Granada 101

¡Hola amigos! 

Today we had our first tour of Granada.  The Resident Directors of our tour gave us all maps that they circled and numbered with important spots.  We were shown several super markets (mercados), a couple plazas with beautiful statues, our school CERGI, banks, and some other important features.  It was very helpful.  There is so much more than we first saw yesterday.  The main streets in most Spanish towns are named after Christopher Columbus.  So I thought that was pretty cool!  

Also, there is a lot of Catholic history in Granada which is interesting for me.  Isabel and Ferdinand have a couple of statues and buildings for them.  And their bodies are located in the Cathedral in Granada.  We got a little taste of the history of Granada today.  But at 4:30 we are going on a "Touristy Tour."  This tour is over two hours so I am sure that I will have more information on Granada after that.

Mostly, we got up (perhaps a little later than intended), but the jet lag so far is not bad or really noticeable.  The hostel has been very nice so far.  The free Wi-Fi is wonderful and I have learned on thing: Google is amazing.  Once we move in with our host families on Saturday, I won't be able to get online as frequently I believe.  But supposedly there is a internet cafe that has free internet as long as you buy something.  That sounds perfect to me.  I am excited/nervous to meet my Senora.  She is a young woman (I  hear 30 or so) and she lives with her 33 year old brother and 60 year old father.  Her father works at a hotel in Sierra Nevada and she takes care of a child in the morning.  I am hoping that by child they mean baby.  The Spanish babies that we have seen out and about are gorgeous.  They have these big beautiful eyes. 

We had a free breakfast ticket today, so we left the hostel and found this little restaurant.  For breakfast we were given a drink and bread.  I had tea and it was very nice, but not much in the way of breakfast for most people in our group.  There is so much bread here.  Everywhere you go: pan, pan, pan.  I love bread, but I think considering half of my family is gluten intolerant I am going to be tempting the fates.  I had a mini conversation with the server today.  It wasn't extensive or great Spanish, but it made me feel good that I was able to communicate.

After the breakfast we went on the tour.  It was presented entirely in Spanish and I was thrilled to find I understood almost 100% of it.  Of course the tour guide, Narea,  spoke very slowly and clearly.  Most people here speak so quickly that even the English is difficult to understand.  I had been under the impression that the lisp they have in Spain was on the "s," but it is actually on the "c."  I think it sounds lovely.  I like their accent.  We saw our first gypsies today.  I was disappointed to see that they wore regular clothing and looked like regular people-just people pushing Rosemary on you.  I was hoping for some big skirts, hoop earrings, and bells or something!  A little more Hunchback of Notre Dame if you will.  

Of course...High School Musical.

After the tour we went back to market and bought some apples and oranges.  Then we looked around a little bit.  The fruit was tasty and not too expensive.  But I am surprised how expensive things are.  I think Spain has made me cheaper though.  I like buying things with euros--it looks like fake money!  We bought some stamps today.  International stamps are 78 cents (euro style).  So things are a bit pricing considering every euro is about $1.50.  Last night we went to a very tasty restaurant.  Kelly, MaryPat, and I shared two tapas dishes and the whole group of us had a pitcher of Sangria.  We are told that at most tapas bars in Granada when you order a drink, all the tapas come with it for free.  Since last night cost about 7 euro each, we're going to try to find a cheaper bars for tonight. 

Tortillas Espanas: eggs and potatoes

Veggie Empanada :Very yummy!!

So we were a little hungry!!

Still no sign of my luggage.  If it does not arrive by tonight we are going to call the airline.  I'm staying optimistic, but I really want my luggage back.  Our next tour is in an hour, so I am going to partake in a little siesta.  I'll write soon!