Hola! pt 2, new job, New Mexico

It's been BUSY....fun but busy. Back to Barcelona. See the gang, including the worlds largest paella dish! After Sitges Rose, Jo and I headed to Barcelona. On the way we stopped at Montserrat where we got to see the Black Virgin (see my other post). While we qued for a hideous amount of time we did get to hear the boys choir in the Basilica. The views were spectacular and it was well worth the several hours we spent wandering around. Into Barcelona we stayed at a fab hotel near some grand eating places and close to where we could catch the tourist bus that takes you all over the place. Loved the Gaudi architecture. Particularly the La Sagrada Familia - a "church" started in 1882 and still being built using Gaudi's original drawings with different architects leading the construction at different times. I did freak myself going to up in the elevator into the spires then having to walk down these stairs. As well as making the most of the open air bus we walked alot, had some great Tapas and watched some great street performers. Jo was our tour guide and found some very cool places for us to investigate. Including and amazing design store. I loved Barcelona!
Before I left for Spain I, somewhat boldly, decided I would renew my contract so had, technically, finished my old contract. Had two possible jobs to consider when I got back. Came back to neither having materialized but being offered a weeks work in the old program (they would have had me stay but I was done with it). Anyway concurrently I also decided it was time to go visit El Rancho. Given my unemployed status I was remarkably relaxed. Then within 24hrs I had a new contract! Did the first of three interviews at 9am one morning and by 5pm that day had been offered a Communications Lead role in the sister program to the one I am in. Yippee. Headed off to NM and started the new job yesterday.
New Mexico was fun, welcoming and familiar. No yellow house for me anymore but I was more than comfortable in the bunk house. It was grand to see everyone. On the Saturday Brice, Karen and I headed to Taos for brunch then went on to check out the Earth Ships - billed as Biotechture they are made almost entirely of recycled material (based on used tires)
and can be completing self sustaing using solar power and recycled water. They can come in all different styles but tend more towards and Adobe look or something out of Star Wars! Built into the ground they are impressive and quirky. If you want to know more got to You Tube and search under Earthships.