To Mi Chica Sara

Hey Sara,

Girl I miss our gossip sessions! We have only facetimed once since I have left. I really need a girls day when I get back. I must say though I will be missing the hot eye candy that I have here haha. I love the landscapes and most of the cities that we have been in though. Except Bilbao. I donʼt know why but this city doesnʼt feel right and Iʼm not comfortable with it. Not to be racist or anything but when there is only black men on the street a white female feels uncomfortable when they stare. I never went anywhere without someone else though so I was safe about it. The food in Bilbao is soooooo good though! Thereʼs this fish market and it has a whole bunch of little bars and things with tapas and drinks. It truly is heaven when you donʼt know exactly what you want. I went there twice in one day. I went for breakfast and dinner. Everything changed but the little sandwiches werenʼt the perfect size. Currently Iʼm in Madrid getting ready to fly home. The shuttle bus driver was so rude to our group so we just took taxiʼs to the hotel and I only have time to really shower and send you this. Then Iʼll be out the door and on my way to the airport to figure out where in the heck Iʼm suppose to go. This last part of the trip has been probably the most stressful because of the fact that we have been jumping around to so many different places in the past few days. I canʼt believe itʼs over though. I want to come back home because I miss everyone and my routine, but I will miss the peacefulness in Segovia to the late night dinners with my group in Oviedo and the mountains in Los Arenas. Iʼm glad to be coming home. I miss you, my family, Bridget and Stella and her family, and surprising my coworkers at Kroger. Well I better get ready to travel back to the United States, so I will see you soon my dear! Buenos Dias!

-Love,
Brianne L. Bigelow

To Bridget, Stella, y Familia

Hey Bridget, Stella and Family,

It's been a long trip. We have been all over for these past few days. We spent the night at a hotel in the mountains a few nights. Before that we stopped on the side of the road about ten minutes away from town because of the amazing view. I have sent a photograph of it so you can see too! I wish we could've stayed there. I got up early and took sunrise photographs of the mountains and guess what! Early in the mornings in Los Arenas if you walk along the roads outside of the little town then there are snails that go across them! They were so cute and big! I thought it was cool, but y'all are probably judging me right now haha. I do wish we could've stayed there a few more days. It was nice and cool up there and the hotel we stayed in was very nice. Theres also the cute little breakfast coffee shop that we went to after shooting the sunrise. My spanish still isn't as good as it needs to be so instead of asking for the same kind of coffee my instructor had but add milk I ended up saying I wanted tea with steamed milk. That wasn't good at all. I did really like there freshly made ham and cheese croissant sandwich. Oh and I did get you, Ma, and Stella bean each a souvenir from one of my favorite cities I have visited. They are just something little but I think that you'll like them. I have been able to do much shopping so on one of my last days in Segovia I ran out and got you all a little something. You're lucky I remembered because I almost for got with everything else that was going on for me. I'll be home in a couple more days, so I'll have to come out and give you your little trinkets that I got you. I love you all but I have work to do so Buenos Noches!

-Love,

Brianne L. Bigelow

To Mi Persona Alta

Hey Tall person,

I know I haven't really given you an update on how every things going over here, but I'm here to tell you now! So I finally had a day off this past Sunday, and from working so hard with the class portion of this vacation I decided that I needed to have an actual vacation day. A group of us went to Gijon this past Saturday and the beach was cram packed! It was nice to dip my feet in and kind of cool down but I was also photographing. I did find this nice little cliff that I could sit on and watch and listen to the waves crash against the cliff. ANYWAYS back to what I was saying. My day off I decided I would go to Aviles and enjoy a less chaotic beach. A small group of us went to the smaller beach and some where shooting but most of us were relaxing. I LOVED the ocean here Lauren. Seriously it's better then Florida's beaches. The ocean is saltier here and its cold and rougher. I still prefer that beach over Florida though. The sand was soft too. There was to hot and really fine grated sand near the top of the beach by the dunes and boardwalks, but the sand I was enjoying was soft, fine shells and miniature rocks. It was fun to play with. I just wish I had you sitting next to me enjoying it as well. I have seen so many parts of this country already and I think of a specific person everywhere I go, and this was the time that I wished you were there because you would've loved it just as much as I did. I am bringing you back a little something though because how could I not? You're my sister as well. Alright honey well I love you but I have a lot to do before bed and I have a sunrise shoot to get up to do. I'll have to see you when I get back home! Buenos Noches mi amor!

