First day in Salamanca

Riding the bus from Madrid to Salamanca, I woke up when I heard Esther (the advisor) talking or making an announcement; we arrived in Salamanca.  It was unreal.  "Oh my gosh!  This is it!" I thought.  I was excited and anxious.  It was time for Spanish, Spanish, and more Spanish!  I was anxious waiting for my host family to pick me and my roommate (Lisa) up.  We were the last ones to get picked up.

My host mother is such a sweet lady.  I don't see her husband that much.  She couldn't really pronounce my name so I told her to call me "Cereza" because it's Cherry in Spanish.  She was a little confused when I told her to call me Cereza.  I explained to her that it's my name in Spanish:  "como la fruta. "

It's been difficult communicating in Spanish (for now).  I understand what our host mother is saying most of the time, but sometimes it takes some time to interpret what was said and then think of what to say also.  Sometimes I would have my mouth open, but, at the same time, I would be thinking of what to say...so nothing comes out.  Her husband is more difficult to understand because of his raspy voice.  Anyway, Lisa and I help each other out.  It's weird.  Lisa is the one who talks the most, but I help her interpret what our host mom said.

Last night, we (the study abroad students) met in La Plaza Mayor.  The sun was going down and when Lisa and I arrived there, it wasn't lit up yet, but when the clock hit 10 o'clock (or 22:00), it lit up!  It was a magical moment.  I mean, when it lit up, it wasn't "spectacular" but that moment was a nice surprise.  My reaction: *gasps* Aww sooo pretty!  Salamanca's Plaza Mayor was so beautiful.  It's definitely the best squares I've seen and been to so far...