Semana Santa

Well, it finally came.
Semana Santa was even crazier than I'd imagined. They told us it'd bring in a lot of people, but we couldn't have imagined it.
I am literally still trying to figure out how this city fit all of those people in it. I've never been around so many people at one time. There were times during the week that I literally couldn't move, and if I could, it didn't matter because I wasn't going to be able to walk anywhere.
They said to be careful in the streets. Because there are so many people, robbers will try to take advantage of the tourists, or anyone. So, my roommate [insert Psycho theme] (who claims to be the baddest-ass around) is now without a camera, seeing as it was stolen. I wasn't even robber this week! She went down to the police station, filled out a report and all that, but there is exactly a 0% chance that they will find it.
On Holy Thursday it's tradition to stay up all night and watch the "floats" go by. I know "float" isn't the right word, but it's the closest thing we have in the U.S. to them. They're carried on the backs of men, not tied to strings and floating in the air or anything. The way people line up to see them is similar. There were police constantly telling us to back-up onto the sidewalk.
I was super irritated for part of the night. I'd gone to see this with some kids from my school. I don't know them all super well, but I've hung out with a couple of them several times. One of them, I do not like.
Two of the girls were practically RUNNING to get to the bridge where we were going to watch this, and didn't concern themselves at all whether or not we were lost in the sea of people. Then, when we all finally got to the bridge, I stood close to the sidewalk so I would have a great view. They sat and lounged a ways away. Two hours of waiting later, the first "floats" came by and I think the girl I don't like thought I was saving the place I was standing in for HER... I was not. She pushed... I pushed back... It was all very loving on that Holy, Holy day. hahah
But, hey, fair is fair and this was my ONLY Semana Santa.
I LOVED the part when the Virgin went by. Totally worth the wait. Everyone yelled that she was beautiful as she went by. Other than that, silence. One man, who was actually about two people away from me, took it upon himself to start screaming one of the cheers for her. I could NOT understand when he was saying, but he was loud and spirited, and the crowd responded with enthusiasm.
I found it incredibly strange that all of the Spaniards would get completely silent when the floats came near, yet continued to smoke. I understand we were outside, and I definitely understand that we're in Spain. But one man went as far as to ask one of the hooded brothers to light his cigarette with the ceremonial candle he was holding...
Still sad there's no Easter bunny. I was looking forward to the free Spanish candy. Easter was totally boring as a result (I feel like I'm going to hell for saying that).
There's not much more I can say about the whole week other than I got zero studying done, but I absolutely caught up on my sleep. Glorious.
I have a pretty busy week this week school-wise (you know, that's exactly how it should be right after one gets back from a break).
I'm missing my family and friends a lot. More and more each day. And I am really really starting to think about what it's going to be like when I get back home. I could stay here forever, but not if I don't get to see my loved ones.