Day 2

Today has been a very long day, but for some reason, i am feeling wide awake at 1:15. That's probably not a good idea considering that I have to get up at 8 to get ready to meet my host family..
We got up this morning and ate breakfast, which in Spain is pretty much just different kinds of breads and coffee (which works..) and then we had to walk up the Rambla to the CEA offices to start the orientation sessions. they gave us this long lecture about all that the program has to offer, and then we walked through the older part of town, which included the barrio, the port, and the explanada. The explanada had tons of vendors that i am definitely going to visit again when i have more free time. I got lots of cool pictures of the old buildings and things. Then we went down the port and found where our classes are going to be. I'm feeling like its going to be a REALLY long walk for me, but at least i'll be getting lots of exercise..
We had lunch on the port and i had my first authentic spanish meal: paella. In spain, the biggest meal is lunch, and it is usually between 2 and 3 pm. I found out that i really like lunch haha. They continually feed you these little breads with garlic sauce and salads with tuna and olive oil, and then the serve the main dish, and then a little dessert sampling. Paella is a general rice dish that can be prepared with lots of different things. Ours today had shrimp and another type of white fish. I actually really enjoyed it! it was kind of rich and heavy, but it wasn't gross and it didn't hurt me haha so i was pretty pleased with it.
after lunch we continued walking... we went through the shopping district, which has el corte ingles, where you can by anything imagineable (stuff you could buy in america). i was glad to buy a hairbrush (since i left mine) and a notebook (since i apparently forgot i would need paper for class..) We walked all day it seems like, and we saw lots of important things that i'm not sure i will remember when i am on my own, but at least i have an idea.
i was so full from our late lunch that me and a few other girls decided to have a light dinner of ice cream haha. it was really really delicious. since then i have been relaxing in the hotel room watching some dvds i brought from home.
hopefully this isn't too boring haha! i don't know how interesting it is when you can't really see what i'm talking about. i should have some time to post pictures tomorrow. i already have a ton and its only been two days haha.
i should probably try to get some sleep, tomorrow is going to be another long day.