I have been in Spain for a week! It’s been a good week. I’ve kept myself busy just walking around Córdoba, getting sorbet from different gelato places, and, of course, going to class.
First, the walking. Córdoba is home to four UNESCO World Heritage sites. The hotel where we spent the first four days was right near the Roman bridge and the mosque-cathedral. Yesterday, we took a walking tour of the city and got to go inside the mezquita. The ceilings were my favorite part. Ancient buildings are so cool. The city and the sites are normally much more crowded. We had the meqzuita almost to ourselves.
Inside the mezquita
On Thursday, I moved in with my host mom, Beatriz, and another Wellesley student, Charlotte. The three of us hit it off right away. Dinner has been my favorite part of the day. We sit down around 9:15, when Beatriz finishes work, and talk about our adventures during the day—what we talked about in class, where we walked around with friends—plus whatever old stories seem relevant. It helps that Beatriz is a great cook. Last night, we were up until 12:30. (I slept until 10:15 this morning and I hardly recognize myself.)
Classes began on Monday, but I didn’t have either of mine until Tuesday. I’m taking a course on environmental challenges in Córdoba, and another on a Spanish/European perspective on migration, rights, and identity. I’ve taken courses on similar topics at Wellesley, so I’m excited to approach them from a different perspective. On Wednesday evening, we had a welcome ceremony at the University of Córdoba. Local journalists covered it, and they interviewed me. (Look ma, I’m famous!)
I’m using Spanish almost all the time—with my host mom, in class, when I read or journal, even when I’m with other Wellesley students. Writing this blog is a bit weird, since I’m currently watching local news in the living room—in Spanish—and writing in English. My brain is soup.
I found vegan cake by accident!
I lived in Ecuador for eight months during my gap year, and even as I enjoyed myself, I kept thinking about how much time I had left before going home. I don’t know if it’s because I’ve been abroad before, because I’m older, or because I’m only here for seven weeks, but I feel comfortable and settled already.