spain... SPAIN

Spain... Unm... yeah, Spain! While of course I miss the good old U.S of A. I am in SPAIN! I am going on my third week here in Laredo, Spain and I finally got internet. So the point of this blog once again is to keep everyone updated on how am doing and all the things I have gotten into, two weeks is a lot of time to get into things... But first let me say that I am doing very well. From my house there is a stunning view of the ocean, I have my own room, and I discovered learning math in another language is fun (yes I know I am a nerd).
When we first left New York to go to the airport everyone was bustling with excitement, being evident in the way we loudly chanted Spain at any possible moment. (felt bad for Peter, he was one guy in charge of many teenagers with a little too much energy in one airport... Sorry Peter). And to be expected, the closer we got to Zurich (where our plane had a layover), the closer most of us got to tears. But with swiss chocolate and the destination of Madrid, our chants started up once more. (I believe I was warned before I left it would be a rollercoaster of emotions... Never thought the plane ride was included). Upon landing, after waiting in the airport for a little while, we said adios to Peter and hola to our very nice AFS Madrid volunteers. They consisted of kids my age knowing both spanish and english (thinking in my head... I can do that too, one day).  The orientation arrangements were not the most comfortable (consisting of two bunk beds in a closet sized room) but everyone had a blast. There were kids from France to New Zealand, from all over the place! We played games, danced, and got to change out of our gross airport clothes. And got much needed sleep.
Early the next morning (everyone left at different times, me at 8:30 with some other kids going north of spain), we awaited a bus to take us to another bus... to take us to Bilbao. (and after carrying two suitcases down an escalator, I was ready to be settled in). Two bus rides later, I was happily greeted with kisses by my host mom and little sister.
Now, since I have been here I have had my first day of school, had my first Spanish festival, and have made a couple new friends.
School... Not like what I am used to but, despite the language difference, I look forward to it everyday. There is no lunch but there are two twenty minute breaks in which most kids eat and walk around near the school. The schedule is different everyday of the week, consisting of six classes a day. The classes are very similar to an AP or college class in the notes department and the subjects are generic (and most I have already learned in English). For gym you do not change, you were leggings and tennis shoes to school or whatever you plan on participating in. Leggings are very common here as most people would expect. Every morning, after milk, orange juice, and toast or other thing to dip in my milk, I walk to school. And after, I walk home. (lots of walking here with everything so close together.)
The festival... Was AMAZING. There were fireworks, sweets, things to buy and animals to ride. (I rode a camel... IN SPAIN! Now how many people can say they have done that?! Besides for spanish people of course...). It kind of reminded me of a Ren Faire, but lasting three days and stretched through out the town. Also there was a parade: with music, flag twirling, fire juggling, dancers, and people dressed up in costume. (lots of people dressed up... If I would have been more informed it would be something I would have done as well lol)
My friends... I love them. They are so nice and speak slowly for me. And most kids know english well enough to help each other explain things to me I do not know. Study Abroad Tip: Make friends. They truly do make things easier, like adapting and finding things to do. And they provide another opportunity to practice the language and learn the culture!
Slowly but surely I am learning Spanish, learning a culture, and hopefully making memories and bonds to last forever.