I LOVE UNCLE LES
-"No longer MADDENED"
Monday, January 25, 2010
Pictures are coming hang tight!
I just put up all the posts that I've been wanting to put up but was prevented by Internet complicaciones! Hopefully I can remedy my situation soon!
Day 8
1.19.10
What does one do with oneself when one does not have class until 6:30pm and one is in Spain?
Go for a run, of course!
Leslie and I ran this morning in the beautiful Parque de Lorca (named after famous Spanish writer, which I learned in Literatura!). This park is about 5o yards from my apartment and is positively massive! I have never seen a park like this complete with intricate gardens, multiple children’s play areas, a café, a duck pond (the ducks have their own houses!) with a gazebo, bacci ball area, OUTDOOR GYM EQUIPMENT, and of course, multiple running paths!
'
I'm sorry I just couldn't help it!
I noticed more women running than men and more non-Spanish running than Spanish. Not including today I’ve seen 5 people total running in Granada. Narea says the Spanish don’t run, the Spanish watch people who run. This is true from what I saw today. They watch you as they smoke their 6th cigarette of the morning. But, I must given them SOME credit…at least they are going for a walk while smoking.
Yes, the Spanish interpretation of health is interesting…
Por ejemplo, their Food Pyramid…
The Spanish pick and choose which of the recommendations to adhere to…they are VERY good at sticking to Carbs…switch the chorizo with vegetables and aceite de oliva with legumes and I would say that is more accurate! Plus caffeine and cigarettes needs its own category…maybe it’s own separate pyramid!
With this type of diet, meal schedule, and little emphasis on exercise, it is a totally mystery to me how all of the espanolos aren’t gorditos!
But I shouldn't be one to talk...
Churros con chocolate
Fried sugar-coverd dough, liquid chocolate...
Pure, unadulterated passion...if I gain 50lbs by the end of this, it would be worth it!
Day 7- That Night...la salsa!
Almost all the students went to the FREE salsa class taught by Louis…a rather short, hysterical, dancing MASTER associated with CEGRI.
When we thought free dance class, a dance studio with boys and girls taking separate sides like in a middle school dance came to mind but then we remembered… WE WERE IN SPAIN!
Dance studio?! No way! Awkward? Absolutely not! All 40 plus of us crammed into a tiny salsa bar that was already blasting music.
We learned a basic step first and then moved on with partners. With every add-on we would practice and then “cambia” partners. I learned that no matter who I was dancing with, I always want to lead!
Eventually I was partnered with Louis himself! He is a BLAST to dance with! I literally did not have to think about anything while dancing with him! One second I was stepping, another I was turning! Although I know there are some grrreat pictures out there that I’m sure will come back to haunt me…!
But I must incriminate myself just this once...
I'm sorry, but I was just born to dance :)
By the end of the lesson everyone was dancing…whether we were dancing well…that is more debatable!
Mas salsa por favor!
Day 7
1.18.10
The first day of school has always been one of my favorites no matter what year, but in Spain…10 times more exciting!
Here is my whacky Spain Schedule (Horario):
Lunes:
9-10:30- Cultura de Espana con Yanira (“Yani”)
**This class is very interactive, part of our requirements is to volunteer every week somewhere in Granada. Yanira is also a sweetheart!
1-2:30- Literatura con Yanira
**Hooray for Spanish classics!
(There are never classes from 2:30-4:30 to allow PLENTY of time for Siesta ☺ School children also go home at 2, as well as any store that isn’t a restaurant (and even some of them close)!)
6:30-8- Cultura de Islam con Alecia
**Very excited to take this class! There is so much I overlook about Islam. We talked about the Islamic belief that everyone believes in the same One God but the differences in religion (Christianity, Judaism) is the paths taken to get there…that idea definitely resonates with me. I believe there is so much misinterpretation or misunderstanding (or no knowledge at all) about this religion within today’s political and cultural structure, but I think it possesses very beautiful ideals.
