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