Japi Jalogüin

I know this is a super late post but I can't not report on Halloween. My roommates and I had our biggest party to date. I was nervous at first because many had rsvp'd and asked to bring others. I wasn't quite sure how to accommodate all in my tiny little apartment. But in the end, I said screw it! The more the merrier.

I dressed up as a leprechaun. Nothing too special. I didn't want to spend too much money so I my friend Tess gave me the idea for my costume. All I had to buy was a vest from H&M for 15 Euros. I already had the green shirt and black pants and Sara provided me with a Guinness leprechaun hat. It was great! You all know how I secretly wish to be Irish.

As for my roommates, I was very proud of them. I told them it was mandatory for them to dress up. I could tell they were nervous at first since Halloween is not really that popular in Spain. This great American tradition is slowly becoming a Spanish one, but not quite. My roommates have never dressed up before. They didn't want to do too much. I think they just didn't want to have to go in public in some ridiculous costume. They wanted to be dressed up but also look semi-normal. So I tried to give them ideas for quick simple costumes but in the end, they surprised the hell out of me. They went to the Chino stores and got themselves geisha costumes. It was pretty sweet...and totally unexpected. I didn't expect them to go all out in the end. They asked me to put make up on them and I couldn't stop laughing. They make such ugly women that I couldn't look at them. My favorite was when a Chinese man stopped Iñaki on our way to the bar and gave him a two thumbs up for his costume.

There were all sorts of characters that night: nurse, rock star, witch, sailor, etc. But the best one was Tess'. We were costume shopping a few weeks before the party and we just couldn't find anything. In a moment of ridiculousness, I thought she should dress up as a Control condom dispenser and make money on Halloween. When you walk around the streets of Spain, you'll randomly see a condom dispenser outside of stores, pharmacies, etc. So she got a box, decorated it, and made two slots - one for the money and one for the condoms. It was great although we were disappointed she only sold two...3 Euros may have been way too much...ha!

So Halloween, Español style, was a blast. Everyone - Americans and Spaniards...and French - had a great time. This was proven the morning after when I saw the remnants/evidence of the night before all over the house. If only I had a picture of that...

Halloween in Spain