A week ago, I was sitting exactly where I am now, but in a foreign city with major jet lag. Now, only a week later, I can sit here saying I can get around comfortably (most of the time with google maps, but still..) and that I have fallen completely in love with this city. The stunning architecture, history, culture and beauty seems to be never ending.
But, let's start at the beginning. I had never travelled by myself before. Going on vacations with my family was one of my favorite parts of growing up, but I knew traveling by myself would be a completely different beast. I had been pretty nerve free until about a week before departure. That's when the nerves truly started to kick in. May 27th came and I was the calmest I had been all week. Flying here sucked, there's no other way to put it, but that's not what this blog post is about. This blog is about what happened after I touched down in the city.
I have had so many experiences that have already truly blown my mind, but these two in particular have had the biggest impact. The first one has to be my visit to the farm that I will designing a chicken coop for. Bernardo, the designer and organizer for the farm, was incredibly kind and smart. The farm itself was absolutely amazing. Not only were many of the plots being farmed by community members who rented them out, but we also got to see their new bio structure that they built from hay bales and a natural concrete like substance. It also had solar panels on the roof to provide a little electricity for wifi and to charge computers and Bernardo's bike. He also showed me where the chicken coop will be and some brief details about it. I can't wait to go back tomorrow to start designing!
The second was definitely our visit to the Alhambra. I am a huge fan of architecture and history so seeing and learning about this amazing place was one of the best things we have done so far. All the intricate designs on the walls and ceilings were so extravagant and detailed I wish I could have stayed for longer just to look at all the carvings. The gardens surrounding it were also so delicately planned and maintained, the place is absolutely pristine. At some point this month, I might have to buy another ticket to go back so I can process one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen again.
The culture here is very different from the states. Especially the times during the day in which people do things. Their whole schedule is shifted about 3 hours from ours. Getting up, eating breakfast and going to work is around 9-10. People get out of work for siesta and lunch around 2-4 and then go back to work until about 8-9. Then dinner is eaten around 9-11 and people don't go to bed until 12 or later. People are also much more relaxed here and laid back. Not much is ever rushed and siesta is taken pretty seriously.
My living situation has been great. Living with my host, Rosa in a small apartment in the center of the city is perfect. She is soooooooo nice and very accommodating. She also speaks very good English so that is a huge help. Our schedules are pretty opposite so we don't see each other as much as I would like, but having my independence and being able to have my down time by myself is very important to me so it's been working out nicely!
I am honestly so excited to be here and to start my internship tomorrow!
