Saludos de Granada

Saludos de Granada mis parientes y amigos! Granada es una alucinante ciudad con lugares y personas interesantes. Ahora, voy a hablar sobre mis primeras impresiones de la primera semana.

First, I want to rewind to last week when I was still in Cleveland. It was Thursday afternoon, and I was staring at my huge, empty suitcase that I needed to fill with six weeks worth of my life. Fortunately for me, my parents took charge, and efficiently filled my suitcase until it almost burst. On Saturday, with my clunky luggage, fanny pack, and Michigan hat on my head, I was ready to go to Granada!  

When we entered the city, I was blown away. The different criss-crossing streets were lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants filled with color and people. I became even more excited when I saw all the different “heladerias” in the city! I was grateful for my host family (which includes Ivan, Vanessa, their four month old baby (Manuel), and their dog (Copi)), since on the first night, they graciously gave me a two hour tour of Granada; they also treated me to some Los Italianos. It was a fantastic way to get to know them better, and vice versa. They are an amazing family since they are thoughtful and caring in every way.

So what was my first impression of Granada and granadians? Well, an interesting part of Granada culture is definitely “siesta” time. By designating some hours every day to relax and spend time with family, I feel that Granadians are more “chill”, and less stressed than Americans. Along with the “siesta” time, the biggest adjustment for me was the times for meals. In the United States, I typically ate breakfast at 9 am, lunch at 11:30 am, and dinner at 4:00 pm. In Spain however, I have breakfast at 8 am, lunch at 3 pm, and dinner at 9:30 pm. In addition, lunch is a larger meal than dinner, where in the United States, it is typically the other way around. For the first few days, my stomach would start growling in between meal times quite often, but fortunately, my body adjusted quickly and it is not a problem anymore.

Now, time to talk about the most important part: the FOOD. I did not have much exposure to “Spanish” food in the United States, so I was excited to see what was in store for me. I have already had some tapas and refreshing beverages like café con leche and a “batido de Kismet.” In addition, the meals that my host family makes are always delicious. So far, my favorites include a “paella con mariscos,” creamy zucchini soup, and blood sausage! (Interesting detail- I am very “tiquismiquis” with certain vegetables: like mushrooms. Last week for lunch, I was served a full plate of mushrooms and little bits of ham. I managed to eat the entire plate, and it actually was not that bad! I am glad that I am expanding my palate while in Spain).  

What I wish I would have done was to review my Spanish material beforehand. In the week before departing, I did have down time that I could have used more efficiently. For me, the hardest part is trying to figure out what verb tenses to use, and how to form them when talking to my host family and others. Fortunately, I am slowly improving, my Spanish, and learning the lifestyle and customs in Spain. I am so lucky to be studying abroad in this great country of Spain! Gracias- y ¡Adios!