I'm a broad.

Me and Bebe at Los Nardos, the grandpa's farm

Heaven

This was the picture on the front page of the newspaper the day after I was in the horse show.

Mercado in my neighborhood

My home! The red apartment to the left. My room is on the 5th floor with half closed blinds.

Just wanted to share some sights of Alicante with you all! Today, Sunday, I had every intention of waking up early to go explore Benalúa, my neighborhood. I remained in mi cama (bed) for an extra 2 hours after my alarm went off around 9. When I finally got up, I noticed my family was gone, I figured probably to Mass. I quickly got dressed as I did not want to waste my day inside (I think it's close to 65 today). I decided to walk around by myself that way I did not have to be on anyone else's agenda and a few of the girls I talked to already had plans with their families today. On my self-guided tour, I stumbled upon a gym that offers yoga! I think I am going to look into taking some classes. I also found a J.J. Heladeria (Ice Cream shop) that's named after our Professor. My favorite find, which I actually went to last night, is a café/bar called Charlotte. I went there with three other girls last night to have a glass of wine and chat. It's definitely a local's bar but that's why I love it! There were probably only 10-15 people in there and we just chilled, chatted and listened to Katy Perry on repeat. Apparently, its a café during the day and a "bar" at night. Found my new favorite place! Maybe this will make me want to study. I also walked by the Mercado de Benalúa which was closed today (as everything is) but I definitely want to go back when it's open.

As I was walking around, I was towards the backside of the neighborhood, I spotted a Latina Mercado (where they have Latin America food). I decided to check it out and as I walked in the man at the cash register said, "Hola guapa" (more or less, 'Hi pretty girl'). I greeted him and proceeded to look around the store. I was basically in there to look and not buy anything. I decided to purchase a coke. When I brought it up to the register, he just stared at me and tried to carry on a conversations half in English and half in Spanish. He asked me where I was from and what I was doing here. I answered. He then asked if I had a boyfriend. Oh boy. I knew where this was going. I obviously said yes and he said but he's in the states right? hahaha Oh man. I said yes and then asked how much the coke was. He then continued to ask for my phone number and since I was sure he wasn't a student and he asked if I had a bf right away, I lied and told him I didn't have a phone yet. Meanwhile, there is a very annoyed lady behind me trying to purchase pan (bread.) I turn around and give a "I'm sorry" grin and shrug. She pushes past me to put her pan on the counter as Zaman is writing his phone number down for me. All of a sudden, he starts ringing up her items. Ummm, I think, I haven't paid for this yet. He smiles and says, "It's on me." I could feel the lady getting more annoyed and Zaman wanting to talk longer after she left so I grabbed my coke and said, "Gracias, hasta luego!" Blue eyes and blonde hair can do wonders in a foreign country. And that is how I got my free coke.

After a few blocks and laughing to myself about what had just occurred, my thoughts were interrupted by an elderly couple and a young woman. They asked if I would take a picture of them, in front of the church Ariadna attends. I said of course and after the picture I ask where they are from. The woman is from Bulgaria but studies at the University of Alicante and apparently she lived with this couple when she visited Spain awhile ago. They were so sweet and we stood on the corner and chatted for about 5 minutes. I told her I went to the University too but she is in a masters program for economics and I assured her I would not be seeing her in any classes then. Just an hour out of the house and I have interesting stories!

I ran into A and Lidia in the park as I was taking pictures of my apartment complex. They were there with A's best friend, Ana and Victor (Lidia's nephew). I played with them in the park for awhile before coming up to my room to write about my day! I also need to organize my room. Yep, don't worry, haven't changed a bit :) After la comida (lunch) the girls I was with last night and I are going for a run! One of them, Sara, is from Washington and is training for the Madrid Marathon! I think Chicago was good enough for me. I know this was a random post but it was a random day! My favorites. Tomorrow we have our province day trip with CIEE which is basically touring the surrounding towns of Alicante. Then Tuesday we start CIEE classes and Thursday DE courses begin! I am still in shock that I have been here for 2, going on 3 weeks.

