Getting Accustomed!

These first few days here in Las Rozas have been challenging for me, to say the least! It's exhausting becoming accustomed to a new way of life, and I think it's really taken a toll on me--especially since I am here alone. But, things are getting easier! I'm starting to get a sense of rhythm (although I do spend some time being unsure!) The children are still in school, so I have a fair amount of free time until Wednesday (which is why I am able to write this now!). Laura, the mother, has been very nice and has been letting me follow her everywhere to help keep me busy. Yesterday, however, I slept a lot and caught up from my vacation. I took 3 separate naps and slept for like 4 hours. They don't siesta this far north, so I'm sure it seemed a little strange, but I think they understood I am still tired from traveling.

Today, I went with Laura to get her hair cut in the mall, and I walked around for a little bit. She took me for a cup of coffee before, which was very nice of her and very much appreciated. I've broken my caffeine addiction, which is extremely exciting, but I still enjoy coffee of course. She also told me where a Starbucks is, which will be a nice treat for me, though I can't buy many because they're extremely expensive (A grande is 4 Euros, about 6 dollars). Most of the stores at the mall were still closed, so I just sat outside and read a little. A man asked me for directions, and I was shocked he didn't realize I was American because usually it can be spotted from miles away (I used to wonder how, but now I understand; I don't know how to explain it, but you can tell when a person is American). I had to tell him I wasn't from here (although, those of you who know me well, know I probably couldn't have given him reliable directions even if I'd lived there for 30 years).

After that, we went to what I think was a Spanish Target (They combine strange stores here, so it's hard to tell. It was either that, or a mall of some sort). I like going to the grocery store because I'm excited by all the food that I don't recognize. They think I don't eat a lot here, but I've really enjoyed everything I've eaten. I'm even starting to like some things I absolutely detested back home, like orange juice and ham. My mom was shocked to hear that!

Yesterday the children and I went back down to the pool, and it was fun. I'm still getting the hang of things (I forgot two of the towels and accidentally set our stuff in an ant hill!) but they are understanding.

They're also beginning to remember the words I teach them. We were playing Wii, and Laura (the daughter is also named Laura) went to give me a high 5 and I told her that's what it was called, so now she says "Toca 5!" instead of cinco. That was very exciting for me.

Anyway, I just wanted to let everyone know that all is well here. I know I've seemed blue on Skype, but it makes me sad to see everyone I miss sometimes. Especially with the time difference, I feel lonely because everyone at home is sleeping during the day so it's hard to communicate. I miss you all very much and will be so happy to be home in August, but life is going well here!

I love you all!

PS, Mom. I think I fixed the settings so you can comment if you like!