Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla

Bored at home so we took a cab to town to visit the iconic church on the hill for which Sitges is known, Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla. Although it looks older, it's only from the 18th century. Mass was actually taking place. Very nice service in Catalan.   As always, Roman and JonCarlo were able to find the only weapon within 10 square km.  They tried to declare war on Menorca. The Attisha boys also got to watch some rugby on the beach. Let's just say it, Sitges kicks ass!!!

Curry

The kids want to eat it every day!!!!!!!!!

Cousin Brandon Visits

It took him only 2 hours to get to Sitges without a train ticket.  But our cousin Brandon finally arrived and we were very happy to see a familiar face.  He's like all grown up and stuff.  The kids adore him.  We all hung out in Valpineda and had dinner, while trying to dodge the mosquitos.  We can't wait to have him back!

Watermelon is in season

Conjugating verbs

Today was our second Spanish class. We are taking lesson for 1.5 hours Monday through Friday from a wonderful native Spanish speaker named Loli. I did not eat chips in class today like someone who was sitting beside me. For everyone who knows Wally you can celebrate the fact someone called him out on his sometimes 'relaxed' views on eating.
Anyway, I was instantly transported to eighth grade Spanish class with Mrs. Eaton when we started conjugating verbs in the present tense. Mrs. Eaton tried to tell me how important conjugating verbs was going to be for my future. Little did I know that 20 years later I would be sitting in a classroom in Spain again conjugating verbs. Learning Spanish at 36 years old is a daunting task, but I keep telling myself it is an attainable goal. If nothing else the next time I am in Stigler I hope to see Mrs. Eaton and tell her she was right.

Green Apple

As most of you know finding good childcare anywhere can be tough, but imagine coming to a country where you don't speak either of the languages (Spanish or Catalan). Before coming to Sitges I researched and found a wonderful 'la guarderia' called Green Apple. Roxanna and her staff are an amazing group of people and you can tell they really love children. Today was field trip day and we went to visit the bomberos (firemen) at their firestation. Roman and JonCarlo were most excited to get inside a real fire truck. It was an enjoyable morning for the kids as well as the adults. Thanks to Roxanna and all of the brave bomberos!

Etiquette

Got the smack down today.  Not from my wife or our neighbors, but from my Spanish teacher. Why? Because I ate chips in class!  I embarrassed myself, my family, and my country (not Iraq).  The only more egregious act would have been to eat the chips with my shoeless feet, as Americans are also known for being barefoot off the beach, eating while walking, and being excessively loud.  In my defense, I was starving.  I will do better next time. I promise.