Hola everyone! Besos from Pamplona. Day two in Europe. First, I want to say this: traveling alone on the day you say goodbye to everyone and everything you know is not a good idea. I mean it already made me a million times stronger, but it really got to me. So, I officially hate traveling solo. I mean I'm glad that I know that I can get around an airport in a foreign language where they don't post what gate number you have to depart from, only the letter "k." What is up with that? I was running around the airport asking, "Where is the gate for Pamplona?! I CANNOT miss my flight!" So some guy helped me and then I calmed down a bit. I haven't seen much of Pamplona yet. I came straight here (the apartment) from the airport and I haven't left. Tonight I am supposed to get a tour of Pamplona though. That will be exciting! The language is so much harder than I expected. I don't understand much of what they are saying and it kind of gives me this light headache feel, but that's not the worst part. I am a talker. I was born to communicate. Yes, listening is nice and all, but I am meant to sing and talk. It is so hard for me to not be able to say what is exactly on my mind. I mean, you should know me if you're reading this, and if you do, you know I don't hold anything back. I show so much of my personality by talking, so I cannot wait until I know this language. I NEED to know this language.
Today I woke up from having slept for 11 hours. I feel so much better. I haven't cried yet today! Woo! I know why I am here now. Yesterday I think my soul was still in Alliance. I know that sounds very spiritual of me, but I really believe it. So my soul found its way back to me this morning. I really like my host family. My host sister and host mom are very funny and laid back and welcoming. They are very patient with my "Castellano" (not Spanish! haha) and that helps. I asked them if they spoke Basque (the local language of the region) and they don't, which was such a huge relief. In case you didn't know, Basque has unknown origins. They language that it is closest to is Finish. Yeah, no thank you. I have my own room and I am all unpacked. I love my pillow...it is really soft! I brought my Christmas owl pillowcase which smells like home. I need that. My bed is much harder than my bed at home but it isn't too bad. I've been sleeping fine on it. I guess if you're really tired enough you can sleep anywhere. So far I have liked all of the food. It is extremely different though. I think most of the food has an aquired taste to it. We eat lunch around 2:30 and dinner around 9 or 10. Lunch is pretty big and dinner is small. I'm not having any trouble adjusting to the eating routine yet. Maite, my host sister, and I had lunch today while watching The Simpsons. Of course it is in Castellano, so I don't understand much. Homer's voice is way off, but Marge's is right on. I laughed a lot and thought of my Grandpa Biddle the whole time. I told Maite that he has seen every single episode and she laughed.
I want you all to know at home that I am doing well now. I feel like myself. I know that this will be the hardest thing I ever do, but I know it will be one of the greatest years of my life. I just keep telling myself that. Pictures and notes from home make me smile now, not cry. I already appreciate my home so much more than I did. I took lots of pictures of my house and I just love it. It's just so homey, for lack of a better word. So everyone who is reading this, make sure you send me a facebook message or an email and let me know what is going on in your life and I will write back. I want to know what I am missing. Besos y abrazos de Pamplona. Love for Alliance, Ohio. I miss you!!
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