Pass the Paella Please

Manuel & Pili are the best. Enough said.

After breakfast (a feast of bread and coffee - oh, and more of that awesome cake) we were supposed to see the sights of Sevilla with some of the other friends from the congregation, but, go figure, it rained. Manuel said it never rains in Sevilla. Well, that’s what happens when some Pittsburghers visit, we bring the weather with us. Its ok, Manuel pulled out the guitar. Turns out his father, him, and his son are all excellent flamenco guitarists. See for yourself:







Pili had a little secret of her own - a couple of flamenco dresses in her closet! She had as much fun dressing us up as we did “dancing” in them. Our moves are a tad rough.

Pili was in the kitchen the whole time, making something delicious - the ultimate Spanish meal, Paella! The pan was huge! Full of rice and seafood creature squigglies. (I just ate, didn’t think about it). Reuben, Annabelle, and baby Reuben came to eat with us. That baby is so adorable!

What do you think came around the corner after we stuffed ourselves on lunch? The rest of that chocolate cake! She ended up wrapping it up and sending it with us. Mmm. Along with a bag full of other delicious things. Finallywe had to say goodbye, pry Lauren’s fingers off the railing, and head back to Portugal. We stopped back in town again to shop a little more, it was really crowded, and we only got lost a little. The streets are so cramped and don’t often go through to other streets. And our car was by the store “Corte Ingles”, and finally we realized there are three buildings in close proximity that with Corte Ingles. Good times. Lauren got her magnet, so all was well.

I’m glad to be back in Portugal, where I can understand what’s going on. Heh, heh, I didn’t think it would be so hard for me to switch back to Spanish for a few days…. Wrong. I could hardly even say “Pili, tenemos un regalo para ti.” It was like torture. Lauren coached me for hours, and I somehow managed to tell Pili we got her a present, some chocolate olives. I quickly corrected it with some Portuguese “temos um presente para você”

I liked all the bridges and buildings, the architecture was interesting and pretty. What was your favorite part of Spain?

(Corey) I like all the little streets, and there’s NO room so everyone is double parked.
(Nicole) Hmm, where do I begin? I just liked eating - I liked everything we ate! And I’ll probably not drink coffee again until I return to Spain, because it will just be a waste of time.
(Lauren) I loved discovering what I will pursue in the New System, a lifetime of flamenco!

Any good quotes from today? Mine: Oh no. Everyone get your raincoats on!

(Lauren) Come on here, baby!
(Nicole) How’s your mum? Is your mum on the mend?
(Corey) I’ll just be three seconds…
(Lauren) Two coffees…… and a churro? How many churros do you want?