It’s amazing how inherent language is and how absolutely unaware I am of what I say and how I say it when speaking English. Needless to say I have arrived and have been thrown into the thick of it. Literally- you know how they teach babies to swim by chucking them into the water, they drown for a second and then figure it out because they have no choice? I am the baby and while I’m not quite drowning, I’m definitely feeling in need of some water wings.
The trip from Madrid to Toledo was a less than scenic bus ride unless you count billboards with graffiti as a historical landmark. Fear not- once in Toledo the beauty began; cobblestone streets that wind between walls of buildings, churches and convents around each corner, city walls, and a castle. I feel like I’m on a movie set.
I am all settled in with my host family. Above is a shot of my room, it’s almost too pretty to sleep in…almost. Cristina and Pepe have the most beautiful home with stain-glass doors, a terrace, marvelously decorated rooms with every intricate detail in place from throw pillows to lamp shades. They could not be nicer and are very aware that I am battling exhaustion and jet-lag; an ultimate combo deal might I add. Spanish practice is most certainly in full swing and I can already feel myself working to keep up in conversation.
On to more adventures. I gotta find a drug store and test out the shampoo situation in Europe. That shall be a tale I’m certain.
Katie! Amazing journey all ready! What an exciting time you have ahead! We are all looking forward to experiencing Spain thru your eyes!!! I’m not sure how to say ” I wish I was there” in spanish… but, I do wish I was there! Maybe we will find a way to visit? how long will you be there? Aunt Karen (and Uncle Rich)