a sneak peak

this past week in Granada was well spent eating, exploring, and relaxing---in addition to being remarkably successful on many fronts. first of all, Dave and i probably walked the majority of the little alleyways in granada, getting lost and in return, making epic discoveries. for example: potential running area by the river, top gelato shops, soccer (futbol) obsessed irish pubs, MEXICAN FOOD RESTAURANT (this may be my saving grace), peaceful courtyards, and billions of tapas bars.
we also were able to start my student visa process with the spanish police department--always an interesting experience. possibly most exciting is that I FOUND AN APARTMENT. as a prime example of the funny ways life works, i met my new landlord through i young woman who helps run the place Dave and i are currently staying in. i went into her office to ask about how this whole renting thing works --> she called Guillermo who happened to have a couple rooms available. needless to say the place was a hit--safe neighborhood, 5 rooms (currently just two other rooms are rented by a French gal and another european chica), only a 5 minute walk from the burrito place (a girl has to have her priorities haha), close to downtown, has a little balcony, and is clean! plus, my rent is ridiculously cheaper than santa barbara...kind of funny.
while i won't move into the apartment for at least 3 weeks i was able to take a couple of pics to give all a little sneak preview :)

this is my place from the street. i live on the second floor and am the balcony farthest to the right

here is Katrina--my first visitor to Granada! what a wonderful visit it was!!! i was so happy to be able to hang with her and show off my new home town. this is my alleyway to the front door.

here is my bedroom. the other half of the room not shown has a desk, closet, and a few chairs

kitchen

living room with funky furniture

now, i am getting ready to go meet up with the other 66 students from the UC program and move into the dorms. again, this is a beautiful old facility. here i will start my intensive language course, sign up for classes, and get partnered up with a Spanish student attending the university to help with the transition and random questions.
i better get going and finish packing, but i will write more soon as the next phase of my adventure begins :)