It doesn't really feel like Christmas, but I think that's probably alright. I am doing everything possible to just pretend that it isn't Christmas time. It is a different experience and although sometimes It is a bit sad that I am so far away during this Holiday season, all is well and all is ok. I think the lack of snow is also very helpful to make it seem less like Christmas. I am sending a package on Wednesday, because that is when the post office opens again. I have been really bad and really slow with my sending of cards and packages, but I am trying to get my act together. My Spanish is improving, but I am still not that satisfied. I am hard to please and until I am absolutely capable of functioning and understanding in every situation. I can now understand almost everything important that is said, and can say everything i want to say. That being said, when I do say things it simply doesn't sound all that good. Better every day!

Reflecting

As we approach the last week of school until break, I look back to reflect on the first semester. I have learned an incredible amount already both about Spanish and about myself. Things are so much easier to see when you step back and just listen and observe. I have met a bunch of incredible people through Rotary and just while living here. There are people from all over and that speak all sorts of different languages, and it’s just amazing to think how much has changed in just three months. There are still tough times ahead and there will always be something more that I want, but for now I am happy with where things are at. I was expecting to know more Spanish by now and I think that I am just too hard on myself with what I actually to know and understand. Time will make all things better.

Bull Fight

Alright so I went to a bull fight. It was really... good. I learned that there is a lot more than just killing a bull but at the same time, it is just them killing a bull. It is a large part of the culture here and I really wanted to take part in it. This stereotype is just not true, the only people that really enjoy bull fighting are old people. None of my friends ever go and most people think that it is pretty bad. My new host father works as a Civil Servant  He went to school for being a veterinarian and now 15 times a year he goes to various bull fights and evaluates the way they treat the bulls and how sanitary the butchers are. They eat the meat and use the parts of the bull after the fights.
I have moved families and I am having a pretty good time. I went to Malaga on Saturday as well and that was pretty fun. I am amazed by the architecture of some of the old churches and cathedrals that I see. They are really detailed and huge, and even if they were built today it would be difficult. Everything here is so much more quaint and beautiful. Its older and although I miss things there still, I really enjoy all the new things to see and do here.

School simply isn't really happening.

Alright so I have had a couple of days to adjust into the new home. Thoughts so far are still that I like it and will have a good time here. I am about a 15 minute drive from school, which doesnt seem too bad. Its a little worse here because I personally dont have access to a car. This family however is really nice and I am sure we will fit well. I am a little further from the beach but it is still within walkking distance. I am further away from all of my friends but Im sure I will be able to make more. I have a host brother now and that should also be good. It really shows me how much people here study, and I am impressed. Usually I dont study for school, as it is tough for me when I am not understanding, but instead I study Spanish. I figure the quicker I become better at Spanish, the easier school will be as well.

I also have internet now which I would say is a pretty fantastic thing. I should be able to keep this updated better now. It will also be easier to upload pictures. If there is anything specific you want to know more about feel free to let me know.