After only a few days here, I feel like my life is a little less hectic than it has been for the past few weeks. All the anticipation leading up to this move was intense. It's nice to hang out and be a tourist for a little while and pretend like I'm on vacation.

My first day consisted of arriving at my hostel and almost immediately going to an apartment showing. I had some trouble finding the place building but finally when I did find it and the landlord, I introduced myself. He looked at me with a shocked expression. He said he thought I was going to be a guy! Lauren. That is not a guy's name! Well anyway, he apologized because he saw me walking up and down the block trying to find the apartment but didn't intervene, thinking I was just someone else. Very silly.

The apartment has 4 bedrooms and 3 Spanish students are already living there. For me, this was a big pro- I want to improve my Spanish and this is exactly the way to do it. The bedroom is the largest in the apartment. There are two newly renovated bathrooms, a large kitchen, living room and balcony. The price is right especially because it includes all the utilities. Another big pro is the location. It is close to everything! Including the cool historical district of Alcalá. So with a pro/con list with nothing on the con side, I decided to take it. I didn't want to stress over whether or not someone else would take the room while I was shopping around. I'm moving in tomorrow! Pictures to follow, of course.

The rest of the day was spent with a friend of a friend who has lived in Alcalá for three years. It was really great to have someone show me where everything is. We also figured out that my new apartment is about 10 feet from hers! Perfecto!

Today I ventured out to Madrid with a fellow English assistant and walked around forever. Even though I was in Spain two years ago, I never really got a chance to visit Madrid and explore it to the fullest. I must say, it is awesome! A great mix of old world and new city. I am really excited about how close it is to Alcalá and how easy it is to get there! I'm excited to explore there some more and experience the nightlife.

Til next time!

Today is the day!

Exactly two years ago, I was packed up and ready for my semester abroad in Seville, Spain. I was so excited to get my first real taste of Spain and of travel. Three months flew by and I was convinced. In the cab on my way to the airport, heading back to New York, I knew I would return to Spain some day. I didn't think the day would come so soon. But it's finally here and my love affair with Spain is coming full circle.

Today is no different. I'm all packed. Ready to go. 10 months away from my family and friends. Am I really ready for that? Not so sure, but the truth will uncover itself tomorrow morning when I land in Madrid. I'm so overwhelmed with excitement as I count down the hours until my new adventure begins. On top of that, the outpouring of love and support from those around me has got me a bit chocked up, I must admit. So as you can imagine, my emotions have been playing a long game of tug-of-war.

It's difficult to leave the people who are most important to me. There aren't enough words to describe how grateful I am to have such amazing people in my life. So thank you will have to suffice. I'm excited to share all of my stories and adventures here with you all!