6 July

For breakfast today we had Cocoa Krispies en espanol and biscocho (like a sweeter bread). The cereal was in warm milk which I LOVED! Then, it was off to la universidad. I wore my (new) white and turquoise dress (for real) and my “snakeskin” blueish flip flops, to show off my blueish toenails. You know, when in Rome, be Roman. Except, in Spain, be Spanish. I also wore the $1 cross and—Mom, sit down—earrings. And makeup. I know, I know, you’re all shocked. Wellz, me too. So when I came out of our room and Carmen saw me, she hugged me and exclaimed “guapaaaa” which, in Spanish, means beautiful/pretty. It’s a 10-15 minute walk to Universitas Castellae from Carmen’s apartment, but everyone in Spain walks in nearly a run, so it was a little rough. Then again, I’m used to wearing sneakers, and I’m a slow walker by American standards, too. In typical W.D. fashion, I was tripping left and right. No worries, I noticed en route to UCast there’s a type of medical supply store!!! They probably knew I was coming. Speaking of medical supplies, good thing I bought brought took (which one, Chrissy?) all those Band-Aids with me. My elbow keeps splitting open. Don’t worry Mom and Dad, I’m sure it will heal eventually.

Okay, so! First day of classes! I signed up to take 2 hours of Language & Composition, an hour of Conversation, and an hour of Spanish Culture…the students at Universitas Castellae take four hours of classes, Monday through Friday. Well, let the adventures recommence…. Since our plane did not arrive until yesterday morning in Madrid, and we didn’t arrive at Carmen’s until after 1 p.m. (Spain time), we missed the “Orientation Meeting” thing. Sigh. Nobody ever told us that there even was a meeting before classes started! On the brighter side, it turns out we weren’t the only ones not present. A group of Texans also, missed, but that’s cause they missed their connecting flight in Atlanta. A couple of the girls lost their luggage! Fortunately, it’s supposed to arrive today.
Okay, pues, Carmen walked with us to the school, so we pretty much know how to get there. Since we weren’t at the meeting, we never took the placement test and weren’t on any class lists! So, after Grammar (turns out that’s what they mean by Lang & Comp) we had an hour break so we took the placement test. There were like 15 of us crammed into the computer lab and there weren’t enough tables/chairs/space en general, so some people wrote their answers leaning on the window ledge. Anyway, because a bunch of us had a break, but not everyone was testing, it was noisy! I was frustrated because I need it to be quiet in order for me to concentrate. But, no worries, cause I DID place into the Advanced/Superior level. Thank God, because I wouldn’t get credit at LVC if I wasn’t in that group.
This is what I have:
Gramatica (Advanced…quite the shocker) 8:30-10:20
Conversation J 10:30-11:20
Cultura 12:30-13:20

I’m glad Sergio (the guy who helps coordinate this) got us into our correct classes and gave us the info from the other day. We have movie nights every Wednesday so that should be neat. Oh and SPEAKING of MOVIES!!! Harry Potter comes out 15 July here, too! Jess and I are definitely going to see it! I’m going to try and get a group of UCast students together so we can all watch it. I know one girl in conversation said her favorite movie was Harry Potter, so I’ll start by asking her. J

Aight, well, tengo calmares y es como un oso en el estomago (and the first day of classes, too!) so I’m off to take some medicina! Shopping later!