La Vida Loca (Part 2)

Today I have a free day, so I'm finally able to update my blog.  It's raining here, but I'm really enjoying the weather because it's still quite temperate.  Earlier this morning I walked around with a few girls up to a point where we could see a view of the entire city, and it was breathtaking.  After more meandering, we made it to a coffee shop, and I decided to order a cappuccino con panna.  I was somewhat familiar with this drink because of my short stint as a barista, but I didn't realize that it created a mountain of creme.  I'm still glad that I ordered it, but maybe next time I'll just go for some plain coffee.  I'm having so much fun trying to decipher everything that is written in Spanish!

But, I guess I'm getting ahead of myself.  The second half of my journey went swimmingly.  Sure, a 9-hourish flight is not alway preferable, but it was definitely worth it.  Once again, I made a great friend on the airplane.  She is an English-teaching yoga-lover originally from Colorado, but now she lives in Madrid.  I was thankful to be sitting next to her because she helped me to navigate the airport in Madrid, and she also gave me many tips for travelling in Spain.  Everything does happen for a reason.  I might even be able to meet up again with her at some point. 

Once I made it to my gate in Madrid, I found five other girls who are part of the USAC Alicante program.  I had travelling buddies! This worked well because we were able to split taxi fares to the Plaza, which was the meeting place for the program.  At  the Plaza de Los Luceros (I'm trying to pronounce it "Platha de Loth Lutheros" because that is how the locals say it), I finally met mi familia.  With kisses on both cheeks-- complete with an awkward moment with the son-- mi familia walked me up to our flat.  We are very close the the Plaza, and this has been quite convenient since it has become the most common meeting place.  Mi familia is great! I'm so thankful because most of the other students have been complaining about their host families.  Sure, my Spanish is limited, but I've been actually enjoying the struggle to converse.  The best part: mi family ONLY speaks Spanish.  No English.  Not even a little.  I'm looking forward to the day when I can communicate better, but for now, I'll stick with my choppy elementary Spanish-speaking abilities.  Last night, my host mom and I talked about Obama (in Spanish, of course), so that was fun for me!

This is my bed and luggage. My Wheely Beast only weighed 48.5 lbs.  Good job, self.

I'm also getting more used to the Spanish eating schedule.  I wasn't very jet-lagged, given that I didn't sleep much on the plane, but the meal schedule was a little tricky at first.  The Spanish eat three main meals and one snack.  Breakfast is light at around 8am-ish, and then the snack is eaten around 10am or 11am.  Mi madre makes me a basic sandwich for the snack, and breakfast is cereal and fruit.  Lunch is eaten at 3pm, and then dinner is at 9pm.  We eat lunch and dinner together in the living room, and the TV is always on.  Sometimes we watch the news, or sports, or even the Simpsons.  The son really likes the Simpsons.  Funny, right? 

Yesterday, I took the bus to the campus for orientation.  La Universidad de Alicante is GORGEOUS!  There are palm trees and orange trees everywhere, and I'm excited to venture into the library someday.  The orientation was very informative, and I'm excited to start class tomorrow.  I can't wait to learn more Spanish so that it is easier for me to converse with the locals. I have to take the bus to school each day, and I'm actually looking forward to that.  It takes me through a part of the city that I haven't seen much, and it's just part of the adventure.  I'm still figuring out how to best get a ticket (I struggled at the bookshop and may have been ripped off when buying it), but I'm sure that will come with time.

Many of the streets in Alicante look like this.

Later, USAC had a walking tour of the city, and we saw some beautiful sights!  It was much more informative than the first night where I just wandered to the beach in my jet-lagged stupor with a girl who shared my taxi. I can't wait until I know the city better.  Because we have been travelling in big groups, we don't blend in much.  In fact, everywhere we go it seems as though we are screaming "SOY AMERICANO" (I am American). Ha.  My goal is to get to the point where I can at least blend in with the locals, even if this may be difficult given my giant curly blonde hair.  But I'm convinced that if there is a will, there is a way.   

There is a castle here! We saw it at night during our walking tour.  I will be going to the top on Friday with the USAC group.  Should provide some great views.

Today will put this to the test because I'm going out with friends later to explore "Las Rebajas." These are huge sales that are taking place in all of the stores right now, so maybe I can get some good deals if I decide that I need anything.  I bought some shower supplies at the store last night, and I almost stole a plastic bag (they charge for grocery bags here.)  I'm such a nube.  But it all worked out.  As more time passes, I'm sure I will find my niche here.  Here's my first picture in Alicante: 

 

La playa! I'm sure I will be coming here a lot.  Great walking paths and gorgeous views.  There's actually a casino nearby. Shout out to you, Nevada! 

Well, this post is getting long, so I better cut myself off.  In short: I'm alive and well.  Sure, I've had to make adjustments, but everything has been manageable so far.  I'm grateful for this experience, and I'm also thankful for everyone who has supported me in my adventure. 

I'll be writing again soon! Adios.