La Primera Vista- Primara Semana Reflexiones

I wish I had listened to my mom and not packed as many sweaters and pants. I guess I just couldn't imagine I would be living in a place that really is this hot after having survived Michigan's treacherous winter.  This could also explain why I didn't think to bring sunscreen- which is a total joke because my skin burns more easily than anyone's I know.  I guess I just wanted to buy Spanish sunscreen here to add to my collection at home.

I wish I had listened to my friends who encouraged me to practice speaking Spanish more and review vocabulary before I left because the first day I got here I could barely remember how to say "Tengo hambre!" Now, words and grammar are slowly resurfacing but I still feel tongue- tied frequently.

I really love my host family and look forward to visiting with them during siesta, even though I am the only one who actually naps. I have a 23 year old sister, Trinidad, who is studying law and business at the University of Granada, and a 12 year old brother who is always singing and telling jokes in English. He seems to know more English than he leads on because whenever I struggle to think of a word in Spanish, he knows it if I tell him in English. He's not the only one. Today I went to the First Communion of my host family's cousin and met their extended family and friends. At first, when talking to the younger people, even though they knew I only spoke un poco espanol, they talked to me only in Spanish.  When they realized how little I could understand they switched to very good English with no trouble.  I was so impressed but at the same time jealous that these kids, who were younger than me, could already speak two, and some of them three, languages.  I wish I had started sooner. I think there is just less pressure for English speakers to learn another language at a young age and I think this needs to change for Americans to improve their relationship with the rest of the world.

It took me a week, but I am just now learning that I need to ask the locals for recommendations on tapas bars and restaurants. So far, I have fallen into the tourist trap and only gone to the most expensive places because they are in the center of the city- most of them not even serving free tapas!!! This hasn't been all bad though because we've gotten to enjoy impressive flamenco and jazz performances that are only in the tourist areas.

Overall, I feel settled already.  From the moment I got here Granada has opened its arms to me and embraced me in a warm hug.  I'm excited for more.
Es la leche!

Nat