I miss everyone and wish I could teleport you here!

-Hilary

Madre Miaaaa

I'll give my loyal followers, and I, a break with this next entry. And mostly because it's almost midnight and I want to go to bed.

1) Took an hour long nap on the bus this morning on the way to the Universidad. Yes, it took that long when it usually takes only 30 minutes.

2) Was late to class and didn't really know what we were doing. I found out from a friend that we had to draw a tree on a piece of paper. Odd instructions for a Spanish class? Sí. I draw a palm tree. We exchange papers and we basically have to follow this code to see how the tree we drew compares to the type of personality we have. Well "ego" was one of the categories and since Maddie's tree was broad at the top that meant her ego was developed. Not entirely sure what that means in English. So I write it down and it's my turn to read Maddie's personality out loud. I say, "Ella tiene un ego muy desarrolado." (She has a very developed ego), and J.J. (Oh yes, we have shortened José Joaquin's name to this...pronounced "Hota Hota" in Spanish) starts laughing, well actually trying to hide the fact that he is laughing. I pause and he says, "Repite por favor?" I repeat the sentence and he says I am saying "ego" wrong. Apparently the way I was saying it means a "developed fruit" aka when a woman reaches sexual maturity. The whole class, which is all girls, died laughing. And Maddie's face turned red. I kept saying, "Lo siento!" But everyone, included JJ, was curled over their desks in laughter. Spanish mistake #1938387572020474.

3) Tonight, mis amigas y yo went to a Mexican restaurant for dinner. We were going to do it Thursday but we have a test and being the diligent and serious students we are, we decided to stay in and study that night. Anyway, we get to this restaurant, Cañtina, at 8:00. OMG I FORGET TO SAY THIS: Before we went to dinner, we went to the mall (aka Corte Ingles) and bought the 1st season of "Fisicia o Quimica" on DVD!! We all pitched in and we are going to watch it this weekend. Ok we get to this restaurant and they are not open for dinner. Remember, Spaniards don't eat until 9 or later here. So we had mango margaritas for an hour before ordering our food. Our waiter's (camerero's) name was Antonio...I called him Antonio Banderas. After we are done he asks us if we want "chupitos gratis." I/We girls have learned that this is common in Spain. Give people a few free shots and they will stay and buy drinks all night. So of course we say sure and he brings us out an entire bottle of tequila! Jodi was like sweet a whole bottle! I was like ewww because I hate tequila and michelle, the worry wart of the group, was freaking out because she didn't want to have to pay for it. After taking the "free shot" we asked Antonio for our check. He then proceed to tell us we had to finish the bottle of tequila before we could leave. Everyone knew he was kidding but Michelle. She freaked out on him and was like, "No, no we can't do that. We have to go to class tomorrow. We'll come back this weekend just please let us go!" It was absolutely hysterical. This girl talks faster than me no joke and she was saying all of this is Spanish! I think he was scared so he cracked a half-a-grin and handed us our check. I'm sure we will be back another time in the next 5 months.

4) When I got home, L and A were watching TV so I joined them. Somehow A and I got on the topic of Justin Bieber, who she loves, and so I brought my computer out so she could watch some music videos of his. Before I knew it I was going through pictures on my computer, showing them my family, friends, (Katie Cross and Kendle Cook- I totally bragged about you knowing Spanish...And Sarah G, I said you were pretty good at Spanish and Italian :) They thought you were all gorgeous! Duh, I only have pretty friends ;) )) and everything in between. It was really fun sitting and talking with them about my life in the states and they seemed to enjoy hearing all my stories. They were amazed that Hannah is younger than me (go figure) and that Tillie is so huge! I'm positive I showed them more pictures of Tillie than anyone else.

5) Finally, some words to live by:

If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, LET IT. Nobody said that it would be easy, they just promised it would be WORTH IT.

Takes chances. Dream big. And never, never, never give up.

