednesday night I cooked dinner here at my piso as a sort of send off dinner for everyone who was still in town. I cooked chicken fajitas and strawberry and chocolate shortcake for dessert. The rest of the nights I have stayed at home, trying to rest up and relax. Sunday morning I went to mass at 8:30 a.m. The service was not as I expected. There was no music or anything special about the service save for the flowers on the altar. I was a little confused, because it was not at all how I am accustomed to Easter church services. I have been to both Baptist and Episcopalian services and there's a big to do about the day. But, I suppose I could interpret this lack of pomp and circumstance as a reminder that every Sunday is special, not just Easter Sunday. After church the few Erasmus students left in Pamplona had a pot luck lunch together, where everyone brought something typical of their country. I brought mimosas and pasta salad. I don't know if that is exactly typical of America but that's standard in my house. The Polish students brought blessed eggs, meat, bread, and salt that had been consecrated by a priest on Saturday. That is standard for them and I think it's a really neat tradition. We had some really good food and some things I had never tried before. After brunch, I took a walk and then went home for a long siesta. Alas, there were no chocolate bunnies or Easter egg hunts. If they celebrated in that way, believe me, I would have participated. Today I am packing and getting ready for tomorrow...when I leave for Scotland to see Andrew! I am really excited, I'm sure I don't have to tell anyone that. So my next update will be after I get back, which is next Tuesday. I hope everyone had a great weekend and Easter, and I am blessed to have all of you.