Today was the first day of classes! Yesterday was technically the first day of school, but it was mainly orientation and locating where everything is within Nebrija. I’m taking a language class that mainly focuses on grammar, and a conversation and culture class which covers more of Spanish culture and vocabulary than the first class. The classes are entirely in Spanish. No duh, Brandi. You’re in Spain, to learn Spanish. Yeah, you are right, but there wasn’t even an introduction in English. I’m really pleased with how much I can understand. My Spanish teacher from last semester, Sra Schaub, prepared me really well. I’m excited most for the grammar class, surprisingly, because it’s what I did the worst on when taking exams. All the different forms of past tense are confusing, same with the formal and informal commands. Spain uses the vosotros tense and I’m completely unfamiliar with it. My schedule is from 8:30-1, with 1 hour 20 minute classes with a 10 minute break in between each, and a 20 minute break from 11:20-11:40. 

I’m in Spanish class with my friend and roommate, David. We’re in class with girls from all over! He’s the only boy, so now he knows how I feel in the apartment :P There are girls from Arkansas, New York, Holland, and one from Miami! Her name is Esther and she’s from UF too, but studying abroad through ISA and is only in Spain for one month. She, Courtney (a girl from my program), and I went exploring today. We had no place in mind and we have no idea where we ended up. It was cool! We kept track of the metro stops and saw a more residential side of Madrid. We had coffee and a snack at a cafe before going our separate ways for the evening.

Alex met us at the cafe and I went with him to the Spanish transportation office. He’s had issues with his metro card since the beginning and has been dealing with security since. We asked 3 different people for directions on how to get there and after about a half hour we found it! Alex and I met Griffin and David back at the apartment. We got our silverware and dishware situation worked out and were ready to cook! We picked up green beans, chicken, breading, and other kitchen basics at the supermarket to make breaded chicken, green beans, and a pasta in pink sauce for dinner. IT WAS DELICIOUS. If I could share food from the internet, I totally would. The guys did most of the cooking. I was responsible for the green beans. It was a “too many cooks in the kitchen” scenario, and I was hanging with our friend Alexa who came over to study for an exam with Alex and Griffin. Jordan and Matt went out for dinner but returned when the 4 of us were finishing cooking (it was really late, like 10:30 before we began eating) and joined us at the table.  

Tomorrow, a bunch of us are going on a walking tour of Madrid through Nebrija. I’m so excited to bring my camera and learn more about this city!