aventuras de alyssa

Buenas noches! Today was a long, but fun day! We woke up and had a light breakfast with two cappuccino’s (necessary). We checked out of the hotel, walked over to el Centro de Idiomas (language center) and had our brief orientation. We learned that it’s rude to bring coffees and snacks into classrooms and yawning is seen as disrespectful – thankfully my jet lag isn’t terrible! We learned and shared some fun games & activities to play with our students too.

I had thought that orientation would last all day, but by noon, our host families & representatives from our schools showed up to have their own bit of orientation and take us home! We took a group picture by el árbol de lenguas (tree of languages) and ate a brief lunch, where I had some croquetas and what can only be described as a cold hot pocket in a pastry. We said our goodbyes and were off to Tordesillas!

Juanjo, the father in my host family, and Ana Maria, the coordinator from my school, picked me up and thankfully all three of my suitcases fit in the car. Ana Maria is fluent in English and told me that I can only speak English to the students in the school – I have to pretend to not understand Spanish so that the students are more motivated to speak English. Guillermo, the son, is currently at a camp for speaking English and will be home Friday. My family doesn’t speak English very well (or often), so Juanjo and Rosa (the mom!) spoke to me in Spanish all evening. It was difficult at times to understand, but I’m excited to practice my Spanish, since my main goal of this trip is to become better at speaking. They walked me around town to familiarize myself with my surroundings.

My school is a 5 minute walk from the house, which is amazing. The whole town is walkable (very much smaller than NYC!! No goats yet Harry!), which is perfect because I don’t have to rely on the family to drive me places. I have my own “floor” essentially in the house, with a bedroom and separate bathroom. Honestly, I don’t think my placement could’ve been better! Rosa reminds me of Mom – always making sure I’ve had enough to eat and have everything that I need. I’m so thankful they’re so kind and also understanding of my sub-par Spanish speaking skills.

Tomorrow, I go to school for the first time and get my schedule! For now, here are a few photos of Tordesillas and Valladolid!

El centro de Valladolid

Plaza Mayor, Valladolid

Río Duero, Tordesillas – this river goes all the way to Portugal!

Thanks everyone for following so far!