AquaLand!

Yesterday was the most fun I had on this trip! For almost the whole day we went to Aqualand in Jerez. Aqualand is a big waterpark in Spain. We went as a whole group and got to stay there until 4:30. There were many cool rides there including tube rides and bodyslides. Our group favorite was definetly this bodyslide that had 6 lanes and you could race down to the bottom. It was like a very large slip n slide that you would put in your backyard. It was very fun and we went on that ride many times. After that we went home and had the rest of the day free. My roommate and I decided to take our family out for dinner as a small thank you for their hospitality. We went to a good restaurant that they chose. It was delicious!

Last Day of Classes!

Today was such a fun day! It was the last day of classes, but that wasn't why I was so happy, I was actually looking forward to the classes. We started off the day with our last day of class, in that class we made a mini tour guide packet, for the kids in the next sessions. We mentioned stores, restaurants and places we really enjoyed. After we gathered our information we discussed our places for recommendations, over some tea and coffee treated from our teacher. It was a very nice way to end our last day of class. After that and our siesta, we also had our last day of electives. For my elective, photo, we displayed to the class our favorite pictures that we took over the period of the entire 7 sessions of this class. Our class was able to see the amazing pictures that everyone took, it was really cool! After that and dinner our group went to a place near the coast, where we listened to some classical music that was very good. When that was over some of the group and I went to playa victoria, and we got a couple of nice soccer jerseys. Today was a nice way to end classes with a bang!

Torre Tavira

These are some pictures that I took whilst atop the torre tavira, which is one of the highest point in Cadiz. Also located in the middle of this building is a camera that gets a full live 360 degree view of the city of Cadiz. It is very cool!

Sunset at the Castillo

Here are some pictures that I took as we watched the sunset from the castillo here in cadiz.

Tea House!

Today was yet another fun filled day! We started off the day with our usual classes, in which today we learned about art and visited a museum that showcases a lot of 16th century paintings. After classes we had our siesta, then for our evening activity we went to a castle near one of the small beaches in Cadiz. This castle had many art exhibits that featured different painters with different styles. The paintings were all very appealing and was nice to see after we just learned about art in class today.  For our night activity we could either go for a run along the beach or go to a middle eastern tea shop. I decided to go to the tea shop because I very much enjoy tea. The place was very cool and had a wide range of teas to choose from. I chose the lima japonesa tea, which was very good. After that activity we were given free time where most of our group an I took a walk along the beach. It was an awesome day!

Movie Night!

Yesterday a very fun filled day! We started off the day with our school classes. We studied literature and different Spanish vocab words pertaining to literature. After classes were over I went back home where I had my siesta break and I took a very nice nap. Right after siesta I had my photo elective. In class we were taking portraits of ourselves, with a white backdrop that our teacher was able to bring in. It was really cool! After that we had a special dinner. Our directory Chris, gave us each 10 euros to use for tapas at any where we wanted. Most of us went to a nice restaurant called La Gorda. The restarurant was very retro and had large portioned tapas for a cheap price, it was a delightful meal! After that we went to the movie theaters and watched Ice Age 4 in spanish. It was a very good and funny movie. This was one of my most enjoyable days yet!

Beach!

Today, Sunday the 15th of July, we were basically given the whole day free. In the morning our group had a very delicious breakfast. We all had some very nice churros along with some thick melted chocolate which we were able to dip the churros in. It was AMAZING! The churros were super crunchy and the chocolate was hot and sweet. Together they made a wonderful combination in your mouth. After that we were given the evening free. Most people went off to do whatever they felt like doing. However our family asked if we could go to a local beach with them. My roomate and I were very excited to go because we had only been to the beach 2 times prior to today. At the beach we all enjoyed swimming in the water, playing paddleball, and eating tortillas espanola for lunch. It was a great and fun day!

First Day!

Today was a very exciting day! It was the arrival of the Spain Cadiz program. Although the flight was very tiring and uncomfortable. It was all made up once I arrived in Cadiz, and was warmly greeted by my new homestay family. The family consisted of a Mother, Father and a 18 year old son. All were very nice as they greeted me with the European double kiss on the cheek. After we all met with our families, we were escorted back to the homes that I would be staying in for the next 3 weeks. It wasn't a long walk, but I had to take my luggage throughout the whole way and it was a bit tiring. Once we arrived to the apartment, my roommate and I were shown our room, and given a tour around the house. The apartment was very nice and cozy. After we got settled in our house for a couple of hours, we went to the school where we would be learning Spanish on the weekdays. We were given a tour of the school, and then we went to a internet cafe, where we could call our parents for the first time. After the nice long phone calls with each of our parents, we went back to our homes, where we ate dinner and took a rest from a very tiring day. Overall it was a great start to a trip I know I will love!