Casi un mes..

Hello again.. from Spain!
Time is flying like it's never flown before. I can't believe we've already begun our 4th week here in Granada.

Last week we took a walk with our group into the old Albaycin neighborhood here in Granada. I don't think I could retrace where we walked- all of the winding, narrow streets can easily complicate things. The scenery was beautiful: ivy and flowers growing from balconies, trees blowing in the wind, families out for an evening stroll, people enjoying food and drinks, old arabic architecture, and my favorite part... the most amazing view of the Alhambra from the San Nicolas Church

This last Sunday a group of ten of us decided to go to the Sierra Nevadas to hike.  Within 15 minutes of reaching our destination, our bus decided to break down. Since it would be another hour or so before another bus came to get us, and it was way to steep to walk to where we needed to go, we decided we'd get off the bus and enjoy the scenery. We entertained ourselves by playing some silly games.  It turned out really great- we met some spanish kids about our age and they played with us. The time passed quickly and we were soon hiking our way up the mountain. A 4 hour hike it was and it included: dirt, rocks, people with sweet accents, awesome views, laughter, bocadillos, freezing cold weather near the top, our first Spanish rain.. and hail.
With our shorts, t-shirts, and light jackets, we painfully endured the cold. Everyone that was coming down from the mountain looked at us as though we were crazy. ha. We were! We kept walking, and finally, after thinking we should have reached the summit, we asked those coming down how much further to the top.  20 min. 1 hour. 30 min. We continued for awhile, the end was nowhere in sight. We called the place where we were at, "the top," and headed our way back down the ginormous hill. Imagining myself swimming in the mediterranean, somewhere warm, seemed to help a little... but it definitely didn't take away from the fact that my fingers were frozen stiff and my pearly white legs were turning beat red. I shouldn't be complaining too much though; the view on the way down was incredible, despite the overcast sky. Neat winding roads, green fields, a really neat old fence, etc. Once we reached civilization, I enjoyed a toasty and delicious cup of cafe con leche. MMM! Warmed me right up! The majority of us slept on the way home or listened to music and just relaxed. We were pooped!

(Very neat statue of Jesus and Mary)

(Before it got cold)

(Clouds rolling in...)

We spent a few hours at home, ate dinner, got cleaned up, etc, and went out for ice cream to celebrate Annie's birthday! A great way to end the day.

This Sunday, our group is going to Cordoba, a city a few hours NW of Granada. There we will be going to various museums, walking around the city, and visiting once again "Los Baños Árabes"- however, this time, we actually get to go in them. I guess there is a room with a cool bath and  one with a hot water bath.. you go from one to the other. Then, I believe I heard something about a free massage??? I like the sounds of that! Maybe that was a time when my spanish listening skills weren't working, haha.. I guess I'll find out!

More to come...

To the Mediterranean we go!

Hello again!

On Saturday, this past weekend, my and some of my friends took a trip to Nerja.. A small town on the Mediterranean Sea. We got off the bus and we were instantly surprised by the sticky and moist air that clung to our bodies- much different from the very hot and pretty dry air of Granada.  Our first mission once we got off the bus- find the beach! We could see it... but the question was, which of the small winding cobblestone streets do we take?

We followed a group of other students for awhile... but ended up splitting off on our own :/  With Rick Steve's Book in hand we tried our best to orientate ourselves and GO! It was only after we realized we had gone the opposite direction than we should have and after asking 2 different people for directions that we finally were able to make it to the beach.. located under the "Balcony of Europe." It was stunning! The beach was pretty crowded, but we weren't about to go searching for another.

After making a spot for ourselves in the sand, and lathering up with sunscreen, we were ready to go in!  The sand was scorching our feet so it was necessary to make a super dooper quick trip into the water.  It was quite chilly at first, but so refreshing.  The salt in the water glistened with the sun.. and was incredible to look at. We spent hours in the water.. jumping with waves.. floating on our backs let the waves carry us. The water was so blue and the waves were perfect.  However, tide came in a little more and they got a tad bit wilder. One caught me by surprise and knocked me on my behind in the water.. wave crashing over me.. the real deal. It wouldn't have been a big deal.. but I can't really remember the last time I consciously went under water (because of my ears).. but I was totally fine. My eyes burnt for awhile from the salt.. But after a few deep breaths.. I was back and ready for more :)

Walking into the water, the ground changes from small, smooth pebbles to the finest and most delicate sand. I could've stayed in the water all day. What an immense and beautiful creation. How amazing is our God! Nothing else can explain such an incredible sight.