-Love,

Brianne L. Bigelow

To Mi Tio

Hey uncle Steve,

The other day I did something that I'm very proud of. I hiked up Monte Naranco in Oviedo! Only a small group of us went on this hike. The top of Monte Naranco you can see all of Oviedo, parts of Gijon and Aviles, but it was too foggy up in the mountains so we couldn't see them. It was so hot and muggy while we walked up to the first two monuments that some of the people decided not to go up the mountain. In total we had five people hike up the mountain. We were going to go along the road to find the beginning to the marked trail that lead to the top. Before we got around the corner we found a path that looked like it may have went up towards the road and intersected it, so in short terms we thought we had a short cut. We started going up this trail and it started to get over grown a little bit and it wasn't so bad. I was in front, so I was looking out for things we could trip over and dangerous things. We got about a third the way up this path we found and we started running into thorn bushes that were kind of over grown the path, which were no big deal. Then I started to run into a bunch of spider webs. These things were so annoying! The first one caught me by surprise and one of the others had to pull the spider off of me because it was behind my ear still on a piece of his web. We continued and it the path cleared for a little bit but then we kept going and there were even more spiders and more thorns. When we were almost to what looked like the road we ran into thistles and my instructor had to take the lead because there was spider after spider and I couldn't catch them in time. Finally we made it to this road. We map ourselves on someone's phone and figure out that we have to hit the trail that is a little farther up the road. We start moving and walk past this house that is pretty and then a little farther down we notice all of these black shoes hanging in a tree. At first we thought it was just odd and didn't think much of it, but then we notice a figure made out of some type of rolled plastic that's holding up a block of rock. Starting to feel the odd and creepiness we all decide to move on and find the path. Now the path was good for a while until it began to get really steep and the spiders were back. We were almost all the way to the top we just had to push through these bushes that were sharp and try to stay away from the spiders and thorns, which didn't happen. My instructor and another fellow stayed in a spot and rested for a bit while myself and two others pushed to get to the top. FINALLY! We get to the top and notice we could've driven here. Who else can say that they followed an unmarked path and made it all the way to the top? Only us out of our group! It was gorgeous at the top. You truly could see all of Oviedo and to some of the mountains on the other side. It was such a satisfaction to be at the top knowing I struggled and made it there from a path you could tell that no one had been on in a while. It's definitely been one of the better days of the trip so far. Well I should get to bed so I love you and I'll see you when I get back home! Buenos noches!

-Love,

Brianne L. Bigelow

To Mi Tia

Hey Aunt Sharon,

I did receive the text that you sent me, but I couldn't reply. Everything is going good here. I'm not sure if my mom has told you about anything that I have told her about yet or not. I have been trying to write to someone back home at the end of everyday, but yours is getting written the day after so I'm sorry. Yesterday morning I did get up and walk across Segovia (because I'm staying at the other side of town from everything else) to the castle to photograph it at sun rise. I was a little disappointed in the fact that there was no clouds and so the lighting was only golden it wasn't the pinks, red, and purple sun rise that I'm use to. It was pretty to walk in the cool morning and the nice lighting as we walked back into town. I didn't think that it would be this hot over here all the time. There isn't any clouds though so the run beats right down and it is strong. There's also so many inclines and stairs here as well. I better be in shape by the time I get back from this trip haha. I can't wait to get up into the mountains though. I fell in love with Segovia, but it is a city and I don't like cities very much. There isn't much foliage or anything like that unless you go out of town. There is more towards the castle, which has a gorgeous view, and that is really nice after seeing all of the architecture. I can't wait to show you all of the photographs that I have produced here when I get home. I'm a little home sick but I'm trying to just live in the moment while I'm here and then when I flight back I'll be excited to be home. Well I have to go shoot now so I'll see you when I get home. Also if you haven't yet you can read the other letters I have written to Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Dad, and Autumn as well. I have written to them about a few other experiences I have had here in Segovia and Madrid. Okay well I love you and I will see you when I get home! Buenos Dias!

-Love,

Brianne L. Bigelow

To Mi Abuela y Mi Abuelo

Hey Grandma and Grandpa!

Look I'm in Spain! It still feels like a dream to me. I've been seeing so many beautiful and historical things it's amazing! I can't wait to show you the photographs I have when I get back! How's you both doing? Is everything ok back at home? I worry about both of you, you know. I wish I had everyone here with me. Yes I'd get annoyed with my sister being the way she is, but I truly miss her. She always brings a smile to my face, well at least most of the time haha. I wish both you and grandpa were here. I know it'd be hard for both of you to get around here but it's so beautiful. I know you, pappy, would love the landscapes. I know you, Grandma, would love the cute little Spanish shops all around Segovia. I went to the Cathedral and castle Alcazar today. Both were so beautiful but I ended up getting bored with the repetitive things in the castle and Cathedral. The view from the castle is amazing though. It's on a ledge and over looks a beautiful view! I was stuck to the windows in the castle before I actually made it out side to one area . I took a few photographs and I'm going to make a panorama because it is so gorgeous. Then our guide told use about the well at the corner of the castle. Now if you toss a coin over your shoulder with a desire in mind and you make it in the well then you have good luck. Of course I did it and it is quite difficult because there is a designed grill or grate over the opening. I had my desire in mind and tossed the coin over my shoulder, and of course I threw a 2 cent euro so I could say I gave my two sense haha. My coin went right through! I was excited and happy that I could participate in this tradition they have. Alright well I gotta go to bed. I can't wait to be home and show you every photograph I have taken, but I can wait since I'm falling in love with this country. I love you both! I'll be calling you soon! Beunos Noches. Te amo!

