After just a week of classes, it has become easier to make my way to and from school. Not only can I fight the urge to stop at every shoe store I pass, I am beginning to feel comfortable crossing European streets. The drivers here are not bashful or timid when they drive...I don´t even think my dad would be comfortable driving here and that´s saying a lot! Besides aggressively driven cars (most of which are manual compact two-door economy cars), there are many other dangers to watch out for, such as mopeds, motorcycles and four-wheelers!

Yesterday I attempted to have my first phone conversation in Spanish...which was very interesting. Through my program at CEGRI, we have the opportunity to work with intercambios, native Spanish speakers who are willing to help us with our Spanish while we help them improve their English skills. My intercambio´s name is Jesús and when I called I was hoping for a voicemail because I was nervous to talk but once he picked up we had a fairly decent coversation (although until he said "suburbia" I had no idea what part of town he lived in!). Anyways, I have merengue and salsa dance lessons tonight but hopefully we will be able to meet tomorrow for coffee after my classes-this way I can stumble through a conversation in person and use hand gestures!

I just purchased my round-trip ticket to Dublin. I am visiting Ireland with Natalie during our first break which is only a few weeks away. I have always wanted to visit and I can´t wait to share the pictures and experiences with you. I have posted more pictures from my apartment but I have to run to class now-hasta luego!