-Hilary

Adios Inglés

Send me peanut butter and boxes of macaroni and you will be my hero. Or a six pack of Dr. Pepper will be fine too :)

Hilary Hilsabeck

Villa Universitaria
Avda. Vicente Savall 14-16
San Vicente del Raspeig
03690 Alicante
(Spain)

In other news, I signed my official contract for 'QUIJOTES' today which is an optional program that requires you to speak in Spanish the entire time here. With Americans, when you are traveling, when you are going out, when you are walking to class, EVERY WHERE. The advantages are you are allowed to participate in some exciting, extra activities PAID FOR by CIEE (the study abroad program) and I heard they are trying to organize a soccer game outing to watch Hercules, the Alicante fútbol team. I am excited and happy I did it because my goal is to become fluent and what better way than to speak the language 24/7?? It has been a little difficult today as I tried to explain my horse showing experience to some girls on the bus but the neat thing is, we are all in the same boat! The girls I have hung out with the most here are participating as well which gives me relief. I am allowed to speak in English on 3 occassions: to my family and friends back home. You all are safe and won't have to use Google translate THAT much. On Thursday's after 8 PM and if I am in another country where they don't understand English. I am headed out to get more trips on my bus pass and perhaps wander the streets of the city on such a beautiful afternoon. Stay warm everyone. I'll update again soon! :)

Love,

Hilary

El dia de los cabellos (The day of the horses)

Today, Sunday, has been the most confusing, fun, exhausting and COLD day I have had in España. I will begin last week when A told me that she rides horses and I was certain she said she had a show this Sunday, at the time next Sunday, in la Plaza de Toros (Bull Plaza where they hold bullfights here in Alicante). I, of course, jumped at the chance to go watch her so I said of course I would go! She was telling me how her, her uncle and grandpa were going to ride all the way to town on "los cabellos" (horses). I was confused why they would ride into town, why not just trailer the horses? But it was the first day, my Spanish wasn't great and I was trying to take in the fact that I would be living with L and A for the next 5 months. I kept nodding in agreement and promised I would go watch her. Fast forward to last night, Saturday. I have made up my mind that I would go out again with my American friends and thus, I get in the shower and do part of my makeup before dinner. After dinner, I ask A when I need to be ready tomorrow. I am thinking this is a like a noon show. She says, "No sé" (i don't know) and I am confused. It's like 10 hours away and no ones knows what time it is starting? She tells me her uncle will call later with details. Meanwhile, Lidia, Belen, and I are having a serious conversation about the Spain Justice system and how the laws are designed for delinquents. For example, they were saying, if a robber came into a house and tried to rob/kill you and you defended yourself by pushing him against a door, you would have to pay him if he got hurt. Yes, a little messed up and they agreed. They also said, which I find interesting, there are never school shootings here because it's harder for people to get firearms. Hmmm America, think about that one considering we have just had two deadly shootings right before I left. Just saying. We also talked about the death penalty which I had to clear up the misunderstanding that anyone who kills someone is automatically getting the death penalty and that not every state has it. Spain does not have the death penalty in case any of you were curious. After that, I told them I was going to Madrid in a few weeks...oh yes, I am going to Madrid, February 10-14. No class Friday and no class until 4 PM Monday makes for a great vacation weekend. I am going with 4 other girls. I can't wait! Anyway, Lidia and Belen were giving me advice on where to go, what to see, what to do, etc. I was sooo happy to get advice from Españolas! Then I realized the time. It's practically 10:30 and I am no where ready to go out. Just then, A tells me that we have to get up at 8 and be ready to leave by 9 AM. That made my decision easy: stay in and boy am I glad I did. I'm still not exactly sure what we are doing in the morning but I know I need to be ready by 9. After watching the movie, "Despierta (Awake)" with Hayden Christianson and Jessica Alba and being very, very confused, I went to bed.

