Take a Deep Breath

The old town




Some pics of the apartment!



February 1, 2010: Fist, let me preface this with the fact that I was very aware before I came here that the culture is different. And so far, I have been happily surprised to find the people genuinely helpful and kind. But I hadn’t experienced a day at school yet.

Today was the “first day of classes,” which apparently means nothing in Spain. I arrived 5 minutes early for my one o’clock class, only to find it empty. Worrier that I am, I kept wondering when people would arrive. But the professor and the class did arrive---about 15 minutes late. And then I found out that this entire class of 20th century history is to be summed up by a final paper at the end of the semester. No homework. No quizzes. No periodical tests to see how you’re doing. Nope! Nada.

Most people would rejoice, right? But noooo, I just have to be the person who loves organization and structure and---ONE FINAL PAPER!? I’m used to writing a paper a week. Then, I went to my three o’clock class. And the teacher didn’t even come. Not at all. I don’t want to make any stereotypical comments about laziness, but my over-achieving brain was freaking out. I like to have tests to know how I’m doing in the class and to make me study before cramming at the end of the semester. Needless to say, this semester of “school” will be more than a small adjustment for me. And I cringe to think about how unprepared I’m going to feel when I return to Maryville College in August!

But hey, I wanted to have time to learn about the culture and spend time with friends and traveling. It seems like I will have time for all of these things! Hooray : )