Orientation was today at 10am at the ISA office which is right next to the University. Emily got in really late so I didn't see her until this morning. We got up at 7:30 and ate breakfast then started getting ready because Alejandra had class and was going to walk us to the office. Again, wish I had practiced my Spanish. For everyone back home in Spanish classes that are taught in Spanish it's nothing compared to being out in the real world, they don't prepare you for this kind of Spanish.
The ISA staff is really helpful and the campus is gorgeous; it's very small compared to TX State, I think only a few thousand students. I'll try and post pictures another time. My classes are actually on campus, they are a few blocks away at the Language Center where Peruvian students learn English. There are only 3 other ISA students in my class so hopefully we get a lot of help on holding a conversation and it helps refresh my memory. I should have brought at least one of my Spanish textbooks from home, oh well I'll just have to make due and hope they give us a book. Peruvian students can purchase photocopies of their textbooks instead of buying the expensive books, completely illegal but Michelle (our ISA director) told us there are no copyright laws in Peru.
From about 2pm until 5pm we took a tour of the area around the University...a lot of walking, you'd think walking around TX State was hard try walking on blocks in humidity, dust, and car exhaust. The humidity doesn't bother me like some of the other students, I actually can't tell there is a lot of humidity. We walked all around the Lince area and in San Isador (I think that is the district). We went into two grocery stores, a small one and a big one called Wong. It's amazing how much fresh food they have out. We also saw down the street were Starbucks, KFC and a Pizza Hut were located. Hopefully we get to go into Miraflores soon, that is where all the major shopping is :).
I have class at 9 until 2 tomorrow and then I might try going to Wong again and purchasing a local cell phone pre paid so I can text back home and make international calls for cheap. Hopefully my next post will have pictures.
my darling girl,
ReplyDeleteyou will do wonderful tomorrow. good luck, lovelovelove
oh, please email me your address :) kthanksbye!
Dont worry about the Spanish part. When you are there it is going to come so natural to you since you are around it all the time. Try to practice with your roommates too!
ReplyDeleteGlad you are getting settled in. I hope you have time to blog everyday! I can't wait to keep up with your travels! Take care. Maybe after a good nights sleep your nerves will be better and things will seem easier. Study hard on that Spanish! you will be a champ by the time you come home! Love, Christy
ReplyDeleteHey! I'm so proud you're doing this! It's going to change your life! Take pictures of the market for me! I'm intrigued by all this freshness you speak of. love, Haley.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Brian's friends have asked if I have a sister. They think you must be super awesome since I'm so super awesome :D want me to give 'em your number :)