AH, BAY, SAY, CHAY.......

Up at 6:30am and out the door by 7:30am. After an hour of information and introduction to the school we then went on a 2 hour tour of the surrounding area. Cool, Right on, Far out....(could be heard said in German, Dutch, English and other languages by all the beginners)! Then the tour began and Javier (our guide and class instructor) did it all in Spanish. We beginners had a good giggle. It was a great tour visually but some of us just looked like deer in headlights when he spoke. Each of us beginners know a little bit of Spanish in a different way and from different experiences but very very little. It was fun. Then back to the school for our first class at 11:15 a.m.

Our instructors name's are Margo for the first part of the class before pausa (break) then it's Javi (short for Javier). Today we learned to name and pronounce the letters of the alphabet. I was amazed how many I had forgotten to name but could pronouce, well at least I thought. I am in Castilian Spanish territory as you know..'ce' and 'z' sound like 'th' well sorta. You'd have to hear to know what I mean. Anyway, it's true. I will come back home speaking with a lisp. Spanish sure sounds beautiful here. I like how they pronouce the language. As they say 'it's pure Spanish'.

After class I stopped at Cafe Loscudas in Plaza Mayor for a glass of vino roja. Here it's called 'tinto'. That second 't' is pronounced almost like a 'd'. Yes, you do have to really listen to learn how to pronunce this Spanish here.

Now I am en la casa de Carmen where I just had a delicious lunch, not called that but haven't learned what it is called. She made a delicious Spanish style spaghetti and meatballs. The meals are huge here. Who ever said they eat small and light es 'loco'. WHEW! And then there's another meal at 10pm tonight. But not for me because tonight is 'La Cena de Bienvenida'. Don Quijote

new student 'Welcome Dinner' at 9:00pm. My first experience walking at night through the streets of Salamanca. Should be very beautiful with all the lights at night here.

Domingo is the beginning del 'Festiva de Salamanca Semana'. Which means we have Lunes off. That put a smile on old and new students faces alike. I am going to take that day to walk around this beautiful City and take pictures. Most tiendas will be cerrado Lunes. (See I write Spanglish).

It's still cloudy and raining off and on here but it doesn't seem to change the spirits of the people here at all. So I won't let it change me either. But believe me I am ready for that heat I was so looking forward to. From what I hear it starts Jueves. Feliz!

Adios...hasta luego! Time say my alphabet over and over. Practica practica as my profesora says!

Paz y amor amigos!