After hitting the snooze button three or four times, I decided it was time to get out of bed. The house was silent as I made my way towards the bathroom. When I looked in A's room she wasn't there and I could have sworn I didn't see Lidia in her's. This was the beginning of my confusion. I saw their coats, purse, keys, everything still by the door. They told me to be ready by 9, right? I for sure thought they left me. I debated even getting ready. I figured I misunderstood the time or they maybe went to get the car and would come back and get me. After debating for a few minutes, I decided to go grab my phone and text Lidia. Just as I opened the bathroom door, there is A standing in front of me. I tried not to act surprised as I realized that they had both been asleep in Lidia's bed. While eating a bowl of chocolate rice krispies, Lidia is making us sandwiches for lunch later. A asks her if she is making one for "Danielle." I'm not sure who this is but I assume its someone that is coming to watch the show with us. I say nothing, finish my cereal and we head out. I'm still planning on going to watch A show and when I ask her if she is excited, she gives me a confused look and says, "I'm not showing today." Uhhhh what?? She said we are riding to the plaza with her uncle and grandpa. Ok, but then what are we doing once we get there? Oh maybe its just a joyride. Seriously so confused at this point. We arrive at her grandpa's farm, which has 5 horses and a pool and is just outside Alicante, maybe 25 minutes away. I step out of the car to see her grandpa and this other man brushing two beautiful, and tall, horses. I first meet, "Danielle" who is actually a man and who's name is "Daniel" but sounds like 'Danielle' when you say it in Spanish. I assume he is the ranch hand or whatever you call them here. He's tall, dark, young and handsome; your typical Spanish man. I also learn the name of the black horse is Destinado and the white one is Ilem. I also meet the 40 birds, not kidding, that are next to the stables. There are two more on the porch and A takes me over to meet them. One is a girl and I honestly can not remember her name and the other that she points to is Sylvester who is hanging on a nail above us. I don't see the bird so I ask A where he is. She takes the cage down and there's poor Sylvester, lying dead next to his food dish. I now feel horrible and give a scared look towards A thinking, I hope she isn't attached to this bird, what if she starts crying? To my surprise she says, "Está muerto (he is dead)". Yes, yes he is. She doesn't know why and then when Lidia walks up she says its because of the cold. It had to be low 40s today. Freezing for Alicante. That was the first dead animal experience of the day. Finally, everyone seems ready to go and I am asked if I would like to ride in the horse-drawn cart or the car. I choose the cart and me, A, Eloy (her uncle) and her grandpa begin the journey into town with Ilem. Behind us is Daniel on Destinado, riding solo. They ride English here FYI. The ride into town was amazing!! I took so many pictures and the sun was out; it was gorgeous! I felt like a celebrity with everyone looking at us and yelling, "Cabello!" We arrived at the Plaza and went around back where the horses entered. By this time I have realized that it is her grandpa and uncle that are entering the show, and Daniel. We hang out behind the plaza for what seems like an eternity. Lidia, who drove the car into town, comes around back and asks if we are riding in the show/competition. I shake my head no. A, Eloy and the grandpa shake there head 'YES.' Uh what? Lidia laughs and asks if I want to ride in the show....Um....sure?? I have not, at this point, told them I have horses at home and that I have ridden before so hopefully they aren't expecting anything of me. After everyone has confirmed that A and I will also be riding in the cart for the show, Daniel asks me if I want to ride Destinado. Why not? This horse has already bucked, reared up and taken off multiple times. Luckily, I just sat on him like a 6 year old at a petting zoo. Actually, I think the horse actually walks around a pen there. I have photos that look like its my first time on a horse because Eloy was so excited he wanted to take pictures. I finally said, "My sister has two horses at home (you can thank me Hannah for calling them "your" horses." Daniel starts asking me questions like do I ride? and I have no idea what to say for fear that I am going to get myself into something I can't get out of. I respond with, "on occasion but my sister rides more." Safe? I think so. He never lets go of Destinado, which I am thankful for.

