My New Home

I HAVE ARRIVED IN BURGOS!!!!

The flight from Charlotte was long and restless and I have never been more happy to have my personal space back. Nine of us flew together on the flight from Charlotte with the motto "if we get lost, we get lost together". Going through Customs took no more than a few minutes and the airport was super easy to navigate. We hopped a bus to the farthest terminal to meet the rest of the group, and actual beat them to the designated meeting area (quite the accomplishment as they traveled with our professor from WMU). A coach bus took the group from the airport to the city of Burgos. The majority of the crew snuck in a nap despite of how noise and slaphappy jokes coming from those of us who were unable to sleep. 

We arrived in Burgos at the bus stop, an empty parking lot in the middle of the city. This was one of the most awkward experiences of my life. We stood with our luggage and were matched with our families as they arrived. It felt very much like being picked for a game in gym class, but not in English. Finally, my "madre" Begona arrived and loaded me and my belongings into her car and we headed home. Burgos is a very interesting city, as there are very old parts (like a castle from the 800s old) and a few roads away there are new apartment buildings just being completed. My family resides in the old part of town, in an apartment that overlooks two plazas. We arrived at our doorstep, a giant wooden door with a 4 above it, and I lugged my 50 lb. suitcase up two flights of stairs to our apartment. My madre is a lawyer, and her office is right next door to her apartment, thus she owns the entire level. She showed me to my room, which is huge with a balcony overlooking the plaza. I am spoiled!

A view from my balcony around dinner time (9:00ish):

Below me are lots of restaurants and bars where the young inhabitants of Burgos hang out. It's almost 1:00 am here and I can still hear young families eating and socializing outside. I'm looking forward to going out, and I'm even more exited that it will be a very short walk home for me at the end of the night. 

After putting my bags down, we headed back out into the city to make some purchases. Our first stop was a store called BricoCentro, which is their version of a Menards, on a much smaller scale. This is quite fitting as my parents are obsessed with Menards back home, and it was a very appropriate first stop for me. Afterwards, we returned to the "old" area, and walked to various shops. We visited

pesquería, a shop with whole fish for sale, and a carnicería, the same concept with chunks of meat, before stopping at the panaderia, bread store, to buy empanadas, a soft bread stuffed with tomatoes, cooked tuna and peppers. This was an amazing first treat here!

Following all of our shopping, we went to the train station to pick up my "sister" Irene from visiting a friend. We stopped on the way home for lunch, the big meal of the day, and enjoyed calamari, croquets and a platter containing fried potatoes, fried eggs and ham. I'm slightly concerned that I will return a little fatter than before, as all of the food is so tasty. 

I took my first official siesta, then enjoyed some dinner with the family. I gave them the presents I had brought from home. (Can someone please pass along to Daisy that the hair clips were very well received?) I'm also looking forward to eating the fresh jam on FRESH bread (thanks Shelb!). Finally, I put all of my clothes and belongings away and enjoyed some television with my family. My sister told me they like to watch Modern Family and How I Met Your Mother, so I'm set in the entertainment department. 

On a serious note, I realize that I am very fortunate to have this amazing opportunity, which would not be possible without my wonderful family and friends back home. I thank you all so much for your love and support. 

Hasta leugo! 

Rachel