The first day of classes

Some days, you are on top of the world. Some days, you want to quit. Today was both types of some days.

I've been here for nearly a week. You'd think I would have conquered that initial fear thing by now. However, I woke up on the anxious side of the bed this morning. Ah, well. This is when my charismatic, fake-it-'til-you-make-it background comes in handy. And of course, I made it through the day!

I had 2 classes today: journalistic documentation/research and introduction to direction in cinema. Okay. Both of my professors are stereotypically gorgeous, intellectual European types. My journalism maestra looks like Penelope Cruz with an unfortunate haircut. And my cíne teacher is the Spanish silver fox Matt Damon.

In the latter class, only 2 students showed up today - myself and another American girl from Boston (who is very accomplished for her age!). When she entered the classroom, I thought to myself, ah! now there's another American. And as she walked in, downing her Coke and juggling her super-sized shoulder bag, I conceded to the Spaniards.

My fellow Americans, we are not our svelte, sophisticated European counterparts. Unless you are Maria and Irene.

Anyhow, as promised, pictures:

I am attending Universidad Europea de Madrid. My campus is really pretty. Sorry that I don't have pictures that are more Madrid-looking. I couldn't get my phone to work until last night, and today the SIM ran out of credit! Grr. Anyhow, maybe tomorrow I'll have more pictures?

Caught in the snow

Today, I looked at apartments. Well, I tried. I actually looked at only one. The others were in sketchy areas (mom, don't read that). Faby came with me, and I couldn't have done it without her.

When we were walking to see the last apartment, it started raining. Then, it started snowing...and kept snowing! Faby and I did not expect rain, much less snow! We laughed as we ran down the narrow street, pulling our thin, useless scarves over our heads and still searching for the right street.

We never found the apartment building, but we did find a covered bus stop. This is where we finally found shelter from the snow.

Next time I post, I'll have pictures. Promise. For now, I will say that we walked around Sol and it was incredible.

Everything is in Spanish

I slept for 16 hours yesterday/last night. It was nice.

Everything is in Spanish here. I know this seems obvious, but I just want to reiterate that fact. Anyhow.

This morning, it snowed for about 2 minutes. I may have gotten too excited about that. Also, I may have gotten too excited about taking public transportation today. Honestly though - what a thrill! I felt very independent, maneuvering through a foreign transportation system, in a foreign language, using foreign currency. The metro is quite fascinating for an avid people-watcher like me. Also, some street musicians entered my metro car, singing the Buena Vista Social Club song, "Quisas, quisas, quisas." Of course, I love that song & wanted to sing along, but it didn't seem like the best way to blend in with the natives.

My bus passed Boadilla del Monte. I thought of you, Irene and Maria.

I bought lunch at my school today. The sandwich options were: ham & cheese, ham & cheddar, and ham & tomato. I went with the ham option.

I went to church with Faby & family tonight. The church is great! Of course, I understood about 10 words altogether, but nonetheless, the people were fantastic. Full of life and friendly.

My current situation is such a curiosity. I am staying with this kind, hospitable family that doesn't speak a word of English. In my halting Spanish, I try to express my appreciation and also ask a million questions. I have so much to do and barely know how, where, or when to start! I want to explore the city, but of course, that takes a back seat to the important things like finding a place to live.

Speaking of which, I spent a long time calling about apartments today. "Estoy llamando a la habitación para alquilar. Habla inglés? No? Estoy em Madrid hasta el fin de Mayo. Esta bién?"

I'm looking at rooms to rent tomorrow. I'm believing for just the right place at just the right price. Wish me luck!

Day One

Hello All!

Day one has begun.

I feel like I just jumped in the deep end before learning how to swim! I thought I was prepared; now that I am here I feel many things, but prepared is not one of them. Maybe it's the 2 hours of sleep in 3 days, or the jet lag, or the fact that everything is in Spanish, but I'm definitely a bit hazy right now.

So far:

- A flight from San Diego to Atlanta that would rival any roller coaster.

- An amazing lunch reconnecting with Amber & Rose Lemmon, discussing our mutual love for all things Jesus & 30 Rock.

- A new phone that I am hoping will work soon (thanks Dan Roy!).

- I used my first Spanish - when I showed the airport official my passport, he said "Hawai'i!" and I said "Sí."

- I saw a sign for a play called Avenue Q, which I thought was Sesame Street, but is definitely not.

Priscila's friend Faby picked me up from the airport, and I am staying with her family until I find a place. I am so thankful. Not sure what to do next - sleep, check-in at school, check-in at embassy - but I think my sleepy brain is quickly deciding for me...