My first two weeks in Valladolid have been perfect. Last week I witnessed a student strike, which ended up not being at all what I expected. In America, the only thing we could ever fight for is better cafeteria food and shorter days. Nothing of actual importance. I was honestly very impressed with the student strikes. All across Spain, students are fighting for their rights, protesting against the government, because apparently there were education cuts made. I don't know the exact gist of things, but I do know that the spanish youth population was very enthusiastic about it all. We have already had 3 strike days in the past two weeks. And for the most part, the schools support it because it isn't the school the students are fighting, it is the government. It all has to do with the crisis, meaning this year there will be more strikes than normal. I heard a rumor that every Thursday until Christmas is a strike day? I love how this just happens in Spain, I could NEVER imagine this being possible in the US.
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| fighting for my rights? |
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| "If the government doesn't listen, then the students will rebel!" |
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| Paige and I |
Last weekend, I spent the night at Paige's house. That night, we ate pizza and watched Gossip Girl in spanish. The next morning we were on our way to what we thought was a bull fight. We went with her sister, and when she first told us the details we had imagined a bull fight/festival kind of thing. All we knew for certain was that we were taking a bus here and there. Well when the bus picked us up, to our surprise it was a rented mini bus with all of her sisters friends. The "bull fighting ring" was actually a small sandy patch in the middle of nowhere, and the "bulls" were small cows. The day ended up being better than either of us had expected. We unloaded the bus, and then the boys started the barbecue. The lunch was fantastic, way better than any of my friends in the US could have put together! Then the "fights" began. Even though there was no hurting or killing of the bulls. In reality, more people were hurt in the ring, than bulls!
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| Paige and Laura (sisters) |
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| Laura (Paige's sister) and I |
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| Why is Paige on a horse led by an eight year old? |
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| my new dog! |
I have been in Spain for six weeks and it had not rained at all up until this Tuesday. There has been non-stop rain ever since! Now don't let that fool you though, my mood does not reflect the weather one bit! I am proud to finally announce that I am living with my new family in Arroyo de la Encomienda. Arroyo is a very small pueblo RIGHT outside of Valladolid. And I feel like I have the best of both worlds, the peace and quiet of a small town, but because Valladolid is right around the corner (literally), there are always things to do. Also, Paige and Esther (AFS students) both live in Arroyo too! It is perfect, and my family is really really great! I have two sisters Irene (15) and Alba (18), and my mom's name is Marta. I am still getting to know my new family, but I already feel like I fit in really well. And my room is amazing, I have the loft all to myself!
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| Valladolid! |
I officially start school on Monday, now that all of the paperwork is finally done! I can finally get back into a normal schedule, which I am beyond excited about! Normal is exactly what I need. And this weekend I will be in Ponferrada for an AFS Orientation, which I have been looking forward too since the day I left Madrid back in September. All four AFS students in Valladolid (Paige, Esther, Clement, and I) will be taking the train there and back (Friday-Sunday), and I am sure I will have another long blog post dedicated to this coming weekend!
For everyone in Alexandria, I am extremely jealous that it is spirit week, and today you are having the pep rally, and tomorrow... Homecoming. I can't believe this will be the first time I've ever missed a school dance. But I know you will all look beautiful, and you will have such a great time!
Hasta pronto!
My first two weeks in Valladolid have been perfect. Last week I witnessed a student strike, which ended up not being at all what I expected. In America, the only thing we could ever fight for is better cafeteria food and shorter days. Nothing of actual importance. I was honestly very impressed with the student strikes. All across Spain, students are fighting for their rights, protesting against the government, because apparently there were education cuts made. I don't know the exact gist of things, but I do know that the spanish youth population was very enthusiastic about it all. We have already had 3 strike days in the past two weeks. And for the most part, the schools support it because it isn't the school the students are fighting, it is the government. It all has to do with the crisis, meaning this year there will be more strikes than normal. I heard a rumor that every Thursday until Christmas is a strike day? I love how this just happens in Spain, I could NEVER imagine this being possible in the US. 
Megg -- I can't wait to hear about this weekend. When 7am rolled around this morning, I missed calling you but knew you were probably having the time of your life with all of your AFS colleagues. We'll look forward to catching up with you when you get back to Valladolid. Can't wait to talk with you! -- Mom
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