Carnival started last night in the majority of the world, including Bilbao. Carnival is celebrated like Halloween with lots of crazy costumes, so my week consisted of trying to come up with a costume without spending too much money. Luckily, I got paid on Wednesday so I didn't feel bad about buying things (that I didn't need).
I went to Claire's, which I was surprised to see in Bilbao, and I was able to find vampire makeup stickers, so I bought those and decided to just wear something I already had. But I still had a day at work before I got to celebrate carnival. As usual, I had no idea how to get to my job.
*Spain Rule 6- Always have money on your pre-paid phone for when you get lost in a strange city and don't speak the language.
I definitely got lost on my way to work and I definitely should have listened to my host mom when she said I should call my boss before I left. Why at 20 years old would I start listening to a mom now? Anyway, I was too smart to get lost, so I took off in the general direction without even a street name. In my defense, I was on the right block. I was steps away from the house, but I remember it looking different so I turned around and walked back to an area I was familiar with. I tried to call my boss to get directions, but my phone company said I had to add money to my account, which of course is really difficult to do in the middle of a park, on the phone in another language. I knew I would be able to get a text out, so I texted my boss and in my best broken Spanish told her I was lost and she had to call me, which luckily worked. She came and found me, and now I know exactly where I'm going.
I absolutely love going to work and hanging out with Naia. We work on homework, and practice writing a bit and then sit around and talk. She is great about asking questions and continuing conversations just like a little adult. I usually lose track of time, but like all the other mothers here, her mom knows exactly when it is 6:30 and the lesson is over. I was beyond excited to get 25 euros in cash at the end of my time there on Wednesday. It probably explains all the impulse buys I made on my way home.
Yesterday was the start of Carnival and everyone was talking all day about their costumes, and lots of people were running last minute to the Chino Stores (or the dollar stores which are nearly always ran by the Chinese, it's not considered racist here, trust me) to get costumes. Our group was going to District 9, a club that just so happens to be right outside my window (which explains why it's always so loud out there). I got dressed up and went to the club around 11 even though none of my friends had left yet. There weren't many people there yet, but I quickly met a few girls that were also from other countries that had just arrived in Bilbao that morning and would be starting class at Deusto the next week. Two were from Mexico and the other was from France. We hung out for awhile while I told them what to do and what not to do in Bilbao, since I'm such a professional after being here a month!
After awhile, my friends started arriving and it turned out to be a great night. I decided to stay out a little later than normal since it was a holiday and since I could see my bedroom. Of course, I am dead tired today even with the three hour nap. There were some type of festivities downtown tonight, but I decided I'd rather stay in and relax. Tomorrow there is a dinner and bar-hopping that I could attend if I decide to not be cheap and there is also a parade. I will definitely go to the parade and hopefully get pictures. It's supposed to rain for the next week unfortunately.
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