La vida española

So I've officially been here for one week! I can't even believe it. I've met some amazing people and have had some once-in-a-lifetime experiences already, and I've absolutely fallen in love with Spain and its culture.

The first official day in Toledo was fun, we had a group meeting and orientation, and took an exam to see what level of spanish we were at. After, we got to pick our schedules! Unfortunately, I couldn't take all of the classes I wanted, because some were at the same time, etc, but I'm very happy with my schedule. I'm taking Arte de las Tres Culturas, an art class that learns about the Christian, Muslim, and Jewish art and influence on Toledo culture. Here we have class twice a day (and the class meets for two days of the week), so for this class every morning session Tuesday and Thursday we take an excursion around Toledo to visit a mosque or synagogue or cathedral, fountain, whatever my professor wants to emphasize, and we talk about it that afternoon. Its so fun! And I love learning about the city that I live in, it really makes me feel like I'm becoming spanish because I'm learning so much about their history, culture, and life. I'm also taking a literature class (my professor's name is Nacho ;) and a phonetics class, to better my Castillian spanish (yeah, definitely need to work on that).

Wednesday and Thursday we hung around the Fund (its so much easier calling it that than school, or any other name) and I got to know my family a little bit more. Unfortunately, its been hard because I've felt obligated to go home, and haven't been able to enjoy all that Toledo offers, because the buses stop running at 11:30, which is very early here in Spain. My family is nice, but I don't think living with a host family is necessarily the experience I want to have, because I want to take full advantage of all of the opportunities here in Toledo and at the Fund (my family is a 30 minute bus ride away, plus waiting for the bus is hard). Anyways sorry about the sidetrack...

On Wednesday we all went to the local Irish pub to watch Spain play Switzerland...yeah it didn't turn out the way we wanted it to (they lost). However, it was great to just chill out, have a beer, and watch the game with new friends. I have no idea why we chose the Irish bar, I think its just because they can speak English and its almost a Fund hangout...but I digress. We also did the same for the USA game on Friday, and although we ALL know that we should have won, the US also tied...but hey, the bars a good place to chill ;)

Friday morning I got up early for a guided tour of Toledo! Our program offers plenty of day excursions, and this was the first :) It was so amazing! The bus drove us around the wall and then across the river for a view of the entire city, it was breathtaking...there is just no other way to describe it. Toledo has been a city since before 700 AD, and its gorgeous. There are old ruins, and it seems so small because the houses and streets are small. But when you look at the entire city, its amazing! I could definitely get lost in the view, not to mention the streets themselves :)

Toledo

Liana, Emily, and I :)

All the doors are enormous!

Classic Mediterranean Architecture

La Plaza Zocodover

Besides getting a grandiose view of the city, we also walked around and saw some of the sights, like the wall (muralla) and other mosques and cathedrals. We ventured to the main plaza (Plaza Zocodover) and eventually we ended up back at the Fund for comida (lunch). Here in Spain, lunch is the biggest meal. For breakfast they usually have some type of coffee, a muffin, and galletas (cookies) but not to much else...then for comida the food is hot, like a usual dinner would be. For example, yesterday we had Spanish pasta (almost like manicotti) with chicken and a soup. Salad and desserts are always offered as well. For cena (dinner) you usually just have a little something, and fruit. The hardest part? Cena isn't until 10! Definitely hard to get used to.

Friday we explored a little and then I went home, I had to get up early the next morning! We had heard about a hike to Pride Rock that was a must do, so we figured Saturday morning before it got too hot was the best time...and it was, but it was still very very hot. We followed the road for a long time, and eventually ventured up the hill to Pride Rock...and no kidding, it looks exactly like Pride Rock from the Lion King! The view of the city here was even better than where we went on Friday, because you were above the city...just absolutely picturesque. It was cooler up there too, because of the wind, so naturally we chilled and explored. Just amazing, and it was fabulous getting to know everyone better!

The group at the top :)

After Pride Rock, we tried taking a ferry to cross the river, but there wasn't anyone operating it from the other side...it must have been siesta time. So we had to trek back up the path we just came down, and walk all the way back to the Fund, or near it. Did I mention how hilly Toledo is? Yeah, it was a pain, and we were all VERY tired at the end. At least I'll have good looking legs at the end! haha

Anyways...after reaching our goal (the top!) we stopped at an outdoor cafe that luckily had water misters to cool ourselves down. On the menu we saw milkshakes, and immediately ordered that with chicken and pineapple kabobs. YUM! The only thing was the milkshakes were literally that, frothy cold milk with chocolate...no ice cream! I guess they like things a little creamier here ;)

Later that night we went out for sangria and then went to a local bar, hanging out and having a fun time, but I left around 2:30 because I had to get up early the next morning. We had heard from someone that noon mass at the Cathedral was a must to go to, so thats what we did. Oh my gosh! Mass was one of the most sacred, amazing experiences I've had. Granted, it was in Spanish so I understood the homily and the prayers, but I couldn't respond or sing because I didn't know the words, but it was still amazing. The cathedral here is "La Catedral Primera", or the first cathedral of Spain, so its a pretty big deal. We couldn't take pictures for obvious reasons, but here's a general picture just to give you an idea:

La Catedral Primera

Amazing! The cathedral is the largest in Spain, and the 5th largest in the world. I get to come back for class too! Maybe I'll be able to take pictures then, when its not Sunday and there isn't Mass...

I guess thats pretty much what I've been doing, hanging out, starting classes, watching fútbol, and exploring. I've decided to move back to the Fund and not live with a host family. I enjoyed my experience, but it was hard being without internet and having such a long commute back home, so I'm moving later today. Wish me luck! I feel bad for disappointing my family, but I want to take full advantage of the opportunities here at school, and I still need to do well in school...plus I need a place to siesta! One thing we definitely need to adopt in the US is the concept of siesta, and taking 2 hours out of your day to relax, nap, just enjoy some alone time.

Hasta, and go USA!!