For lunch, Annie and I had bocadillos - sandwiches that Ana prepared and packed for us to take. Goodness she is so sweet. We feel so blessed to be living with her and learning from her.

For a snack after our long day at the beach, we tried to find a tapas place in Nerja, recommended by the infamous Rick Steves. We followed the right streets, made it to the seemingly right location according the map in the book, but "La Puntilla" was no where to be found. Possible because my book is from 2008? We don't know. Hungry and tired we wandered some more until we found Cafe 7.. the last thing we were able to see for awhile. No one else was in there.. but we were desperate haha. The waiter was English I believe.. as many people in that little city are (love the accents).  He was very friendly too. I had a smoothie as did some of the girls, and we all had ham, egg and cheese sandwiches! Yummy. We hung out for awhile there.. then spent half an hour exploring the small streets of Nerja until it was time to catch the bus.  Home we went and had dinner with Ana. Fried Fish, salad, melon.. and of course, pan! Deliciosa, as usual!

We went to bed with the sound of people and cars on the street below. There was a strong breeze that came in every now and again.

We're settling in quite well as it seems.. lots more to see, do and explore.

More to come..
Un abrazo

Let the learning begin!

Hola! It's only been a few days since I last posted.. but I thought I'd comment on a few things that have occurred.. here it goes.

(Museo)

Yesterday, our group of 40 or so students, took another "walk" with our guide Alfonso. We walked to the Archeological Museum here in Granada and looked at some of some of the ancient Roman pottery, jewelry, statues, weaponry, etc. Pretty incredible. My favorite part was definitely the pottery.

After our short time at the museum, Alfonso took us on to the "Bañuelo Arabe".. translated Arab bath/bathroom. It wasn't really a "bathroom" as we know it.. but a large brick building, with many rooms, held up by intricately engraved pillars. It was a place where many people gathered to relax and converse with one another. Hmm.. interesting idea. The most fascinating thing about the whole place to me was just the simple star-shaped cut out in the ceiling.. allowing the light in. haha

After those 2 short stops, we walked for about 30 minutes to Sacromonte, un barrio/neighborhood within Granada. Although it was super hot, and we were walking up hill. The view was definitely worth it. We came close to the Alhambra, a huge castle/palace that was constructed in the 14th century (on the 21st of September we'll be taking a trip with the group to visit it and walk around inside).

(Alhambra)

(Kitty on bike, with Alhambra in the background)

(Neat Graffiti)

Things have been going great at home. I know I've already said it.. but Ana, our host mom is simply amazing.  Annie and I were studying in our rooms one afternoon and she came in with chocolate for the two of us :) Deliciosa! She's just always wanting to help us, talk with us, teach us about life here in Granada.
We had the privilege of meeting her daughter, and 2 grandchildren. The sweetest things ever. Her granddaughter Sole is 3 years old and Juan Antonio is 6.  Sole spent the night the other night, but while Ana was cooking she spent time in Annie's and my room coloring and talking to us. There were many times where Annie and I would look at each other, not having a clue what Sole just said. We'd say "¿que?" and she'd explain a little.. in more toddler spanish we didn't understand haha. Cutest thing I've seen though.. and the smallest little voice.

Food. Ah, the food. So yummy. Ana is a wonderful cook. I wish that I could write out all the kinds of foods she has made.. but I didn't have her write them down. But mostly various soups, papas fritas con juevos, jamon y queso, ensalada, pizza and of course... PAN (bread). Bread is served with every meal.. not some, every! And for breakfast... pan con aceite y miel (olive oil and honey) for me! :) May sound a bit strange.. but very appetizing indeed! I don't think I'll every get tired of this whole bread thing.. or at least I hope not.

So today was the beginning of "intensivo." A 4 hour/day.. 5 day/week class solely intended to improve our spanish writing/speaking skills. Pretty cool! I have two Maestros.. Antxón y Fermin.  They are great! We started class just by getting to know the other students. There were only 2 others that I knew so it was a great opportunity to meet more! I unfortunately was the first to get called on to talk about myself.. but it turned out okay. However, after other people started introducing themselves, I realized how boring "I am from Eugene, Oregon. I am studying nursing and spanish. I work at an ice cream store, etc." must have sounded. haha. Oh well. There are plenty more days for me to hopefully say more interesting things :)

Tomorrow Annie and I are going out for tapas with some newly-made friends.. A la Bella y la Bestia (Beauty and the Beast). Then, saturday we are taking a bus to Nerja.. a city on the Mediterranean Coast.. about 3 hours away! We've heard from many people that it is beautiful.. and it is one of Ana's most favorite places.

