Hola amigos!

After I woke up and took my shower yesterday, my padre, Manolo, called me to the kitchen. He made me my breakfast, because my madre was still sleeping! So cute! Manolo is such a precious man and he makes me smile inside J The unfortunate part of the situation was that I fumbled my way into asking for hot milk for breakfast my first day, and I’m pretty sure they’ve established this as my daily drink of choice. Suck. When he left the kitchen, I poured it down the sink. Haha, kinda felt bad about that one! But not bad enough to not repeat the same if necessary.

I walk to school with Alex, who lives just down the road from me, and we pick up Katie on the way. When we got to school, we were placed into our classes. One of the teachers, Manolo, is great! He’s super smart and hilarious. He just published a book earlier this year, and I’ve heard that his techniques for teaching grammar work wonders for learning the language. Also, first day and he already taught us the F word. He says that it’s completely necessary because Spaniards are super aggressive people that cuss on a regular basis. Like I said, he’s freaking awesome.

Concha has started to serve me smaller meals, because I told her I don’t eat a lot. Howeverrr, her definition of small and mine don’t completely match. I’ve decided I need to compromise and stuff myself until I can’t possible eat anymore. So, if I’m huge when I get home, you know why. Blame Concha! ;) Concha’s nieta (granddaughter) stayed with her today, because there was a nationwide strike and she couldn’t go to school. Her mom, Concha’s daughter, came to pick her up at lunch and she stayed awhile to talk to Concha. I sat with them and tried to follow their conversation, but Maria talks muyyyyy rapido. Concha had to tell her to slow down so that I could understand, but that lasted about all of 30 seconds. Maria said that the people that she works with need to tell her to slow down when she talks. Concha made salad, bean soup, bread, turkey, and croquetas, which look like mini corndogs, but seem to be a mix of cream of mushroom soup and meat with the outside fried on the stove.

So what’s really great about Spain is how much I fit in. And I’m not talking about what I look like, because as much as I try to dress like them, people can immediately tell I’m an American. What I’m talking about is the SIESTA! I have my own personal nap fit into my day J Que perfecto!

Last night, I went out with friends to shop. It rained all afternoon and night, but I made the trek to meet people at el ayuntamiento. I dropped 60 euros at one store, but I’ve officially started my European wardrobe! Woowooooo! I’ve been really good about not spending any money on clothes that I can find at home, so I felt justified. ;)

Today was more warm milk for breakfast, school, a GREAT siesta, some independent exploration of some of the stores, cerveza with Nate, helado with Ashley, and the news with Concha. That’s been the mealtime ritual. She putters around the kitchen while I eat, and we both watch TV. I’m almost positive I only “watch” it to cop out of having super lengthy convos. With time, perhaps I shall step it up.

Weather calls for rain for the next 10 days… no good! I’m hoping for better weather, because the plan is to stay here this weekend. My Uncle Tom and Aunt Deb are going to be here for a few days at the end of their tour of Spain, so I want them to see Santander at its best!

Hasta luego, amigos!

Abrazos y besos,

ME