Welcome to my blog! This blog is going to follow me through my study abroad experience. I know I'm not even there yet, but there are plenty of adventures to record that go on before the actual journey takes place. So here we are, 2 and a half weeks until departure! Eep! I can't believe it's so close!
I've been sitting on my bed basically all day reading the seemingly endless amounts of information on "cultural adjustments" and "what to expects" that my program has so graciously provided for me. I'm pretty burned out on it for now, but I know I still have more to read tomorrow. I'm honestly not sure how much of it I want to read. I think given my limited time, my opportunity costs are probably higher for me to read this cultural stuff instead of studying the actual language (I think I phrased that right). Besides, I think getting over there and figuring it out is going to be part of the experience. Sure, I'll read some of this, but not the 50 pages of it the company suggests.
I honestly didn't realize how close it was getting. I have hardly studied any Spanish; in fact, I feel less prepared to go to Spain now than I did 3 months ago. Oops. I guess the next two weeks will be a cram session. Luckily Matt has plenty to study as well, so he won't be bored while I study. It actually works out pretty nicely. I also haven't decided what to pack! I know I need to pack kind of light because I'm going to want to buy clothes and stuff while I'm over there. Of course I'm going to take my jeans and sweaters and some shirts from here, but I think I'll want most of my clothes to be from Spain. Not to mention that, according to my handy-dandy program provided orientation booklet, Spaniards tend to dress more formally on a day to day basis than we do in the States. Although, really if you think about it that certainly doesn't come as a surprise (see: woman who attends class/goes grocery shopping in her pajama bottoms and house shoes on a daily basis). The stores there are more trendy than those here, so I'm actually really excited to get to go shopping. I've already searched it, and there is both a Mango AND a Zara walking distance from my school (hurrah! :D).
Which reminds me, the weather there is going to be awesome. I can't wait to actually have a fall! I always get so excited when I pin outfits on Pinterest that are ADORABLE fall clothes, but then I never get to duplicate them because Texas doesn't really have a fall. If it did, I'm sure it would be my favorite season. I mean really, what's better than jeans, boots, and big, comfy sweaters? Nothing, that's what.
One thing that has me a little bit stressed out (besides the fear that my visa won't come back in time) is finding "gifts" for my host family. I have no idea what I'm supposed to bring?! When I google it, everyone who replies is from either New York or Vermont, so they're bringing "I <3 NY" stuff or maple syrup. Not exactly an option for me. I'm thinking I'm going to ask my dad for some of his jams to take, and I'm going to take some Aggie stuff for sure. Otherwise it's kind of up in the air. Suggestions?
Other than study abroad stuff, life is moving along. I finally started cooking *gasp*. I know, it's crazy. But it's actually not hard to follow a recipe. Like at all. It just makes me realize how lazy I've been my whole life haha. Cereal for dinner so I don't have to put in any effort whatsoever? Sure, sounds great! If I only would have known that eating more than Captain Crunch could be so easy. I made this delicious banana cinnamon swirl bread yesterday as a snack/dessert. I'm going to go ahead and say it's the bomb. Next time though I'll probably leave out some of the sugar/cinnamon topping-it was just too much.
Anyway, Matt's about to take a study break so we'll probably go watch some tv or something. See you guys next time. :)
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