Finally, its time to ride in the ring! As we form a line, 15 horses long and ride in, we are greeted with cheers, dogs barking, and tons of yelling. Oh yea, and a priest at the front of the arena saying something in Spanish. I compared this to a grand entry at a rodeo. I even was blessed with holy water as we rode by the priest...and didn't melt, Cody :) Lidia and Eloy's wife are in the stands cheering and taking like millions of pictures. I couldn't help but smile. After a prayer and multiple runs around the arena, we headed out. Now it was time to enter one at a time to get judged. Our number was 13 and Daniel was 14 so we had awhile. A and I chatted in the cart and took pictures with Ilem while we waited. Annnnnd then it was our turn! I was actually kind of nervous. I thought for sure my hat would fly off and we would get disqualified or worse, fall out of the cart. We spent about 5 minutes in the arena with everyone cheering and clapping and taking pictures. It was nuts but I had so much fun! Right after us was Daniel and A and I tried to go watch him but were yelled at by a security guard. Apparently we couldn't do that...

After the horse competition Eloy's wife came around back to talk with us for awhile. I soon learned that this was not just a horse competition but an ALL ANIMAL competition as well. Snakes, mice, dogs, cats...everything! Thank goodness there were only 2 snakes and I never saw them. I drank a beer with the grandpa and Daniel while we waited for the results. All of a sudden they called 14 which was Daniel! He won a trophy! He was one of 3 to get one. Everyone was so excited and taking pictures and congratulating him. It was so cool to see.

So that is the story about how I ended up in a horse show after a week in Alicante. I had a blast and was kind of happy I didn't know what was going on. It made it that much more exciting. We rode in the cart back to the grandpa's, although by this point it was FREEZING outside, ate a huge lunch consisting of pollo (chicken), potatoes, shrimp, bread, chips and chocolate croussants for desert. Then all of us went into town to "tomar cafe (drink coffee)" at a local restaurant. Daniel has the iPhone and was showing us a bunch of apps, like the breath-a-lizer. We all blew into it and it all said none of us could drive but no one was even close to being drunk and Daniel, Eloy and I had only had 1 beer 5 hours ago. It was fun to sit and chat with them and they kept asking me if I had a good time. After cafe, it was time to head home. I about fell asleep in the car on the way back to the house and now I am writing here and getting ready to go watch the Bears/Packers game and/or the Real Madrid game. There is a bar here called Austin that I think shows the American football games. We will see! Sorry for ending abruptly but I need to get ready! Hope you all had a great weekend! :)

much love,

Hilary

Siestas and Shopping. The Life of an Española

My family is amazing! I can not tell you enough how much I love and adore them. They always jump to include me in everything we do! Tuesday evening Lidia and I went to pick up Ariadna from school about two blocks away. We began having a serious conversation about religion and how she and A (Ariadna) are Catholic but there are some things they don't agree with that the church in Rome does, when her friend Ana walked up. I recited my repeated speech every time I meet someone new: Me llamo Hilary, Soy de los Estados Unidos en Iowa. Voy a vivir aqui para 5 meses..etc. If you can't figure this out it's your first chance to practice Google translator :) The three of us were chatting and laughing until school was let out and then Lidia, A and I went to the Mercado (grocery store). They do things a big differently in Spain with their fish....see below. Nothing like getting stared at by the animal you are trying to eat.

The photos messed up when I posted them. Above in one of the walkways through all the shopping. And below is the fish.

After the market we came home to put the food away and then Lidia asked me if I wanted to go shopping. Not even a question in my mind. So we headed out once again only to run into Ana and her kids David, Natalia y Labaudia. Labaudia is only 3 and when I squatted down to introduce myself and smiled and my and said, "Mano? (Hand?)" My heart melted. We held hands all the way to her house, about 5 blocks away. I also met Belen, Lidia's best friend. She is crazy hilarious. Her eyes were really wide when she saw me and she spoke soooo slow. Lidia gave her a playful slap and said (in Spanish) "Hilary can understand you, Belen. She's not stupid! You don't have to talk slow!" We all cracked up. I also met Pedro, Belen's son. He's another beautiful child. All the kids were asking me how to say stuff in English. Meanwhile, I am still hanging on to L's hand. Cody told me I could get a job babysitting here. Everyone finally retreated to their houses after I promised Natalia and L that I would see them again soon. After 4+ hours of shopping and A and me trying on wigs and sunglasses, Lidia, A and I returned home to eat dinner and settle down for the evening.

