Nochevieja Universitaria- 13/12/12

Last night, December 13th, was the "University New Years".  It's something that only happens in Salamanca, and is very well known.  People come from EVERYWHERE for this.  Everyone gathers in the Plaza Mayor, and when the clock hits 12, they eat the 12 grapes (a Spanish New Year tradition- one grape for each bell toll).  Then, the night continues for hours, in bars, clubs, and up and down the streets.

I went for a short time, but didn't make it until midnight.  Right now I am working on studying and preparing things for finals, so I wanted to get home early enough to be productive the next day.
However, when I was there, this is what I saw:

The plaza wasn't anywhere near full by the time I left... but the festivities had definitely already started. Singing, drinking, dancing, and laughter all mixed together in a huge celebration.

Normally, music and such really give me a lot of energy, but last night I just couldn't bring myself to get into the "holiday" spirit.  It didn't help that my stomach was killing me.
Either way, since I didn't get to stay for all the excitement, I'm attaching a photo I got off the internet of the "nochevieja" 2011.  It's from last year, of course, but still does a great job of showing how huge the event gets!!

Unfortunately, it wasn't all fun and games for everyone.  This unfortunate event brings about the reality of alcohol, and the dangers that it brings with it:

http://www.salamanca24horas.com/sucesos/78960-muere-una-joven-arrollada-en-el-paseo-de-san-vicente-por-un-conductor-borracho

A girl, 20 years old, was hit by a drunk driver, and passed away four hours later.  It's so sad that a night that's supposed to be filled with fun and joy had to end this way.

Please remember, who ever or wherever you are... be smart and be safe.  Even nights filled with happiness and celebrations can end with a shock of reality.  DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!! EVER!!

Thanksgiving in Spain

So, as everyone knows, this last week was Thanksgiving.  This is my first Thanksgiving not being with my family.  It was really sad not being able to spend one of my favorite holidays with my favorite people in the whole world... but, there were still good times and celebrations over here!

At first, on actually Thanksgiving, I was a little sad to be missing out on everything, but then, life just conitnued. haha  Here in Spain (obviously) they don't celebrate Thanksgiving, and really, no one even knows completely what it is.  So, it actually made it easier on me to not have to be around people celebrating with their families and such.  I thought I would miss the atmosphere of the holiday, but in all honesty, it was nice to not have to be reminded of what I was missing.

On actual Thanksgiving day I went to a friends house, and we made pumpkin stew! It was a lot of fun, and turned out really well!! We didn't get to eat a lot of it, as it was for a get-together we were having the next day, but still being in the kitchen and cooking pumpkin type things really started to get the Thanksgiving feeling going.

The next day, however, we had our International "Thanksgiving".  It was SO MUCH FUN!! My friend had a lot of people over, and we did a potluck-style dinner.  There were people from all over the world, and they all brought something to eat! It was amazing.

 We couldn't get a turkey, but we did get some roasted chickens, and a few Americans brought mashed potatoes, so it was basically the same thing. =) I ate more food than I should have, and it was amazing.  I was so full, but the food was so good, I couldn't stop eating! We all had a lot of good times, laughs, and made wonderful memories.

 More food... =)

 A good friend here in Spain, and another American! =)

 It was Pat's (my friend's husband) birthday!! We had a cake!! Super cute!

Learning how to line dance!! Not necessarily a Thanksgiving activity... But still something that reminds me of home, and added to the fun of the night! 

Needless to say, my first Thanksgiving, not only without my family, but out of the country was a success!! I'm very thankful for my friends who all made it so wonderful!!
=)

Culture Shock!

So, lots has been going on here in Spain the last few days.  I'm going to post about the Huelga General that happened yesterday soon, I just want to do a little more research about it first.

For now, I just wanted to share something that happened today that literally shook me.

I was sitting in my Siglo de Oro (Golden Age) class, waiting for it to start, and all of the sudden, someone busts into the room and starts yelling.  I turn to see what's going on, and there's a student-aged guy standing in the doorway waving a TOY gun.  Of course, I didn't know if it was fake or not at first, and literally felt my heart start pounding out of my chest.  The boy proceeds to stand on the table-type desks that we have and starting walking down the middle of the class on top of the tables, yelling in Spanish.  He is followed by a group of about 12 other students, all half-drunk I'm assuming, yelling and chanting.  Once I realized it was just a toy gun, I felt a lot better.

