otoño bonito

Went on an excursion to Ávila y Salamanca this weekend (thanks for finally paying for something, ND) and got back Sunday night. I have to admit I was not in my best form Friday morning for the tour of beautiful Ávila, thanks to the Botellón in Toledo Thursday night, which by the way was so much fun. We were supposed to be at the bus stop at 7:30 Friday morning, a few short hours after we had gotten home for the night. My friend called me at 7:28 asking where the stop was and of course I was still in bed. Good thing a few of my other friends were in my same position. I think that the bus driver was ready to kill all of us. I still completely loved Ávila though. It is an old walled city like Toledo and filled with old cathedrals and streets lined with little cafés. Beyond the city walls, though, you can see rolling grassy hills and the air was so fresh and crisp I felt like I was in Ireland. I wish I would have known, though, that it is far colder there than in Toledo— I think because of the altitude. I was a little uncomfortable in my flip flops and thin jacket but enjoyed every minute of that charming little city. Definitely want to go back at some point prepared with adequate sleep and clothing. 

We then went to Salamanca that afternoon. It's a college town with of course lots of cathedrals, convents, monasteries, etc. I obviously loved the 4-star hotel we stayed at and the fact that we had an itinerary, but I probably could have gone without touring a church for 5 hours. I feel like the more serious we are supposed to be, the goofier we act. I have not laughed so hard in my life. All my friends and I were exhausted and freezing that entire morning so we turned to just entertaining ourselves while the poor tour guide spoke in Spanish about the history of this and that. I swear I tried to pay attention. The group of people here is so awesome, though. 

I got home Sunday night to my family, grandmothers and an aunt and uncle in the family room of our apartment. They were watching a bull fight in some little pueblo and when Angel's mother caught me with my mouth gaping and staring wide-eyed at the screen, she laughed and said "No has visto los toros?" No, I replied, and I cannot lie, it was pretty cool— besides all the blood. Their family is so welcoming and sweet— I just feel bad when I cannot say what I want to say. I think sometimes that they must think I am so stupid. 

Last night I helped my host sister Laura with her English homework. For once I felt really useful at the house. It's kind of cool to know now that she knows she can ask me for help. Definite progress. I also understood most of what my poli sci profesora said today, for once. Then I found the correos, the post office, all my little independent American self.