thanks, Granada!

With absolutely no effort on my part, and with no outside influence to really explain it, my Spanish accent has naturally and mysteriously come out somewhat Spain-sounding. Now I know why. Because I was meant for Spain. I love the people here, they are so friendly. I can't seem to consult a map without some cute old person stopping and offering to help us and then walking us to our destination. They have drinking fountains here, something that I have always used as proof positive of America's superiority. The weather here is wonderful, hot and sunny but not miserable in the least. I haven't seen cuter kids anywhere in the world. They have the tastiest food: the best kebabs I've found, paella, and I love Spanish tortillas (more like omelettes). It smells divine, especially the streets where they sell a multitude of different teas by weight. The sidewalks are clean and beautiful, and it just feels good here. I'm even falling in love (dare I admit this?) with the theta. There, I said it. I like the theta!
Also, Spanish people are constantly making me laugh because they actually talk like they do in this youtube video that I was introduced to before coming.

Ariel and I will frequently hear someone talking just like that, give each other a knowing glance, and then burst into laughter. Good times.
Today we went to the Alhambra (which was SO AMAZING!), something that has been a life goal for the both of us. We mentioned that we need to come up with new life goals to replace the ones we are living out, and the Alhambra conveniently provided me with its own replacement. My new life goal is to one day own a house so I can turn the backyard into my own piece of Alhambra heaven complete with mosaics, a jasmine covered arch, roses, lavender, a pool with water lillies, and an intricate pebble walkway. If this backyard happens to be in Granada along with its inspiration...let's just say I wouldn't complain. This is the first place I've felt like I would be excited to live in long-term. Thanks, Granada!