As I strolled the streets of Santander a couple of weeks ago, admiring the Christmas strung above my head I was overcome with sadness. I stopped at the Christmas tree surrounded by families and let the feelings of homesickness wash over me. Christmas far from was easier when I was in a hot Muslim community, without the reminders all around me. Yet, as quickly as the homesickness had washed over me, it dispersed. It was exciting to walk the streets of a foreign country and watch the people gear up for the holidays. It felt good to be cold at Christmas and soon Mother Nature would give me my first present. Just over a week late I woke up and began my normal morning routine; a little bit of yoga, put water on for coffee or tea, and then I opened the window to find myself staring at a Benavente blanketed in snow, like a delicious cake covered in vanilla frosting. I bundled up, shaking with excitement and ran downstairs to walk to school and feel the crunch of snow beneath my feet. I felt like a child again, picking up snow and forming a ball in my gloved hand, wishing I could lie down and make an ice angel. All too soon the school was before me. After weeks of hearing about how cold I was the teachers all greeted me with “You must be freezing today!” “Nope!” was all I could reply with a huge smile on my face. The joy the freshly fallen snow brings has a way of warming me from the inside.
On my break I went outside to take in more snow. At this point snowflakes had begun falling from the sky again. Students shouted “Don’t fall Meagan!” And all I could think was, thanks for the advice. Benavente was one big sheet of ice on an upward slope. I didn’t really walk; it resembled skiing more closely than walking. I watched as the snow transformed the people around me into children again, and found myself surrounded by laughter and snowballs. The going was slow. I had to remember the winter precautions, taking a step without committing yourself to it for fear that it might be ice concealed under the snow. Instead of waiting to see the cars breaking I would not dare cross the street until they had come to a complete stop. The world seemed to have slowed down to take in the change of weather. During our two days of snow we could not have gotten more than 2 inches, but it was enough to cause a ruckus in the school. Teachers and buses not wanting to drive on slick roads classes were cancelled and I noted that this was certainly not Colorado where nothing short of a blizzard could close a school.
I wish you all white and merry Christmases. Soon I am off to meet a fellow RPCV (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer) in Brussels, then up to Amsterdam where another friend of mine is flying in it. I expect a good but far from relaxing vacation. I love you and I shall recount my adventures upon my return! Happy Holidays, take care, and I can’t wait to spend Christmas closer to you all.