Mi Familia

The thing that made me most nervous about coming to Spain was the fact that I was going to live with a family. It would have been much easier to live in an apartment or a dorm with my English-speaking friends, but living with a Spanish family will be a much better cultural and educational experience. As it turns out, I don't think I could have asked for a better family! My family has two kids; an eleven year old daughter and a 15 year old son, and now, an American college student :-P. The mother and daughter came to pick me up from the hostal. I knew immediately I could be comfortable with them. There is quite a language barrier which can get kind of overwhelming but they are very patient with me. The kids know a little English (VERY little), and, the daughter especially, slows things down and tries to think of words I might know (there's not very many). The father told me if I don't understand Spanish by the time I am suppsoed to go home that I have to stay in Spain lol. They seem to be a very close knit family and are happy to have me here. They told me I am their first foreign-exchange student, so this is as new for them as it is for me. Also, many buildings in Spain don't have central heating, but my family's apartment building does! Everyone is really jealous, haha. AND what's more, they just got internet, I think just because I am here... I tried to tell them it wasn't necessary but I don't think they understood what I was trying to say. They've also been really helpful as far as showing me around the city goes. The first night I was here mi madre walked me to my school and showed me important places in Granada, and therefore I have yet to get lost! Almost everynight after dinner the whole family watches TV together. I usually join them, even though I obviously don't understand the shows. I really do feel at home here in their apartment. I added some pictures of my room which is a little messy, but I'm sure no ones surprised. I do make my bed though!