one week of semi-reality

thursday marked the completion of my first week of ILP (intensive language program, courtesy of the university of california). schooling consists of 5 classes taught by spanish professors from 9:00am to 2:00pm, monday through thursday. how to explain this new bit of life? first of all, i dare say that grammar is my favorite class. was that statement really just made? yes mom, grammar class kicks major bootie. while all the teachers are fantastic stereotypical spanish men, my grammar teacher is by far the best with his constant comedy acts, billowing chest hair, tapa/tinto belly, and zest for his language. finally, some spanish grammar is clicking!
there are other classes, however, (cough, literature and oral comprehension) which still remain more difficult and harder to understand. since these crazy southern spaniards to do not pronounce the letters 's' or 'd' the majority of the time and tend to transform 5 word phrases into 3 syllable inaudible sounds, communication can have its difficulties. what's the beef with 's' and 'd', spain? you're killing me!
the ecstasy of summer and summer traveling made me forget those pesky details of school, such as homework, studying, and mental exhaustion of constant spanish (and sometimes pure frustration). and where do i immediately go when this bit of reality hits? coffee shop!! hence, the study session at Cafe Lisboa.

more business taken care of this week: i found a gym! first of all, gyms here are nothing like those in america with their AC, 24 hour facilities, free water, or people who sweat. no, no, no, the spanish gyms are a different breed. the best part about it is that i found a fun group of california girls to take spinning classes with. and i'm in love. spinning is incredible--great workout and the most hilarious instructor i've ever seen. we get our butts kicked while listening to Cotton Eye Joe, Kanye West throw backs, and other past american hits while dancing like michael jackson. seriously, i wish i could film a class. i'll work on it.

alright, i need to get my rear in gear and head out into the world. i just must note, that i am in a hardcore kind of love with this city. most of the time i'm in awe that i'm here. i'll leave the juicy details of this romance for next blog.

here's a pic with some california girls celebrating the completion of the first week of classes with some drinks and yummy tapas in a little plaza near our residencia. the evening was full of laughter, attempting to speak exclusively in spanish, and strolling the city with the rest of the granada folk.