On Wednesday I had class until 1:30 and then came home. On the bus ride, Sara, Allison (two girls in my group) and I decided to go for a run around 5:30. Little did I know that a) I was going to die from and b) that we would be out for 3 hours. BUT IT WAS AMAZING! I live 10 minutes away, walking, from the beach so we ran down to the port and then on a path along the beach. Allison and Sara were runners in high school and I made the mistake of telling them I ran the Chicago Marathon. While running along the beach, (besides almost running into people because I was looking at the water) we stopped to marvel at a beautiful and legit sand castle made by this guy from Alicante. We also met two boys from Ireland (I about fell over when they started talking...accents get me. Sorry Cody :) And they are working here in Alicante for 2 months. Continuing along the beach we decided we were going to "run" to the castle which sits on a huge hill/mountain right by the beach. Google image Alicante and I guarentee there will be a picture of it. I didn't have my camera with me but no worries, we are going again next Monday with our class so I can take pictures then. I said "run" because the ascend is basically vertical so I figured we would stop and walk. Nope. Al and Sara ran up the entire thing!! I made it about 50 feet and walked the rest of the way. It was a workout walking! You can see all of Alicante from the top and it's honestly the most breathtaking sight in the world, besides looking out of the Cathedral in Ecuador. I can't wait to show pictures!! Oh and rewind. So once we decided to run/walk to the top, we thought we would find our own way. We literally went through someone's back yard, scaled rocks (not even kidding, it was probably not the safest thing to do- Mom, chill...I am fine), only to find that it was the wrong way.... SO we went back down ran around to the other side and found the actual opening and path uphill. It was dark once we reached the top so we descended and headed for home. My legs and butt were KILLING me today and I didn't even run to the top! Lidia kept telling me to stretch when I got home and asked if I could walk today. I think attempting to run up to the top of the castle every day should get me in shape in no time. Or kill me. We will see.

Finally, today- Thursday- (It has been a week since I left the states!) I was exhausted when I woke up at 7 probably because I didn't go to bed until 1. I clearly need to change my sleep schedule. Dr. Jose was wearing an Georgio Armani scarf today. He always has worn a new watch every day this week. He's adorable. In class we watched clips of "Quimica or Fisica?" (Chemistry or Physically) to practice for our test tomorrow where there is a listening section. All of us girls LOVE this show now. It's a series about teenagers in highschool and the drama that is certain to ensue. Today, we watched a clip where Yogi slaps Cabano (who is gorgeous!) because he has a chupetón (hickey- this is what we are learning in Spanish class) on his neck and she knows he's cheating....with his best friend's girl! Ayyyy dios mio! It's sooo corny but we all love it and Jose gets into it to. He let us watch like 5 clips today. After class I ate lunch outside with Jules and Moosh (Michelle) before my advisor meeting with Paco. I had to change my direct enrollment class at the University of Alicante but I am excited because I got in a History of Spain class with two other girls in my group! After that, I explored campus by myself which was liberating since I feel like I have been in an American bubble since I got here. There are 65 people in my group! I went to the library and set up my wi-fi account (note: here they pronounce it wee-fee), saw people making out in the grass (PDA is very common around Alicante) and finally headed to the bus stop after getting lost and walking through a parking lot. I went home, took a siesta (nap), and then went shopping with Sylvie for 3 hours. I got a pair of black boots, a bag for school and a super cute dress for only 10 Euro!! So like $13 maybe?? I'm still bad with the exchange rate. Rebajas (sales) is my new favorite holiday and it lasts an entire month! Mom, don't buy another thing in the US, trust me you will want to do ALL your shopping here!! :)

Well that was a long yet successful update on my life overseas. Each day I feel a little more comfortable with the city, language and breaking out on my own. The only downside is the size of our group because everyone wants to do everything together but then I feel like we take over where ever we go. We have our first exam tomorrow, yes I should probably be studying, and then more shopping and then El Barrio and the beach tomorrow night! I will try to take more pictures this weekend of the beach and its surroundings, although no pictures will do this place justice. I hope everyone is staying warm (so crazy to think you all have snow ;) and enjoying life! I read this quote on a friend's facebook page and wanted to share it with all of you. I want to try and live by this.

