The plane ride to Madrid went much smoother than the one to Charlotte. I sat next to a 25 year old teacher who was bringing her high school students back from an exchange program in South Carolina. She told me more about Alcalá, cities to visit, and most importantly that shorts are indeed in fashion in Spain now. This is lucky for me because all I wear are shorts, and as I found out today...it's really hot in Spain. We landed at Barajas right as the sun was rising and it was beautiful. The plane took forever to taxi and all I wanted to do was get out and explore! Once we finally made it to our bus I was slightly disappointed with Spain. The drive to Alcalá could easily be any city in the US, just with Spanish signs. That all changed when we made it into the heart of Alcalá though.
Our host mothers were all waiting for us in the Plaza de Cervantes. This place is absolutely beautiful!
After pairing up with our host moms, we walked back to our houses. That was probably the most awkward 15 minutes of my entire life. Señora Navarro speaks less English than I speak Spanish.There were lots of
long silences and hand gestures. Somehow throughout this lack of communication, we figured out that we both hate elevators! I think I'm gonna like her! After that we walked to her mothers house where I met Señor Navarro and their two children, Andrea (10) and Angelica (8). It didn't take long before they were hanging off me and asking a million questions I could not understand. However, Andrea realized this and started speaking slowly and explaining words in Spanish to me. She knows some English from class as well. I have a feeling this little girl will teach me more Spanish than anyone else on this trip.
For lunch we had paella and yogurt. It had an interesting flavor but was very filling. I believe I will get used to and enjoy this very quick. I unpacked all my stuff after lunch. My room could not be more perfect. It is small but I have a fan blowing on me and my windows open wide. It feels like heaven in here. Also, the view is so neat (picture below).We are close to another apartment building. Right now I can hear the other families talking, listening to music and I can smell their dinner (yes, dinner at 11:00). I feel like I'm in a movie.
On the way to meet with the group after lunch, I walked down Calle Mayor. This street is blocked off to cars and has food and clothes shops lining every inch of it. All of the restaurants have outdoor seating in the street. It is gorgeous and full of life. Once the group met in the plaza, we began the semi-successful hunt for cellphones. We all decided to call it a day very early, so I found a delicious croissant sandwich from a small outdoor shop. I took it back to my house and ate with the girls (if I'm in the house, they are in my room). Tomorrow we go to Madrid as a group. I'm sure I'll have much to share. Hasta Luego!
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| Calle Mayor |
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