I cannot believe it is the end of my second week here. I have adjusted extremely well and now my trip is beginning to fly! One reason is because I am SO BUSY and another is because Spaniards have a very relaxed idea of time. They like to enjoy their days and not worry so much about timeliness. This is a difficult concept for such a control freak of a person as me! but I am getting the hang of it !
I had a really awesome week. Wednesday our group went to the Palacio Real in between classes which was really beautiful. It was a ten minute walk from school. This palace is to Spain what the White House is to the US. No royal people live there but all important meetings and gatherings take place there.
Thursday was a national holiday called Corpus Christi. The entire country was shut down and we didn't have class! But we did go on 2 field trips. We went to El Escorial and Valle de los Caidos. El Valle de los Caidos was one of the most amazing sites. It has the largest cross in the world and a Basilica that goes two football fields deep into the mountain. This "Valley of the Fallen" was built after the Spanish Civil War by the Republicans who were put in prison by the dictator Franco. Many died in the process and it was a controversial situation. Franco is buried in the Basilica.
On Saturday we went to Segovia. It was beautiful and the aqueducts were so neat to see. We spent 8 hours touring the city. The most beautiful site was the Castle. This is the castle that inspired Walt Disney's vision of his castle. We climbed 158 stairs to the top and had just an amazing view. Field trips are tons of fun, but in the 105 degree weather we get very tired, very quickly!
Today(Sunday) I spent the day with my friends at the pool. The average temperature has been around 102 everyday and the sun is relentless. So a day by the pool is ideal!
My host Mom is still wonderful. She is a great cook and makes me feel very welcome and at home. Every night after dinner we talk for at least 30 minutes which is not only good for learning Spanish vocabulary but it also lets me know that she cares.
I am still having such a wonderful time and I really feel at home here. Some things that I miss the most are my church, my family, my friends, my puppies, cheese coneys, skittles, and MICHAEL.
I have not spoken to Michael since my first day here. I am missing him more than words can even express. Not being able to talk with him has made things difficult, but with the support of my friends and family I am doing okay. I am looking forward to receiving that first email from him in about 14 days!(I'm not counting or anything ;) )
I have not gotten very homesick since I have been here. Skype is the greatest invention of all time and being able to talk to my Mom and Dad every night has kept me sane. I am healthy as can be and very happy to be in Spain. I have about 28 more days here and I am going to soak up as much Spain as possible!
Thank you for all of the emails, prayers, and messages! I am doing very well and I look forward to seeing everyone in one month!
Love,
Jess
ps enjoy the pics!
sounds like you're having a blast! Miss you ;)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy reading what you write. Spain always did look interesting.
ReplyDeleteLove Geneva