Stomach issues, castles, and Harry Potter

That's right! I've got Alcala Belly! I think it's a combination of the salty foods, tapas, stress, exhaustion, and general adjustment to a new lifestyle here in Spain. Not only did I not enjoy going to the ladies room but also had shooting pains in my stomach whenever I ate. I finally told my host mom after having these issues for 2 days, and she was not surprised! She said that every student she has hosted has had the same problem and totally understood what I was going through. She also knew my stomach was not happy because of adjusting. That evening, she made me some medicinal tea to calm my stomach, and the next day made very "suave", meaning plain and easy, food for lunch, keeping in mind that my stomach was bad. She said it takes time for it to get better. What a nice lady! My stomach calmed down a little for the trip to Segovia, but today it's back. Yuck!

Yes, we went on a brief excursion to Segovia! It is a fairy tale town. Nestled in in the mountains northwest of Madrid. For two days we were total tourists, visiting all the popular sites in Segovia, from the historic aqueduct to the castillo to several different style churches. Here's little map I found online to show you the relationship between Segovia and Madrid. In Segovia, drivers drive wherever there is room, even if that means the sidewalk or through a plaza. There is no distinction between a pedestrian pathway and the street. Also, the town is ALL HILLS. If you want to think of an American comparison equal to the one between Segovia and Madrid, think San Francisco to New York. I couldn't get out of my bed the day after the trip my calves were in so much pain. Getting away from Alcala was like waking up from actually dreaming during siesta, almost a little disorienting. The town is more of a tourist town. Absolutely beautiful, but not a place I want to live (not just because I have to exert more physical energy to get anywhere). The trip made me realize how happy I am to be living in Alcala. There is so much more here, especially in the community feeling. I also LOVE having a family to come home to instead of a hotel room or apartment. I am very lucky to be living with my host family.

During the trip, I got sick of some of the people on the program. While I like everyone and think everyone is incredibly kind-hearted, they got on my nerves this trip. On top of that, traveling with the Madrid folk was hard because they have a very different attitude. And even though I don't feel as much pressure to make friends with people as I did freshman year because the students on the program are all we have, I needed a break. So, yesterday, I spent a lovely, low-key day with my friend Bridget. We both wore shorts (although I wish I wore sport shorts and a t-shirt like she did- SO MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE) and spoke English. What a relief! We had coffee, talked about more substantial things in life because we have a friendship outside of the program, and explored the town. After siesta, we braved the bus system to the movie theater on the outskirts of town to see... HARRY POTTER!!!!!! My day was complete. We had so much fun, and I understood almost the entire movie. I felt so good. Just what I needed, especially because being with Bridget, I didn't feel embarrassed gorging myself on salty movie theater popcorn. Thanks Bridget!