Hola

I had been corresponding with a family from Barcelona.  They had wanted to exchange homes but due to the timing of their stay in the US, I was unable to swap.  So, of course, I invited them to do a non-simultaneous hospitality exchange.  They actually came and stayed for a week while we were away on vacation  in Panama. Then they came back in March for another week with us.

Imma, Miguel and Claudia were the best!  Their 3 year old Claudia and my 3 year old (Ellie) were running around playing the entire time. Every morning Ellie awoke and immediately asked “where is Claudia?”.  We went shopping at Sam’s Club – bought bunch food prepared and shared many meals together.  It was great because my husband was traveling again or work.

We took the kids to the public pool, gymnastics, to our favorite ice cream shop, etc.  It was like having family visit, only better!  We practiced our Spanish and they practiced English.  I even found them places to get free English classes.

One night my mom babysat the two girls so the adults could get some social time at one o our favorite local hang outs – Rams Head. My husband shared with them his favorite local brew and local fare.

We REALLY were very sad to see the wonderful new friends we made – go home.

We are definitely heading to Spain in the near future to visit our friends Imma, Miguel and Claudia!!