¡Mi Primera Vista de Granada!

HOLA to all my friends and family back home! After weeks of anticipation, I am finally in Granada, and it is everything and more than what I was expecting.

My first impression of Granada looking out of the window of the bus taking us to our homestays from el aeropuerto was the incredible liveliness of the city. Granada is more populated than Ann Arbor, and I could tell just by looking outside at the hustle and bustle of the streets filled with students like us from the Universidad de Granada and other citizens and tourists. What is most distinct to me about Granada, however, is the more relaxed lifestyle of the city. No one ever seems to be in a rush here, but rather Granadinos appreciate each moment of their life for what it's worth. Meals - such as lunch or tapas - are spent chatting with friends or family for long hours while drinking wine, sangria, tinto de verano, or the local Alhambra cerveza. Just being around loved ones and enjoying each others' company is not taken for granted in Granada as it often is in the United States.

After lunch is one of my favorite times of the day - la siesta. In my opinion, the siesta could not have come at a better time. After eating the largest meal of the day (lunch - which is usually at 2-ish), los Granadinos take a long siesta break, which could be napping or just quiet time to read a book; basically, anything to escape the incredible summer heat! While I sleep (jet lag was a bit rough for the first couple of days), my host mom Mama Lola usually watches TV and knits.

I snuck this picture of mi señora, Mama Lola

The siesta break usually lasts from about 2-5 pm, enough time to eat and relax in the comfort of your home. Even restaurants and stores are closed during this period of time - just to stress the importance of this tradition. La siesta clearly illustrates the relaxed lifestyle of los Granadinos - something I am very grateful for. It is refreshing after a difficult Sophomore year in Ann Arbor to come to a city where I don't feel like I am running on autopilot or where life isn't moving so fast. 

Los Granadinos also genuinely, whole-heartedly enjoy life and its pleasures. Sitting down for tapas with amigos is probably one of the most enjoyable things to do in Granada. Here, tapas are magically free with every drink you order. Drinks are pretty cheap too compared to the United States, but its not this aspect that I appreciate the most. Sitting down, phone aside, with a nice glass of refreshing sangria is perfectly complemented with the pleasure of chatting with friends without rush. Los camareros (aka waiters) are not hovering over you, or pressuring you so they can give the table to other guests, but rather they anticipate you staying for about 2-3 hours, late into the night (tapas usually occur between 8-10 pm). I have never felt so joyful or relaxed as I did having tapas with my new amigos de mi clase de Español. Practicing our Spanish (usually speaking Spanglish), my fellow classmates and I are able to live la vida Granadina (thanks Iza for the phrase!). To me this consists of sol, fiesta, and siesta - what more do I need?!!

A mis amigas y a mi nos gusta sangria

Although I am slightly homesick in my first week, I feel like my study abroad experience has started off exactly how I wanted - I would not change a thing. I enjoy everything about my morning walk to class, quick stops at a café o la panadería around the corner (for a croissant and café con leche for only 1 Euro!), 4 hour class day, tapas, host family, and even people watching! My stay in Granada so far has been different from any travel experience I have had, but I love being in a country with such a love of life. During my stay here, I want to try to leave behind my worries and fears for the future and just focus on living in the present moment and appreciating the beauty and culture around me. Granada is a city so unlike anywhere I have been to, and I can't wait to be further enchanted!

¡Más fotos!

In the Albaicín neighborhood

Doing homework in a cafe 

Flamenco in the streets

Chao,

Niyati 

Finalmente En Espana!

The first day I arrived I was surprised by the city; it was not what I expected. Before I came I expected Granada to be less city like. This city is like a mini New York or a bigger Ann Arbor. I thought it was going to be more open and less surrounded by stores, bars, and restaurants. However, as I explored more of Granada I realized it's more then that. Granada has a little bit of everything and it's amazing. As I walked around and reached the Arab neighborhood I saw the beautiful architecture that I didn't see initially. As I kept exploring I came across the biggest park in Granada. I was blown away by the scenery and greenery. It's a perfect place to go running, do homework, or lounge around. Another huge perk to Granada is free tapas at the bars. The amount of food you can get here with little money is shocking. It truly is the perfect college city. I can't wait to keep exploring new areas!

A few of the things I got to do during my first week was eat at an amazing Moroccan restaurant with an amazing view of the Al Hambra:

I got  lost among the souvenir shops:

And also got the best gelato in town (the popular thing to get there is a cassata) with a friend who visited me from America:

I don't think there's anything I wouldn't planned anything differently in this trip. Minus a few hiccups I got her pretty smoothly. The only thing that I think would've been less tiring would be to take a direct flight opposed to having connections. However connections are cheaper so there are pros and cons to both. The day I arrived, I avoided jet lag by not sleeping until the proper time in Spain, so I adjusted to Spanish life pretty quickly. As a few days have past and I've adjusted, I'm surprised that I haven't forgotten anything from back home. Honestly I wish I packed lighter cause I'm realizing I packed too much. That's something I will keep in mind next time I travel.

Until next week,
Lana

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!  

Aqui, Es La Leche!

Blog 1 (due Sunday, May 17^th 11:59 p.m.)

