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!! 

Finally here!!

Well... It's been a long day to say the least... It all started yesterday at 1:00pm Chicago time, and here I am, the next day at 11:16am Chicago time (6:16pm Spain time).

The STREEECCCHHH limo picked us up at 1:00.  I was SO excited, but at the same time really sad... It was the last time I will ever be in my house.  =(  So, ya, bittersweet doesn't quite describe what I was feeling at that time.

When we finally got to the airport, we were able to find out gate and such with minimal problems.  ((GOOD NEWS!! My suitcases were both under 50lbs!!)) The plane ride was LOOOONNNGGG and HOT!! So, I didn't get much sleeping done, no matter how hard I tried and how much I wanted to.

Arriving in Madrid and getting to our hotel all went smoothly.  We had a taxi service pick us up (so we didn't have to deal with lugging around my luggage... haha).  We got to out hotel at around 9:15am and they told us our room wouldn't be ready until 2:00!! Of course, we're exhausted at this point, but we trudge back onto the streets of Madrid (leaving our bags in the care of the hotel) and find a store to get me a Spanish cell phone.  My mom even got one!! haha  The rest of the afternoon we adventured around the city, trying different tapas and walking in and out of different shops.

When we finally get into our hotel room, we all fall asleep for an hour.  BUT since we don't want to be messed up with time, we decide to go out for yet another walk.  Of course we're too tired to really do anything like go to the museums or anything, but at least we're moving.

However, traveling with my parents has a few drawbacks... they already wanted to come back to the hotel and sleep!! haha I don't blame them, but, I'm still trying to stay awake for a few more hours so I can actually sleep through the entire night and be ready for a big day tomorrow!!

For now... I'm going to go read and relax.
=)

Tomorrow's the big day!!

So... It's only ONE DAY until I leave!! I can't believe it's coming so quickly!! AHH!!! I'm still trying to accept that it's happening.  I feel like it's too surreal.  I've been waiting for this for SO LONG...

Nothing really too exciting or new happening today... My boyfriend, Andrew has been in town visiting, and he's leaving me in a few hours to return to school, and he's taking my puppy with him... So, that's going to be REALLY sad...

BUT! Last night, Andrew bought tickets to come visit me in Spain for Christmas! This is going to be my first Christmas away from my family, and I'm SO thankful that Andrew is coming out to see me!! It's going to be WONDERFUL! AND We'll be able to spend our 4th Christmas together, together!!

              ((Me and Andrew at our first Christmas together!!))

3 DAYS!!!!

So, its the Friday before I leave for Spain.  I can't believe I'm only 3 days away from moving back to the country I have been trying to get back to for the last 3 years!! Hard work and patience really paid off!!

Unfortunately though, it's an exciting and sad time for me.  Many people know that my parents just recently sold their home and are planning on moving out of state.  Now, don't get me wrong... I'm VERY excited for them!! BUT, It only adds to the emotions that when I leave to go to Spain, I'll be leaving my childhood home for the last time.  When I get home, someone else will be living there, and it will just be a memory for me. 

While I pack my suitecases and carry-on bags, I also have to pack boxes of things that will go into storage until I get home and find somewhere to live.  Just so many emotions right now!! I feel like if I don't get to Spain soon, I might explode!!

On a more exciting note: This is my last Friday at work!! I've been working at the same office since I was 15 (that's like 8 years...) and when I get home from Spain, I won't be working at this office anymore, since I don't have a place to live close enough to commute. haha

Last Tuesday in the USA until next July!! Whoa...

So... here I am, less than a week away from leaving my happy little home in the cozy suburbs of Chicago.  I'm getting REALLY nervous but excited at the same time.  (I still think the hardest thing is going to be leaving my puppy...)

Either way, I'm packing... trying to make everything fit into the allotted weight limit/ bag size nonsense that the airlines are enforcing these days.  Did you know you're only allowed 1 (ONE!) checked bag at no cost and it can only weight 50 lbs?!?! Well, I didn't.

Thankfully my mom will be able to check one of my bags for me... whew.

All that got me thinking though... How can people move across the world for an entire year, on just one (one!) suitcase?!?! I know there are tons of people that do it! And honestly, I'm impressed/ jealous! I have literally pulled everything out of my suitcases at LEAST 4 times, laid it all out, and just sat there, staring at it... trying to figure out what I'll be able to live without.  Although I have cut it back a lot, I'm still going to need 2 suitcases.  I am hoping to have at least 10 lbs of empty room in one of them though, that I can fill with goodies to bring back to my family and friends... so far so good!

Where I'm going to put those suitcases in my little room in Spain is a whole different question that I'm just gonna worry about it when I get there.... haha