Preparados, Listos, Ya!

It is now the start of my fourth week in Spain. I actually have time today, so this might be a long entry.

Like I said in my last entry, I am getting used the routine here and it feels like home (at least as much as Spain can feel like home). I noticed today in my classes, I was no longer translating what my professors said in my head to English. I don't know when I stopped doing that, but that's encouraging to me. It's almost been a month and I feel like there's no way I'm going to be where I want to with Spanish when I leave, but at least I can see some improvement!

This last weekend was my favorite in Spain so far. On Friday, we technically had classes, which is rare here. However, it didn't seem like a regular day of classes at all. For grammar we met in a cafe and talked and played card games. We played a game like spoons, but instead of grabbing a spoon we smacked our hands in the middle of the table and said, "Burro", which means donkey. Our professor would call out "Preparados, listo, ya"(ready, set, go) and we would switch cards. I like the spoons better, but it was fun I hope to find the cards here and bring them home. For my civilization class and European Union class we went to the Castle here in Segovia. They call it the Alcazar. It's my favorite castle I've seen so far, which is nice since it's in my city. I think of it as a mix between a castle and palace. It has a lot of history. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella lived there and supposedly this was the castle that Christopher Columbus came to ask for money for his voyage. (I'm pretty sure that's what my teacher said) I thought that was pretty cool! In literature class it was just the same old stuff. I don't think the prof. knows that the other classes actually have fun every now and then! ha

That night was probably my favorite night in Spain. I bet you're expecting something grand...we got to hang out at a friend's HOUSE! (Sorry to disappoint-nothing huge) My friend Allison's madre said it was okay for her to have us over. It was so nice to hang out, watch a movie, and eat junk food! We just had a girly night and it was great! People here think that's weird, so I was surprised when her mom said, "our house is your house!" We definitely hope to go back there sometime.

Saturday was our trip to Toledo, which is about 2 hours south east of Segovia. We took a bus to Madrid. From there we got on the metro to get to the bus station that could take us to Toledo. It was a bit confusing, but we finally got there around noon. Toledo is a lot like Segovia- Small with quaint buildings and stores. We walked around a lot! It was a beautiful day so we found a spot by the river and just relaxed for about an hour. Then, we decided to leave early for Madrid. There are always things to do in that big city! We took advantage of the last days of the huge sales in January and walked around some more. (By the end of the day I was so sore) We ate dinner at McDonalds, which I actually look forward to here and we made our way back to Segovia. Fue una dia completa!

Sunday was a lot more relaxed for me. I woke up that morning because Julia got a call around 8am. Then when I woke up to start the day, she was gone. Her younger daughter, Diana, was having her baby! I got ready for the day and I went to church with Sam and understood a lot more of the sermon this time. I ate with La mama, Mirian(Julia's oldest), Jose (Mirian's husband), and Diego(their son). It was fun to have them around. They come a lot on the weekends. It's a lot more like my house when they're around. Around 4 Diana had her baby girl, Alejandra. Everyone rushed to the hospital to see the little one, and the house was silent! I had never had the house to myself before. I loved it!! I fixed my own food, and turned up my music a little more than I usually would. Overall, it was a great weekend! :)

Today is a beautiful sunny day. (Sorry I can honestly say I do not miss the Indiana weather)I just got done eating lunch. Julia wasn't here. I asked la mama if I could make her anything, but she wouldn't have that. I made a sandwich for myself, but when la mama saw me she told me that wasn't enough. She said I should've told her I wanted to eat, but I was honestly fine. She started warming chicken for me, pouring my drink, and slicing my bread. It was nice of her, but I want to be able to help out sometimes too. I got to eat by myself, which was nice, but I don't think that will happen again.

Now la mama, Julia, and her sister are in the kitchen talking intensely about something. It sounds like they're yelling at each other, but I don't think they're mad. They talk so fast and never wait till the other one is finished. Wow-if only you could hear them! ha

I have been busy planning for spring break. I got the news this past week that my mom can come visit me! I am so excited, but I have been working hard to figure out our traveling plans for the week. It looks like we will be heading to Rome, Segovia, and London! I never thought I would actually be planning a trip like this, especially my sophomore year of college. It makes me actually feel pretty responsible. However, it is a bit frustrating at times. I am nervous about all the transportation, but I think we can do it! Mom will be traveling with Sam's mom over here, but making her way back solo. I'd appreciate your prayers for safety in that! I miss you all- Thanks for reading!