It's taken a while for me to publish a new entry.. I can't seem to find time to sit down and write when I am constantly out and about..being a student here really is like nothing I have ever experienced before! I am loving every bit of it and I've decided that studying abroad has been one of the best decisions that I've ever made. No regrets at all.
In mid-February I finally had the chance to visit the Alhambra. It was perfect sunny weather, although a bit chilly, and my friends and I spent a good part of the day visiting the structures, gardens, and observing our beautiful city from the high towers. It was amazing to see the intricate Arabic influenced carvings and patterns all around the monument.
A few days later I had to say goodbye to two of my flatmates who were moving out. Olga (the Russian) returned to Moscow to finish her second semester at her home university and Sophie (the German) moved to Italy to finish her second semester abroad. It was sad to say goodbye, but the fact that I would see Sophie in a few months made it easier. February in general was full of goodbyes, as the first semester was officially over and many of my friends were returning to their home universities. On the last day of my Swedish friend Amanda's stay we took a day trip up to the Sierra Nevada mountains ski area. The bright white slopes were full of skiers and snowboarders and we took out own little gondola up to the main slope/restaurant area where we had a great lunch overlooking many of the slopes.
A couple of weeks later after the final exams were over, I traveled a few hours southwest of Granada to Cádiz for the annual Carnaval, a HUGE celebration all over the city with people dressed up in costumes better than any halloween costumes that I've seen. The streets were packed with happy people singing, drinking, and celebrating the event. It was fun to see people of all ages join in the festivity.
After the weekend of Carnaval second-semester classes began. It was really difficult for me to schedule classes for this semester because many of them conflicted in times. It took a few weeks to decide on a set schedule but in the end I registered for History of the Americas, Introduction to Hispanic Literature, Linguistics Applied to the Teaching of Languages, Italian, and an English-Spanish Translation course. It's almost scaring me how quickly the time is passing...I have already gotten through the first month of second semester and now only two remain until final exams!!
Last weekend I had the most relaxing time in a resort in Estepona with Lisa, Michael, and my two friends. Although the weather wasn't too great, it was nice to see a different city and spend more time with Lisa and Michael. They had previously visited me in Granada the week before, and we had a great time relaxing at the Arabic baths, walking around the city, and eating wonderful food. They warmly greeted us when we arrived in Estepona and we spent the following day in Fuengirolas for a delicious lunch and then drove up to a small town, Mijas, in the mountains. It was a nice little town with an inviting feeling and donkeys that were available as taxis. While Lisa and Michael were taste-testing wine, my friends and I walked around the town and stopped by a 200 year-old building that used to serve as a house/restaurant which still operates as a restaurant. The interior was really cool and cozy, almost cave-like with white ceilings, an old staircase, and the original kitchen area still intact.
The following day after leaving our wonderfulll hosts, my friends and I headed back up to Malaga where we spent the day before we caught the bus back to Granada. The weather was surprisingly chilly but it was great to see the city and ruins.
Next week here in Spain is the well-known Semana Santa, the week-long religious procession events leading up to Easter. I wanted to see the processions and experience the important event but since I have a little over a week free, I decided to take advantage of the time and travel to Italy. Originally, my friend Brian and I had booked a flight to Italy well in advance but just yesterday, to our surprise, we received messages saying our flight was canceled...due to the "Huelga general" that will take place tomorrow. It is a huge public strike for the working population and the majority of the public services will not run. Almost all university classes have been canceled as well since only a few buses will be running.
Luckily, I was able to change my flight free of charge and I am now flying to Venice on Sunday! :) I will be visiting a couple of friends who studied here in Granada last semester.
I probably won't write again until after Italia--but expect an update and photos in a few weeks!!!
CIAO!
(I've added the photos below!)
