Monk-ism?

Hey Gang!

I have fled the one-starred horror in Barcelona to the lap of luxury that is a four star hotel in a city called Bilbao, which is in the northernmost corner of Spain. You may recognize the name “Basque”, which is the area of the city. Contrary to any connotations you may think of when you hear that, they are not terrorists, although their quest for independence has led to some extremists bombing places, including a shopping center in Barcelona a couple years back that killed a bunch of people. Anyways, that’s where I am, and it’s finally somewhat cold! I’ve been waiting for the real Euro-weather to come and coarse through my veins.

You may be wondering, fair reader, “Why are you in Bilbao?’ And that, I dare say, is a valiant question. The reason I am here, or why anyone comes to Bilbao is because of one, singular, structure. The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. It’s a quite interesting looking building, because it was designed by the same person who designed the Disney Concert Hall in LA. Here’s a picture of the Bilbao building:

Anyways, the adventure to get here from Barcelona was quite interesting as well. We went to a little place called Montserrat, which is a huge monastery complex on the top of a very perilous mountain. It’s really cool, considering that this huge building was built way up there hundreds of years ago. I took some neat pictures, and took the gondola back down, which was pretty swell also. I got some dark chocolate made by the monks there. Delicious.

Now, I realize that you guys aren’t necessarily in Europe, except my English and German readers, Hello! So I have decided to describe to you the usual Spanish person, of both sexes. So, here goes!

Male Spaniard

-Average American height

-Tight, sleeveless shirt

-Designer jeans

-Brightly colored shoes, preferably Pumas

-Short, dark hair, spiked or buzzed

-Massive sunglasses

Female Spaniard

-Slightly taller than average American female

-Very bizarre haircut that is yet to appear in USA

-Dyed bright red hair, especially in middle aged females

-Sandals, large heels

-Long hair, dark

I hope that was somewhat enlightening, I know it was fun to describe the people here. I like to people watch in Europe, it’s a thoroughly rewarding experience. I wish you were here.

Well, I start my mission trip on Monday, and I’m very excited. There is a camp song and choreographed dance to it that I have to learn though, because my team got the video of it after I left. I figure I learned the Hustle pretty quickly; I should be able to handle this one. I really need to do the Hustle. It’s so invigorating and enlightening. If only I had my chums here!

And, as usual, a shoutout: SHOUTOUT TO LUKE MILLER, who is alone in AZ, with all of his friends out of the country. Oh well, at least he has his summer school and football and baseball to occupy his time. Word!

Adios, fair reader!