“We Spaniards like to touch each other a lot.”

On Tuesday we had our orientation for the Meddeas language assistants.  It was from 9am-6pm and was packed full of information that we all were eager to hear.  I met one of my flat mates and got to talk to her for a bit so that was great.  The meeting definitely made me feel very blessed to have the placement that I got.  Some people are the first language assistant at their schools, others are the only ones in their town, and a bunch still have to find an apartment once they get to their cities. 

My placement is in Huercal de Almeria and I will be living in an apartment with two other girls who are also language assistants at the same school.  I will be working with 3-6 year olds and I am super pumped.  I also have all of my food provided for me by the school, which is basically unheard of. 

After our meeting we relaxed at the hostel and then went out for tapas and drinks.  I felt like this was my first true Spanish experience.  We went to a super cute little family restaurant where the owner was super nice and helpful and recommended a bar for us to visit afterwards.  We went to the bar, which turned out to be super aborable and quirky and I had a pina y fresa (strawberry) colada which was amazing. 

Then off the bed!

Today, Wednesday, most of my friends left me at 12 to go to the bus station. After saying goodbye, my British friend Michael and Canadian friend Natasha and I went on an adventure to find Las Ramblas and the beach.  We were successful and found Las Ramblas first.  Las Ramblas is a giant open market with fresh EVERYTHING! It was amazing and a really great place to visit when in Barcelona.  Then we walk around making our way to the water.  We ended up discovering a beautiful part of town and then ended up at the port.

We soon made our way back to the hostel because Michael and Natasha needed to catch their trains. After a really good lunch with Michael, we said our goodbyes and I was off again. 

This time I had the plan of going to a park with some different attractions… Well I must have gotten off at the wrong metro stop, because I was in a very non-touristy part of town, but I just kept walking till I found some amazing views and eventually found out that I was decently close to the port again.  So I walked back there, and then, determined to make it to the Mediterranean, I walked to the beach. 

I MADE IT TO THE MEDITERRANEAN!

I was so happy when I felt the cool water on my tired feet. All that walking paid off.  And the best part was that I found it all by myself!

12 miles later I am back at the hostel and ll my stuff is packed and ready to fly to Almeria in the morning!

Goodnight world!