I started my birthday with my host family as they excitedly greeted me with "¡Felicidades!"and kissing me on each cheek. They teased me about being “old” since I’m considered a full fledged adult in the US. My host mom gave me a beautiful scarf that she picked out for me because of the warm summery colors. It’s the perfect combination of green, orange, red, yellow, and pink.
At school my friends all wished me a happy birthday and sang me “Cumpleaños Feliz” which sounds just like the “Happy Birthday” song we know, except in Spanish. Marian taught us that singing “Feliz Cumpleaños a Ti” is too American and snobby, so naturally, they sang me the non-snobby version. To continue the celebration, I invited all my friends to go out with me later that night. I knew it was a Monday night, we had a quiz in gramatica the next day, and half the people were feeling sick so I only expected my closest friends to come. To my surprise, of the 16 people I invited, all 16 of them came!
Even though we’ve only known each other for two weeks, they’ve been there when I need to vent, when I need someone to help me navigate my way around, when I need a partner in class, when I want some ice cream but don’t want to indulge alone, when I need someone to have my back when I can’t find the words in Spanish, or when I need a wingman when talking to strangers. Basically, we’ve gotten close. I was so happy they wanted to celebrate with me. I know all my friends back home would have done the same, but since traveling to Spain wasn’t in their budget, they flooded my Facebook page with messages and funny pictures instead. I felt so special and loved!
When Natalie, Erika, and Alex arrived they gave me a sparkly tiara and matching sash that said “Miss Birthday Girl” and “Birthday Princess”. I instantly put it on and modeled for some pictures. I thought it was ironic being 21 years young (let’s be real, I’m not old) getting my picture taken in front of the cathedral of Santander which was built around the 12th century. (Photograph to the right)
Wearing my crown and sash, we went to El Rio de Pila and got the party started. I enjoyed some drinks, laughed with my friends, took lots of pictures, and even danced a little. I was the life of the party! The bartender liked us so much he gave me and my 16 closest friends shots on the house. I couldn’t have imagined a better way to spend my birthday. I was in a sappy mood, so during my walk home I looked up at the stars shining over Santander and started crying. I was crying tears of joy thinking about how lucky I am to have wonderful friends and how lucky I am to have this opportunity of a lifetime.
I designated the job of photographer to one of my friends for the night so there were lots of pictures! Here are the best ones:
One of my favorite pictures of the night with Natalie, Erika, me, and Alex
Photo credit: Natalie's camera
Natalie, Me, and Erika. They were so sweet for buying me a tiara and sash. I think they were real diamonds
First chupito of the night with (from left to right) Danielle, John, Natalie, Erika and I
Uno, dos, tres, patatas! (It's "patatas," not "cheese")
Front to back: Erika, Danielle, Michelle, Nikko and others
Nikko and I (with Michelle photobombing in the back)
Why yes, I am Miss America
Anyone hungry for Pringles?
Los Chicos! From left to right: Nikko, Geoff, Michael, Me, Dan, and John
My Crew
John, Margarita, Natalie, Erika, Me, Asha, Nikko, Alex, Maura and Marisol
Oresta, Danielle, Jen, Margarita and Michelle
Erika "photo bombed" Natalie and I
I love these chicas! Natalie, Erika, me and Alex
Alex, me and Nikko dancing. Not sure why Nikko was dancing with his umbrella
Alex, me, and Nikko
Photo credit: Natalie
Nikko told me to "rep the sash" and this is what I came up with.
Gettin gangsta up in hurr
Me and the bartender
Cheers to 21 years!
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