Livin' la Vida Española: Culture Shock

We started our "Intensive Spanish Class" and intense is definitely an understatement. It's 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, 2 weeks. The in-class time isn't bad but the out of class homework has taken over my life this week. We had our first exam yesterday (Friday) and after waking up at 6am to study for it (after getting distracted the entire night before), I realized that as long as I pass this class, I'm golden. I don't really need to worry about my GPA anymore (add that to the list of benefits of already having a job lined up), so I'm going to tone it down a bit for the 2nd week. Not sure if toning it down is in the cards for me just yet though since we have 2 papers, a presentation and an exam this week. The walk to the school is about 20 minutes and it's really easy (I didn't even get lost on the first day haha) so that's definietly a plus.

Culture shock is creeping it's way into my life and now getting the best of me. My culture shock state of mind has allowed me to notice the following:

There are HUGE piles of dog poop everywhere (I think the dogs here have some sort of digestive problem). There is so much in the street that I was in disbelief when my guia told me that there actually WAS a law that gives fines for not cleaning up after your dog. Needless to say, I stepped in a pile one day and now am paranoid so I can't even enjoy the scenery of this city while I'm walking since I'm more concerned about stepping in kaka.
My senora wasn't lying when she said she liked having girls better as host students because girls like to talk and so does she....It's become a ritual after lunch & dinner for her to talk to me (lecturing is probably a better word) for an hour or more. It wouldn't be bad if I could understand her a little more. But, understanding is getting better day by day.
My host family doesn't drink milk...except for when you put it in coffee or make Cola-Cao (hot chocolate). They should run a Got Milk campaign here...
Spaniards many times have responded to me in English when I talk to them in Spanish. Once they hear your American accent, they just respond in English. I'm trying to practice here people...
Taking cabs back every time we go out is not something I'm accustomed to and will probably be spending a good amount of euros on it.
Missing all the good things in America - number one being my family, friends and dogs! 2nd being sweets, 3rd being ability to be lazy - cable tv, wearing sweats, etc.

Things that Culture Shock is NOT taking over:

Went shopping and took advantage of Rebajas (big sales in Jan-Feb). Got a sweater dress and a dress for only 18 euro!

SUPER BOWL. When I start thinking about the Packers in class, I can hardly concentrate because I get so excited.

Delicious Spanish meals. I could really get used to having my meals made for me 3x a day! There isn't one thing that I haven't liked so far and it's kinda fun anticipating what she'll cook me next.

New friends. New sights to see. New pictures (lots)

Traveling. Some friends and I are beginning to plan a trip to Portugal for the last weekend in February. Thinking about doing Amsterdam, Munich and Prague in the 10 days of our first spring break.

Missing the gross Wisconsin winter weather. Adios to the cold, melting slushy snow and winter boots. The weather is starting to get really nice during the day. When the sun is shining, I don't even need a jacket :) Sorry about it, Wisconsonites.

[Mom, don't read this one] I have 3.5 more months of this beautiful city!! Complete with 2 weeks of spring break, no class Fridays and only around 3 hours of class a day.

Friday after our exam, we had a cultural visit to La Catedral (the cathedral) in El Centro. It was amazing, per usual. The best part was going up La Giralda (bell tower) and looking out at the city - such a great sight! We were also up there when the 3pm bell went off...which scared us half to death and I think I permanently lost some of my hearing due to it.