Mi Casa Lejos de Casa- Iza Zant

Mi Casa Lejos de Casa

Apartmento

I live in a apartment toward the outside of main Granada city center. 

The gate to my Apartment

I live on the third floor of my building. My apartment is small and can be described with a few pictures. However, I've always loved the idea of living in a small apartment, and I think that living here has made me more comfortable with my family.

When you first enter my apartment, this is the view you see from my door. This is my living room. The dining room table is the table on the left of this photo. I don't spend much time here because usually when I'm home I'm alone or with my brother. He usually plays video games most of the day, so he's in his room which is right next to mine. I spend most of my time at home in my room.  Just behind the glass door is my parent's room. I've never been in there (obviously). However, I do enjoy the sofa occasionally when I watch the news and drink coffee during some afternoons that my parents don't work. 

This is my kitchen. It's directly next to my living room. I'm only allowed in here to throw away things (lol) because my mom doesn't like when I cook. Even my host sister said the kitchen is her mom's "domain" of sorts. It's been very difficult for me because in the US I usually make at least two of my meals per day, and I've grown to love both cooking and baking. The thing I miss most about home is probably my kitchen. 

This is my room. I like it because I definitely need my own space to escape for the day. I am someone who needs my alone time so I spend a lot of time here. The best part about my room is my windows. I have light blocking curtains so if I ever need to take a siesta I'm all set .... if only they blocked out noise as well... My room is situated just to the left of the living room down a (approx) 2 ft hall way. At night it's hard because the walls are so incredibly thin, I can hear everything from every room and from the other apartments. You could say I've invested in sleeping pills. I also like the added touch of the Spiderman poster on my door. It makes me laugh almost everyday

This is my bathroom. We have one shower that we share with the five of us. It's been a little bit difficult with scheduling sometimes. I also feel self conscious because you can hear everything in my apartment. I get nervous to use the bathroom sometimes, or even to be too loud when I brush my teeth at night. It's very different than what I'm used too as far as bathroom conditions. However, our shower is really nice, and has great water pressure. I also think our square sink is super cool.



This is a short video that shows the path from the living room, past the bathroom, to my room.

Mi Familia

My parents are Raquel and Alberto. They are both very great people. Alberto is the sweet and sentimental dad. He's always cheerful and kind. He's laid back which I really like. He's easy to talk too. He's basically a teddy bear. I really enjoy his company. Raquel is strong willed, and isn't afraid to say what she thinks. She's very direct and too the point, however she really does care at the end of the day. Sometimes I think she's a bit intimidating, but she takes good care of me.

My host mom didn't like the photo I took of her today, she sent me this photo to post along with it. I believe that this photo is truly  what we call a "personality pic."




This is a photo of my host sister, Lorena. I really love her. She's working part time in Malaga right now, so I don't get to see her as much as I would like. She doesn't speak any english either, but we've had some awesome conversations about the differences between our lives. She's really funny, but also down to earth. I enjoy being around her a lot.

This is my brother Xavier, nicknamed Xabi, and pronounced "Sabee." He's a pretty great kid. This photo is a little bit old because he wouldn't let me take his picture, so I had to creep on my host mom's Facebook. He spends most of his day playing video games or hiding out in his room. occasionally we eat lunch together and he helps me practice my spanish. He takes english classes at his school, but he refuses to speak in english with me. I think he's nervous. Either way, he's a typical middle school boy. He often fights with his parents, and I have to hold myself back from laughing because it's just kinda cute. He talks to me when I'm feeling like talking, and if I don't feel like talking it's not awkward. He gets me. Xabi es la leche. 

That pretty much describes my family in Granada! There are many differences between my family here and at home. I do miss having my own space and a bit more freedom with my personal routine, however my family here is very close, and I think that's really awesome. Being around my siblings here makes me miss my little sister sometimes as well. I do feel very blessed to be placed in a family that I feel really cares about my well being and safety, but also gives me enough space to go and come as I please. It's given me a good balance of fun and responsibility in my life aqui en Granada.