My dear readers,
Hello and welcome to my blog, a place for me to share my thoughts and keep you updated on my activities during my semester in Madrid, Spain. This post is coming to you from the apartment where I’m living with my host mom, Maria, and another roommate (whom I have yet to meet). Despite the exhaustion that’s setting in, this has been a good, busy day. I had the great luck to sit next to two lovely new friends, Lavi and Madeline, on the flight over. And we quickly discovered it’s a small world after all, as we have a very good mutual friend (shout out to Becky!). After landing and maneuvering through the airport in Madrid (and getting my luggage—no lost bags for me!), I successfully hired a taxi to bring me to the apartment. Maria must have seen me coming because she greeted me from her balcony before coming downstairs to help me with the bags. She gave me a tour of the small but comfortable apartment and then I took a much-needed nap. (Side note: for those of you who don’t know, Maria does not speak English, so I’m getting a lot of Spanish practice!) After a light snack and some café con leche, we braved the Madrid winter (rainy and cool) to make the 20-minute walk to campus. Despite my limited Spanish abilities, I am enjoying getting to know Maria. She is very sweet and calls me “cariña” and “princesa.” I have a feeling we’re going to get along. :) I am unpacked but still have some organizing to do. My room is small, but has everything I need (including wireless internet!). Tonight Maria and I might go to mass, and then we’ll have a late dinner. I wonder how long it will take me to adjust to the change in meal schedule…
Tomorrow and Tuesday will be orientation at SLU and Wednesday is the first day of classes. Wish me luck!
-E
P.S. I got the title of my blog from a Starbucks coffee (shh, don’t tell). It means “almost heaven,” and I’m hoping that’s what this semester might be like!
P.P.S. Please comment on my posts! This will be more fun if I get feedback… I’m writing this for YOU, you know?!
This sounds like so much fun! :)
ReplyDeleteMiss you and love you!
My dearest Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI am so unbelievably delighted for you to have both the chance and desire to embark on this program. We have such fond memories of Spain and will now have an additional connection with you. I can smell the bright aroma of a freshly poured cup of cafe con leche all the way here.
Maria sounds like she will be a good fit for you and has greeted you with much warmth.
It will be fun to hear which plaza becomes your favorite. If you become mesmerized by el museo del prado or if you find the perfect sun dress in the market this spring.
May God continue to Bless you and watch over you in this journey and beyond.
Tio Miguel
I hope you have a wonderful time in Madrid, Elizabeth :) We'll miss you in Omaha!
ReplyDeleteQuerida Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteEstoy muy emocionada a leer sobre sus aventuras en Espana. Toma muchisimo coraje a establecerse en un pais donde no se habla perfectamente el lenguage, pero estoy segura que vas a triunfar y tienes muchas experiencias bellisimas. :) Mis oraciones sera con ti durante este semestre.
Carninos,
Kathleen
P.S. Lo siento por mi espanol malo!
Elizabeth! Your first blog is great! So nice to feel connected, and you'll be able to keep so many people posted on what's going on. I have a feeling you'll have a lot of people convinced that they need to visit the places you go. Sounds like Maria is a great host mom, and you'll enjoy living there. Looking forward to hearing how orientation and your first day of school goes! LYSM,
ReplyDeleteYour godmother,
M
Hey Sweetie!
ReplyDeleteI'm SO excited that your long-planned journey has begun!! We are so fortunate to have this great site to get a hint of what your experience will be like. I will look forward to every post, so share often, PLEASE.
Be safe; Be happy; Be well... we will see you in a couple of months when we connect in Spain. I can't wait...
Love you so,
mom
Dear Twiga,
ReplyDeleteI know this says it's from Sheila, but really it's me, Emma (Duckie). Apparently you need a gmail account and Maggie had set Mom up with one and I don't have one. So I'm writing to you from Mom's profile.
I'm so psyched that you're actually in Spain!! After all these months (and paperwork!) you're finally there!! It sounds great and so does Maria. I think it's cute she calls you princess and sweetheart/darling. It sounds like you are perfectly fine over there and nothing has gone too terribly awry! An hour ago Dad and I got home from Ft. Wayne and I couldn't wait to read your blog!! But now that I have, I want you to update!! Though you're probably fast asleep by now... I guess it's almost 2 am!!
I love you so much, Elizabeth!! And I can't wait to visit you in March!!
--Emma
Hi Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteWe are so excited for you...you will be having so many wonderful experiences. I especially can picture you at the Prado...a fabulous art museum! More later. Grama and Grampa