Primeras impresiones. What do you think of the city of Granada so far? Do you wish you had planned your trip any differently? Is there something you forgot back home that you wish you had here?

or 

Being a big city boy from Detroit I sort of have grown accustomed to large vibrant city like Detroit, Ann Arbor etc. However Granada is not as big, but is extremely fun (Comparison opportunity lol). The trip here in itself was amazing four airplanes flights, and I even got to see London which is insane!!!! When I first met my host family on Sunday they were extremely welcoming. Originally I thought that my family only spoke to me in Spanish to aid me, until my tia told me "No hablo cualquier ingles", my initial was =O; until I realized that's what we are here for! 

 It is also very interesting navigating around the city, its not like back home where you can you ask someone for directions and understand where to go quickly. You actually have to listen hard because in my opinion the Spanish here is rapid. Its always different that they don't have the street sign that we have back home, their street signs are embedded into buildings. 

There are a lot of fun things to do here, I have had a lot of fun already and the worst part is we are just getting started ;). Also the people of Granada are extremely nice to us, well in most cases lol. 

Por Ejemplo.

Also I prefer the food here much more than back home, its much more natural. And I am also very grateful for the more potent coffee lol it helps me a lot when I am up late on most nights studying. I honestly wouldn't change anything about this trip. My study abroad group are a bunch of super cool kids, although I knew to of them already. Oh there is one thing I wish I could have with me, and that is my Spanish 103 notes from my previous class lol! 

PS. I would have posted more pictures but I want to study now lol.

Hasta Proximo. 

Livin' La Vida Granadina - Iza Zant

Hola! Me llamo Izabella Zant, pero los Granadinos me llaman Iza. 

I have just arrived in Granada a few days ago, and I can honestly say that it has been quite a whirlwind. I've been writing e-mails with my friends and family back home, and one day I wrote what I perceive to be the daily schedule of the people of Granada. I've decided to take that same idea, and transform it into my blog post about my first impressions of Granada. I hope you think that it "es la leche." 

[Es La Leche = It's the shit/bomb]

8:00- 9:00 am 

People rise. Stores don't usually open until later than in the United States. Most places are owned by families, although larger "chain type" places open up sooner. People eat a very small breakfast, some people don't eat breakfast at all (My host- hermana hates breakfast. I was appalled at first because eggs are my favorite food for nearly all meals. Pero, the people in Granada consider eggs a food for dinner or lunch. A "tortilla" de Espana is actually similar to an omelette in the states and is very common for dinner.) For breakfast my mom has been leaving a bunch of stuff out for me and I honestly don't know what it is. There's some sort of corn flakes, and this type of cocoa that everyone mixes with their cereal. I think it's like Nesquick? I haven't tried it. Also there's a type of cafe (coffee) grounds, that they simply call "cereales," and people put in their cereal. You can only put it in warm milk though. Which brings me to my next point: I told my mom I would have cereal for breakfast. I came out of the bathroom, and I found a bowl of warm milk fresh out of the microwave with corn flakes in it. I was un poco confused, but I ate it obviously (then again I eat everything in sight). I guess warm milk is the thing to do here, but when in Granada do as the Granadinos do? Sí? 

11:30 (ish) am

People grab a snack or coffee. Usually I see people going to Cafe's and ordering "Cafe con Leche." I thought this meant coffee with milk, but I was wrong. It's something totally different. I don't know if it's espresso or if it's actual coffee, but it's similar to a latte without as much milk and only a bit of foam. It's pretty good. I drank two today, and I've never felt more awake in my life. 

Once, I tried to order an iced caramel coffee, and I received milk with caramel drizzle, so that was that. Definitely not at Starbucks anymore. Also, they don't have coffee to go, most people sit and drink their coffee. It's a nice change, one I have to get used to as well as make time for. However, being the extreme coffee addict I am, I don't mind cutting out some time to enjoy mi café.

2:30 pm

At this time, people eat lunch. Lunch is the largest meal in Spain. It's the size of American dinners but in the afternoon. Lunch is often served with wine (best part). All of the stores/ shops close at 2:00 ish and school lets out for siesta. Families leave work and come to eat and relax until later in the afternoon. My family owns a Pizzeria so they stay open for lunch because sometimes families come in to eat together, or groups of friends. I eat with my siblings, but my parents eat around 4:00 o'clock. During the time after lunch, people are almost expected to take a nap or have quiet time. I believe that this originates from the heat in Spain, but I'm not completely sure. It's not common in other areas but Andalusia (the "state" I'm in) is known for the continuation of the tradition. People here are known to be very traditional and have a lot of pride in their country. People in the south are known to be loud, have amazing hair, very preppy, nice clothing, and love to have a good time. The northern people don't have as much nationalism, which I think is funny because it's similar to the United States. Our Southern culture is so different form northern culture, and there's also the east and west different. It's interesting to hear what northerners here say about southerners and vice versa. There are some seriously strong opinions. 

