I'm in Spain!

Today is my third day in Spain. Everything is going well. I am able to communicate well with my host family and other native Spaniards. Granada is a very beautiful city with great architecture and history. The city is very compact, so it is thick with buildings. Luckily I have a great view on the balcony at my host family's apartment.  It is on the 6th floor and it overlooks half of the city. It is a fantastic view because you can see the Sierra Nevada Mountains, La Alhambra palace, and the rooftops of all the buildings. 

This evening, we went on a tour of Granada as a group with all the students in the Central College Program. I learned a lot about the history of the city. It was very interesting and I saw a lot of the city. 

The Spanish are known for keeping very late (more like early) hours. It is 10pm here, and people are just starting to go out. There are still many shops open as well as many places to get tapas. I am going out now with other students from my college. I will probably not return home until 4am, but that's the way the Spanish do it. They don't sleep much. Everyone goes out to eat and drink light meals at this time of night. 

Hasta luego.

Here It Comes

The next time I post a new message, I'll be in Spain! I have tomorrow to finish packing, and I leave early the next morning.

It still doesn't feel like I am actually leaving. Even though I am mostly packed, I don't think it will hit me until I'm loaded up on the airplane, destined for a foreign land full on new experiences.

I've been brushing up on my Spanish by translating signs and words as I see them. I've also been looking through my guidebook to figure out places to visit and learn more about the culture and history.

I am definitely excited for what lays ahead. I am confident my semester abroad will be a fantastic learning experience that expands my horizons, stretches my imagination, and leads me to new, exciting things. I was a little nervous, but after talking to some friends last week who have already been to Spain, I am really excited.

Visiting School Before I Leave

Its getting closer! I leave in one week and a few hours.

I've spent this week visiting at Central College catching up with people and hanging around. Its been great to be back and experience the closeness of this campus. The people are great and I really enjoy being in Pella.

I've been blessed enough to have friends let me stay with them for a few days. Its been cool being able to stay with people in different dorms.

I'm very glad I have been able to be back on campus before I leave for Spain. Its been good seeing people again and not having any classes yet, while everyone else does. I will be meeting tonight (along with other students going to Spain) with some friends who have already studied in Spain to discuss the experience and learn about some things to expect. It will be good to get some advice and information from insiders.

I'm going to attend service this Sunday at my church in Pella one last time before I leave. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone from my church family again.

After that, its time to get everything packed! While I'm there, the weather will range from 90 degrees Fahrenheit to below freezing, so packing lightly may prove difficult. I've got a big suitcase, though, so hopefully it all fits!