Submitted by Janine Burdette on the 2016 winter session program in Granada, Spain sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures…
As our flight descended, I could already tell that Granada, Spain was absolutely breathtaking. I was nervous to meet my host family, or in Spanish, “familia de acogida,” because I was not sure how much English they would know or what our living situation would be like. However, there was no reason to worry because the second I saw Ana as I stepped off of the bus, I knew she would be an amazing host mom during my stay here. Our family lives in the cutest house! It has many levels, and all the rooms have individual character and decorations. I am fortunate enough to have the loft room which has the most beautiful view through the window. I am high enough up to see a clear view of Granada and the Sierra Nevada Mountains! The cobblestone streets and the beautiful architecture everywhere also add to the cultural experience, especially on the walk to the University of Granada for class. Spaniards eat so much bread! It is served with every meal of the day, including toast for breakfast. I have also learned that lunch is the biggest meal of the day here. Lunch is served around 2-3 in the afternoon and it’s called “siesta,” which means “rest” in Spanish. Most of the shops close down and people go home to eat a big meal and relax. People in Granada have been very patient with my Spanish. In restaurants and in public places, the people are always very friendly and understand that I am making the effort to speak their language, which I really appreciate because Americans are not always so patient with foreigners in the United States. One of the first nights, my roommates and I went out for “tapas,” more or less mini appetizers, with our host brother and his friends. It was one of the best decisions because it forced me to talk completely in Spanish and understand more the cultural interactions, especially with people in my age group.