Tyler's birthday at Domino's

Tyler's birthday at Domino's

Friday, August 13, 2010

First Impressions, Things I am excited about!

Its as if I am still dreaming. I can't believe that I am in Burgos, Spain living with a Spanish family, and learning more every single day!

I have to be honest, when I first got here on Aug.6th I was very overwhelmed and questioned my decision of coming abroad. Everyone spoke so fast, and I was exhausted after a long flight and was having a very difficult time understanding my host family which was completely unexpected to me. Later on the afternoon of that same day after taking a much needed nap, everything changed. I woke up relaxed and ready to jump into this experience. After finally getting some sleep, I was able to pay closer attention and understand my family very well!

My host family is absolutely amazing. I have a brother that is 24, a sister that is 30, and a french exchange student that is 18 that all live here with me and my Spanish mom. My room is VERY small and I even have to pull down my bed every night before sleeping because it is " a wall bed", but it is very cozy and I am able to fit everything I need in there.

My mom cooks SO much, and I have already gotten to try many new Spanish delicacies like potato pie, tortas, morcilla (blood sausage), and lots of lamb dishes. The food here is AWESOME, and I think I will definitely be gaining a little weight while in Spain. We walk everywhere here, which I really enjoy. We have a little bit of a hike to school, about 40 minutes there and back everyday but many of us are choosing to walk instead of taking the bus because there is so much to see along the way. I have only been here for a week, and already feel like I fit in with the family, the school, and the city. It is an awesome feeling to be able to communicate with someone from another country and understand as well as be understood by them. I feel very accomplished in my Spanish studies to be able to have been so successful during my first week, and know that I will learn SO much more during my time here.