I hope that things are going well for you! I'm thinking of home, family and friends often.
I'll be sure to post more when I can..
Un abrazo..

A Full Week in Spain

Wow! How time flies! I can't believe I've already been here for a week! It's amazing.

(overlooking Granada)

(church near our school)

(Fountain in Plaza Nueva)

(Street near Plaza Nueva)

(Annie and I at the Plaza closest to our house)

I've been getting a better hang of this whole "Spanish Thing." There are less awkward silences at meal times, and somewhat fewer confused stares. The food here is delicious.. that is the food that our host mom makes us. We have yet to go out to any restaurants, yah I know.. sad! But we will! Very soon hopefully.

Last saturday we took a trip with our class to Ronda, a city about 3 hours west of Granada. It was beautiful! We got to go into La Plaza del Toros where they hold bullfights. Incredible!

(En La Plaza del Toros)

We also were given a small tour around the city.  During our free time, a group of newly-made friends and I decided to go to La Casa del rey moro (house of a moorish king).  The gardens and fountains were so very beautiful. We walked down in a mine.. which led to a quiet water source. There were many many stairs and it was almost 100 degrees out.. but vale la pena.... worth the pain.

(View of old buildings in Ronda)

(Culture in Ronda)

Two nights ago, Annie and I went out at 11:30pm (the night was just getting started for many) and walked to the plaza near our house- there was live music and dancing! Sadly it only lasted about 15 minutes after we got there, but we enjoyed it while we could! Then, we got ice cream! Yesterday morning we woke up and had the idea to read out on our balcony and do the homework that was due today.. it seemed like a crazy idea to our host mom (studying outside, because it would get hot).. But she sweetly set up a place for us to sit and for about 3 hours we just relaxed, read, listened to the street below us, and to the music coming from various houses. Not a wild adventure, I know, but very enjoyable all the same.
School is good so far. We don't start real classes until October. But tomorrow we take a test that will decide which "intensivo" class will best suit us.  Intensivo will consist of 4 hours each day of grammar mostly, I believe. Which, I know sounds boring, but it will be so helpful! Also, for this next month we are taking a culture class from the husband and wife who coordinate this program. They are precious people.
I should probably go, Annie and I are going to head home. It's almost time to have "almuerzo" (lunch) with our host Momma!
More to come...

I´m here. I´m safe. Granada is my new home.

HOLA de GRANADA!
I´m here sitting at the computers at CLM (Centro de Lenguas Modernas). Class starts in 30 minutes and at the moment I am finding it a little difficult to type in english because I´ve been trying my hardest to speak only in spanish. AHH! A little confusing at times. haha.
Let´s see.
Annie and I have been so blessed to be placed in the home that we were. We live with only one woman, but she is amazing and very very motherly. We share a bedroom, Annie and me, that is very simple, but very beautiful and cozy. Our hostmom has been preparing every meal for us.. and all of them are delicious. Chicken, vegetables, different soups, and lots and lots of bread! Every meal we eat bread.. and I am not going to complain. At mealtimes, there is occasional silence amongst us.. in my head I´m trying to formulate questions to ask and unfortunately it still takes me a little while. haha. However, once we ask a question, our host mom will answer it thoroughly.  She loves to tell us about her life and about Spain. About food. About their way of life. Annie and I are like sponges.. trying our best to soak it all up.  Our host mom is so kind and loving and after I told her that I was a little nervous to start school and meet all the other students, she said I have no reason to worry.. that it is doesn´t the color of our skin, if we´re pretty or ugly, where we are from.. we are all children of God. Increible! Yes, this is something I believe and that I think about often, but hearing it from her and in Spanish, a somewhat unfamiliar language... made it seem so much greater. There have been countless times where she teaches us things, things we may already know, but in new ways...

The city of Granada is beautiful. The buildings are so ancient and intricate. The cobblestone streets are narrow and make wandering the city for a long period of time so enjoyable. I can´t wait to explore more.. and of course, post pictures. I promise they are coming. Hopefully this upcoming week, once I am able to use wifi here at school.