Martes:
(Your eyes do not deceive…I have one class, and it starts at night, crazy!)
6:30-8pm- La Historia del Arte con Monica
**What better way to study Spanish art than up-close, in-your-face, literally-right-in-front-of-me-at-a-Museum! Yay!
Miercoles:
Same as Monday with Cultura de Islam bumped up to 4:30-6.
Jueves:
Art History bumped up to 4:30-6…we go to a museum EVERY Thursday! YES!
Viernes:
MANDATORY TRAVELING…aka no one has class on Fridays ☺
Tis the life…
General impression of school:
*The teachers are great and very easy to talk to, but are very serious and committed to their classes! And you are NEVER allowed to speak in English…yay!
*I am beyond excited to learn! Every subject is fascinating, plus the total submersion in Spanish is very beneficial.
* I will be working hard- We are evaluated on several items, but one of them is speaking/comprehension in Spanish, which means we are actually being dually graded for how well we can communicate during class. I am determined to master la lengua!
*CEGRI is like a hole in the wall of Granada- two levels, 3 main classrooms, all the same kids. Like highschool…of course, much cooler!
*FREE WIFI--- I will most likely be online before/after class, so check out my schedule and subtract by 7 to figure out when you can talk to me!
Day 6
1.17.10
I ate a very quick breakfast of tostada with jam and café con leche. Josefina insisted I try it saying every student she has says they don’t like coffee until they have her café con leche. I must admit it was good even for a coffee hater. Am I growing up or what?!
Fully equipped with my 2 maps, phone, and GPS (Hey, navigating the labyrinth that is Granada is intimidating!) I set out solo to get to La Plaza de los Reyes Catolicos where we were meeting the group. Thank goodness I bumped into 2 students in my program!
La Alhambra is simply incredible. The history, the architecture, the artistry, and cultural aspects are fascinating.
The Alhambra is the best-preserved medieval Arabian palace in the world. It is the most popular monument in all of Granada, and I think, symbolizes the importance and prominence of Islamic culture here.
The Alhambra is built very strategically on top of very high hills. To the people of this area, it was like heaven with everything you needed within its walls. Past the muralles was a fully functioning city with military protection along the points of entry, artisans and workers towards the outside, and the royal families in the center. The palace was complete with advance technologies such as toilettes, a hygienic sewage system, indoor heated plumbing (for the bath houses), gardens for medicine and cooking, and more.
The Islamic people were an extremely advanced society and we have many influences from this culture that I have overlooked in the past. Words that start with “Al” are not Spanish, but Islamic such as “Alhambra” and “Allah.” So, many words we use today are clues to their Islamic origin like “Algebra.” So cool!
I saw some of the most amazing historic and scenic things on this trip, but unfortunately my camera died halfway through ☹
Here are some of my favorites (I wish I could capture how INCREDIBLE this really is!)!
Las ruinas de las casas artesanas- where the craftsmen, gardeners, workers lived towards the outside of the palace
Plaza de los Aljibes- The succedding kings (after Nasrid dynasty) added on parts of the Alhambra from 13-15th century, when Christians took over. This was built by the conquerors.
Palacio de Comares- main throne room of Sultan
Palacio de Comares (other side)- Illini amiga Michelle!
The INCREDIBLE inside- check out some of my favorite details, only imagine everything floor to ceiling in vibrant colors…amazing!
(Ceilings: These are all perfectly measured so that they fit like puzzle pieces...crazy)
All the walls inscribed in Arabic "God is greater than all things"
Partal- This area leads to the summer palace and the extensive botanical gardens
Now you will have to check out Kaye’s blog most likely to see the cooler pictures…www.kkpasa.blogspot.com
Little bit more...oh dear Lord
Just when I was getting worried, Josefina appeared with two large shopping bags de Corrtero Ingles, the department store (similar) to Macy’s where she cleans.
