So this month I went to Fallas in Valencia. The beginning of Fallas is credited to carpenters burning their left over wood and odd bits and ends. Somewhere in-between then and now, it turned into, a "who can make the best giant artsy structure" contest. Huge sculptures, usually made out of wood, Styrofoam and other materials, are raised throughout the city and then set on fire. The sculptures usually make fun of some social happening or aspect. I even saw a Falla making fun of Spain's new speed limit legislation! Around 2pm, the city sets off a series of timed fireworks to mark the commencement of the celebration. I've never heard anything so loud in my life. Although it was daylight and you can't really see the fireworks, they sounded like canons going off. I could feel my body shaking along with the street underneath me. It took my ears about 30 minutes to re-adjust. After the first set of fireworks we wandered around the city and looked at the other Fallas and grabbed a bite to eat until they began lighting the children’s Fallas at 10pm and then the giant ones past midnight. Whilst exploringthe city we found the Virgin that the people of Valencia make flower offerings to the week leading up to Fallas. 
She stood as tall as the buildings and was made entirely of flowers. There were huge arrangements standing 7 feet or taller throughout the square. We ate dinner at a chinese resturante/take out called Wok to Walk and I wish we had these in the States.Basically, you pick your type of noodles or rice, meat, veggies and sauce and KAPOW. Delicious stir-fry to go in a take out box. After having my fill of Chinese, I made my way to the biggest Falla and watched it burn. It was almost sad to see such an incredible work of art go up in flames. To top it all off, It seemed like thousands of people were crammed into every crack and crevice of the city. It was insane. We got back from the trip around 5:30am and I'm proud to say I slept till noon. Check out the video below for the burning of one of the Fallas!
I also discovered three places that are great for those who love nightlife. Cien Montaditos is kind of like a cafe, but with a bar atmosphere. Its right on La Rambla and my friends and I have taken to frequent the spot on One Euro Wednesdays. You can get a big jug like cup of beer or tinto de verano and all they're mini sandwiches for 1 euro. Talk about easy on the wallet and delicious. Havana is the second place I discovered this month. It’s a bar a few stores up from Cien Montaditos. They have all types of dancing at night and I'm ashamed to say I didn't dance my first trip there; however I intend to try out my newly acquired salsa dancing skills soon. All the people the dance floor looked, well, sexy. Who wouldn't like to be a part of that! The last place is Mulligan’s, the ever so famous Mulligan’s. If your ever homesick or simply "baller" at beer pong, this is the place for you. It's packed with English speakers and host’s beer pong competitions on Tuesday nights. First place winners split 100 euro and the second place team receives a bottle of tequila. Not a bad deal.
In addition to Fallas, La Carnival took place this month in Alicante. It’s kind of like a Halloween on steroids. People were dressed in the most ridiculous costumes and some groups really inspired me for this year's Halloween. The entire Rambla and park near the beach was crowded with people, churro and chocolate stands, and stages for concerts. If you think Frat House parties are crazy, La Carnival is 10 times crazier. I've never seen so many drunken people in one place. I got pretty tired of the scene after a few hours and grabbed churros with the girls before we all hit the sack. It still amazes me how Spanish women can waltz around in heels all day and all night. They put up some good competition for "clackers" in NYC.
Our last Salsa and Flamenco classes were held this week and I'm proud to say all of us got at least one Flamenco routine down!!! All that stomping, clapping and aimlessly shuffling cross the floor trying to find rhythm paid off. For the last class we rustled up some skirts, pulled on a pair of heels and twirled away. I'm going to miss our Flamenco teacher. She was excellent at explaining steps and always brought a twist of humor to the dance floor. Below is a video of us having some fun in class!
I also climbed to Santa Barbara Castle for the first time this weekend, but go figure it was cloudy! It's been rainy for almost a week and a half now. On the other hand, the view of the city and the ocean was pretty stellar. I'd like to make climbing the Castle a weekly event if possible. Its great exercise and the view is so rewarding. I'm going to try again this week, maybe as a de-stressor from finals, so keep on the look out for pictures! The sun HAS to come out eventually.
Speaking of sunshine, the weather people are calling for a Sunny Sunday, so my host family and I are going to pack up the convertible and drive down to San Juan for some tan and splash. San Juan is a beach just 15-20 minutes away by car. Apparently it’s really nice so I'm excited to visit!
This upcoming weekend my friend Amanda and I are heading off to Paris! I'm so excited to finally see the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral! We might even make a trip to the Disneyland and Universal Studios there as well. My host mother's daughter visited from Paris this week and offered to give us a tour de Paris via coche! It honestly puts me a bit easier because my French is limited to "Hello my name is Rachel" and that one line from Mulan Rouge. Either way, an ERASMUS friend of mine from France has offered to give me a few phrases and words to memorize. I figure as long as a know "I'm lost" and "Where is a good place to eat?" I'm prepared!
Keep on the look out for an update on Paris! Beso Beso!
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