DAY FOR WOMEN!

So, today AND yesterday were days designated specifically for the women of Spain, and therefore fiestas and celebration occurred. I am not sure of the name of the holiday but there are two day a year in which women in Spain are designated "the Boss" of the family. It is a day where women go out with their friends and eat together leaving their husbands helpless at home (hahaha). It is very official where the Mayor of each town makes an announcement that the day is for women. To make the day even better it was SUNNY today! and in the plaza mayor in Salamanca women did a dance traditional to Salamanca. They also wore clothes specific to Salamanca, which were dark robe-like dresses. It is mostly a holiday for older women (since they are the ones who have been married for a long time), but it celebrates women in general. Salamanca specifically is throwing many fiestas tonight in the bars to celebrate women...although I am not attending (due to my early morning departure for Sevilla) I have heard that there will be many. Even my host mother, Aurelia and my host brother Jesus told me about the parties tonight.

Right now it is snowing with HUGE snowflakes. It's quite a site. and makes me happy to be inside away from the cold. I am really looking forward to Sevilla this weekend. Although I have been there before during my high school years, I am looking forward to really taking in the culture and history of this city. The real beauty in all Spanish towns is the architecture; Spains history is a mixture of Arab (the Moors), Spanish, and Jewish influence which results in spectacular buildings. I also am looking forward to the warm weather!

I am finding that I am really enjoying my time here in Salamanca. I feel like I'm really getting to know what it feels like to attend the University as a Spaniard. Every day I wake up, and I have a cup of hot chocolate (Cacao), with some biscuit type things (more like crackers) and then I'm off to class. The majority of the students in my class are Spaniards, however, in my literaratura hispaneoamerica I have a few other Americans, Koreans, and Brits. In my other two classes it is a majority of Spaniards. After class I go to my house...completing the same walk I did to class in reverse. However, I still do not know any of the street names, I just see a store name and know that is the store that I turn left or right at.

I am really enjoying my family. My host mom is really sweet and makes me and Anna feel welcome. She is very talkative and shares details of her life with us that helps us get to know her better. She even shared that Tony Hawk (yes, the famous skateboarder) was once a student studying at her house (just like me)! I enjoy the time I am spending at home and now with internet I am able to communicate better with the outside world. So now, I am off to pack for Sevilla...and shall write upon return!