There was no conversation about her being late, she had just bought groceries at 10 o clock at night…completely normal. She told me the food was for me.
I mentioned to her that I really like yogurt to give her an idea of what breakfast foods I would eat. Ask and you shall receive…a year’s supply of “yogur” in every flavor imaginable.
Pobrecita sra’s shoulder was aching from taking out heavy loads of trash so I asked her if I could help her with anything. Again, ask and you shall receive…she asked me to do a favor for her. I thought set the table? Help with dinner? Wrong. She asked me to help her apply a spray (for sore muscles) on her neck and shoulder. Before I could find a way out of this she began undressing! Let’s just say if this were a T.V. show I would be changing the channel because I felt SO awkward/uncomfortable for the character. Once applied, I ran out of the room to avoid seeing/spraying anything more.
The conclusion I drew from this experience…well, I guess you could say we are very comfortable with each other!
Dinner consisted of tortilla Espanola con queso (a cheese omlette) for me and Josefina had jamon y tomates along with a telenovela (soap opera).
It is getting late but senora is staying up to watch more telenovelas. Tomorrow is here day off and she plans on sleeping in. Tomorrow is our trip to “La Alhambra” so I am off to bed (yes, before a grandma!).
There was no conversation about her being late, she had just bought groceries at 10 o clock at night…completely normal. She told me the food was for me.
I mentioned to her that I really like yogurt to give her an idea of what breakfast foods I would eat. Ask and you shall receive…a year’s supply of “yogur” in every flavor imaginable.
Pobrecita sra’s shoulder was aching from taking out heavy loads of trash so I asked her if I could help her with anything. Again, ask and you shall receive…she asked me to do a favor for her. I thought set the table? Help with dinner? Wrong. She asked me to help her apply a spray (for sore muscles) on her neck and shoulder. Before I could find a way out of this she began undressing! Let’s just say if this were a T.V. show I would be changing the channel because I felt SO awkward/uncomfortable for the character. Once applied, I ran out of the room to avoid seeing/spraying anything more.
The conclusion I drew from this experience…well, I guess you could say we are very comfortable with each other!
Dinner consisted of tortilla Espanola con queso (a cheese omlette) for me and Josefina had jamon y tomates along with a telenovela (soap opera).
It is getting late but senora is staying up to watch more telenovelas. Tomorrow is here day off and she plans on sleeping in. Tomorrow is our trip to “La Alhambra” so I am off to bed (yes, before a grandma!).
Ohhhh Josefina
More about lovely Sra...
She has 2 hijas/daughters:
Maria Jose- Who is married and has 2 daughters- Carmen (2 yr) y Helena (pronounced Elena- 8 mo.)
“ " (cannot for the life of me understand her name)- Who is married and has 1 daughter- Noa (most of the pictures of Noa had no hair so for the longest time I thought she was a boy!)
Carmen and Noa are 2 days apart and “Son mejores amigas!”
Her daughters and their families visit often, so she has a larger guestroom that is reserved just for them and several baby things scattered throughout the house. I can’t wait to meet them! Josefina says I can practice my Spanish with them! Ha!
Then she allowed me time to unpack and organize my room while she prepared almuerzo. It felt so good to get settled in!
During this time her neighbors from the floor below, a couple of about 60-65 (Sra is probably late 50s early 60s?) came to visit. They were VERY friendly, instantly hugging me with a kiss for each cheek! I accidently addressed Carlos informally (tu) instead of formally (Usted) and apologized. He laughed and insisted “No TU TU TU!” I love them already. They asked me how well I speak Spanish, Sra told them that I speak it but I just need a little time. Throughout our brief conversation I was able to keep up, make them laugh (not just from my broken Spanish but from telling a joke!),
One of the first things we talked about was me being a vegeteriana. “No comes carne, si?” “Si es una problema?” “Comes pescado? Mariscos? Juevos? Leche?” “Si como todos tambien todos tipos de frutas y verdures” “Vale! No es un problema nada!”
