A Typical Day-- Typický den-- Mi vida diaria

My daily routine in Salamanca is definitely not an exciting one. I usually wake up around 8:30 to get ready and eat before I leave for classes. I live 2.5km from school (about a mile and a half), so it usually takes me around 30mins to walk into the centre. A typical breakfast for me will include Colacao (for those of you who are unfamiliar, think Nesquick), some sort of pre-packaged pastry like a croissant or muffin, and Maria cookies.

The next three-point-five hours of my day are classes. First up is Spanish Art History, which I usually struggle to stay awake during. It's not that the class isn't interesting, I'm just a sleepy person I suppose. My next class, Spanish Culture, is probably my most interesting here (sorry, Andy!). We discuss everything from Spanish food, to celebrations, to common behaviors here in Spain. I've learned more about the country where I live than I ever expected! I wrap up my school day with my U-M class (this one). The only thing that will break the routine here is a surprise regalito from my amigo/a clandestino/a.

 

After I walk back home, I will do what homework I can before lunch. A typical lunch will be some sort of starch (bread, rice, pasta), and a veggie mix. It is pretty much the same meal over and over again, as Manuela, my Senora, will make a whole bunch the whole week. Follow that heaping plate of food with a yogurt. Here, my afternoon will go one of two ways:
1) I rest a little and then head to the train station to use the wifi. I either stop in at Cafe y Te or Latinos, but I prefer Latinos because you don't always have to buy something (if the waiter is nice), the cafe con leche is cheaper, and the waiters will chat with you occasionally. After getting my Facebook-fix, catching up on emails, and updating my personal blog, I head home. If it's cool enough out, and I'm not feeling lazy I go for a run, and then watch Pasapalabra with Emeterio, my senor.

2) I change into my swimsuit and head over to the local pool with some friends. We'll spend a couple hours soaking up the sun, swimming, and chatting. After I will go home, shower, and watch Pasapalabra. I obviously like to watch Pasapalabra.

The goal is to get all of the letters within the time allowed. To skip a letter and return to it later, you say 'pasa palabra'. I have to say that I have never seen a guy own like this while I have been watching.

After Pasapalabra, I watch the news until it is time to eat dinner. Dinner will be similar to lunch, only less food (thank goodness), and probably some fried zucchini. If I never see zucchini again after this, I won't be sad. After dinner I try and get out of the house to go hang out with people in the Plaza Mayor for a little while. If I don't do that, I will watch some TV with Manuela and Emeterio before heading to bed.

Just ordinary situations taking place in an extraordinary location.

This is more or less what I get fed everyday, twice a day.