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..