**Dear mother- I would like you to take note of her positive attitude about my lifestyle :)
She made an incredible vegetarian almuerzo! Vegetable paella with rice, cauliflower, peppers, artichoke, and green beans cooked in saffron. We also had tomatoes dressed in olive oil and salt, bread and cheese. After that she brought out sweet cracker/cookies, her own homemade jam, walnuts/hazelnuts (which she cracked herself- and told me I should eat a lot of as a vegetarian! So cute!) to eat with the cheese. Mmm- I thought of you Aunt Cokie! If that wasn’t enough, she brought out a huge bowl of fruit and told me to dig in. I said no thank you “Estoy MUY llena.” When you are used to just an orange for lunch this is a shock to the system!
Throughout lunch we conversed so easily. She told me to call her Josefina (not Sra) and we decided that she would call me MaryPat (MAR- e- POT or sometimes sounds like Muddy Pot).
I realized that I can hold a conversation better than I thought! We talked about the TV program that was on (Spanish E!), famous Spainards, bull fighting, food, family, being Catholic, past students, knitting (she is taking me to the store to get yarn, Karen/Lauren/Emmy!), etc.
I told her how I am really eager to learn, but the first couple days have been difficult to communicate. She assured me that she would help me and “poco a poco” I would be fine! She thinks in a month I will be good to go…sweet Josefina you have so much faith in me!
Josefina is very laid-back and not intimidating to talk to even though she speaks very quickly. You can tell that she has had many students before (she’s had 2 every year for the last 4 years). She has a great sense of humor, a lot of patience, and is very good at communicating directly and honestly. I feel like I know what is expected of me. I asked her if I could help her with anything today, she responded not today but that I would be helping her eventually! I’m relieved to live in such a comfortable environment and with someone as kind as Josefina.
She is somewhere between a grandmotherly figure and a very friendly neighbor. She encouraged me to take a nap today because I told her how much I’ve been sleeping during siesta. She took a rest before she went to work too. Normally she works early in the morning and is home for lunch, but she switched her schedule for me.
It’s almost 10 right now and I am waiting for her to get home, she said she would be home around 8:30. I was able to find a teeny bit of wifi in her sewing room, but it is listed as “Emily Carl’s Macbook” who does not sound like a resident so we will see how long this lasts!
She has 2 hijas/daughters:
Maria Jose- Who is married and has 2 daughters- Carmen (2 yr) y Helena (pronounced Elena- 8 mo.)
“ " (cannot for the life of me understand her name)- Who is married and has 1 daughter- Noa (most of the pictures of Noa had no hair so for the longest time I thought she was a boy!)
Carmen and Noa are 2 days apart and “Son mejores amigas!”
Her daughters and their families visit often, so she has a larger guestroom that is reserved just for them and several baby things scattered throughout the house. I can’t wait to meet them! Josefina says I can practice my Spanish with them! Ha!
Then she allowed me time to unpack and organize my room while she prepared almuerzo. It felt so good to get settled in!
During this time her neighbors from the floor below, a couple of about 60-65 (Sra is probably late 50s early 60s?) came to visit. They were VERY friendly, instantly hugging me with a kiss for each cheek! I accidently addressed Carlos informally (tu) instead of formally (Usted) and apologized. He laughed and insisted “No TU TU TU!” I love them already. They asked me how well I speak Spanish, Sra told them that I speak it but I just need a little time. Throughout our brief conversation I was able to keep up, make them laugh (not just from my broken Spanish but from telling a joke!),
One of the first things we talked about was me being a vegeteriana. “No comes carne, si?” “Si es una problema?” “Comes pescado? Mariscos? Juevos? Leche?” “Si como todos tambien todos tipos de frutas y verdures” “Vale! No es un problema nada!”
