It's Almost Time... :)

---

Hello family and friends!!!

As you should already know, I have decided to study abroad in Spain this semester (Spring 2009)! It is the last semester I would have spent in community college, but I have instead decided to study abroad before transferring to a university. It is something that I have always wanted to do so I figured now would be the perfect time! While I am gone, I will be writing a blog for you all to see what I am doing during my travels. I am going to write as often as possible, so check back whenever you have the time! In this first blog entry, I will just be telling you some general information about the trip (so I can get used to how this site works! lol) So here we go...

First off, I will be heading to Spain in 16 days! I am so excited, yet nervous all at once, but Sam is going on the trip as well, so it makes things a lot easier. We leave on Feb. 19th and arrive in Madrid the following day. During our first day abroad we will be staying in a hotel in Madrid for the night, and then taking a private bus to Salamanca (the city we will be living for the next three months) the following day. Sam and I will be sharing a bedroom in an apartment with 1-4 other girls (we haven't found out who our roommates are yet). So the first day in Salamanca, we will just be relaxing and getting to know our roomies!

Real fast, in case you are unaware of where Salamanca is located, it is northwest of Madrid, in the province of Castilla y Leon. During the time I am there, the weather is going to be from 33 degrees F (coldest) to 68 degrees F (at warmest). This is what I have been told anyways, but I will just have to find out for myself!

While in Salamanca, I will be studying at the don Quijote school (I have no idea what this is or know anything about it...sorry!). I am taking four classes - Second semester Spanish, Humanities, Great Religions of the World, and Spanish Civilization. Classes start on Monday, February 23rd and go until May 13th. Our apartment is a 20-30 minute walk from the school so I will be getting lots of exercise on this
trip!

Since I only have class from Monday - Thursday, there will be a lot of time for traveling on the weekends! I plan to go on a trip somewhere every weekend if possible. I will also be there during Semana Santa (Easter week), which is nine days long, so there will be lots of traveling time then as well. I hope to be able to travel to the different areas of Spain, as well as visit some of the other European countries.

After what I'm sure is going to be the best experience of my life so far, the program ends on May 15th and I will be arriving back in the states on May 16th. I am going to miss everyone very much and like I said I will try to write as much as possible, but who knows how things will be over there!!!

♥

AIFS (The program I am going through) Emergency Phone #: [phone]


My address while in Salamanca:

(My Name)
don Quijote
Calle Placentinos, 2
Salamanca 37008
Spain

---

Photos

So Beautiful
Here's a picture of Salamanca I found on google so you can see where I am off to! :)

Map of Spain
Salamanca is in red.

Plaza Mayor
Apparently this is one of the most famous places in Salamanca and it is right next to the don Quijote school. Hopefully I can take a picture just as beautiful when I get there!

Comments

[Rebecca]

Good for you!
I think it's fantastic that you are taking the time while you are young and free to experience the world. Have a wonderful time traveling and be safe, take care of Sam and tell her to take care of you too! Love you and look forward to reading your blog entries! oxox Becky oxox

[Gramps]

Private message screw-up
I tried a private message, but it took offf on its own halfway through. Dumb computer! To continue -- the Guardia Civil (paramilitary police with funny black hats) are really good guys, but do not mess with them. They are tough and do not take any guff from anyone. They follow Alan's philosophy - "Dont't give me no jive." Next - Semana Santa is an experience that you will remember. The local populace hve a parade and you might see people walking in it with KU Klux Klan type costumes, people engaging in self-flagellation, and people walking barefooted on glass, as well as other folks in costume. Eat some paella, omelettes, and Chateaubriand (not all at the same meal, though). Drink some of the local wines, especially those from Jerez de la Frontera. Do not stray far from other people. In other words, do not become too adventurous. Keep your money out of sight and safe. In other words, be cautious. If you go to Madrid for a day or two, be sure to visit the Museo del Prado. It is really a fine art gallery and you will see some pictures in real life that you have only seen pictures of. The two ost famous are the Naked Maja and the Clothed Maja. Above all, Nikki, take good care of yourself. Also, be sure that you and Sam take care of each other. Oh, yes, enjoy yourself as a second priority. I look forward to reading of your adventure. Send pictures, too.

[missnikki]

Thanks Gramps!!! I'm not sure why your message didn't work because I got Grandma Shirley's!!! :-p lol...but if that ever happens again you can always just send me a regular email! I will definitely have to check out the things you have told me about! I am very excited and will look forward to letting everyone know what I am up to! And thanks Becky!!! :)