First Full Week of Classes

We just finished our first full week of classes, and now I can see how these four months are going to FLY by...i can't believe how fast this week went. Classes here are much different than at Loyola, so it's a little hard to get used to (and not just because they're all taught in spanish). For September I have a Gramática course from 9-11 am and a Conversación course from 11:30-1:30, as well as twice a week a history/culture course with Maria José. Having 2 hour long classes is definitely an adjustment...it's super hard to focus (especially after a night out) and it gets really tedious sitting in the same room for so long. However the homework is minimal and the teachers are fabulous...Sonia and Alicia are sassy spanish pistols who are loud, enthusiastic, and all around really fun teachers. The atmosphere in class is super laid back, I don't think i've ever laughed so hard in any class as Loyola. With me in the B2 upper intermediate level are several other Loyola students, 3 boys from China, and 2 girls from Korea. The grammar review we've been working on is a little repetitive but definitely needed...I don't think i'll ever full mater the complex rules and exceptions to the spanish language. But for the most part the spanish lessons have been pretty easy to follow, and I really think all this contact time will help me improve my listening and speaking skills. Maria José's class will definitely be the most challenging but probably the most mentally stimulating. We will learn about the history and tradition of Spain as well as contemporary culture in literature, movies, etc. It'll be interesting to be experiencing first hand what I'm learning in class, and I really hope to take full advantage of being so close to the museums and galleries of Madrid.

Even with class this week has been just as fun as the others! Tuesday we went to La Media Pinta and Thursday we finally made it to CanCan (which was awesomeeee!). Going out on school nights is challenging since nights out go sooo much later here, but it's definitely worth the hangover/mental exhaustion the next day..plus there's always siesta to recuperate :) Last night was fun at La Media Pinta and Casco Antiguo, and there is talk of a pub crawl tonight, so the weekend is shaping up to be a fun one. Madrid tomorrow for El Rasco (flea market) to end another awesome week!