What was happening was, these students were from the Science department at the University.  Well, here, each department has it's own "fiesta"meaning weekend off, in which the students dress up, go out, and do what college kids do.  These students were just having fun, although extremely rude and inappropriate.

Needless to say, this was a CRAZY experience for me.  1st of all, having a "gun" anywhere near a college campus is NOT something we joke about, even a fake gun would be cause for alarm.  However, here, the boy was waving it around, completely like it was nothing.  Talk about culture shock!! I wasn't sure how to respond or what to even think!! Not to mention the running up and down desks, yelling, and complete craziness that they brought with them.

By far my biggest culture shock so far.

It's the simple things...

So, I've been feeling really homesick the last few weeks.  However, the last few days have been really great!! Today was exceptionally wonderful!!  I realized that even though I may not feel like I want to go run errands, that forcing myself to get out and around really helps me a lot!! So, today I've been super productive!! On top of that, I finally got paid!! I've been waiting for a little over a month, running really low on money.  So, when I realized I had money in my account, I had to go shopping!!  Except, what I bought wasn't clothes or jewelry or any of that.

When my parents were here, like a month and a half ago, they found a store that sold Cheerios.  I've walked past the store like 3 times, but never had money to go in and pay like 4 euro for a box of cereal, when I could get some other kind for one euro at the Carrefour.

So, what do you think I did as soon as I pulled out money?! That's right! I went and got Cheerios!!

SOOO HAPPY!!! Also, since it was my first time in this particular store, I decided to look around a little.  In order to understand my excitement, you may need to know a few things first.  1) I LOVE SPICY FOOD!!! I literally live on it! and 2) Since I've been here, I haven't been able to find anything really spicy!! I've searched everywhere.  I've tried food at restaurants, and I've looked EVERYWHERE at Carrefour (the grocery store close to my apt).  BUT today, at this new store, I found:

SOOO HAPPY!!
Also, along with my new food purchases, I decided to keep my productive/ taking advantage of my money streak going.  I went to a Bazar type store close to where I live to buy just a few Christmas decorations!!

It's not much, but it makes me happy.
ONE LAST THING that has been able to help me out of my rut of homesickness... a WONDERFUL friend (who also happens to be my best friend EVER!!) sent me this:

It's a card!! =)  Literally made me SOO HAPPY!
Either way, this post isn't anything earth-shattering or informational, but, just something to show that the little things really can make the difference.  I feel like I'm really settling into my life here, and like I'm finally back in the Spain that I've missed for more than 3 years.
Oh! AND I got my resident card today!! I'm officially a temporary Spanish resident!! yay! I'd post a pic of that, but it has some personal information on it, and you can imagine that an online blog isn't the place to be sharing that.

Elections in the US, Questions in Spain

So, this post isn't going to have anything to do with my political opinions or any of that.  If you know me at all, you know where I stand.

However, I find it interesting how many people have been asking me about the elections the last few days.  At first it was, "Did you vote today?".  Of course, I had to explain that because I'm in Spain, I couldn't vote on Tuesday Nov 6th with everyone else.  haha Others want to know my opinions about the winner, others just want to talk about it.  

I was excited to be in Spain for this election, to get away from all the hype and such that surrounds it, but instead, I find myself being the "American voice".  Simply because I'm from the US, everyone either assumes A) I'm happy with the victor, or B) I'm going to have some huge speech or argument to make against him.  I'm probably the WORST person for this, since I don't really like talking about politics, and I try to keep my opinions to myself, especially in a country where people aren't always completely informed about our politicians, ect.  

