First Couple days in Spain  
Primero dias en Enspana

The language of Spain
La idioma de España 

It was a long day of traveling, but I've made it. I spent a day flying and arrived in Madrid in the morning, luckily avoiding any fiascos. Ha This summer I've slept in airports, had a 9 hour layover, and so many cancelled flights, I am happy to say nothing happened on the way to Spain. It was as smooth as butter. :) Once in Madrid I took a 6 hour bus down to Murcia.

I am extremely thankful that English is such a widely used language. I've had to revert to it on occassions. Understanding the dialect is the hardest thing right now, but luckily I'm pretty good at charades ;) 

I know basic words in Spanish, but Spain's pronunciation is different. Even though I was told this, nothing could prepare me like actually being here. Ha I feel I am learning everything all over again.

The words here are spoken with a lisp and more throat sounds. For example, C's are pronounced "th" instead of "k". T is sounds like "d" or "te". As well, they sometimes don't pronounce the letter 's'. For example, "adios" is "adio" or "pescado" (fish) is pronounced [pe-tha-do] (no 's' sound). Some letters like 'G' and 'J' are prounced deep in the throat. You sound like you're hacking a luggie when speaking.
What's more is it's different in different areas! The accents got stronger as I went south, and I felt more and more confused. Ha I find myself asking them to speak really slowly and write things down. Haha but it's good for me. I'm learning. 

The food of Spain
Le comida de Espana 

Their staple seems to be ham, potatoes, sea food, and tomatoes. I've frequently had the combination of tuna and tomatoes, or ham, potatoes, and cheese. Sometimes an egg is thrown in there as well. :) And everything is served with a carbohydrate (bread, pasta, rice, etc.). Their empanadas are delicious and remind me of pasties, it also goes by the name of pastel murciano. I had one of tomoates, tuna, and eggs. 

Ha and yes they have a different lifestyle:

Breakfast: 8-10 am (usually light)

Lunch: 1-3 pm

Tapas (small plates): 8-10 pm

Dinner: 8pm -11pm

Dessert: 10pm-12 pm

Clubs/bars/dancing: 12pm to 6am

It hasn't been hard to adapt to the lifstyle though. With the time difference, it's like eating just a few hours later than I usually do. 

I'd post pictures, pero I left my camera at my land owner’s house (I'll tell the story later). :)
So for now this is it. I'm happy I made it and am slowly learning the language. Orientation begins the 6th. Till then, I'll be exploring. 

More to come: my space, the family of my landlord, the people, and my roommate.