-Love

Brianne L. BIgelow

To Mi Hermana

Hey Autumn,

I know it's strange but I miss you A LOT. There are some people that have the sarcasm but they aren't as quick as you are haha. Today I spent the day in Madrid. Oh my word it is gorgeous there. We went to a few art museums today the Renie Sofia and the El Prada. We saw some of the most famous paintings but do you know what I did? I made fun of how the artist painted the faces. There was one that the guy look like he had one too many beers and was reaching towards a pitch fork, so you know that was a "hold my beer" moment. I had an amazing experience though today. We were walking along side the Botanical Gardens to find a spot to have lunch and we saw this group of people packing up folding chairs and leaving some kind of activity that they had planned. Well as we started taking photographs this older fellow stopped us and asked if we wanted a picture of him. Someone else in the group said yes and he continued to have a conversation. He asked where we were from, if we were professional photographers and such. Now what I end up finding out is that the group that was leaving was his and his friends drawing group. I guess they get together and draw a few people and practice their skills. Well he continued to talk to us and was so very nice and kind. Then he asked Johannes (a person in my group) if he'd like him to draw a portrait of him. He said it'd take about fifteen minutes and we had plenty of time so we stayed and both the man and his friend pulled out their drawing utensils and paper and started drawing. Now the whole time they are drawing Johannes myself and two others are watching and photographing them as they work. Now come to find out Francisco (the guy who initially started speaking with us) and Javier know some english and so the conversation was easier. Javier was very quiet while he drew but he did quick pen strokes and created a beautiful portrait, but get this, and the he had me sit down so he could draw me! I was so excited and thrilled that he would even ask me to do this. I sat down in the chair he set up from and took his instructions as to how he wanted me posed and then froze. It took a little longer then fifteen minutes because I guess he struggles with drawing females but he did amazing. Both Francisco and Javier gave both of us our drawings and asked us to send a photograph of it to them so they could finish it and then send it back to us. After all of the craziness we went and got some nice cerveza in Madrid. This is the reason I want to travel. The people, conversations, interactions, and just the over all beauty of this country. I want to come back and next time I'll bring you. I put two hands on an aqueduct stone and they say if you do that it means that you will return Segovia. I think you'd like it here a lot I really do. Well I have to get some rest because there are so many adventures here. I love you so much and I miss you! Bueno noches! 

-Love,

Brianne L. Bigelow

To Mi Padre

Hey Daddy,

I know you are busy and I don't catch you in time to talk before you are asleep or I am asleep, but I'm writing you this! I made it to Segovia and it is my second day here. My home stay family is very kind and sweet so no worries I am in good hands. I feel like I could come to love this city. Everyone keeps to themselves and there isn't much that goes on except for all of the tourists. This city is beautiful Daddy. I can't believe I'm here still. Theres the roman aqueduct that you'd love! You can go all the way to the top and see how far it stretches. Theres so much history here that it reminds me of you when I look around. I know you find these things more interesting then I do because I'm just astounded by the beauty itself. My instructor Don stops to read us all of the historical landmarks and the little signs that explain it. I miss you so much but I am enjoying this opportunity every second that I am here. Tomorrow we are going to Madrid to see a few historical art exhibits, so I'm very excited for that. OH! And did momma tell you that no one speaks english in my home? I'm slowly starting to figure out certain words in Spanish and it is helping so much. Momma says I should be fluent in Spanish by the time I come back home haha. Lucia and Vincent do speak with there hands so the gestures help with communication. Their daughter Sheila knows some english as well but she doesn't live with them. I'm just fumbling through this experience, but it is truly amazing. Well I should get to bed I am exhausted today and I have to be at the Bus station by 9am. Té amo mi padre! (that means I love you dad) I'll talk to you soon! 

-Love,

Brianne L. Bigelow

To Mi Madre

Hey momma,

Your little girl is in Spain! My flight went well and yes I am safe in my home stay. My home stay is very nice and Lucia is SO sweet. I had difficulty contacting her but I ended up having the taxi driver translate for me. Now I face the problem of no one knowing any english and I'm freaking out. This is so difficult because I'm use to at least understanding a little bit, but there is no way that I can keep up with how fast they speak. Now I know what it's like to talk to me when I go off on a topic haha. This country is so beautiful I wish you were here. There was this wall of colorful glass as I was getting off of the plane and I HAD to take a photograph to show you. It should be with this letter. I will say there is a constant smell to Segovia and it's cigarettes and perfume. It's not a bad smell at least but I must say the perfume smells so nice you'd love it. Momma, Segovia is so beautiful and I can't believe I'm actually here. Every feeling I have gotten from being here is just blissful, colorful, and peaceful. I'm so thankful for every minute I'll get to spend here. The colors and energy from when I landed to tonight being out in the streets with everyone from Segovia is so striking and energetic. Right now it's about two o'clock in the morning here, but I'm six hours ahead of you so I'm going to bed. I will take a TON of photographs to bring back with me, but I needed to let you know that I was safe and I'm settled in. I love you and I'll will talk to you as soon as I can. Beunos Noches!

-Love,

Brianne L. Bigelow