For the last election in 2008, I was home.  However, in January when Obama took office, I was in Spain, and I found myself in the exact same position.  Everyone and their mother asking me questions, and if I didn't say something they liked, they would begin arguing with me.  Now, I get it, our country is huge and powerful, ect, and I don't mind that people here are preoccupied with the president of the US.  I just don't want to get into a political debate with people who are looking at the elections from an outside view.  (I don't like getting into political debates with people from the States either, but for me, its different.  It's easier to understand their view-point at least... idk how to explain it haha) 

So, that being said, this year I have been really careful not to post on facebook, blogspot, ect about my political views.  Not at all because I'm ashamed of them, or don't want to stand up for what I believe in, just because I'm so sick of people thinking that just because I may not agree with them, I'm saying that they are wrong in what they believe, and they feel the need to attack me, or feel that I am attacking them.  I have my views because of what affects me, my family, and my friends.  And that's where everyone gets their views from.  No one just decides to believe something just to upset someone else, or to offend someone else.  

Either way, if you're wondering, my answer to the question, "What do you think of the election?"  is "I just hope that whoever is President takes our country in the direction it needs to go to make things better." No matter who wins (won), it's done.  Now, we just look to the future.  Whether or not you like the President, the only thing to do now is to pray for him, the country, and the future.  Its the same thing I would do no matter who won, and its exactly what I'm going to continue doing.  

Happy Halloween from SPAIN!!

So, for Halloween, I was VERY excited to be invited to a party at a friend's place!  I was really missing home, and the traditions and such that surround this time of year, so getting dressed up and hanging out with friends was great!!

A friend, Amanda, and I got our costumes at a Bazar-type store for REALLY cheap!! and we were really excited about it!

We went to a place right next to Amanda's place first, to stop in and say hi.  The people that work there (and maybe own it?) are really nice, and always talk to us! We had previously talked about Halloween with them, so we wanted to go in and say "Happy Halloween!"

Next, it was off to the party!! We did get lost at first... so it took us about 30 min to find it, but when we did, it was very worth it!! Nothing huge, which is great.  Just some people hanging out and having a great time!

There was even bobbing for apples!!!

So, all in all, great Halloween!!!

So...

Alright, I've told this story to lots of people already, and it happened when I first got to Spain, but I decided to write it down here, so I can look back at it in the future and laugh.
So, one of our first days here in Salamanca, my parents and I are sitting at a restaurant, having lunch.  At the table next to us, there are 3 people, a boy from Holland, a boy from Germany, and a girl from Columbia.  We couldn't help but overhear this conversation, happening in English.

Boy from Germany- Ya, the US has really bad health care.
Girl- Oh, really?
Boy from Holland-  Ya, did you know that if you're hit by a car, and you don't have insurance, they'll just leave you in the street?
Girl- Wow, I didn't know that.
Boy from Germany-  Ya, I read that somewhere.

At this point, my parents can't help but interrupt.
My mom- I'm sorry.  I just wanted to let you know that that's not true.
Boy from Holland-  Oh really?
My dad- Ya, we're from the US, and that would never happen.

My parents and the boys continue their conversation for awhile.
Me-  Ya, sorry.  We couldn't help but overhear.  I mean, you're talking in English, so we got excited.
Boy from Holland (turning to the girl)- Pues, debemos hablar en Español.  (Well, we should speak in Spanish)
Me-  Ya, I speak Spanish as well.
Boy from Holland-  Oh.

REALLY?!  We just leave you there?! I couldn't stop laughing.  What happens then?  Someone gets hit by a car, the ambulance and everyone shows up, but then they check for an insurance card and say, "oh, wait.  No insurance, pack it up!"

Then of course the poor boy had to stick his foot in his mouth a 2nd time with the whole, we should speak in Spanish comment.

I mean, don't get me wrong, I know we have a lot of problems with our health care in the States, but we're not THAT bad!!

Short random thought...

So, I just got home from teaching for 5 (FIVE!!) hours straight.  I haven't done that since PDS...
It was really fun though, a little exhausting, but still fun.

However, walking through the door to my apartment was AMAZING.  That's when I got to thinking, "I'm home!"  I can actually say that I am starting to think of this apartment as "home."  It's interesting, because I've been really missing home lately, and really just wanting to jump on the next plane to Chicago and go to the pumpkin patch, carve pumpkins, and do all the other fun fall festivities I've been seeing posted on facebook.  But, after a long, hard day coming back to my little closet sized room here in Salamanca Spain feels great!!

