FIRST DAY IN SPAIN

Leaving my parents yesterday morning was surprisingly one of the hardest things I've done in a while.  I feel like I usually can go long periods of time without seeing them (Like being in Delaware). But this was different, I really wasn't going to be near them for a LONG time. I want to thank them for taking their days off of work to drive my spoiled ass to the airport in New York <3

After one of the longest days of travel I have endured I am finally in Granada, Spain! The flight was brutal but after popping a sleeping pill I was able to recover a whopping three hours of sleep.  Once I was finally getting into a deeper sleep, the lights switched on and a booming voice came from the speaker screeching, "BUENOS DIAS!"  That signaled it was time to get up and eat the stale breakfast they provided us with.

 The group I am traveling with is great.  We all blindly navigated through the Madrid airport, scattering through more security lines, as we had a 4 and a half hour layover and our flight wasn't posted till an hour before.  The next flight was probably one of the shortest and bumpiest flights I've been on, but it was completely beautiful.  We flew over olive and grape groves as well as the Sierra Nevada mountains, even getting pretty close as we went for our landing.  

Even when we finally landed in Granada it hadn't hit me yet that I'm finally in Spain.  And not just for 10 days or some average vacation time, but for three and a half months!  When it actually hit me this became a complete shock.  Struggling to use my Spanish so far, it is hard to keep up with the native speakers and how fast they speak.  Hopefully practicing with my family should help me improve.  It was hard to believe that I was going to have to get used to this.. especially not hearing any English whatsoever.

The house where I'm staying is very nice.  I have my own room and closet with plenty of space, and great roommates in the other room.  However, walking to the apartment was tiring since we were all carrying all the bags we brought through the cobble stone streets. (I'm really surprised the wheels didn't pop off like they usually do when I travel) Although I didn't mind because I was so overjoyed that my suitcase actually made it and I wouldn't have to be wearing the same two sets of clothes for 5 days.

Tonight our host sister is planning on taking us on a walk to show us around the neighborhood and help us buy a few things we didn't bring (shampoo, conditioner, hair straightener, towel..etc.. all the stuff that weighed too much to put into the suitcase)

New goal: to not be so shy to attempt to speak Spanish.. Maybe some liquid courage is needed.. AND to review basic vocabulary.. (It's embarrassing when you forget how to say towel in Spanish..) Luckily my host mother is patient and tries to help whenever she can.

Tomorrow we are seeing our school for the first time! YAY.
AND going on a walking tour in the blistering Granada sun!..I better add sun screen on that list of things to buy.. Can't wait for fall in Spain!

-Anais

Last day in the USA

Finally after re-weighing my suitcase about eight times I think I am ready to head off to Spain (50 pounds exactly. Hollerrr.)  Honestly, meeting the weigh requirement for the suitcase has been the hardest part of the last few days.  How am I suppose to fit three and a half months into one 50 pound suit case and a small carry on? I guess this just means I have to buy a lot when I get to Spain!  I spent the night with my parents and my best friend, in order to toast to a good and insightful trip.  I'm looking forward to tomorrow in order to start a great new life changing adventure (and NOT for the plane ride).  When get return from Spain I plan to be fluent in Spanish and way more mature than when I left.  Let's hope the flight goes well and all the luggage arrives in tact :)

Next time I speak to you all I will be in Spainland! Hasta luego :)