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It's Snowing!
This is the end of my first month in Granada, and it is currently snowing here in the city!
Riding a cannon in front of the Alhambra.
Recently, we have discussed the differences between Granadinos and Americans. In Spain, for example, it is extremely common for people in their late 20s, early 30s to still be living at home. My hostmother’s 24-year old daughter actually lives here as well. Also, medical services are free for Granadinos, and attending university costs a mere few hundred euros a year. On the flip side, jobs are scarce here in Granada, and salaries average only 1,200 euros a month. In general, Granadinos prefer a slow-paced leisurely life and aspire to have a job that demands the least amount of work while paying a good salary. Here, that job is one with the government.
Calle Angel, the street on which I live (first door on the right).
This week, I went to my first tapas bars and had my first real conversations with local Spaniards close to my age. Tapas are appetizers, such as mini sandwiches, and, ONLY here in Granada, come free with the order of any drink. Anyway, CLM has a fantastic “Intercambios” program in which foreign students can connect with locals and converse with them. My roommate and I tagged along on two Intercambio dates, and had a great time experimenting with tapas and learning “palabras de la calle,” or street slang, from them. My Intensivo professors also taught us street slang for marijuana (“burros,” or “chocolate”) and other such things, because they felt it was important for us to be aware of these terms in case we should be offered such items in the streets. I think learning street slang is actually a vital part of being an exchange student, and should be incorporated into classroom curriculum.
Inside a tapas bar!
Thus far, I have attended one cultural event, a flamenco show, and gone to one discoteca. It has been rather a challenge to get used to nightlife here in Spain, in which parties don’t start until 3am, which is usually when I am still fast asleep in bed. In terms of cultural visitations, I have already been to the Alhambra several times, the Albaycín, and Barrio Sacromonte (the gypsy neighborhood of Granada). All locations are a 15-minute walk from where I live, so I am reaping the benefits of living in the heart of Granada city.
My roommate and I in front of part of the Alhambra.
The weather has fluctuated greatly over the past few weeks I have been here. For the most part, it has been warm weather (11-14ºC by day) and blue skies. This week, however, the temperature has dropped and we have received a day of rain, followed by a day of snow (last night). The snow has not stuck to the ground, but looks pretty amazing from the Alhambra. Despite the chilly drafts and icy sidewalks this morning, the sun was shining this afternoon, but snowflakes are currently falling from the sky. At this rate, who knows what the weather will be like tomorrow!
Before…
After!
