Hola
The trip went very well, both flights were fine and both of my bags arrived safely. Yesterday I met several students in my program as well as my host family. Everyone has been super friendly and I even met a few students from DU that I’d never met before.
We got really lucky being with Elena and Gustavo… they are extremely nice and go out of their way to make us comfortable, and we’re living in the perfect area. Helen got in today finally! I’m so relieved to have her here; it’s a lot easier navigating a new city with a friend (especially one that’s not directionally challenged like I am).
We had a tour of the city today which was great but verrrrry long. We saw some really cool places like the cemetery, a church, the soccer stadium, a port with a really cool bridge, some statues, and a super colorful neighborhood. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before down here. It reminds me a little of New York because there are so many buildings everywhere but then there’s palm trees so that’s crazy!
I love the people at ISA (my study abroad program), they are extremely helpful and give us tips about everything we need to do, especially regarding safety. The only thing I’m worried about is the fact that people here don’t have a concept of “personal space”, and we all know how touchy-feely I am, and especially with strangers, YIKES! I also hate giving people hugs and kisses on the cheek to greet them. I’ll deal with it but, yuck, I dont want anyone touching my face especially with their face.
Anyways, no more Negative Nancy, my American friends and I are all going out tonight to see the night life. We have to get up early to take a Spanish placement exam so we won’t be out too late, even though the people here don’t leave to go out until 3 a.m. and stay out until 6 or 7 a.m. We’ll see how that goes! I just drank some coffee about an hour ago for about the third time in my life and I’m ready to run a marathon, so I think I’ll be okay.
Love you all!
Shel
