Back to Salamanca

Hi Family and Friends,

Sorry it has taken me a little longer than I expected to update my blog. I have been getting pretty busy with all of my tutoring sessions.
As I mentioned in my last blog, I spent two weekends ago in Salamanca. I probably would have rather travel to somewhere new and different but since I knew someone going there I decided to go. I met a girl named Brooke half way there along with other Auxiliares that live near her. So in total there was 6 of us. 3 Americans, 2 from England and 1 from Ireland. Brooke also has a roommate from Salamanca that met us there later and showed us around. It was great to go back. When I arrived on Friday, I met up with one of my tutors, Rocio, I had when I was studying in Salamanca. It was great to see her and she was so happy I contacted her. On Saturday we spent the day just walking around the city. I forgot how beautiful it really is. The hostel we stayed in was close to the cathedral so it was really pretty walking past it at night with all of the lights.
The Monastery with Brooke
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A view of the city of Salamanca with the Cathedral. I am with Dana, Joe and Fran.
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The three Americans overlooking the river and bridge. Its is a beautiful walk along the bridge and there is also a park that surrounds the area.

I also made a surprise visit to my padres house. When I was studying in Salamanca I had a host family I stayed with, they were called my padres (parents in Spanish). I wasn't sure how they would react to having me show up at their house with no notice but I am so glad I did stop by. They were so happy and surprised to see me. As I walked in they called me hija (daughter) and kissed me on the cheek. I stayed and talked to them for a while. They brought out some cafe con leche (Spanish coffee with milk) for me which they remembered I loved so much. They told me that I could come back whenever and stay with them since they are not hosting anyone this year. So that was really nice. I am definitely planning on writing to them and thanking them for everything!

Salamanca was the perfect place to go to for Halloween. Since it is such a big international city with the University there were many people out dressed in costumes and all of the bars were decorated. We all got some sort of costume to wear. Before we went out we all met in the Plaza Mayor, which is the main plaza in the center of Salamanca. There we saw many groups of people dressed up which was fun. It was nice meeting some other Auxiliaries. I am planning on possibly meeting up with them again and doing some traveling with them.

In our costumes in the Plaza Mayor

I spent this past weekend in Vitoria, which was nice just to relax and hang out with the other Auxiliaries here. I am starting to play in this tennis ranking league where I just play other people and move up the ladder when I win. I had my first match on Sunday. I didn't win but it was a close match and its' nice to finally get involved in something. In order to play tennis here I had to purchase an athletic card. So now I have access to all of the Civic Centers in Vitoria which have a variety of athletic facilities along with classes I can take at a lower cost. I have also started to hang out with my one roommate, Francesca, more. It is nice because it has allowed me to meet other international students here.