Fue un dia muy interesante!

A lot of crazy things happened on our real first day in Alcala! I started the day with a breakfast of croissants with jam and an apple and then headed off to La Universidad de Alcala for orientation. During that time we learned the expectations of living with a host family and the basic rules for the trip. We also officially chose our classes and I must say, my schedule is looking pretty swell:

Monday and Wednesday:

Hispanic culture and civilization—12:30-2:00
Spanish film--3:30-6:30

Tuesday and Thursday:

Spain and the European Union--10:30-12:00
History, culture, etc. of Madrid--2:30-4:00

And the best part about Alcala...no classes on Friday! In fact, most classes take day trips to different places in Spain on Fridays, and we are allowed to go on the trips that other classes take as long as there is enough room. Yay Alcala!

After orientation we went on the tour of Alcala and then back to our houses for lunch and siesta. When we returned, the "fun" actually began. Unfortunately on the second day of the trip I had to go to the medico to get rid of the annoying poison ivy that appeared this week. Perfect timing, no? Then a group of us decided to purchase our cell phones without the help of Professor Willem. The poor woman who helped us was about ready to pull her hair out after almost an hour of misunderstandings (on our part of course!) But in the end, we left with our new cell phones---yayy!!

After such a stressful day we all needed drinks, so we went to a restaurant that offered free tapas when you purchase a drink. I chose a lemon soda--very refreshing--and patatas con chistorra, or potatoes and sausage. Afterwards, several of us went to a bar called La Media Pinta and enjoyed a night of good drinks, good company, creepy men, and walking around aimlessly in Alcala. Overall, a successful first full day in Spain!