When I arrived I was shown to my apartment which is located on La Plaza de los Luceros (above). This is the main plaza and has been our programs meeting point which is super convenient. I totally lucked out!
I was the first of my roommates to arrive, so I had first pick of bedrooms. I chose the third which is huge (in comparison) and has a window overlooking the main street of Alicante that we live on (Avenida Alfonso el Sabio). Despite the the disgusting red plaid theme, I like it.
California, and the other is from Kentucky. We spent Sunday exploring on our
own.
Yesterday we had orientation in the morning at the University, which we get
to by either tram, bus or train. Confusing.. So I'll let you know how that goes tomorrow when I start class.
I had a chance to meet some new people at orientation who I've gotten close to also. After orientation we had lunch then a walking tour of Alicante which was INCREDIBLE. I had no idea how beautiful it was. I found myself smiling the entire time and thinking to myself "this is
why I'm here." The streets, mountains, ocean, plazas, stores, restaurants are all breathtaking and unexplainably amazing. I only took a few pictures because it was cloudy, and want to walk around again to take photos when its sunnier. But I did take one..
Today we hiked the mountain in the picture above. It had incredible views. It was not as steep or as treacherous as it looks. There was a clear pathway leading up to the top.
So far I've learned:
I'm not as good as Spanish as I thought I was.
When you bump into someone, nobody apologizes.
Everyone has dogs which is great.
Nobody snacks (I'm going to loose so much weight haha).
Water is not free.
There is no tipping here.
We stick out like sore thumbs and are still getting used to cultural differences and finding our way around, but the city is beautiful and the people are fantastic.
Stay tuned
:)