Wandering Segovia, literally...

Hola todos!
It's only my second full day in Segovia and I already feel like so much has happened. Yesterday, I walked with Julia to my school for the orientation. For some reason, I don't usually get excited about orientations. I think it's because it implies that you're in a new situation, and so it's going to be awkward at times. I thought we would have to play weird get to know you games, but we didn't! I was actually really glad to see the students again after being separated for the night. During the orientation we were introduced to salsa teachers, our professors, our site directors, and a CELL PHONE! (Even though I don't want to use it much, I feel much safer with a phone.) Our site directors told us what to do and not to do with our host families. I really wish they would've told us this before. For instance, it's not polite to take off your shoes. Always wear shoes or slippers. Also, there is not as much water in Espana as in the states, so we have to take fast showers and not flush each time we use los servicos. Electricity is also very expensive here, so whenever I leave my room I turn out the light-even if only for a second. Another thing which is harder than I thought it would be, we can't hang out in our houses with our friends. In their culture they go out to meet there friends. After we learned about customs and our classes, we took a short tour of Segovia. Our professors never want to hear English, so we spoke in Spanish the whole time. It wasn't as hard as I thought, but I bet I made lots of mistakes talking with my friends.

After orientation, la mamas were waiting for their host students.(after going to and from school with Julia she seemed to think I would be fine finding my way the rest of the trip-ha!) We all went back to our houses for comida (that's what they call lunch) and decided to meet at 4. I've had to get used to eating lunch around 2 or 3 and dinner around 9. It hasn't been too bad yet, but it might be when I have to eat breakfast around 8 in the am. We always eat every meal with the families. And I can guarantee that there will be a slice of french bread at each meal, as well as fruit offered for dessert. I have had plenty of mandarins. I think I like the order of meals, because there has been nothing else consistent about this trip so far. I never know what to expect.

Later, a bunch of student from the program met at the aqueduct to tour the city together. I took lots of pictures. They are all on my facebook account, if you want to take a peak. We walked around for a long time, because we didn't want to go back to our houses alone. It's always fun to be with them and we never run out things to talk about. We are usually sharing stories about our experiences with our families. We would go in stores every now and then to warm up, but we didn't stop in them for long. It's no secret that we aren't from Segovia-It's not like the color of our skin or hair gives it away. There are people here with blonde hair and blue eyes, but I'm pretty sure everything about us screams tourist- we stay together, we aren't as artsy/fashionable as them, and I'm not gonna lie-we mostly speak enligsh (right now-sorry to disappoint). I told Julia that and she said, "No you need to speak Spanish." She's so right-and we will, soon! Then when we were too cold to stay out we decided to go back to our houses for dinner. On my way back, I walked with Teddi, but I have the longest walk so I wasn't with her for long. As I said "chao" to her, I kept walking straight. After awhile, I no longer recognized the shops and street. I was lost-great! I didn't panic though, I just crossed to the next street over and thought I was okay. However, when I saw a pizza place for the first time in Spain, I knew I was on the wrong street. I decided to try one more street over, and there was the lovely Tienda de Chollos (I have no idea what it is, but I was never so happy to see a familiar store) I guess getting lost wasn't all in vain, because I found a beloved pizza place- I could go for some “American” food anytime!