Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

2014 came to a close yesterday! I'm a bit behind on the blogging, so I figured I'd update everyone on the holiday festivities. It started with school ending a few weeks ago.

The energy at school was electric. Everyone was anticipating the holiday break. My break started on Thursday afternoon, but the Fridays before the holiday vacation are not to be missed! My teachers insisted I come by on Friday for the Christmas festivities. I, for one, wouldn't miss it for the world.

At my school, the students spend that morning exchanging secret santa gifts. Others prepare for the nativity play. I arrived just in time. All of the teachers greeted me with smiles and kisses. Everyone was dressed to the nines! I even wore a dress to school, which surprised many of my students and several of the teachers. We headed to the large auditorium, where the actors, choir, and musicians were ready to perform.

The nativity play was a success! My students made me proud as they confidently recited their lines in front of the rest of the school. Some of my goofball students were also involved, which led to some unexpected comedic moments. They finished off with a large musical number, that even the audience was asked to join in! 

My students breaking it down on stage! The nun was rockin' it too.

Once the performance was over, the teachers got to socialize. I watched as the teachers I work with unwrapped their secret santa gifts. Smiles filled the room. Then, we headed down to the cafeteria area where snacks had been set up for us to enjoy. This was the filler hour between the kids getting out of school and us getting our drink on. After a bit of munching and chatting, a few of us headed out for a beer before the big gathering at a local bar. Somehow, it ended up being me and boys! After a few beers and laughs, we headed to the bar we were meeting everyone else at. Man, can teachers have some fun! Around 7:30pm, there was still a lively atmosphere, but I had to head out to a Fulbright Hanukkah party. After I gave all the besos, I was on my way.

The Hanukkah party was just the start of Fulbright holiday festivities. I love my one-on-ones with my Fulbright researchers. Sometimes it's hard to catch up with everyone at big gatherings, which is why these intimate gatherings are so close to my heart. 

The following night, the Fulbright commision invited us all out to a Christmas dinner at a country club. We had a predinner get together at Keith's. Dressed to the nines and ready for some grub, we took a taxi to the country club. American and Spanish Fulbrighters gathered for a night of lively conversations and impromptu speeches. We even got free hats! 

Here's a look at all of those gatherings:

                   

Collage of the teacher's gathering, Fulbright Hanukkah party, and the Fulbright Chrismtas dinner.

American and Spanish Fulbrighters at the Christmas dinner.

Rounding out 2014, were the New Years Eve festivities! I was invited to a New Years Eve event on the 30th with my coworker/homeboy, Antonio. It began with eating grapes in Sol at midnight, followed by a gathering at a tiny bar near the center. Oh, I treated it as if it were New Years Eve! We did not hold back. Many drinks, laughs, and a shot or two later, I headed to another bar with Antonio's friends. You know you've made some friends when the person you came with peaces out and his friends invite you out for another round! It was an epic night. 

Lauren and I holding our own pre-grapes near Sol

                  

Antonio and I at the beginning of the night near Sol. Antonio's friends and I at the end of the night.

Yesterday, I was in recovery mode, but like a BOSS, I made it just in time for our themed New Years Eve party: Fondue Year! Dressed in black, because I was attending the funeral for 2014. Red lipstick, because why not?! Cheesy and chocolately fondue in my tummy. All great ways to ring in the new year!

All dressed up for Fondue Year!

                  

Group shot (note the dog trying to make a jump for it)

All in all, it was a wonderful end to a roller coaster of a year. R.I.P. 2014, you will NOT be missed.

2015 starts today! "The rest is still unwritten..."