Buenas....

Hola a todos! (Hi everyone!)

It seems that I´m about the only one who hasn´t posted on the blog so here goes...

First, "buenas" is what most Spaniards will greet you with in the afternoon, short for "buenas tardes" (good afternoon). Hence the title of my blog. :)
The trip is off to a great start. It´s hard to believe that it´s already Thursday! The girls all seem to be having a wonderful time. I usually ask them how everything is going both in their classes and at home each day, and they usually can´t wait to share some funny or interesting experience with me. I´ve been so proud to hear all of them speaking in Spanish to different people throughout the day. Honestly, I wasn´t that brave at their age...my confidence came a few years later! Needless to say, I think that they are learning a lot and enjoying the differences that they are encountering between this culture and their own...at least most of the time. :)
On a personal note, it has been wonderful to be back in my "second home". After a three year hiatus, the smells, tastes, people, and sites of Valencia are rejuvenating. I am staying in a Catholic residence near the big soccer stadium. It has been a real treat, as dinner is always shared with a room full of college-age girls and very sweet teachers. I´m afraid I caught everyone´s attention there on the first night, after returning "after hours" (due to the welcome dinner with the school that was served later than originall planned.) The doors were locked, and everyone had gone to bed! However, after an hour of getting help from three college girls on the street, I was able to get in contact with a nun in the school, and she let me in! I was the talk of the school the following night at dinner!! :)
Well, I think that´s about it for now. I will try to posts some pictures in the future...we´ll be going to the beach tomorrow (the girls are thrilled) so I´m sure you will have a few shots of your bathing beauties soon enough!

Hasta la prómia, (Until the next time)
Ms. Harold