I've come up with a theory, and its just personal, but I think long, hard days are what start to make a house feel like a home.  I mean, of course there are the people, and you can't change that.  But I have a WONDERFUL roommate, and I still haven't really felt at "home."  It was right now, right when I sat in my bed and opened my computer after my crazy day that I felt so comfortable and happy in my "piso." There's something about walking into the comfort of my room, with my bed, blankets, books, food, ect. that really makes me so happy!!

Don't get me wrong, I miss my family, friends, and wonderful boyfriend and having them near does make a place (ie city, school, ect) feel like home.  But there's something about walking into a familiar, comfortable place that is your own at the end of a long day that makes it very endearing.

Just a thought...

It's getting feisty!

So, it's Wednesday afternoon... and here I sit, not in class. Why am I not in class right now you may ask? That, my dear blog follower, is a great question.
And here is the answer:

It's a strike/ demonstration.  The students at all the universities in Spain are on strike.  (It's worse in some cities than in others)
Basically, they are striking because of the "recortes" meaning the cut-backs.  These cut-backs are affecting education, because there are less teachers in the schools, meaning less classes, and larger number of students per class.  And they are continuing to have to pay the same amount for tuition.
This is the second demonstration I've seen in in two days, and there's another one planned for tomorrow.  Not to mention there were a few last week (I'm not sure what those were for...).  So, needless to say, it's getting interesting over here.  Definitely a great experience for a future Spanish teacher, and a very educational experience for anyone.

Well, that's all for now!!

Thoughts and lists...

This is post I plan on adding to throughout my time here.  I am going to start some lists.  For now, there will be two.
A) Things I miss from back home
B) Goals of things I want to do/ accomplish while living here

So here it goes!!
A) Things I miss from back home:
1. MY PUPPY!!!
2. My friends/ family and of course my WONDERFUL boyfriend!!
3.  Buffalo Wild Wings
4.  Having an oven
5.  Corned Beef!!!
6.  Italian Beef
7.  Having a very specific class syllabus outlining what I have to read by when
8.  Grape Jelly
9.  Mc Donald's ketchup (And yes, it is different than Heinz...)
10.  Ironwood (my old apt complex)
11.  Netflix
12.  Watching football games (even though I watch them here too, there's just something special about sitting in front of a flat screen, screaming my lungs out. haha)
13.  Driving my car
14. Craft mac and cheese
15.  Firehouse (more specifically, Firehouse bosco sticks and wings being delivered to my front door.)
16.  Drinking Fountains.  There are NONE in this country, I swear!!

B) Goals while here:
1.  Improve my Spanish (duh)
2.  Travel to: Italy, Germany, and France
3.  Cook more
4.  Eat a more balance diet
5.  Learn to cook Tortilla Española
6.  Visit all the major historical sights in the city of Salamanca, and take pictures at each of them
7.  Go back to Santiago de Compostela for a few days

Well, that's all I can think of for now!! But like I said, this is a post I will continue to update as I think of things. =)

UGH... Matriculación

So, this post is going to be used as a little bit of a rant... not long though, I promise.

The one thing I've experienced since being here that is frustrating beyond all belief is registration (matriculación)!!!

I have to write down all the courses I want to take while I'm here, and have my coordinator sign it.  Easy enough right? WRONG!!

FIRST: The website is completely confusing.  And even though I'm slowly figuring it out... I'm still having tons of problems with it.  It's not easy like at ISU where everything is just a click away, no, you have to search the department, then search the classes, and if you do it differently every time, you get different information... blah!

SECOND: My coordinator is not in Spain, for another month!! So, they tell me I need to meet with someone else who is supposed to be acting in her place.  Well, if only it were that simple.  I have sent this man numerous e-mails, and not received one response.  I have also tried going to his office various times, and he's never there!! I have a friend who is also exchange, so she has the same problem, except when she finally did meet up with him, all he told her was "I'm not your coordinator, you need to go to the office and ask who you're supposed to be meeting with." When she did, you'll never guess who they told her she needs to meet with: the same guy who just told her wasn't her coordinator!!