8:30-10:30 pm

This is my favorite time of day. TAPAS. People eat their largest meal so early in Spain so they often get hungry before dinner and need another "snack." However, people here also LOVE to drink. Everyone has SUCH a high tolerance. It's crazy. When I arrived my sister took me out to crevezas. She drank three in the time I drank one.  Most restaurants here are outside because during the summers it gets so hot that even the largest river in the city dries up to the size of a small stream in Michigan. Because of the nice weather, this time of day, around twilight, is when its the best to be outside. It's around 80 or so degrees F, I think. It's really pleasant. People drink and with every drink you buy, you get a free tapa. It's like a small appetizer you share it with the table. The difference between American Tapas and Spanish tapas is that it is NOT a meal. If you think about San Chez in Grand Rapids or Aventura in Ann Arbor, "tapas" seems to be ordering a crap ton of food to split with your friends, and then you sit and wallow in your complete and utter disgust of how much food you ate (or is that just me and my friends?). Tapas here is a quick snack followed by many drinks where you chat with your friends for hours, and the best part? There's no rush. The waiters here expect you to sit for 2-3 hours to chat and drink and there's no pressure to leave. You sit under an umbrella. You drink some red wine, some sangria, a beer. (Or my favorite drink which is Red Wine and Coca Cola mixed. It's called Kalimotxo. It's origin is from the north of Spain. Apparently young people drink this frequently at parties and such. I think its Spain's classier version of Crystal Palace, but it's 100% better, and 100% my style.) I rotate between these three when I go out usually because some places don't have  menus during tapas hour. However, I'm sure as my journey continues I'll try more things, and fall in love with more drinks, and continue to be totally obsessed with the tapas bar culture. 

Most drinks cost between 2 - 4 euros which is about 3- 5 US dollars depending on the exchange rate. (According to my host mom, this price for drinks is higher than other places in the country because of the free tapa.) Also, whenever you ask for water they serve it in a wine glass. I think we should start a new trend in the United States because drinking water is so much more fun that way. Usually you don't get to pick the Tapa so it's always a surprise which is very fun. So far I've gotten, bread with olive oil and prosciutto, bagels with olive oil and ham and some sort of queso fresco, papas fritas, potatoes and chicken, sardines (with heads), shrimp and olives, mystery meat in an excellent sauce, and mini slider hamburger things with weird tasting ketchup that wasn't actually ketchup.... hmmmm. My favorite is ANYTHING with prosciutto because here it's cut fresh every single day. Also, I have only been here for five days, and you can tell I've already tapa-ed quite a bit. I like to think that I was just quick to immerse myself into the culture (or maybe I just love food and free things). 

10:00-11:00 pm

People eat dinner. Dinner is the size of an American appetizer usually, at least from my experience. Most days I don't eat dinner because I feel so full from Tapas. My host mom is worried about me I think. She told me that I never eat, but I feel like I'm eating so much all of the time! All I do is eat, eat, eat, eat, eat, eat. Alas, this is la viva en Granada.

My life here so far is pretty great. I haven't felt this relaxed in a very long time. I'm not sure if it's the sun, the relaxed culture, the wine, the freedom or the excitement of it all. So far, I'm enchanted with the city of Granada. Everything is lush and green. The streets are made of tile or cobblestone, and every five minutes I swear I run into another plaza. There's people everywhere. They are all nice which makes me feel continuously welcome, but I also keep my sense of anonymity. My family is also amazing. They are some of the most selfless, hardworking people I've ever meant. I have a special fondness for my brother. He's thirteen, and I swear he has a heart of gold. In the United States I have a tendency to be a bit high strung and stressed, but it seems I always find bits and pieces of myself in other countries that I never knew were there. I feel extremely alive in Granada. I think that's all anybody ever truly wants right? To feel as though they are part of something greater - to feel as though life is happening and you're keeping up with it. I think  I feel on pace in the right place at the right time with the right people doing the right things. Perhaps I have spoken too soon, however I am so content to be here. I can't wait to see what the next few weeks hold for me. 

Chao,

Iza 

First Impressions - Sam Ozminkowski

Hola todos!

It's been almost one whole week since I arrived in Granada and it has been quite the experience so far. Granada seems to be a beautiful city with a lot of wonderful history and architecture. I can't wait to explore it more! The day after we arrived we took a trip to La Albaicín, the Muslim neighborhood in Granada. While there we stopped at a plaza to look across the river at the Alhambra and take some beautiful pictures.

From the plaza we walked to a middle eastern restaurant where we had amazing food, tea, and lemonade. Since that day, I've been to a few cafes to study and a fun bar where I watched part of the soccer match between Real and Juve. I also spent a bit of time walking through the Realejo, the Jewish neighborhood. The roads in the Realejo and the Albaicin were very narrow and surrounded on all sides by tall buildings. In all parts of the city cafes and stores line the streets. Aside from the heat, the city of Granada seems like a very nice place and the Granadinos seem to be nice people. I don't really wish I had planned my trip any differently so far, except I wish I had brought fewer long sleeve shirts and maybe that I had brought one or two more short sleeved collared shirts. Oh well, c'est la vie! 

¡Buenas dias de Granada!

Hola Granada!

Hola mis amigos!! Mañana es la día, vamos a ir una aventura, no espero. Hasta pronto! Adios los Estados Unidos y hola Granada, España.