Arrival

Bienvenidos a mi Blog! Estoy in Barcelona!

The flight was relatively simple. I made my connection in Frankfurt by a mere 7 minutes, but I prefer to cut the waiting time ☺! Upon arriving in BCN I checked in with IES at the airport, got a cell phone, and hailed my first taxi to take me to my melon themed home. I used my first Spanish to give my street and then he asked for the number! I was prepared (sorry, cannot say for security reasons). I went over the rules of the residence hall, and though the pool is referred to as a refreshing lounge, it might not be open until May! Especially with this weather: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/12/world/europe/12europe.html?th&emc=th

What a modern little room! The walls are lime green, the sheets are lime green; the bathroom is a “cruise ship” bathroom. There are American students in the building from all different programs and some Spanish estudiantes tambien.

It was easy to figure out the metro. I live on the same line that takes me straight to the IES center! 4 stops away, or a 20-minute walk, which I’ve done once with the help of a floor mate but couldn’t do again on my own. The IES building is very safe, parents- no markings of IES from the outside (walked by it a few times on the first day!) and a code to enter.

Holly (a Colgate student) came with her older brother who helped Holly and I find our other university, UPF. One transfer on the metro, none if I go from IES which I plan to do most days. Picture this: walk out from the dark metro, turn left = university buildings, turn right = beach! My day on Tues/Thurs starts at 9am at IES, and I’m thinking sunbathing until my 1pm classes at UPF.

This week we are doing everything with our Spanish classes, the Colgate equivalent of an FSEM. Yesterday we went on scavenger hunt around Barceloneta, the port. I found a ferry to Menorca!!!!! http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/10/travel/10places.html ("Minorica" #14)

I made my Barcelona Bucket list thus far, and I will update you on everything as I cross off. Please feel free to add suggestions.

Tonight: The IES Welcome Party at 8:30 pm!

I'd really like to add photos to my blog but i MAY, just may, have left the cord that connects the computer to the camera at home. We can talk about it later, M and D.

Hasta Luego!