So, I had made my appointment to register, and I went there today, and although they put me in the classes (except they put me in one I don't want... which is a little my fault cuz I can't figure the stupid website out) they won't give me the paperwork I need to give to the international office to get my username/ login for the university!! They say I have to get this guy's signature and then come back for that (and then they'll fix my courses too).

Needless to say, I'm annoyed.  I'm going to try this guy's office one more time, and if it doesn't work, I'm going to try to relax this weekend before trying again on Monday.

Other than that though, everything is great!!
=)

Toledo in a day!!

Wow!! So, Sunday I spent the day in Toledo, the old capital of Spain.  It was AMAZING.  My dear friend Alice invited me and we both had the time of our lives!! I hope that I'm able to talk about everything that happened, cuz spending just one afternoon in Toledo doesn't seem like a lot, but LOTS can happen!!
Ready, set, go!!

Well, the day started at 7:00am, meeting in a plaza about a 10 minute walk from my apartment.  There were probably around 50 of us, and we all piled into a large bus, and began the three hour trip to Toledo from Salamanca.  This was the part that made me the most nervous... I ALWAYS get car sick in buses... However, my mom left me with some ginger candy (which for those of you who don't know, ginger is GREAT for settling or preventing an upset stomach) and it worked like a charm!!

The day started out with a stop about an hour into the trip at a small cafe outside of Avila, a town between here and Toledo (of course).  We all overran the restaurant ordering coffee, snacks and different things.  There were barely any tables, but Alice and I got lucky, cuz right when we were going to sit down, some people had just left their table and we were able to sit there.  Breakfast was yummy, and eventful.  About 5 min after sitting down, a group of boys walks up and sits at the end of the table we're at, and begins talking to us.  They were HILARIOUS, and in all fairness, probably a little intoxicated.  Either way, we had a good chat/ laugh with them (all in Spanish as well!!) before getting back on the bus.  We made sure to stop for pictures before leaving town.  Although we didn't get to spend any time in Avila, I would love to return!! It's BEAUTIFUL!! I wish I could post a pic, but since the sun was in the wrong place, all of them I have are REALLY hard to see... =(

The bus ride continued another 2 hours, until we FINALLY made it into Toledo. The first thing we did was go to see a panoramic of the city.  It was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen!  We all stood around for like 20 minutes, taking pictures and taking it all in.  Of course, we ran into the boys again, still somewhat intoxicated.  They def made things more lively and interesting though, and they were soooo sweet, so we hung out with them a little longer, and had a good laugh.  Next, we all piled back into the bus and went to the entrance of the city.  There, we began a guided walking tour.  Now, in all honesty, I was in the back of the group, wandering alone a little taking pics and such, so I can't really say what all of the pictures I've taken are of, but, here are some of them!!

The bridge we had to cross to get into the city.  Toledo is almost completely surrounded by water, which is what made it such a great capital/ fortress back in the day!

Once we got into the city, we were able to see the crest of the city!!

Then we continued with our guided tour.  We started with a church.  In all honesty I didn't really get to hear a lot of the details about it...
What's interesting though are the chains hanging from it.  There were chains used in the 15th (??) century, holding Christians hostage.  As the Catholic religion was in the process of retaking the country, they hung the chains here on this church from each of the hostages they were able to rescue, as a way of showing that their mission was still underway, and to continue having faith.  Kinda cool.  These chains have been hanging here for hundreds and hundreds of years!! Longer than the USA has been around!! Even before Columbus sailed the ocean blue!! (in 1492... haha)









The tour continued with a few more stops, at some Jewish synagogues converted into churches, and now libraries and museums.  It was really interesting seeing the Jewish influence on the city.

There were little tiles in the streets with different symbols and such.  Really pretty!!









We got to see the cathedral...

