"Don't count the days, but rather make the days count"

It is hard to think of a “typical” day in Salamanca for two reasons: 1) days here are never typical. There is always something new and exciting to explore in Salamanca, and 2) my schedule changes every day due to whatever activities our classes are doing. However, I have been able to establish a pretty regular routine.

A typical morning for me in Salamanca starts at 8 AM. I wake up, get ready, and eat breakfast with Pilar. Each day I eat 2 slices of white bread with peach jam, a peach, and a mocha. I think that is what I am drinking, but I am not sure. Carlitos watches Mickey Mouse while I eat (Pilar is my hostmom and Carlitos is her grandson who is 4 years old and has a crush on me. He also happens to be the most handsome boy in Spain and is pictured below.). I leave at 9 AM to go to the library for a half hour to check my E-mail.

My first class is Art History at 10 AM. This is with UM students but a Salamanca professor. I like history, but art does not interest me. This isn't my favorite class, but I am definitely learning about a subject I have never studied, which is a great learning experience for me.

My next class at 11 is Spanish Culture. This class is with a really funny, energetic Salamanca professor. There are students from all over the world in my class (Brazil, Korea, all over the United States, Canada). I am so thankful for the opportunity to hear their individual perspectives.

My last class for the morning is my UM one and is in the Cursos Internacionals building (pictured below). We learn about living in Spain, which has been abundantly helpful for adjusting here. My favorite is amigos clandestinos! We all have a classmate partner and get them small gifts to motivate and encourage them. I love my amigo(a)! Their gifts brighten my morning and my whole day.

I get out of class at 1:30 and have a half hour to sit in the Plaza before I go home for lunch. Pilar sits with me at 2:30 while I eat. Carlitos pokes me and wants me to chase him. I usually eat bread, tuna or some other fish, and an orange. After lunch, I do homework or blog. Then, I run. I usually run for a half hour in the Parque de los Jesuitas or the park behind the pool before dance class at 6.

I am taking a dance class with my girl friends, and it is so fun! I am usually a half step slower than everyone else, but I still have fun laughing at myself. Charlotte Rath is my wonderful flamenco partner.

After I walk or run home, I shower quickly and organize whatever weekend trip I am planning. When I don’t have dance class, I go to the river or pool. I am in love with the weather here, but I wish I could spend more time outside. I feel like I am always too busy to go for a long run or sit outside.

Dinner is at 9:30. We usually eat a tortilla and salad in oil and salt with more bread. While we eat, we watch a Spanish reality show while Pilar talks. She likes to talk for a long time after dinner, and I try to understand her but am not always successful.

Then, I go to Café Sastre to use the Internet to call people from back home or do my homework. If I go out, I leave around 11:30 and meet my friends in the Plaza. A typical night going out includes getting creeped on by strangers. I love to dance in Spain and I’ve had some great nights with great friends here.