First week of classes!

I decided to wait to post about my first week of classes until it was over because it was so hectic. I am taking three classes this semester. Spanish Language Track IV, Spanish Literature I, and Short Story. Both literature classes will count towards my Spanish major back at UMD, and the Spanish language class is required by my program. Language meets 4 times a week, and the other two each meet twice a week. That adds up to something very important: NO CLASS ON FRIDAYS!!!

However, this week didn't go as anyone had planned. On Monday, the bus was packed full so I had to run to the metro. I was late to class, but my class was cancelled. It turned out that my teacher for both Language and Short Story had a doctor's appointment that morning and then broke her wrist that night, meaning that neither class met on Monday or Tuesday. We had a substitute teacher for Language Wednesday and Thursday, but my Short Story class doesn't start until next Tuesday.

However, the classes that I have gone to this week have been great. My Literature class is really interesting, we are going to read La Celestina and Lazarillo del Tormes. I have already read Lazarillo, but it has been about 4 years and I enjoyed it the last time. Also, near the end of the semester we are going to the theatre! I am really excited for that because I am sure it will be a great experience. I think my Language class will be a challenge, but that will be good because many of my Spanish classes in my life have been easy for me. Especially since this one is at 9:10 am Monday through Thursday, I will have to be awake and attentive. I am hoping that it will help me broaden my vocabulary and improve my speaking skills.

So far I really enjoy my university. It is a 20 minute bus ride from my apartment, and I have to change buses once. It is really small, there are only 4 buildings and two outdoor courtyard areas, so its not normal for people to hang out on campus after class. The Spanish way is to go to class and leave again. We try to follow the same rule, but I always stay after class to eat lunch in El Restaurante. It costs 4,90 euros, and you get bread, two plates of food, a drink, and dessert. Since lunch is the biggest meal of the day here, they give you a lot of food for a low price, which is incredible. If you eat everything you are given, it isn't hard to last until dinner around 9.