And then, we had a few hours just to walk around and take in the sights... Throughout the afternoon, we were able to run into some more people from the trip, including the boys from earlier, and really just had a great time.  We met a group of students from Mexico who were on the trip, and they were SO sweet!! We spent the majority of the afternoon with them!!  We also did some shopping, got to practice speaking Spanish a lot, and got LOTS of exercise!! There were TONS of things related to Don Quixote and I just went crazy!! I bought lots of fun things! =)




One of the best parts of the day for me was when different groups of people, on completely different occasions, told me I sounded like I was Spanish!! Made me smile... =)
I also found a Mc Donalds!! haha Of course!


After walking around for a few hours, we all met back up in the group, and played a really interesting game.  (I didn't participate, cuz I was afraid of falling... haha) They had to tie balloons around their ankles and try to pop the ones on other people's.  The last one with a balloon won!!









Well, long day, but lots happened!! The bus ride home was nice, I tried to sleep, but not with much success... It was nice to just sit and listen to music, relax, and think back on the wonderful day!

First Day of Classes!!

So... today was my first day as a Spanish student/ teacher!! haha It was REALLY scary at first... But my parents were here with me, so they were able to calm me down before I had to teach.

My morning started pretty early, and the first thing I had to do was teach.  I was SO nervous because I had to teach before even being in a Spanish class... so I wasn't sure how classes usually run.  But, the teachers I am working with gave me a lesson plan, so I basically just had to follow it.  ((The lessons here are COMPLETELY different than the ones in the US, so even though it made me feel better to have the lesson already done, it almost made me more nervous because its not the way I would normally teach... haha))

So, even though the lesson wasn't completely mine, I made a little power point to go along with it (like I always do when I teach... haha).  I was 100% prepared, until I walked into the classroom, and realized that the connection for the projector didn't fit my laptop, since I have a Mac. (there are no computers in the classrooms so I have to bring my own) So, of course I feel like I'm going to have a melt-down.  But somehow my nerves don't get to me (like they usually do) and I was able to teach without the power point, and things went REALLY WELL!! I had a great time, and all the students are really great!

I also went to two of my first classes as a student.  It was a little overwhelming, not because of the language or anything, but more because of the difference in class structure.  It's hard to explain exactly what I mean... but hopefully after going to a few more classes, I'll figure out exactly what it is that's so weird... haha I think it was the fact that they are more lecture based and less discussion based... and also that the syllabus isn't as exactly written out as I'm used to.  There is no calendar with due dates and readings and such... just a required reading list... I don't know what that means!! When do I read what?!?! haha

Overall though, a successful first day of classes... I am however completely exhausted... Looking forward to a relaxing night in with my wonderful roommate.

=)

Things in Salamanca that make me smile...

So, this is just a really short post to share a few pictures of things that have made me smile.

Bob Esponja =)

Signs with REALLY BAD English translation... If you don't speak Spanish, even in English you can tell that there is something seriously wrong with this sign... haha

Yummy Tapas!!!
AND... last but DEF not least...

NEW FRIENDS!!!  As I've said before, I've been awful about taking my camera with me, so these are just a few of the wonderful people I've met while here!!

That's all for now!! I'll be sure to post more soon!!

Long time no see!!

Wow!! I know its been FOREVER since I've posted last... at least it feels like it.  So much has happened in the last week or so! I can't believe it!

For starters, we left Madrid, and finally made it to Salamanca!! We decided to take a train, which was wonderful!! (Almost necessary since my mom and I get motion sickness easily, and we wouldn't have made it through a 3 hour bus ride... haha) The country-side was amazing, and I really enjoyed just looking out my window and taking it all in.  AND... I might have taken like a 45 min nap... haha

Getting into Salamanca felt wonderful.  Even though we had to pull my two 50lb suitcases up and down the hilly/bumpy streets to my apartment.  Only to find that there is no elevator... and I'm on the 3rd (4th really, since floors here start at 0) floor!! So, pulling my luggage up the stairs was a wonderful workout, and just one of many that I will have between carrying groceries and other things up and down the 6 flights of stairs... haha

My apartment is a tad small, but in all honesty, I think it's absolutely perfect!! But more on that later... since I have no pics... oops... haha

So, since I haven't been the best as charging/ carrying my camera, I don't have a lot of pics... SO, my next post is going to be about different places and photos that I want to share... for now, I'll just give a quick summary of what we've been doing since arriving to Salamanca.

