Life is for living!

Espanol palabra del dia: perder-- it means to get lost.

This word is one that describes my life right now. After arriving in Malaga on Tuesday, we got to Granada on Wednesday night. I was exhausted on Tuesday and Wednesday... and Thursday. And I'm tired today. But I can sleep in a little tomorrow! Anyway, back to my story. Malaga is in southern Spain right on the coast and is beautiful! It has many montanas (mountains) and reminds me of Caracas, Venezuela. It's a fun city, and only about an hour from Granada. So I'll definitely be going back.

When I got to Granada on Wednesday, my senora was there to greet me. She's a really nice lady. Her name is Maricarmen, and it's her and her 25-year-old son Nacho (yes, that's his name) that live in her house. They're both really nice to me, and talk slowly for me so I can understand them better! And, Maricarmen's food is really good! Not really anything I've had before, at least not the lunches, but it's really yummy!

Yesterday my host mom walked me to class, which is about 30 minutes from my house. But then I had to walk back by myself. And I got lost (hence the word of the day!). I was about half and hour late for lunch, but that's okay because it was the first day. Then last night, when we went out, my friends and I got lost again going to meet up with some other people. It's interesting getting lost in a city you don't know, and definitely uncomfortable. However, I know it's the only way I'll really get to know the city, so it's good.

We started our Spanish classes yesterday. They go from 9am-2pm. LONG day. But my teacher is nice and makes us laugh, and I have some friends that I met in the class. Last night we went out for the second night to a couple bars. In Spain, they don't eat dinner. They go out and have tapas instead, which are basically appetizers. In Granada only, the tapas are free when you order a drink. So that's what we do. And we don't even go out until 9 or 10pm or later, so it's quite an adjustment for me who is a morning person. We had a lot of fun though, and were able to get a feel a little bit for the city and nightlife.

I've met a lot of really cool people. There's about 28398475 students from Penn State in my program (or maybe just 15). And a lot of other east coast students. I did meet one person from Kansas City though, which is comforting. I've been blessed to have found some good friends already, and I'm excited to get to know them better!

Okay so I know this isn't much information for you, but it's all I have time for right now! Just know that Spain is wonderful, even though it's very different, but I like it. It's beautiful, the people are nice, and it's going to be a great experience for me!

Hasta luego!