A Playdate with Laura

Laura and I had a playdate last night. Just like little kids. It was wonderful, and I cannot believe how happy it made me to have a friend over!

We aren't allowed to have friends over here. It's a cultural thing in Spain, and people just don't do it. It seemed very strange at first, especially since in the US we ALWAYS entertain in our homes and have friends over. And at school I live with friends, lots of friends! But here they have less interest in spending money on their homes and more interest in spending time with family, so the homes are not to show off and are just for family to use. Believe it or not, I have really gotten used to this rule, and it doesn't really seem strange anymore. However, breaking it for a night was fun!

Last week, Luisa (Marisa's mom) had cataract surgery and she has been staying at my house for the last 2 weeks. Since she has been healing, all of the extended fam has been coming over to visit every night. I have gotten to know Estela (Marisa's sister and Laura's host mom), Valentin (Marisa's brother), and their other sister (don't remember her name...oops) somewhat well at this point haha. I also met Alfredo, (Estela's son and Laura's host brother) who I hear about all the time from Laura so now I have a face to put to the name! Anyways, last night Estela asked Laura if she wanted to come over to my house with her, and so we got to have a playdate! It really was like a playdate-the adults all sat in the living room and talked, and Laura and I sat in my room and skyped and watched countless hours of Gossip Girl. I felt like a little kid, but it was so much fun! When Estela left, she told Laura that she could stay if she wanted, so she stayed for a few more hours, and Marisa served us each a great dinner and even gave us pastries from the pastry shop. It was adorable, and I hope Marisa understands how much it meant to us! We both thanked her, and she said Laura can come over whenever she wants!

Although not having people over doesn't really bug me anymore, it was awesome that Estela and Marisa let us hang out! We literally just skyped Laura's friend and Facebook creeped and watched Gossip Girl (such Americans), but I felt so privileged that they trusted us and felt comfortable with us in their homes. So thank you Marisa, you definitely made our night! :)