This is only the beginning.

I know, I know, I’m still a horrible blogger; but during the week I don’t have much to report because I’m just going to class, and I don’t think anyone wants to read about that. Haha. And I like to blog long things so you guys have a bit of light reading to do. But my first week of classes has come and gone. My schedule has changed a bit so I’ve been to 3 out of my 4 classes and I like all of them a lot so far. They don’t seem like they’ll be too terribly hard, but now that I say that I know I’ve jinxed myself. I’m making a lot of new friends, some from the states but mostly from all over the world. I love learning all about the different cultures, just the way people dress, speak, and the little things they do. I guess it’s a good thing I’m in a culture class because it completely fascinates me! And I’m trying new things with my new friends; they’re showing me “the good stuff” to eat that I NEVER would have tried on my own. I’m excited to see what else I’m going to try.

Some new American friends.

My roommates and I are starting to get closer and closer. We’ve been hanging out more and this past weekend we all went out together. Last night their decision was that they can only speak to me in Spanish so that way I actually improve…yeah we’ll see how long this lasts. Haha. But I have gotten better since I first got here, when I approach someone new I first speak Spanish instead of introducing myself in English, then once they find out where I’m from they speak English with me. It’s a relief because I don’t want to say the wrong things but I also need to practice so sometimes it’s a total buzz kill. One of my roommates is from Barcelona so she has the traditional “lisp” that everyone talks about for Spaniards and I think I’ve started to pick up on it and I LOVE IT!!! Haha. She and I are the only blondes in the house so we try to stick together, plus our class schedules are pretty much the same so we see each other a lot. Her name is Carolina, and she is adorable, I can’t wait to get to know her more! Even though there are 10 of us in one house, there is a group of 5 of us that hang out the most. We are the newest and we seem to get along the best, and if we had even just one more friend we wouldn’t all be able to fit into Carolina’s FIAT perfectly. Haha.

FIESTAAAA

Ok, so now to the good stuff. Of course, there have been a few fiestas that we’ve attended. I mean when we’re invited we just can’t turn it down…come on now, that would just be rude. Haha. But this weekend in particular we hung out with students. Our landlords rent out 2 other houses besides mine, and we got together with some guys from one of the houses on Friday night and then they had a little get together at their house last night so we went. It helps that there is a BEAUTIFUL Italian guy in one of the houses and he just loves to take his shirt off and show off his muscles. I am NOT complaining. Haha. All of those students seem really nice and they are from all over the world. Last night I met a few girls from England, and some people from Chile (shout-out to Jessica Martinez for that one), people from Costa Rica, and even Peru. It’s awesome! We had so much fun, because it is such a huge mix of people and we all just want to learn about the other’s culture and make great friends along the way. I did buy my first fifth of Jack Daniels all on my own this week, I felt so grown up and I was so excited. But I’m going to be SO bummed when I get back to the states and can’t do it anymore for like 4 months. Oh well, I plan to fully live it up while I’m here. 

The group of 5, our first family portrait.

I’m getting better and not so homesick anymore. But like I said before, skyping with my family a lot is helping. I did slip up yesterday though, because my grandma sent me a Hey-Tell message and it was my great grandma saying that she loved and missed me. I miss her so much and I can’t talk to her and it sucks. She is such an amazing woman, and her personality just proceeds to shine even in her sickness. I would love to see her the day I get home from Spain but I know that can’t happen since she can’t travel very well in the car. That did suck a little to not be able to respond to her and see her, but I know I’ll be able to see her soon and now I have her message that I can listen to whenever I want. I got to skype with Sarah this week and I miss her a lot too, I love hearing all about the adventures she is having at school and I can’t wait to make more hilarious and slightly embarrassing memories with her when I get home. My best friends are amazing; I just have to say that, all of them. They are my support system and they can get me through anything. I feel bad that I can’t be there for them right now while I’m away but I just want them to know that think about them constantly and am always praying for them. And the day we are all reunited will be a HUGE celebration! I can’t wait! 

My new love, Carolina.

Daniella and I are thinking of taking a trip to Cadiz next weekend, we want to go to the Carnival because it is the largest costume party in Europe; so of course, we have to be there! We also really want to go to the south of Spain, into Sevilla, because a ton of our friends from App are studying abroad there so we want to catch up with them! And we want to go into Vallencia because it’s near the beach and my white butt needs a MAJOR tan! And when my grandparents get here for my spring break we are going to travel and see a lot of sights. I can’t wait to show them around! Oh and even better news, Sarah’s cousin is on a soccer team in Italy right now and she said if I want, she’ll talk to him so I can go and stay with some hot soccer players and explore Italy. I don’t I have to tell you what my answer was when she proposed that idea. I love that I can just go to all of these different countries while I’m here, it’s so awesome and truly a dream come true!