La Alhambra

The Alhambra is one of the main tourists’ attractions in Granada and I was lucky enough to be able to see it within my first week of residing in the city.  I actually completely forget to mention it which is strange because it was absolutely amazing.  It dates back to the 9th century and was originally built by and for the Muslims.  Although then around the 1400's, Catholic kings took over the city of Granada and claimed the Alhambra as a Palace.  Today it appears to be a mix of both the Muslim and Catholic heritages, as you can see both crosses and Arabic in the details throughout the multiple buildings and gardens.

 

 

 

Hiking in Monachil

Friday we went hiking in this little town by the Sierra Nevada's called Monachil.  It was so pretty and ended up taking me totally by surprise.  We did get a little lost on the way but I think everyone could agree that in the end it was definitely worth it.  I wish I was a better photographer because it was seriously amazing and the pictures can't even do it the tiniest bit of justice.  Hope you enjoy them all the same though :).    

 

A New Life On a New Shore Line

So things are definitely different but they are good.  It definitely takes some time to get used to everything but once you do, things really start falling in place.  It took me a while to get used to the schedule, I feel like it’s the complete opposite of the United States.  I always feel like I’m starving…and according to Miss Stacy, I’m either talking about chocolate or Kabab King; both of which are amazing, let’s be serious.  The food has been interesting to say the least, especially because I’m such a picky eater.  I have actually gotten a lot better though, I just tend not to ask what it is and then I’m fine.  

The first week of classes went great.  They are all really interesting and I take a field trip every Wednesday for my art class, which is always a plus.   I sometimes wonder how this adds up to a semester at UofI…I literally have 2-3 classes a day and no classes Friday.  We also have two week long breaks and two more four day weekends… and then we end way earlier in May.  It kind of feels like a joke but I’m not complaining :).  

For one of our classes we all got invited to go see a Flamenco show up in the mountains, which ended up being an experience needless to say.  It was umm...creative?  Lol yeah I don’t really know, it was attention-grabbing but at the same time I was oddly freaked out by it.  The setting kind of reminds you of some weird horror movie right before the mayhem starts.  It’s kind of dark and creepy.    Again this is just my perception, others thought it was beautiful…Haha but anyways on a more important note, this is also the same night I tried Kabab King for the first time….best fast food ever!

The next night we ventured out to the discoteca for the first time.  Our journey there was an interesting one and it ended up being soo much fun.  We all decided we would buy a bottle of wine, to share in a plaza, and then go dance up a storm at the disco.  Little did we know, on our way to buy our wine, a bunch of random bars would be giving out some great drink deals…which of course we have to take advantage of.  It actually all started with 50 cent shots and then, before we know it, we are at the sketchiest bar ever drinking huge things of beer.   This bar smelled worse than Kams (yes I repeat WORSE than Kams) and had a plethora of very interesting people.  I think we decided to leave once this guy( Michelangelo the turtle, NOT the painter) starting saying, “I love you, you are my princess.”  Bahaha oh god.  Eventually we made it to the disco, where I am pretty positive we were the only people dancing…but of course we had no shame and tons of fun.  

That interesting Friday night pretty much ensured me staying home all day Saturday for some recuperation…oops sorry for partying.  Then Sunday I just chilled and did homework and around 9 p.m. we all ended up going to Paddy’s for the Bears/Packers game.  Naturally I was not very interested but I did get to catch up and chat with mis amigas.  Sorry the Bears lost Dad :( I could almost hear you yelling at the T.V. from Spain.  

That is about all for now, miss and love everyone :)!       

It's All Happening :)

Spain has been absolutely amazing so far.  Granada is seriously so beautiful and an incredible city.  When we arrived in Granada, instead of going to our host families right away, we stayed in a hostel for about three days.  It was surprisingly pretty nice but there was absolutely no room at all!  There were literally five beds all pushed together and a tiny bathroom that turned into a swimming pool anytime someone showered.  Despite being in such a small space it was so nice to be able to hang out with my friends for a while before going to our separate families.  They were all so funny and we actually all improved on our British accents quite well lol.

The first couple of days walking around the city were definitely amusing; it is absolutely a completely different culture.  We pretty much starved for two days because we didn't really understand how to order food or where it was lol… but it all ended up being soo much fun and definitely a learning experience.  We ended up learning how to order but really all we have been eating is bread and wine.  Super classy I know :).

The language is hard at first but the more you hear it and get used to it, the easier it becomes.  I make mistakes all the time but I think people understand the main gist of what I'm trying to say...at least I think so.  If I have no idea what people are saying normally I just smile and say "sí" a ton.  Although once that actually got us into trouble when we were at this bar, because none of us really understood what the waiter was saying, and we ended up getting a bunch of appetizers we didn't order and I apparently got a new boyfriend too (& no not really Mom) haha.   It was just a strange miscommunication where I ended up meeting his dad, who owned the bar, and all of his dad’s friends.  We all ended up laughing about it at the table because we tend to never be on the same page with our waiters, one of them even gave us thumbs up (apparently universal) after we stared at him for a couple minutes with confused looks on our faces.  Another mishap was at the bank when I almost asked the teller if I could exchange my American pain for Euros...oops lol.  But I am getting better at Spanish I swear!

Overall Granada has been a blast so far and today I just got to my host family's house :).  My señora is really nice and I am so happy to have a little extra room but I miss my orphan sisters lol.  I am about to go walk around the city but I miss everyone and I'll try to get pictures up soon :).  ¡Adiós!