Toledo

Since this is my first time in Europe and first time truly traveling in general, I never really know what to expect when I get to certain places.  Sure you can look at pictures through a book or online beforehand; and sure people can tell you what it was like when they went, but the truth is, you never really understand the beauty of a place until you see it with your own eyes. 

Before we got to Barcelona our last stop was Toledo; a city so old, that no one knows exactly when it first started, but they believe it was around the Bronze Age. This small quaint city was built as a place of safety and sanction, so surrounding it are rivers and the only way to enter is by bridge.

While pictures may say a thousand words, they don't do this incredible place, full of life and history, justice.   

These shackles were placed on the walls of the Monastary of San Juan de los Reyes, to represent the freedom of the Christians from slavery in the wars with the Moors.  It is so crazy to think that those shackles were actually wrapped around someone.  

Everything is so ornate and unique in Toledo.  You can tell so much love was put into make these places of worship.

 These boots were made for walkin'.

 As a new traveler, everything I see impresses me.  Every person I meet, every cute alley I come upon, and the construction on every building always seems to blow my mind. So I am always that girl in the tour group going 'wow'.  As soon as I turned the corner I saw this incredibly detailed Cathedral (The Primary Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo), and my 'woah' had everyone's head turn toward me. Oops! I am a total tourist.

 I cant even begin to explain to you  how much bread I have eaten since I have been here.  Not going to lie though, Bocadillas Espanolas hit the spot. 

All in all Toledo was one of the most beautiful cities I have laid eyes on.  The history of this place is so rich.  I am glad we stopped here before settling down in Barcelona, because all you really need is a day here.  See you in Barcelona!!

xoxo

♥euniece



Madrid Parte II

It's amazing the things you see,
history you learn,
and people you meet when you travel.

The Royal Palace of Madrid

St. Nicholas Church

(The Real Santa Clause)

Plaza Mayor - Home of Madrids's Cloistered Nuns

I cant go anywhere without taking food pictures

My first look at Picasso

My first bocadilla experience.

Also my first experience of 'throwing my trash on the floor' .

(There are little areas on the floor where you through your trash, I felt like a litter bug!!)

Studying abroad in a foreign country can be really difficult, especially for someone like me who is so close with her family and friends back home.  But half of the excitement about traveling is meeting new people, hearing their stories, while drinking and eating wine and tapas of course! Life is truly all about who you meet.

Hasta Luego Madrid.... ahora a Toledo : )

♥euniece

Hola from Barcelona!

I am finally at home sweet home in Barcelona and it feels so good to finally unwind.  For the past few days I have been living out of my suitcase traveling from city to city.  We started off in the capital of Spain, Madrid, and then made our way to the beautiful Toledo... and after a nine hour bus ride, I am finally in Barcelona!

The incredibly gorgeous streets of Madrid

This is my first time ever living/going abroad so right now I am taking everything in little by little and getting acclimated to the culture - normally I am a morning person and fall asleep by nine, but with dinner not being served until around 10pm, my sleeping and eating habits are quickly changing towards the nocturnal night life here.

It's only been five days, but with all of the traveling and sightseeing, it feels like much longer! So let's start with Madrid day one!

Stay tuned for Madrid part dos.  : )

Adios Amigos

♥euniece

New Year, New Adventures

While 2011 was more fantastic than I ever could have imagined, this year is going to be unforgettable because:

I am studying abroad in Barcelona for four months; and I leave this Saturday

I begin my merchandising internship at American Eagle headquarters in June

I start my senior year of college - time flies!

I turn 21 in August

So before I leave for Spain, I am going to enjoy America while I can; and with 55 degree weather in January, who can say no to baseball.

  

my boyfriend is super mature.

i know.

Five more days of American living...what to do, what to do?!

♥euniece

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Drizzle

Well I figured that Santa might be tired of cookies, so this year, I made him a cake.

Not just any cake though.

I made him his favorite cake.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Drizzle!

How do I know it's his favorite, you wonder? Well after tasting it, it becomes everyone's favorite.

After reading this recipe you may say to yourself - that's alot of peanut butter, butter, and heavy cream; but you know what I say? It's the holiday season and those healthy active resolutions don't need to start until next year. Go ahead make it, then have a slice or two - I won't tell ; )

Preheat Oven to 325
Grease and flour two 9 in. round cake pans.
Combine 1/2 c peanut butter and 1/2 c butter - Cream until light and fluffy.
Add 4 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one.
Add Duncan Hines Butter Golden Cake mix [1 box] alternately with 2/3 c water - Stir until just combined.
Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 25 minutes.
Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn onto a cooling rack to cool completely. 
Assemble and frost once cool.
Frosting:
Combine 1 cup peanut butter and 1/2 cup butter - Cream until light and fluffy .
Add 4 cups of powdered sugar, then mix in about 2/3 cup heavy cream to make the frosting of a spreading consistency.
Throw on some melted chocolate and chocolate chips, and you're good to go : )

Warning: Your hands will be disugusting after measuring about all the peanut butter, but hey someone's gotta do the dirty work.

What treats did you leave for Santa this year?!

I hope everyone has a lovely holiday <3

xoxo

 

 

♥euniece

Hectic Holidays

Twas the night after finals when all through the house,
Euniece lost her car keys so she was stuck but not rouse.
While the stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
She hoped that overnight shipping would allow her keys to soon be there.
The children were nestled all snug on the couch,
Happily sipping eggnog - no room for a grouch.
And yoda on the treetop, and I in a warm wrap,
Had just settled down for a step by step recap.

Why yes, I did finish my fall semester at Pitt.

Why yes, I was planning on leaving after finals.

Why yes, I did lose my keys the day before I planned on leaving.

Why yes, I did feel like crying for a second.

Why yes, I did quickly get over it by decorating with my boy for the holiday!

because holiday's are supposed to be a little hectic... right?

♥euniece