**Dear mother- I would like you to take note of her positive attitude about my lifestyle :)
She made an incredible vegetarian almuerzo! Vegetable paella with rice, cauliflower, peppers, artichoke, and green beans cooked in saffron. We also had tomatoes dressed in olive oil and salt, bread and cheese. After that she brought out sweet cracker/cookies, her own homemade jam, walnuts/hazelnuts (which she cracked herself- and told me I should eat a lot of as a vegetarian! So cute!) to eat with the cheese. Mmm- I thought of you Aunt Cokie! If that wasn’t enough, she brought out a huge bowl of fruit and told me to dig in. I said no thank you “Estoy MUY llena.” When you are used to just an orange for lunch this is a shock to the system!
Throughout lunch we conversed so easily. She told me to call her Josefina (not Sra) and we decided that she would call me MaryPat (MAR- e- POT or sometimes sounds like Muddy Pot).
I realized that I can hold a conversation better than I thought! We talked about the TV program that was on (Spanish E!), famous Spainards, bull fighting, food, family, being Catholic, past students, knitting (she is taking me to the store to get yarn, Karen/Lauren/Emmy!), etc.
I told her how I am really eager to learn, but the first couple days have been difficult to communicate. She assured me that she would help me and “poco a poco” I would be fine! She thinks in a month I will be good to go…sweet Josefina you have so much faith in me!
Josefina is very laid-back and not intimidating to talk to even though she speaks very quickly. You can tell that she has had many students before (she’s had 2 every year for the last 4 years). She has a great sense of humor, a lot of patience, and is very good at communicating directly and honestly. I feel like I know what is expected of me. I asked her if I could help her with anything today, she responded not today but that I would be helping her eventually! I’m relieved to live in such a comfortable environment and with someone as kind as Josefina.
She is somewhere between a grandmotherly figure and a very friendly neighbor. She encouraged me to take a nap today because I told her how much I’ve been sleeping during siesta. She took a rest before she went to work too. Normally she works early in the morning and is home for lunch, but she switched her schedule for me.
It’s almost 10 right now and I am waiting for her to get home, she said she would be home around 8:30. I was able to find a teeny bit of wifi in her sewing room, but it is listed as “Emily Carl’s Macbook” who does not sound like a resident so we will see how long this lasts!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
TOUR...of mi casa!
Mi cuarto- like a more homey dorm room, plenty of storage, and very cheery!
The Bathroom- Gotta love those Europeans and their bidets
The Sewing Room- Josefina is very crafty and is teaching me her ways...so long as I can understand her
Gotta love Mary and baby J all over her house
La Cocina- which she said I am free to whenever and whatever I want to eat!
After dinner she rushes me out of the kitchen and doesn't let me help clean...then I discovered that little pantry/window in the left corner is where she sneaks her smokes after dinner...sneaky Josefina!
The Dining/Living room-
Under our table is something called a "brazero," a circular heater that goes around the base of the table. You stick your legs under the table with the blanket over you to keep warm (very conducive for after meal naps). Central heating is not common so the apartment is usually around 55 degrees..brrrr...
We watch T.V. with EVERY meal, but not really at any other time. That is the general consensus from other students too!
The amazing view from the balcony: La Alhombra y Sierra Nevada on the left, Sierra Nevada y Parque Lorca on the right
Yep that's right...I can see a castle out my window!
Oh ... and mountains on the other, like I'm living in a fairytale!
I made a little video tour to help make more sense of these pictures, but I'm still trying to figure out how to upload it! I will put it up ASAP!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Day 5
1.16.10
Senoras Familias y estudiantes oh my!
Packing and chatting and giggling and cracking up at 4am seemed like a good idea at the time (maybe not if you ask Mommy Kellyjandro aka Kelly)…but when the alarm went off at 9am the regret hit us hard.
Kaye and I tried desperately to learn enough Spanish to communicate with our senoras before they arrived in the lobby of the hostal at 11. Kelly on the other hand, sang along to Lady Gaga without a care in the world! We balance each other well!
