so i have officially been in spain for a week and one day. where to begin. it has been quite the journey thus far. it has been quite an emotional rollercoaster, but it is starting to settle down. we did lots of touring with the group (of 40 students) over the first 4 days, and then we got to our homes. there is lots to see here and many cathedrals and castles to learn about. in madrid we toured quite a bit then we went to toledo (about an hour south of madrid) and did more touring. then we finally got on the bus for a six hour ride to sevilla. it was the most nerve-wracking ride of my life. when we were getting close to sevilla, i was questioning myself and wondering what i was doing here. i was so nervous to meet my family and make sevilla my home for the next 3 1/2 months. i would have to find my way around this place, and really be at home here. crazy thought! i was tenative to get off the bus and very anxious to hear the directors call my name to meet my host mom. i felt numb and scared, but at the same time so glad to be in a place i could call home.
now i look back on that day and think i was being silly. it has been amazing here! i get lost pretty much every day, but i must say i am incredible at reading a map. i must look like a fool to all the natives here because i have to look at my map wherever i go, but hey, that is alright. i am settling in here, and it is becoming easier for me to understand the language. and i am speaking more of it too. i feel so accomplished when i can understand a whole conversation that we have with our host mom. its a great feeling! and i know it will only get better.
other than that, not much else has been going on. we (my roommate kayla, and i) went to the beach yesterday (a 2 hour train ride) and it was soooo nice to just relax. we got back late and were exhausted so we went to bed. we are going to review our spanish today so we can do well on our placement exam tomorrow. we have that test then we are touring the campus. and then on tuesday, we have an orientation and welcome reception in the evening and then classes start on wednesday! i am actually really excited to start classes and see what they are like and such. until then, we need to figure out how to get a bus pass and where the bus stop is. :)
i hope things are going well for everyone! any news/anything is welcome :) hope to hear from you soon! love to all!
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4 comments:
I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!! It just makes me smile to hear you in your random words & pictures! Thanks for sharing about your first few weeks, so glad to hear you are settling in & actually enjoying it - not that I ever doubted you would LOVE it there!!! Write soon! Love & miss you much!!! Hugs!
Thanks for posting pics and letting us know what is up. I miss you alot, especially when it comes to things to do. Haha I am sure you will be a "native" before you know it.Good luck this week- on the test and starting school.
Love D
WOW, you were very brave to travel that far and go by the sea... I'm impressed! Glad you got to see it and that you are enjoying all the sights--did Kayla go with you too? Write to us when you are able and find a landline for me to call you on--k? Love- D-Mom
GOOD LUCK ON THAT TEST, LADY! can't wait to hear more. sounds like you're finding your way around. enjoy!
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