My Adventures

¡Hola! Qué Tal?

When I saw Spain from the windows of the airplane, I was amazingly blown away by its’ beauty. My first impression about Spain can be described in three adjectives: rural, peaceful, and beautiful. Once we landed, my friends and I had to wait approximately 5 hours to get picked up from the Madrid Airport. Despite my fatigue and excitement, I was ready to be in my new home.

Week 1:

The next morning (Monday, 6/30) was my first day of class at the Universidad Católica de Ávila (UCAV). I was enrolled in Aula de Lengua Española Inicial I/II y Cultural y Civiliacion Español Inicial. Monday was the day where I learned my schedule for the next month. My weekly schedule is as follows:

09:15-11:30 Lengua espanola, Inicial I/II
11:45-14:00 Cultural y civilizacion espanola, Inicial
20-30 minute walk to the Seminario (Dormitory)
14:00-15:00 Lunch
*** Siesta occurs from 14:00-1700. During siesta, some stores/banks/restaurants close to rest. It's like a national nap time for the Spanish.
*18:40-20:45 Volunteer at Centro de Educación Especial Santa Teresa (Every Monday)
21:00-22:00 Dinner

In sum, my first week consisted of becoming comfortable and situated of the time change (Spain is 9 hours ahead of the US), food, and schedule. For about 3 days, I was actually living in Spain without euros. I could not change my dollars without having an account with the bank(s) in Ávila. Moreover, on the fifth day (7/03), I was showered by the rain of Ávila. Sadly, I was tired of the food by the end of the first week because my meals consisted of carbohydrates and fat. I had missed my greens. On the bright side, in a whole week I was able to explore Ávila, Salamanca, and Madrid. I also tasted churros con chocolate, sangria, y paella. The best three things you need to try while visiting Spain!

Week 2:

Same schedule, and same mentality about the food. Worst, I had jetlag and an upset stomach throughout the week. On the bright side, Monday (7/07) was my first day of volunteer work at El Centro de Educación Especial Santa Teresa. I stayed in Ávila for the weekend enjoying churros con chocolate, shopping, watching the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and spending quality time with friends. This calm weekend was needed after a crazy weekend at Madrid.

Week 3:

This week, I could feel the time going by quickly. I cannot believe that it has almost been 3 complete weeks that I have stayed and studied in another country. As I recall everything that has happened, I ask to myself, "Where did time go?"

On Tuesday (7/15) was Profesora Vanesa's birthday. We signed a card, sang, and wrote on the board for her. She was in awe. When I sent the pictures we had taken as a class, she responded with the sweetest message:

"Soy muy afortunada de tener los alumnos que tengo. Ha sido una clase muy especial." At that moment, I knew I was going to miss not only this small city, but the people who have touched my heart.

Today, (7/18), I am going to Toledo for our last excursion. Then, from Toledo I am off to beautiful Barcelona! I am beyond excited!

In the meantime, stay tuned for my next post about the cities I will have visited in Spain. This will include (Salamanca, Madrid, Segovia, Toledo, and Barcelona).

ENJOY!