The Fiestas

Well it’s been a little while since my last blog post and much has happened. Right now I’m in the middle of the Fiestas Del Pilar which is a huge event here. As well my language is continuing to improve, though I’m still a while from understanding; however my host parents have begun to occasionally quiz me and teach me which I enjoy. Ultimately, I had a good weekend of understanding last week and then a Monday of bad understanding, but after a pep talk from my host mom, I’m feeling better and trying to not focus too much on the language and let it happen. Most importantly, I’m having fun.

First I had the orientation, which was fantastic, after a four hour bus ride with the other exchange students in the area, Brian, Maggie and Marley, where we were tripping over each other with things to say (in English), we met all of the other students in a complex outside of Madrid where we played plenty of games and hung out. It was a relieving and relaxing weekend where we learned about each other’s experiences and shared stories of triumph and tragedy. I think I gained two very important things there: I learned that what I'm experiencing is normal and I've made some fantastic friends.

After this I returned to school where I’ve begun to make friends that I hang out with on the weekend. As well, with them I went to Interpenyas, a music festival that occurs during Pilar where I listened to some good music and danced a bit and it’s certainly good to have found a group I feel comfortable with.

Overall, Pilar is plenty of fun, every day there’s random street vendors, concerts and events and at night a large stage in the main plaza where there’s a large concert. Today I went out with Pablo and Pilar to see the Gigantes and Cabezudos. The Gigantes are large effigies of historical figures that people wear on their shoulders and the Cabezudos are giant heads people wear. All of the families and children go out to see them and listen to the folk music while the Gigantes and Cabezudos dance. Overall it was plenty of fun to participate in.

Tomorrow, I’m going on a trip with my Geology class to a washed out riverbed which should be fun and after I continue with the Fiestas, which I look forward to.