Basically, I've only been here about 4 days, but I'm already concerned about two things: the weird Spanish accent I imitate that might stick, and forgetting how to drive. Other than that, my body seems to be accepting the awkward meal times, and the freakish cold of this house.
Yesterday was the scheduled Spanish placement exam for the international students at the university (Universidad Pablo Olavide... aka UPO), and we had a nice little walking tour of the campus. I can say with certainty that about 85% of the international students are from the United States, and they like to stick together. I really have no idea if my classes will be a mixture of international and local students, but I have a feeling that making Spanish friends is going to take some work. Admittedly, it was wonderful to meet up with the other 6 girls from UofC and grab some beers. Everyone brings something different to the table, but we're all here for the same reason. To step OUT of our comfort zones. Speaking of which:
Fourth Lesson: The metro is slightly more technologically advanced than the c-train, and depending on how far you live from the "core", you go through a number of zones. If you don't pay for the correct number of zones you lock yourself into the station. Its ok though, I bought a metro card that I just load with money every time it runs out. Won't make that mistake again!
There's a travel and party planning company called WeLoveSpain that gets in touch with all the international students, so last night they had a little meet-and-greet, where they took us on a little guided tour of a neighbourhood called 'Triana'. I think this is the most convenient way to travel around the country, so with the rest of the Calgary girls we booked an overnight trip down to the coastal town of Cadíz for Carnival. Fact: this is the third largest carnival in the world after Mardi Gras and Rio di Janeiro. There's also a costume contest... we were thinking mounties?
Today I finally got to take in some serious architectural, religious and historical sights with Ally (roommate) and Jodi (MRU). We went to the Cathedral of Seville, which is about 600 years old. Stuff like that just blows my mind, especially when we found the tomb of Christopher Columbus. I seriously feel like we're deprived of experiences like this in Calgary. The overall mood here is so relaxed, nobody looks anxious or in a rush. Oh and believe it or not, I haven't taken advantage of Siesta yet. My body is still hinging on a delicate balance between order and chaos.
Full disclosure... I bought the BEST pair of boots today, for 15 euros or $19.69 because everything is on sale here. Its ridiculous. If you can find a pair of suede knee-high boots in Canada for $20 or less I will bake you a cake.
One last note, I genuinely blocked out the fact that I'm here for school. Classes start tomorrow, and we have to go to UPO in about an hour to pick up our class schedules and school id's. Ugh, and the go buy textbooks probably.
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