"Ohhhh we're halfway there..."

Pues, I have now lived in Alicante for a little over 2 months and I still can not believe I have been here this long, or this short, depending on how you look at it. Last week we had our midterms which were surprisingly different from exams in the States. Unfamiliar to me was the point of memorizing essays I had already written or obscure terms that my professor had maybe mentioned once in class. All in all, it was an experience and hopefully my grades will show that it was a good one. Thankfully I only have one more set of tests, and those are in May! Since I have been here for almost half the time, I thought I would share some top ten lists. Everyday I think of things I love about Spain- and more recently- what I miss about home. I can't help but compare the two although I am aware they are distinct.

Top Ten Things I Love About Spain (in no particular order):

1) Comida (food) This probably is my #1 love in Spain. Paella is by far my favorite and you may remember me describing it in an earlier post. We ate it today for lunch, reconfirming my obsession. Also, kebaps, the best chicken wrap I have ever had. I am probably sustaining the entire company single-handedly.

2) Siesta. Honestly, the states could use this. Research has shown that a short descansa (rest) during the day improves attentiveness and overall health. Lately, I haven't napped as much as I would like but the great thing is that its scheduled into everyday. Naps aren't just for kindergartners here.

3) The People (this can be positive or negative) Spaniards are, generally, extremely friendly and want to help you out. This is a positive example, say, when you ask for directions. Negative example: when u are late for class and everyone and their mom wants to talk to you along the way.

4) La Playa (the beach). It is finally getting nice enough to start going and I spent a good 5 hours there Saturday afternoon.

5) Practicing my Spanish. I am even starting to forget words in English! I do feel like I have improved but it's always fun when I learn a new word or feel like I can understand a serious/complicated topic.

6) If you are late, no one cares! Spanish society is more relaxed in general and this characteristic definitely helps me out :)

7) My host family and the friends I have made.

8) Shopping/Fashion. Maisson Ave. is the death of me every time I have to walk home from class. Spain has the best shopping.

9) Accessible travel options. RyanAir is amazing. I flew for $16 round trip to Madrid at the beginning of February. And although I have yet to explore this option, the train is convenient as well.

10) Public plazas and parks. These- unlike the public restroom facilities- are beautiful and well cared for. People love to go to these various places and just sit- I rarely see this in the states. Seeing people in the park outside my window every morning always makes me happy.

Top Ten Things I Miss About Home:

1) Food. As much as I love Spanish cuisine, my mouth was watering when Cody told me he ate grilled chicken and shrimp for dinner. I also miss steak.

2) Food para llevar (to go) Since the Spanish love to sit and chat, this concept doesn't really exist here; which proves challenging when I am late for class and/or want coffee on my way.

3) My hairdresser, Sarah. I desperately need my ends trimmed and maybe a few highlights but I am scared to death to let anyone touch my hair. This may sound silly but I am sure every one of my girlfriends, my mom and my sister can sympathize with me.

4) Driving my car. Although I am handling all the public transportation well, I really miss my independence.

5) HEAT. This isn't so much of a concern now, but when I arrived and most of February it was not warm here. Spanish houses do not have central heating or cooling and this made for some freezing cold nights. I missed being able to wear shorts and a tank top inside even on a wintry day.

6) My family and friends, claro.

7) Wearing sweats and a sweatshirt...in public. I miss being able to go to class without appearing like I am trying to be in a European fashion show.

8) Being able to hang out a friends houses. This is one of my friend's and I's biggest issues here. Since Spanish "go out" in order to hang out, we aren't permitted to invite friends over to our home-stays. I obviously understand they don't want a bunch of strangers but sometimes I just want to watch a movie and drink wine without having to get dressed up and find a café. Some families are more tolerant of friends coming over than others, but it's still a bit awkward.

9) Long, HOT showers. I will say, I have it pretty good. I love my shower...but only if I am in it for 7-10 minutes. Otherwise, it's freezing!

10) Toilet paper in all the public restrooms. I swear they run out and no one checks again for another week. I have learned to carry kleenex with me all the time.