The start

Coming to Spain I wanted to have the "full Madrid experience" so I chose to live with a host family. I've always heard horror stories from others, but I somehow was blessed with such an amazing family. My host family includes Alicia and Fernando and four other housemates who are also in my study abroad program. It is always a full house! The apartment consists of two apartment rooms into one, so it is very spacious. We are located about 20 minutes out of the main city center (Sol) which is perfect for a good nights rest!

Alicia and Fernando

Food.. wow, where to begin! In Spain, meal times are very different than what I have been accustomed to in the United States.  Breakfast is whenever you wake up and is usually light, like toast and coffee.  Lunch is served around 2 or 4 and is the biggest meal of the day.  Dinner is served around 9 or 11 and is usually light. People don't tend to go out here until 1am and are out until 7am or later!

For meals, Alicia cooks the most delicious-never-leaving-you-hungry dishes and it's always something different! She also bakes a fresh loaf of bread every morning! Oh, am I going to miss waking up to the smell of that when I leave! When I've talked to other friends with host families, they don't seem to be getting as spoiled as I have been with my family.  I am truly blessed and thankful!

Tortilla de patata
One of the most commonly served dishes in Spain. It consists of a thick egg omelet made with potatoes and fried in olive oil

Tapas
Tapas are a variety of small savory Spanish dishes, often served as finger food and comes along with your drinks at a bar or café.

The school I am attending is Universidad Antonio de Nebrija. It's a small private school with mostly international students and some Spaniards as well. So far classes are good and I love my teachers. My school is located a little further out from the main city, so it takes about 45 minutes to get to.  The plus part about having it further away is the amazing view we have over looking the city on one side and beautiful mountains on the other.

First day of school