Another day! We had Spanish again, like we will every morning. We are definitely moving quicly when it comes to grammar, which I am glad for. Although it is overwhelming, I have never been so motivated to learn a language. It's also fun since we have international students in our class - it's nice talking to a more diverse group of people, other than just Cal Poly students.Since it was Friday, we didn't have afternoon class, so I took advantage of time to explore the city I'll be living in for the next two and a half months. I ended up going shopping near the Plaza Mayor with Rachel, which was fun! We have so much in common, and I knew her before this trip so we are really comfortable with each other. There is always a difference in spending time with new friends than those you've known for while...
Anyway we met up with a bunch of other girls later in the day for gelato (delicious!). The guy who was working there was impressed with Rachel's Spanish, and tried to help us all ask for what we wanted correctly. That's how I feel most of the locals are here - they are very encouraging and supportive that are studying and try to learn Spanish in Valladolid, and are curious about us in general (besides the other group of students from Wisconsin, we are the only Americans in all of Valladolid, since it isn't a city that attracts many tourists).
I think their curiosity sometimes tends to be misconstrued though... I definitely get a lot of weird looks and stares when I am just walking down the street. And we are apparently obviously American, because when I was walking home with Emily one time, we passed a group of older women who I heard mention "chicas" and Estados Unidos" when we walked by. Hmm I guess I'll have to change something about the way I dress so I look more like a local. They definitely dress more sophisticated here, and I wouldn't mind coming home with more sophisticated clothing :)
After shopping and dinner (which were home-made deep fried cheesy mashed potatoes, I think), everyone met up to go out to celebrate Laurel's birthday. Oh but before I left the house, I showed my Mama my new outfit (which was a red dress and boots I bought that day), and she exclaimed "muy sexy." I guess they don't have a word for "sexy" in Spanish lol.
Going out in Valladolid for the first time was fun! We started at this bar called "La Biblioteca," which is funny because San Luis Obispo has a bar called "The Library" downtown. We spent the rest of the night bar hopping and dancing, and making sure Laurel had a memorable birthday. Then again, we are in Spain - who could complain about that?
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