Mi Fantástico Familia

When I first received news about my host family through email, I was elated and nervous. This single email outlined the family that I was going to be living with for the next six weeks- and there was not even a picture. All I knew was that I would be living with a couple with a baby son in their apartment on “Calle Musico Jose Ayala.”

            Coming to Granada, I remember getting off the bus, and seeing a huge crowd of waiting host families. I went around saying hello to everyone and gave them kisses on the cheek, and eventually met my host dad, Ivan. I remember talking to Ivan (in my broken Spanglish) as we went back to the apartment to meet his wife and baby. Eventually, I met Vanessa and baby Manuel- and surprisingly- an adorable dog named Copi!

Perfecta Familia!

            My apartment is very different to my house back in the United States. In Granada, it seems that saving space is ideal in such a crowded city. My apartment is cozy, and no room goes to waste. Our dining room doubles as the TV room, and the kitchen is a step away from the laundry room. My room has a nice bed, desk for studying, and closet for all my clothes. Although it is smaller than my room in the US, it feels just as comfortable. However, since I am naturally the type that likes to do homework in wide open spaces, I rarely study in my room unless I have to. Usually I go out to the living room, or go to the park for even more space.  

Building Entrance

Apartment Entrance

My messy room in the midst of unpacking

So, back to describing my family. At the beginning of my host stay, I felt awkward at times. My Spanish was so simplistic, and I felt that my breadth of vocabulary could not discuss topics other than the weather and food. Fortunately as time went on my Spanish improved, and I was able to learn more about my family, and connect with them in so many ways.

Let me start with Ivan, my father. Ivan is a jolly man who always has red cheeks that matches his red glasses. He is a diehard soccer fan (Granada CP all the way!) and can always be seen sporting a red and white t-shirt that shows his support. During the week, he works alongside an architect to plan out future buildings of the city. He is not a picky eater, and he absolutely adores olives. Although he does not speak English, we find a good medium to discuss topics like sports and the culture of Granada.

My mother, Vanessa, is a fantastic woman with a brown bob haircut and a lovely smile. Like Ivan, she loves Granada CP as well, and even works for the team. She works at the ticket office of the soccer stadium, and occasionally helps sell merchandise for the team. An interesting fact about her is that she studied abroad in Ireland for 3 months, and learned English there! We sometimes hold “intercambios” where we practice my Spanish and her English, and we manage to talk in depth about various topics.

Manuel, my baby brother, can always brighten my day. He just reached 5 months last week, and he is happy and healthy. He has wispy brown hair and large eyes that make people automatically say “Awww!” He loves it when people sing to him, and when I hold him up high in the air. Currently, I am trying to make one of his first words “Anna,” but I am sure that it will either be “Papa” or “Mama.” He is a wonderful baby, being raised by wonderful parents.

Que Guapo!

Lastly, Copi is the mischievous dog of the family. He is nine years old, but has the energy of a puppy. He enjoys long walks along the river, and most of all- FOOD. Everytime we have bread or any type of fruit, Copi will go bonkers. He begins climbing on everyone at the table and scours the floor for dropped pieces of food. He can be sneaky sometimes and steal a piece of food- but Copi is normally a gentleman so that rarely happens.

The aspect that stands out the most about my family, is that Ivan and Vanessa are truly an ideal couple. They honestly have the best balance between them- they both take care of Manuel, clean the houses, cook, and do everything else equally. I have always learned that a perfect relationship needs both people to pull their share, but I have not actually witnessed such a power balance until now. I am so grateful to be living with Ivan, Vanessa, Manuel and Copi- and I cannot wait to bond with them more with my remaining weeks!