I Have Arrived!

Hello everyone from Madrid!

I'm finally here! After weeks of thinking, planning and fretting over getting here, I am happy to report I am safe and sound! Pilar (my host mother) picked me up from the airport. We had a nice drive home and talked about the children the entire way. When I got home, I was greeted by the kids who were waiting to say hello before they went to bed at 9:30pm. Lucia (the oldest dughter, 11yr), Jamie (son, 9yr) and Carmela (youngest daughter, 7yr) were all very nice. They were very shy to speak English, but I'm hoping that soon will change. I think they are going to help me just as much as I will help them in learning each other's language.

I ate a late dinner with Pilar and then watched some TV with her and Lucia and Jamie until Andres (the father) came home. He works for Morgan Stanley Bank and as you can imagine right now has very demanding work hours. He was a pleasure to finally meet and speaks English just like an American. He has lived in the US before, in Philadelphia for 9 years with Morgan Stanley. He has also lived in the UK as well, so his English is right on. We talked alot about the US and reasons he really loves it. He told me he wishes that he and Pilar will live there soon with the kids for 2 years or so. So, I need to get on the tutoring quickly I guess so the kids are prepared!

A couple of things that were interesting to see or hear from my family....
1. Spain and Europe are just as into the US politics and the election as we (Americans) are. Interesting huh? My family here likes Obama.
2. The "siesta" is a myth. No one takes naps during lunch time. They do however, have a 2 hour lunch break because lunch is a long and heavy meal. Lunch is 2pm-4pm.
3. My family, and most around this area, have a live-in housekeeper. She does the cooking and cleaning and watches the kids until Pilar and Andres get home from work. Nancy (the housekeeper, is very nice (and little like me) and from Ecuador).
4. They do have cereal for breakfast- thank god! Toast or cookies and cafe or tea are typical breakfast options though.
5. The weather is absolutely beautiful. It's almost 70 degrees and sunny. It's not very often that they don't see the sun here. Andres and Pilar were also happy to report that it doesn't get as cold here as where I am from and the most snow they have seen in Madrid is about an inch. Hooray!

That's all I have for now to report. I am going into the city tomorrow for the first time to check out language courses and do some sight seeing. I'll have more to speak of then. I posted some pictures of their beautiful home and hope you enjoy!

XOXO,
Holly