My First Blog Post

After a 24 hour long journey, I arrived in Madrid at the UC Accent Study Center on 08-22-2019 at 2pm. I traveled from Madrid airport via taxi with another UC student. A very friendly UC Accent member greeted us, gave us a welcome packet, and debriefed us for 5 minutes on important information about the program. She told us we would be returning to following morning to the study center to participate in a day long orientation. I eagerly opened my welcome packet to determine the details of my homestay; I was hoping to be assigned to a large family with children because first of all I quite like kids and figured they would provide a great way for me to learn Spanish. I read the details of my homestay and discovered I would be living in the La Latina barrio with a single woman and another UC student. I quickly placed her address into google maps and learned the apartment was very close to the Royal Palace and La Plaza Mayor…no more than a 10 minute walk from each. I took a Taxi from the study center to the apartment. The taxi dropped me off on the street of my homestay but not at the exact address. I struggled to communicate with him as my Spanish is beginning level at best and he spoke very little English. With my two suitcases I walked up and down the street in search of the entrance to the apartment. It took me an embarrassingly long time, about 30 minutes, to locate the proper entrance. I had to ask for help from a local girl who worked across the street at an Irish pub. She was very kind and guided me to the entrance. Once inside the building, I struggled to determine what floor and what apartment belonged to my host mom. Inside the apartment complex it is dark and the apartments are not clearly marked. I didn’t want to leave my suitcases on the ground floor so I decided to drag them up the stairs; this was a very poor choice seeing how one of my suitcases was nearly 50lbs. At this point the 24hrs travel journey, and mid 90 degree heat was clearly impairing my judgement. A lady inside the complex witnessed my state of delirium and apparent confusion. She was very kind and helped me locate the apartment of my host family by looking at the mailboxes. She also pointed out the elevator located in the corner of the complex which I had failed to notice. Finally, I rang the door bell of my homestay and a young girl answered the door. Behind her stood Piedad, my host mom, who greeted me in Spanish and welcomed me inside. I was so relieved to finally be at my homestay. Upon entering, I felt relaxed by the tranquil environment of the apartment; it smelled floral, there are lots of plants and plenty of natural lighting. To top it all off a little white Maltese was running around. I felt at home. I was given an hour long tour of Piedad’s piso, which evidently translates to larger apartment. Piedad provided an abundance of information while Laura, the younger friend of her’s translated so I could understand everything she was saying. The piso is simple yet furnished with everything I could possible need including a balcony, a small Spanish library and cooling fans in every room for the warmer days . There are large windows which open to the cobble stone street’s in every room. She even has a French press like the one I use at home. At the end of the Piso tour, I was given the choice between two of the habitation’s (bedrooms) since I was the first student to arrive. I selected the first habitation I was shown because it had a large desk and was overall a little more spacious. After, I thanked Piedad and Laura for the tour and warm welcoming and went to take a nap. I awoke 2 hours later at around 6:00 and came stumbling out of my room. Natalie, the other UC student was speaking Spanish with Piedad. We introduced ourselves and Laura offered to show us around the city center. I showered and put on a dress, and the three of us girls left the apartment. We began walking down Calle de Bailen, a major street in the La Latina Barrio. We walked over the Viaducto de Segovia, a bridge which has historically functioned to connect the town  with el Palacio Royal Palace of Madrid. There were many police officers present on the bridge, climbing over the large guard walls, when we crossed. Laura appeared un phased. In a very casual manner she said this happens every week; someone trying to kill themselves by jumping off the bridge. She explained many people come the Viaducto de Segovia to commit suicide because it is a very famous bridge, and also very high.  Within 5 minutes we reached the Catedral de Almudena, y el Palacio Royal, two incredible locations which I am excited to further explore during my stay.  Next, we walked towards Plaza Mayor, and thereafter Puerta del Sol, both of which were bustling with people. I am enamored by the enormity of these two city squares, and elated they are a short walk from my piso. Que incredible! Laura, Natalie, and I entered a makeup stores and a pharmacy in order to buy a few necessities. After, we walked home. Around 9:00, Natalie and I sat in the kitchen. We talked and got to know one another. She is a Junior at UCLA studying Applied Math and Psychology. Piedad prepared Pasta, and a large salad. I gave Piedad the box of See’s Candy chocolates and note from my grandma. She was elated, and stuck the note on her fridge. I watched as both Piedad and Laura popped multiple chocolates into their mouth’s. All the while, Laura kept repeating how much she loved the United States. Feeling full from dinner, and still exhausted from the long journey, I retired to my room and went to sleep. As I lay in bed I felt extraordinarily grateful to have arrived safely in the beautiful city of Madrid, with none of my luggage or belongings lost, and most of all, for the beautiful homestay situation I had lucked out on.