Trying to take all of our stuff back downstairs proved to be just as difficult trying to get it upstairs…for Kelly especially! I wish I had a camera when we shoved Kelly, her two giant rolling suitcases, medium duffel, and jam-packed carry-on into the phone booth elevator. I ESPECIALLY wish I had a camera when we pressed the elevator button too early and Kelly came back up (after she had already been to every floor). HYSTERICAL.
Kaye, the only one of us nervous about being late, of course was the only one who’s senora was in the lobby. Kelly and I were told our senoras were running late. The whole process was very interesting as waves of students and families came to meet each other. Violeta would read the student’s name and a family would come to claim them…it felt like a mix between a human auction and an awkward dating service.
I knew I would like my senora when I came out of the bathroom (I had been waiting for 40 minutes and of course she came then!) after she had been waiting. I said I was sorry she had to wait and she responded (essentially)…No big deal, you gotta go you gotta go!
I wasn’t sure how long this friendliness would last though because she had yet to see my suitcase. When she offered to help, I immediately said “Perdon, pero tengo MUCHO equipaje” and told her how heavy it was. She didn’t believe me until she lifted it herself. A prompt “OOMPH” followed. Never again will I overpack!
I asked her if she had a car or taxi…oh no we were doing it European style…el autobus! I think the rule of thumb for packing should be if you cannot easily get your equipaje on a giant European bus…you need to pack less. I complimented my senora on her strength.
Senora lives on the 7th floor of a nice apartment complex. We were both appreciated the fact that it had an elevator!
Once inside, she gave me a tour of the apartment...Stay tuned!
Day 4- Part II
Welcome Dinner = I'm finally full!
Here is where all 70 managed to eat in one place!
COMIDA time!
Pan y ensalada, although the salad was heavily dressed with several pickled items involved. Interesting to say the least.
Vegetable stew (for the vegetarians, how nice!)
Meringue con chocolate--- HEAVEN
Exhibit A
Kaye: *Moaning*, Katherine: Nom Nom Nom
My first espresso...and I liked it!
*I know what you're thinking Steph...NO I refuse to become a coffee monster like you!
SURVEY: What do YOU see...?
Faces of the night...you decide the winner...
Katherine "Moan Master Giggle Guru" Foley
Katherine "Betty Boop" Seck
Kellijandro "Prego Rhino" Gustafson
And the winner is...
For obvious reasons :o)
As for the end of the night...upon reflection, a little funny and a little unfortunate, but in the moment, infuriating! I will try to keep this concise.
Kaye, Kelly, Justine, Katherine, Krishna, and I were walking out of the restaurante with Narea y Miguel Angel when they recommended we go to Granero, a fun place to go before the discotecas opened. On the way we ran into two espanolas around our age who had tickets to Granero and said they could take us to the private party there. Miguel looked unsure, but Narea encouraged us to go.
They spoke crazy fast Spanish with heavy accents so we immediately had communication issues. The girls wanted us to pay them for their tickets because they said they would be able to get more inside (#1 clue of sketchiness). None of us had correct change so they were trying to help us figure out how to get all of us there...so we thought.
e go into Ganero past the main area and down in the basement (#2) where there is a woman manning the door telling us we cannot come in, despite the tickets we have in our hand (#3). More crazy fast spanish/broken english and fast english/broken spanish...only 2 of us are allowed in (#4). Krishna and I (the lucky ladies) wander around for a while in hopes something good will come of this misadventure when we realize this money "exchange" left us with 10 less euro each (#5). No, we did not get pickpocket-ted persay, but they did not give us correct change.
We go upstairs on the main floor where our posse of awkward Americans are standing amongst a substantially older crowd (#6). The girls had led them up there and left...we thought they were most likely party promoters...aka swindling gypsy babies in training.
This all sounds very hilarious now, and was definitely not the worst thing that could have happened. A live and learn moment. But at the moment, we felt disappointed and cheated (or at least I did!). So much for making Spanish friends!
