Travel, New Home, University and a Beautiful City
My travel to Granada was quite the experience. In Chicago, I boarded my plane to Madrid, however after 3 hours on the runway we never took off. After heading back in to the airport we were informed that we would not be departing until the next day (Saturday). The airline acquired hotel rooms for everyone aboard, as well as food vouchers. The only problem was that the bus to the hotel never showed up. By this point I had luckily met up with 7 other students heading to Granada with the same program- we stuck together and became friends very quickly. At about 2 in the morning I decided that I was not going to sleep in the airport, so I went outside with another new friend, Ana, from Madrid, and her and I took a taxi to our hotel. The sleep was much needed. In the morning we returned early to the airport and got in line in order to figure out when our new flights would be. A full 24 hours later than we were scheduled, we departed for Madrid. I slept almost the entire plane ride. After Madrid, my new friends and I had to catch a flight to Malaga and from there we were provided with transportation to Granada. This adds up to more than 40 hours of travel time to get to my host family.
EVERY SECOND OF THE TRAVEL WAS WORTH IT.
Granada has to be the most beautiful city I have ever seen. The buildings, the mountains, the lifestyle and the people are all so amazing. Not to add that I am living with an awesome host family, with my host mom Adela and my host sister Clara. The apartment is wonderful, and they also have an adorable little bunny named Gor. I have wonderful views of the city, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the Alhambra, all right from our porch. The style of living in their home revolves around happiness- Adela told me that happiness is an option, and you may choose it if you want. She is thankful that she is able to provide a home and food to her daughter and host students as well. Adela also stresses independence and that I spend plenty of time outside exploring the city (which is not a problem at all since there is so much to do and see.) I feel right at home here!
Today I took my placement test at el Centro de Lenguas Modernas at the University of Granada. There was a written part that took 40 minutes, a grammar section of 60 minutes and a brief conversation to test oral proficiency. I feel that I could have done a little better on the test but what is nice is that I have 4 days of class to decide if I need to switch to another level. I am in level 5 right now which is alto intermedio. Level 6 is advanced, so I am close to where I would like to be. Of course by the end of the semester I will have moved up in proficiency.
This city is so exciting and full of life so I have lots of exploring to do. Tomorrow I begin my month of Spanish intensive classes, which should be plenty interesting! Tonight will be my first night out with some friends and we are going to a Cafe Futbol. Our program director demanded that we all go there to eat the churros, but there is also ice cream and other snacks. Should be fun!
I will be posting pictures soon, I promise!
EVERY SECOND OF THE TRAVEL WAS WORTH IT.
Granada has to be the most beautiful city I have ever seen. The buildings, the mountains, the lifestyle and the people are all so amazing. Not to add that I am living with an awesome host family, with my host mom Adela and my host sister Clara. The apartment is wonderful, and they also have an adorable little bunny named Gor. I have wonderful views of the city, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the Alhambra, all right from our porch. The style of living in their home revolves around happiness- Adela told me that happiness is an option, and you may choose it if you want. She is thankful that she is able to provide a home and food to her daughter and host students as well. Adela also stresses independence and that I spend plenty of time outside exploring the city (which is not a problem at all since there is so much to do and see.) I feel right at home here!
Today I took my placement test at el Centro de Lenguas Modernas at the University of Granada. There was a written part that took 40 minutes, a grammar section of 60 minutes and a brief conversation to test oral proficiency. I feel that I could have done a little better on the test but what is nice is that I have 4 days of class to decide if I need to switch to another level. I am in level 5 right now which is alto intermedio. Level 6 is advanced, so I am close to where I would like to be. Of course by the end of the semester I will have moved up in proficiency.
This city is so exciting and full of life so I have lots of exploring to do. Tomorrow I begin my month of Spanish intensive classes, which should be plenty interesting! Tonight will be my first night out with some friends and we are going to a Cafe Futbol. Our program director demanded that we all go there to eat the churros, but there is also ice cream and other snacks. Should be fun!
I will be posting pictures soon, I promise!
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