You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.

Albert Camus

Loving Spain but thinking of you always,

-Hilary

Mi Hogar es Tu Hogar

Dónde empezar?! (Where to start?!) SO much has happened in the past few days that I want to tell you all about! Forgive me but I am probably going to forget to mention something. Sunday morning we had more orientation and then around 6:00 my family came to take me to their house. I have a host mom (mi madre), Lidia, who is in her 30s and a host sister (mi hermanita) who is 9. They are absolutely amazing. We live in Alicante near basically everything in an adorable apartment right across the street from a park. I have included a picture of the view from my room. From here, I walk to the bus stop each morning (only 5 minutes away) to catch the bus to the University (about 45 minutes by bus). After showing me their house and dropping off my bags, Lidia asked me if I wanted to take a walk or unpack. Even though I was tired AND desperately needed to shower, I said sure. I said I wanted an outgoing family, and I got one! It was totally worth it as I met her mother, her brother, his wife and their adorable 2-year old, Victor. The family couldn't believe my outfit: I was wearing jeans, a zip-up jacket and flip flops. Mi madre kept asking me if my feet were cold and I kept saying no! It's 50 degrees here, maybe 45 by then. Still flip flop weather in my mind. Finally she made me go home and put on my boots and a coat before we walked around downtown Alicante. Ariadna, mi hermanita, told me all about how she loves Hannah Montanna, The Jonas Brothers and Justin Beiber. She is absolutely adorable and I love talking with her. Lidia is great as well, not only does she have a Twilight poster in her bedroom but she is very fashionable and LOVES to shop. Ariadna also rides horses and I am going to her show on Sunday! Lidia's food is amazing, they have wireless internet (see mom, even Spain is more advanced than our house :), hot water and amazing hospitality. I am going to love living here for 5 months.

My professor's name is Dr. José Joaquin Martinez for the intensive cycle this week and next. He is a professor at the University of Alicante and teaches business and public health classes. I already mentioned Spaniards dress well and he is no exception. He walked into class yesterday wearing Versace jeans, brown blazer and scarf. He's pretty hilarious, too. He attempted to draw the States, which looked like a big blob on the white board, and he forgot Florida. I mentioned this to him and he corrected it by drawing Florida off the south-eastern tip of the blob, the only state that resembled itself in reality. The girls in my class are really fun! We have class from 9-11 and then a descansa (break) from 11-11:30 where we walk across the street for coffee and sit outside and chat. Then we continue class from 11:30-1 PM and then return to our casas for lunch. Today, Lidia made me turkey in olive oil (they cook everything in olive oil) which red and green peppers and potatoes. It was delicious! Ariadna came home from school, which is right across the street, to have lunch with us. We watched the Disney channel, The Suite Life of Zach and Cody to be specific, for about a half hour before she had to go back to school. I think she likes me because she asked when I had to go back to the University and if I was going to be here tonight :)

Jumping back to last night, (Monday) I finally bought a cell phone for 24 euro. We all went through the same company so it's cheaper to call each other rather than if we all had different companies. After we bought phones my neighbor and I, Sylvie walked down to the beach! I FINALLY WENT TO THE BEACH! It was night and I was in my peacoat and boots but I still walked down to touch the water. I can not wait until its nice enough to go lay out. The street right next to the beach has a plethora of restaurants and shops, even a McDonalds that sells beer! Don't worry I haven't been there...yet :) Sylvie is actually from Switzerland and has a Swiss passport! She wasn't born there but her mom was and this summer is she working at the Nestle factory! She's a super sweet girl and our mom's are best friends so I have a feeling I will be seeing a lot of her. After the beach we met a group of our American friends at a bar called Havanna for a drink before heading home, finally around 9. Well, we did go shopping for awhile too but I didn't buy single thing!