Fortunately, I have two hilarious roommates who are very skilled dancing to Lady Gaga, making some (not so) funny jokes, and laughing at absolutely nothing :)
Friday, January 15, 2010
Day 4
Por la mañana, we were tarde...of course! Pero pasa nada.
Insomniacs are not fashionable...amused by our spontaneous mime garb (gotta love morning face!)
Kaye, Kelly, Kathrine, Justine and I decided to upgrade from really non-nutritious white bread to really really non-nutritious white bread...postres! There is a panaderia (bakery) right across the street from our hostel whose window displays alone cause instant salivation. A blueberry muffin never tasted so good...even if I don't know the word for muffin in Spanish yet! ¡Fue muy barato también!
Stomachs satisfied (for ONCE in the morning!) we met the rest of the group and a slightly agitated Miguel Angel (another rumor clarification- Spanairds are NOT ok with being late) to go to our housing orientation.
Here is what we can expect of nuestras host madres:
Mrs. Mateos works in a Shopping Mall and has two daughters who live independently and visit her frequently. They like reading, music, going out and to the cinema. They are a kind and communicative family. She does not smoke. There are no pets at home.
The girl who had her last year told me she absolutely adored her! Her 3 grandchildren (all under age 3) come over often as well as her daughters. She sounds very relaxed about her home environment and also loves to watch gameshows! ha!
Can't wait to meet her TOMORROW!
¡Hoy es muy soleado! The blue sky backdrop compliments the bold colors of the city buildings so well. Pobrecita Kaye tuvo dolor de su estomago esta tarde, entonces Kelly and I went for a long walk. I took a few pictures in response to several specific requests...
Donde yo vivo ahora
Calles bonitas
Sierra Nevadas peek over the city y dice ¡Hola!
More to come after our welcome dinner....Adio (and I purposely left off the s!)
Insomniacs are not fashionable...amused by our spontaneous mime garb (gotta love morning face!)
Kaye, Kelly, Kathrine, Justine and I decided to upgrade from really non-nutritious white bread to really really non-nutritious white bread...postres! There is a panaderia (bakery) right across the street from our hostel whose window displays alone cause instant salivation. A blueberry muffin never tasted so good...even if I don't know the word for muffin in Spanish yet! ¡Fue muy barato también!
Stomachs satisfied (for ONCE in the morning!) we met the rest of the group and a slightly agitated Miguel Angel (another rumor clarification- Spanairds are NOT ok with being late) to go to our housing orientation.
Here is what we can expect of nuestras host madres:
- They will do our laundry (2 loads) once a week
- They will provide a small breakfast, LARGE lunch (3pm), and dinner (most likely at 10pm)
- #5- "Please behave politely Spain-wise: Lying down on living room couches, foot on top, or walking bare foot in the house is considered bad manners." Who knew we were so rude!?
- We cannot bring home guests without permission.
- They will not let you mess with their kitchens.
Mrs. Mateos works in a Shopping Mall and has two daughters who live independently and visit her frequently. They like reading, music, going out and to the cinema. They are a kind and communicative family. She does not smoke. There are no pets at home.
The girl who had her last year told me she absolutely adored her! Her 3 grandchildren (all under age 3) come over often as well as her daughters. She sounds very relaxed about her home environment and also loves to watch gameshows! ha!
Can't wait to meet her TOMORROW!
¡Hoy es muy soleado! The blue sky backdrop compliments the bold colors of the city buildings so well. Pobrecita Kaye tuvo dolor de su estomago esta tarde, entonces Kelly and I went for a long walk. I took a few pictures in response to several specific requests...
Donde yo vivo ahora
Las tiendas en el mercado...dead animals EVERYWHERE
Calles bonitas
Beautiful Granada I wish I could do you justice
Sierra Nevadas peek over the city y dice ¡Hola!
Spices and teas on "Tea St."
More to come after our welcome dinner....Adio (and I purposely left off the s!)
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