I can't begin to explain how overwhelming today was. The day started immediately with the language placement test. I don't think I did too hot, but as long as I'm placed in level 3 I won't be concerned. Next, we talked about the city of Bilbao in general: how to get around, where to get money, and what's open and at what time. Later, we had lunch in what I believe is the employee cafeteria. It served wine and beer though so I'm not sure if that's exactly what it was.
I've been having a hard time with the food so far. I've found most of it to be pretty bland or I put the wrong dressing on my salad. Tonight my family made a vegetable soup that I enjoyed and my host dad made homemade chicken nuggets. He made some spicy because I told him I liked spicy food. That was the first time I'd felt like eating so far.
Eating with my family is very different than any dinner I've ever had in America. They set the table and my host mom serves the food to you while at the table. She is also very worried about eating breakfast. I had to explain to her in my broken Spanish that I've never enjoyed breakfast which was a big disappointment to her.
Rest of the day of orientation consisted of taking a tour through the main part of the city. All of the buildings are ancient and it is probably the most magnificent architecture that I have ever seen. We made our way to the old quarter, which is the original part of Bilbao. From there, my tour leader said that we were on our own to get home. I was miles away from my apartment and I wasn't even sure what it looked like. Luckily a girl in my tour group lived close to me. I was so grateful that my host mother had pointed this out the day before. Our tour guide showed us on the map where to go and we followed hoping we didn't make a wrong turn. Of course we made a few. At least now I know what my apartment actually looks like!
Tomorrow we tour the Deusto campus and visit Biscay.
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