One last note, the people here in Alicante are very very nice. It's not a big tourist town (for Americans) and I really enjoy this aspect. If you are lost, like Sylvie and I were last night, you just stop someone on the street and they are more than willing to help you out. Well I already have a paper due Thursday and a test Friday so I need to start reviewing! It's honestly becoming difficult to write in ENGLISH because I speak Spanish all the time, even to my fellow Americans. If I decide to write a post in Spanish you all can copy and paste it into google translator :) I hope all is well State-side and be looking out for more posts coming soon! :)

love-love-love

Hilary

Que Bonita!

Hola familia y amigos! I have arrived and have begun my adventure in Alicante! We were delayed from Madrid to Alicante yesterday but it was worth it when we flew over Alicante and the Mediterranean. It was absolutely beautiful! Quick overview of the past few days: I arrived at the airport with a bunch of other participants around 3 PM (Alicante time, remember you all are 7 hours behind me) and met Manuel and Francisco (our advisors). They took us to our hotel, Villa Universitaria which is directly across the street from la Universidad de Alicante. The hotel is very modern and beautiful. I am sharing a room with Kirsten, yes like my American Girl doll, and she is from Chicago but goes to school at Mizzou. I already gave her crap about Iowa beating Mizzou in the Insight Boul :) When we got to the hotel, two Spanish students were helping us with our luggage and they saw mine and started giggling. I said, "Me gusta ropa (I like clothes). And they said, "Zapatos (Shoes)?" And I nodded. Then one of them said my big suitcase was for shoes and the small suitcase was for clothes. I love Spain already. Alicante is known for three things: Chocolate, Toys, and SHOES! We were able to rest for a few hours but unfortunately I couldn't sleep and then we met up with the entire group, about 35 of us, Francisco (Paco) and Manuel (Manolo- these are their nicknames). They introduced themselves and told us where we could find them if we have problems, questions or concerns. They are both really nice and helpful! The orientation was in Spanish and I actually understood about 90% of it! Traveling to Ecuador definitely helped. We ate dinner at a restaurant with hundreds of jamón (ham) hanging form the ceiling. No joke. We had tapas (like spanish appetizers) for dinner and then I came back to the hotel and passed out! I had been up for 30+ hours! I was so tired I completely slept through my alarm this morning and barely made it downstairs for breakfast. However, I am feeling much better today and hopefully on Spanish time.

Today, Saturday, we took a bus to the middle of Alicante (downtown, the University and hotel are to the north of the city) and split up into 5 groups in order to take a walking tour. Our guide was Manolo, who is super cute but we found out he was married. He showed us the main street, where to buy a cell-phone, a hair straightener (plancha de pelo) and where ALL the shopping is. January is their sale month and even though I probably packed close to 85 pounds worth of clothing, I am definitely going shopping :) We saw a few government buildings and "El Barrio"- their bar area- before heading to lunch at El Buen Comer. We had paella which is a traditional plate of Spain. It's a mixture of rice, vegetables, meat or seafood and spices. It was delicious! I sat next to Anitana, a first year student at the University of Alicante and we chatted about where she lived, what music she likes, (She LOVES Shakira!), what she was studying, etc. She was super nice and I was happy to practice my Spanish. Right now we have a break (siesta) until 5:30 and then more orientation stuff until 9 PM when we will eat dinner. Spanards typically eat dinner later than we do in America. After dinner, some of us are heading down to el barrio to check out the downtown scene. Another fun fact, Spanards do no "go out" until close to mid-night or later.

I am really excited and thrilled to be here but it's been an intense couple of days. I feel like I am all over the place trying to figure out where to go, where to buy this and that, and remember all the important stuff Manolo and Paco tell me. But I was thinking back to my Ecuador trip and how it took my close to a month to get settled and feel comfortable around the city. Alicante is a lot different than Ecuador (and "safer"- I use quotes because that is a relative term but I feel safer and there are not as many bars on houses and stores here) but I know it will take me a few weeks and possibly a month to feel at home. I am so excited to meet my host family tomorrow and finally unpack my suitcase! Sorry this was more of a play-by-play of my last 48+ hours but I hope to provide more details in future posts. I am going to rest for the next 15 minutes! Love you all!

-Hilary