1/11/10

So this morning we went to the place where we get host families, luggage and all.  When we got there, there were already a host of mamás (moms) ready to take us home.  We just kinda stood around until our names were called, and when mine was, nobody came forward to claim me.  I was an orphan!  But as it turned out, another girl had already gone with my madre (mother/mom), so it was easier just to go with her padres (parents).  It worked out great!  I love my host family!  They remind me of Grandma and Grandpa.  They made me feel so welcome here, that I started crying.  When I got to their apartment, they showed me my room, and then took me to the kitchen to feed me breakfast and coffee (with milk and sugar...mmm).  Since I forgot my slippers at home, my madre offered to go and buy some for me.  They are red with cows on them, and so comfortable!  And even though my family doesn't have internet, the neighbors do, and I can easily get it.

After meeting with our families, dropping off luggage, and such, my padre (father/dad) took me to the campus I would be studying at, to take a placement test to see whether I should be in intermediate or advanced.  Personally, I don't care, so long as I don't get put into the bottom intermediate.  After all that, I tried to get back to the apartment by myself, without a map, but I just went in a circle and came back to the university.  So I went back in and asked around if anyone knew where I was supposed to go.  There was a lady from another school group that gave me a map and helped me find my new street.  Then I was off again.  I asked a couple of people how to get to my street, but not many knew exactly.  Turns out that people here direct by landmarks, not street names.  Actually, there are very few street signs to be had at all.  But I did get back home safe and sound.

Later, my padres fed me an awesome lunch: noodle soup, chicken, kiwi, apples, and some other fruits.  Delicious!  I even ate some kiwi, even though it's not my favorite.  Afterwards, I met up with Joelle and Abigail again to do some shopping.  I got a mobile phone, but it doesn't work yet.  More on that later.  Then we went to a store that reminded me of Chinatown, and we got cheap shampoo, conditioner, and other stuff.  I feel as if my monthly budget will be eaten up fast if I'm not careful.

After that, I came home just before sundown, and checked email and such.  Had a nice conversation with Emily P. and some folks on Facebook.  One of them asked if I wanted to meet up at a park with some other people, but I was too far away and after thinking about it, I decided not to go.  I did have some early supper though, so will go to bed early, too and get some sleep before I head to the university tomorrow.

All for now!  Hasta la vista!