Bilbao update!

For the past few days I've really gotten a taste of what it is like to live in a foreign country. You start to learn what stores are open at what time, how the metro works, and different customs that they have. This is also my first time living in a dorm and it's been a pretty good experience so far. I have a room mate, and her name is Sarah. She's my age and from Michigan. I met her in Madrid and she has been so great. We really get a long, and see eye to eye on a lot of things. And she knows how I'm feeling at times because she is really close to her family and has a fiance back home so she knows how it feels to miss the people you love so much. The food isn't always best but lucky there is a super market across the street ran by "los chinos" or the chinese. They're always open when you need them, and they don't take long siestas, and are open on Sundays unlike the other ones.

The metro system in Bilbao is actually really awesome, and Daley could learn a thing or two from them. They come very often, even late at night. And they tell you how long until the next one comes. As far as customs I have seen and learned a lot. For instance, when you meet some one, or even greet someone first time or not you always give each other a kiss on each cheek and hug. Always, no matter what! Another custom is that you eat late, and bars really don't start hopping until 1am! And here, you're allowed to smoke in restaurants and bars. Which sucks because you come out smelling like an ash tray and it can definitely ruin an appetite.

There is no air conditioning! In the stores yes, but in the dorms, classroom, restaurants no air conditioning. But everyone has cell phones, and internet every where. Which I don't understand, but oh well!

The locals that we have met have been pretty friendly. They accept our misusage of Spanish grammar and always ask where we are from. If you need directions, they will help. Other locals like to cut you in line while shopping, and stare at you like you have an eye in the middle of your head while you walk down the street.

But tomorrow starts classes. I have a culture class for a hour in the morning, and then a Spanish language class for 3 hours, with a 20 minute break. The classes I think will be intense because they have 3 weeks to jam a semesters worth of information. But I came here to study and expand my education. The chairs are so uncomfortable! But I suppose I will begin to get used to them. The days go by so fast here. One hour you're waking up and then before you know you're getting ready for bed. And I'm sure once class starts the days will go by faster and faster! But I am having a great time. I've got to visit so many places, and walking in Bilbao is great because you get a constant view of mountains, and the city. It is absolutely beautiful! Also Bilbao is great because there are so many beaches. I've been to two, and have fallen in love. The salt water burns if you have just shaved your legs, and sand gets every where, but it's a wonderful place. To me the view and the fun time in the sun is worth the sunburn. I am looking forward to going to Pamplona this week, which we will be seeing the "The Running of the Bulls!" Which should be interesting, funny, and a bit scary!