La Copa Mundial

Yesterday (Tuesday) was a busy day, with class all morning and the afternoon free. In the evening, my friends and I walked to El Corte Ingles, which is a huge department store you'll find in all major Spanish cities. Outside the store, in a big plaza, they have a great big screen that they broadcast the World Cup on, and there's food stands too. We went there, and there were tons of people, all dressed in red and yellow, the colors of the Spanish flag, of course. The game began at 8:30, and there were people of all ages, from little babies to older abuelas, and a lot of young people. It was crazy! Spain won, scoring one goal, and the crowd just went nuts. El futbol is a really big thing here.

Today I've been in a conference all day, and I may go to a Flamenco show tonight. I'll keep you updated!

My First Day of School!

Hola a todos! Hello all!

I am now in Salamanca, and today was my first day of school! I arrived here last night, after a very long day of travel, and became acclimated to my new home.

Then this morning was the first day of school! I have 3 classes every day, for 2 hours each between 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. Each of my professors seem very intelligent and understanding, so that's exciting. One of the things that is a bitdifferent from the US is that education and classtime is very respected and much more formal. It is clear that we must be in the classroom, seated, before starting time, and if we are going to be late for class, it is better to not come at all. Additionally, attendance is mandatory, and I can only miss one Friday out of the 5 weeks for traveling. So...it is very important to make sure my alarm is set in the morning!

Also, eating during class is strictly prohibited also. The meal times here are also a bit different. All 3 of my meals are included in my tuition fees, so while the dorm food is not outstanding, I will be generally eating it. Breakfast is light, typically cereal or yogurt. Then I am in class at 8:30, and when I get out of class at 2:30, I walk back to the dorm (about a 20-25 minute walk), and lunch is served from 1:00-3:30, and I have the afternoons all free. Then, dinner is from 9-10 pm.

This afternoon I walked around the city with 2 new friends, it's beautiful here! I will continue to update and post pictures during my time here. It's great hearing, seeing, and using Spanish all day! :) The photos posted today include me in front of the Cathedral, right before my class this morning, me enjoying some helado(!) at the Plaza Mayor, and a picture of the Cathedral beyond a plaza.

Pics of My Travels In Peru (2008) and Spain (2006)

Here are links to my Picasa pictures of my travels to Peru (2008) and Spain (2006). Feel free to check them out, and ask any questions that might come up!

Peru 2008

Spain 2006