Le sigh...

So in the past few months this happened.

As well as...

Walking to the grocery store I came across a group of boys probably 13 years old and as they caught a glimpse of me me the usual phrases came out "hostia", "madre mia" then... "ahi va Moby Dick. Proceed to try to ignore along same road come across another group of boys a familiar routine essentially since middle school "oh there goes your girlfriend" "ugh hell no" Finally make it to the grocery store and then another probably about 10 years old is following me trying to sneakily take pictures from afar. When I finally notice that's what he's doing I stop look him in the eyes with a "what are you doing/what do you want" look and he goes away.

On my way to another grocery store trip I pass a group of kids that say "ahi va la gorda de ingles" (there goes the fat English teacher) and while waiting in line to pay for my groceries an elderly woman whispers to her husband "look she's actually eating salad"

 Let's not leave all of the fat shaming to the small town Spaniards...  While standing in front of a restaurant in London (shout out to the English speakers!) deciding if my friend and I should have dinner there, a complete stranger passing by said "Stop eating!!" While looking at some clothes in a store in Rome, the old lady that worked there made a point to come up and tell me "Those are one size only!!" (y que?!)

Walking home behind a group teenage boys...when rounding the corner one catches a glimpse of me and mumbles something to his friends. Then like dominoes they each turn around to take a look at me as I turn left and they carry on I hear the word 'enorme'

Walking home from the grocery store two little girls roughly 8 or 9 years old at the first glimpse of me burst into hysterical laughter (cackling that could be heard all along the empty streets of the main road during lunch time) pulling out there phones to take pictures, when I stopped and said "que pasa" they just looked at me like I'm far too busy being out of breath from continuing to laugh and snap pictures of you face.

Walking home about a block from my house a little boy is walking this dog with his mom just a few steps ahead of me. the boy gets a glimpse of me and tells his mom nervously "There's a monster following us" The only thing the mom says to the boy is "Don't worry, just keep walking"

I am not going to say that I have been unaffected by this because that would be a lie. After all of these incidences I still can't gain the understanding of how people can be like that. My child wasn't even that cruel and I had the nickname Caty-Faty (oh gotta love family) And some people might say well Cathy if you lost some weight then you could avoid unpleasant encounters such as the ones you are telling us about. But that is besides the point. I'm never going to be "supermodel" skinny and even then I'm sure mean people will find other things to be mean about. So being bullied into losing weight is not really my style.

I am not blind to the fact that I'm overweight, but I am totally mostly sometimes comfortable in my own skin, but however i decide to go about that is no one's concern much less their entertainment. There are definite days where i feel like I'm a circus animal, not cause of me but cause of them. It's me versus them . They started a game but on most days I feel like it's one where everybody loses. :-/

5 (More) Things I Love About Madrid

Hey Everyone,

  So earlier this week for my 1 year anniversary, I posted 5 Things I Love About Madrid, and of course in a year you accumulate (hopefully) more than just a few things that you enjoy about a place, so I've decided to add a few more.

6. Food

Spanish cuisine is great! Although different from the various spices we're used to having in foods from other cultures, Spanish food is a category of it's own. From tortilla de patata (spanish omelette), paella, lentejas (lentil stew), the varieties of ham (which I have yet to convince my sister it is not bacon), salmorejo, empanadas, and so many other great delicious dishes to choose from.

7. Culture and diversity

Madrid has so many cultural activities that you can take part of. Go to the Prado Museum during the day then a flamenco show at night, or a brazilian jazz concert, or an English improv show or a capoeira workshop . Take day trips to go and see the house where Cervantes was born, and the list goes on and on.

8.  Fiestas!

The nightlife in Spain is no joke. I mean the party doesn't even start to get crackin' until 3 am, and there's usually a decision in the morning if you should either have breakfast or go to sleep. With always something fun to do partying in Madrid is a good time. On top of that you have traditional parties or festivals that towns all over the country do year round for added fun! This year I went to Las Fallas of Valencia!

9.  Getting/Staying Healthy In Spain is so much easier!

Since I've been in Madrid I've lost a good amount of weight (still an ongoing battle), but I really think that it was easier for me to start accomplishing my goals because Spain has a generally (not always) healthier lifestyle. Groceries are cheaper, people eat fruit for dessert, going for a walk is a frequent activity, climbing all those stairs to get to your apartment.

10. Mis Amores!

                       

All of the great people I've met here! You really can make a place 6,000 miles away from where you were born and raised feel like home, I know these people (definitely not all pictured) have been a huge part of that, and that this experience wouldn't have been as valuable.

Well there's my top 10.

What are some of the favorite things you have about where you are?

I've also did a list of 7 things I Miss While Abroad.

Thoughts and comments always appreciated!

Catch ya next time!

<3 CathyArely