Little Victories

If there is one thing that I'm coming to realize about studying abroad, it's the fact that sometimes the small details are the most important and the most rewarding.  The past few days have been full of little victories, and it's reassuring to me that I'm making progress in my new environment. Because guess what?! I finally figured out how to order the cup of coffee that I had been so desperately craving. It's actually the same drink that I get in the US-- cafe americano-- but I didn't see it on the menu here, so I wasn't sure if I could order it that simply. After my caffeinated success on Monday morning in the university cafeteria, my confidence with ordering has drastically increased.  Not only I am pleased to have one of my favorite beverages (I'm addicted), but I also get the chance to interact and to use my Spanish. It's made me so incredibly happy!

Another little victory: figuring out how to turn on the lights in the staircase leading up to mi familia's flat.  Before, I usually stumbled up the dark staircase, and I was able to find the light switch that was outside the door so that I could at least properly use the key. Finally, I followed someone who knew what they were doing, and I watched him flip the switch at the bottom that lights up the entire staircase.  Although this doesn't seem like that big of a deal, it was important to me because it confirmed my role as a resident and it alleviated the usual stress of climbing the stairs.  Because the language barrier can be very difficult for me at times, I've learned a lot through observation, and I'm beginning to realize how vital this can be.  My creeping skills are paying off because watching the people around me can teach me how to best respond to the demands of my environment.

In other news, I have eaten some very tasty meals over the past few days.  On Sunday, I was woken up with chocolate con churros for breakfast. ¡Qué deliciosa! Seriously, though. I probably enjoyed this meal more than almost any other.  Not only was it a tasty breakfast of champions, but it was also a welcome and pleasant surprise to a girl who had stayed out far too late the night before.  (The Spanish nightlife is very fun, but it requires staying up until wee hours in the morning because most clubs don't even open until 3am.)  Sunday continued to be a fabulous eating day because I had my first plate of paella-- a traditional Spanish dish with rice and, in my case, snails, chicken and artichoke.  Mi madre also bought strawberries--which are my favorite fruit-- at the market, so we've been having those with some of our meals. Status of homestay: worth every penny. 

I also found out that I got a job, and I'm looking forward to starting sometime next week.  I wasn't planning on having one here because I thought my Spanish language level might inhibit me, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity when I found out that I was eligible. My program director, Luis, set me up with a man who wants an English-speaking conversation partner for about an hour and a half per week. I will travel by tram to the Playa de San Juan area (the most famous beach in Alicante), and I will help this man with his English skills by picking a conversation topic.  This is the perfect gig for me: I'm a talker and I'm getting to build a connection with another Spanish family.  One of my friends will also be tutoring his daughter.  The other perk: about 10-15 euro per week.  This is the perfect tapas allowance. 

My professor keeps telling us that living in Alicante is a "gran oportunidad," and I couldn't agree with her more.  Not only have I been soaking in the sunshine, but I've also been soaking in the cultural and language experience that Spain has to offer. It's been absolutely wonderful, and I look forward to more little victories that I'm sure will come my way.