I hope you are all doing well. I am excited to share more with you!
For now.. off to class I go to immerse myself in the very beautiful language of Español..
Hasta luego.

Libby

¡Hola mi familia y mis amigos! We made it to Spain! (Annie, Kailey, Kathryn and I)

(Annie, Kathryn, and Kailey)

Traveling here didn’t go as well as I had hoped, but I am so very thankful that we all made it hear safely! We flew into Cleveland, Ohio before entering Newark, NJ due to thunderstorms.  There, our plane refueled, we grabbed a bite to eat, and before we knew it, they had us once again, boarding the plane! We were off! ... to NJ that is.  My ears did great on the take off, thanks to some Sudafed, “Ear Plane” ear plugs, and large amounts of chewing gum.  However, when we would descend, I had a really difficult time handling the change in pressure.  I tried all I knew to do to pop my ears, but nothing really worked.  Annie (who I’m going to be rooming with in Granada) was so sweet on all the flights, asking me how I was doing and if she could get me anything.  I tried to stay upbeat and sociable on the planes, but between my ears hurting, being extremely tired from traveling and my sudden onset of nausea (that started from the flight from Cleveland to Newark, and continued on the next flight), I simply couldn’t.  I slept most the time on our 7-hour flight from Newark to Spain, and kept my eyes closed while I was awake to keep myself from feeling too sick.  Dinner and breakfast came around and thankfully Annie was hungry and felt good enough to eat it! I went ahead and took the food, just in case, but was only able to eat a few bites.  As we were descending into Madrid (about 10 minutes before landing), I felt really nauseous, but was trying all I could to breathe deep and not let anything gross and disgusting happen, haha.  I failed.  I grabbed the small, blue doggy bag inside the seat in front of me.. and yep, you guessed it! I know that’s probably a little too much information to be sharing, but what a great “Welcome to Spain, Libby” event! haha. Annie was awesome and made sure I was going to be okay, and together, her and the man next to me got me some napkins.  After I calmed down and closed the bag of grossness I felt a lot better. I was still kind of shaky, but turned to Annie and to the Spaniard next to her and said, “Lo siento” (I’m sorry).  They said I had nothing to apologize for… but I felt like I did.  Before I knew it was time to get off the plane.  I tossed the doggy bag and we headed toward customs. 

The four of us tried speaking in Spanish while we were in the airport and we did a pretty good job of it… until we couldn’t find our luggage on la cinta (belt).  We waited… and waited. “It’ll come around!” But it didn’t. We went to the lost and found and Kailey told the lady, in Spanish (so cool) our situation.  She replied in English (not cool).  We learned that our luggage would be coming with the next flight from Newark.  After hanging out in the airport and people watching for 2 hours, we finally found our luggage! We were so happy! Immediately we walked our disgustingly heavy equipaje (luggage) outside to get dos taxis.  Within ten minutes we made it to our hostel in Madrid! HOME! Well, for the next two nights anyways.  Lugging our stuff up 2 ½ flights of stairs was not an easy trip but after an ice cold shower (no mas agua caliente) and a change of clothes, it was well beyond worth it! We walked downtown, in the heart of Madrid and ate at a place Kathryn had been before.  We had these small sandwiches that look like miniature loaves of bread. I had un pollo, un chorizo that were muy delicioso and one salmon one that I didn’t eat because it was raw. I’m a “good eater” as my Nonie would put it, and hardly ever leave anything on my plate. But after one bite, I couldn’t finish it.  You have to be careful when you’re ordering food in another language! I need to figure out the word for “raw” haha.

We were so exhausted and didn’t have any energy to walk into any of the neat shops along the street, so we headed back to our hostel.  

(Calle en Madrid)

After making it back and spending some time checking email, we all hit the hay.  Sleeping for 12 hours felt great! And now our plan is to get ready and head out for some desyuno (breakfast).  It’s supposed to be in the high 90’s today! We’ll be staying here in Madrid again tonight but tomorrow we’re taking a bus to Granada that leaves at 11:30 am.  Despite the fact that we haven’t had too many exciting and extravagant adventures, we’re here, we’re safe and we’re working on reminding ourselves, “that yes, we ARE in Spain!”  It’s a surreal feeling for all of us, but what else did we expect? We’re on our own in a foreign country. 

I want to thank all of you for your love and support and especially your prayers! I can’t wait to share with you more about our adventures in Spain.

More to come.

Love, Libby