the first week.

Hi friends!

So I realized that I have not updated this in a few days so I apologize!  I am doing well and things have been great!  I am finally able to sleep at night without tossing and turning for hours so that is a praise! I’m incredibly thankful for the pedometer I got for Christmas (yes, I asked for a pedometer for Christmas).  We walk everywhere and it records my steps, miles walked and calories.

This past Monday, we took the placement exam that determined what level of Spanish classes we should be placed into.  After debate and doubt of my abilities, my test proctor placed me into level 5 out of 9, which I was fairly pleased with.  Classes began on Tuesday.  This semester I am taking, Spanish Literature, Art History in Spain, a grammar class, an oral/writing class and a Latin American Culture and Civilization class.  All of my classes are taught in Spanish so it’s inevitable that I will comprehend much more Spanish (I hope).  I’ve seen several Aggies around campus (whoop!) and met some fellow Texans from UT as well.  I’ve also met several people from other states (there are a bunch of people here from Iowa which I find kind of random).  Unfortunately, I have homework in my grammar and Spanish literature classes, so I will actually be working on some homework this weekend.  The school week is relatively short here because we do not have class on Fridays!!!!  This is something I could definitely get used to…

Since we didn’t have class today, Suzanne and I decided to explore Granada some more.  I feel like I’ve done this everyday since I’ve been here because I walk everywhere and each time I always see something new.  Today one of our destinations was a park.  I can’t remember the name of it because Suzanne looked it up and found it on the map.  The park had fountains, some trees, a lot of concrete and little grass (haven’t seen much grass in Granada).  After the park, we walked around some unfamiliar (to us) parts of Granada and learned what else the city had to offer.  We met up with other people from SOL and toured the Cathedral and La Capilla Real.  La Capilla Real is where Isabel and Ferdinand are buried.  Did you know that Isabel was a lot smarter than Ferdinand?  Yep, she was.  Before and after the Cathedral and La Capilla Real, I got frozen yogurt (yogur as they say here).  I haven’t had frozen yogurt in such a long time (hence why I had it twice) and it definitely hit the spot!  It was at a cute place called Yogurlandia.  If you’re ever in Granada, Spain---go there.

Things I’ve realized I like thus far: Kiwi—it might now be my new favorite fruit.  Ham—not a huge fan back in the States but it’s delicious here.  Olives—I can’t believe I’m actually saying this because I normally find olives disgusting.  I tried a green olive last night (I can’t remember the Spanish name for it) and it wasn’t half bad.  The meal schedule—breakfast is pretty light (normally toast and coffee or something similar), followed by morning merienda (snack), lunch at 2-3 (biggest meal of the day), afternoon merienda (snack) and then dinner around 8-9 and sometimes 10 at night.  The Spainards have really got this down.  Yogurt drinks—(just like the Danactive ones in the US!) I’ve had several since I’ve arrived in Europe! Sooo good.

On another note, everyone here looks like a fashionista.  I’m not joking!  Seriously, everyone looks like they just walked out of a photo shoot for a fashion magazine.  Even little kids dress nicer than I do!  I’ve seen multiple little girls wearing knee winter boots, colored tights, a long pea coat and a scarf.  They are so precious!

Also, did you know that Apostle Paul had the intention of traveling to Spain to share Jesus there? I didn’t until I read Romans 15 yesterday.  Check out Romans 15!

I miss you guys.  Love to all :)

Ciao!

Kelli