The first few days were just spent walking around, adjusting to the changes and taking in the sights.  We were SO happy when getting to Salamanca, because we didn't particularly like Madrid, and Salamanca and Madrid couldn't be more different.  There are old cobble-stone streets, gorgeous views, and really nice people.  Within the first few days here, I was able to make a friend!! haha I had tapas with the sister of the girl that did my exchange previously.  She's a lovely person, and I've really enjoyed getting to know her!!

After getting to Salamanca, however, I still had very few answers about what I'm going to be doing here, how to register for classes, ect.  So, I met up with who I assume is my exchange coordinator, and within 2 hours, she had eased all of my concerns.  On top of that, I met another wonderful person!!  So, I've already started making friends!! yay!!

Funny enough, I was out to dinner the very night I had all of my questions answered, when my parents and I met a wonderful family from England.  Turns out the daughter is also going to be studying at the university and had the exact same questions that I was previously freaking out about! Except... she had no contact person or mentor.  So, our families met up the next day to walk around the city and I was able to show her around.  She's wonderful, and def going to be a great friend for life!

Our families hit it off so well, that we all took a walking tour together!! It was a lot of fun, and told a lot about the history of the city and different things that I would have never even thought to have asked about.  It was great! I have to say, this may be the prettiest city I've ever been in... Chicago and Santiago might win by a TINY margin... and that may be because I'm biased to them... haha

The last few days I've really just hung out with my new friends, cooked dinner with my parents in my new apartment ((Maybe my mom will send me a pic of my first dinner in my new place so I can post it... hint hint... haha)) and kinda just got set up.  I've also gone to meet with some professors and gotten all of that taken care of, so I think I'm ready for the new semester to start!! Only 3 days left!!

So... I know this is a shortened version of everything, and I PROMISE that I will post something about people and places and give pictures and such... but, for now, this is pretty much my life!! Lots of eating, tapas, walking (like A LOT of walking) and at night... watching Spongebob until I fall asleep... life is good!

Hop on! Hop off!

Have you ever done these things? It's the hop-on-hop-off big red double decker bus things that go around cities.  My parents and I did it when we were in London a few years back, so when the lady at our hotel told us about the one here in Madrid we definitely had to do it!! It really is the BEST way to see a city.  This is how we chose to get around the city for the last two days.  Not only were we able to see everything, but they also had great guided commentary so that you learned something about whatever you were seeing!! It was really nice!

Now, we've had a VERY busy few days, so this may be a long post, and I may leave out a few things, but I'm going to try to include as much as possible.

Driving around one the bus was A LOT of fun.  We even just rode it around the loop a couple times just to hear the information and see the sights.  Today I even got to sit in the front of the top deck of the bus!! It was really exciting! But also kinda scary cuz some of these people drive REALLY crazy, and I'm already a horrible wreck as a passenger.  haha Oh, and there was a restaurant called "Nebraska."  I don't know why anyone would call a restaurant Nebraska... I seriously doubt they've ever really been there...











The first day we did the bus thing we decided to go see the Museo del Prado.  If you know anything about art, you know this is the place to be.  It was absolutely breathtaking.  I was so excited to get to see some of the paintings I have spent the last 8 years of my life learning about in person!! It was AWESOME!! I recommend it to ANYONE that has studied anything about Spanish art/culture.  I don't think my parents enjoyed it as much as me... but at least they put up with it cuz they love me! =)

 I'm not sure if they would have let me take pictures inside the museum (I seriously doubt they would...) but I didn't even ask... BUT I did take a wonderful picture of the outside of the museum... so here it is!!

Today's big adventure was the Palacio Real.  It was AMAZING.  So ornate!! Again, they wouldn't let us take pictures inside, so this is about the best I can do!!

WHEW... That was a lot!! We did plenty of other things in between of course, but for the major events of the trip so far, I think that about sums it up!! 

Tomorrow... we go to Salamanca, and I get to move into my apartment!! Can't wait!!