Second Week and Malaga Weekend

Last week was my second full week here and my first full week of classes.  the classroom set up here is much different, and I definitely prefer our set up in the US.  Here, the teaches rotate to each class instead of the students.  So if you have two classes in a row you don't move in between.  The teaching style is all different, and once again I like the teaching style in the US more.  Here, they strait up lecture, with very little interaction or discussion with the students.  Its hard to stay focused with zero interaction, including things like power points.  But so far the classes are very easy so that's a plus.

During the week we went to a Flamenco show with Gustavo and the rest of the group in Sacromonte, which is located in mountains' old village of Granada.  the buildings there are built into caves giving the the inside of the flamenco bar a very cool look (see facebook!)  The dancers and guitar players were amazing and we each got a free sangria which was a plus.

This past weekend I went to Malaga with six other girls from UConn in Granada.  Malaga was  much warmer than already warm-for-febrero Granada as it is about an hour and a half south and located on the beautiful Costa del Mar.  I was able to wear shorts :)

There are so many things to see and do in Malaga and I definitely want to go back to do more.  When we arrived thursday night we simply explored the center of the city, including the city's gorgeous Cathedral, and two bars with live Flamenco music (see facebook for videos!).  The city was all lit up with festive lights because they had begun decorating for Carnavales (going to Cadiz carnivales in two weeekends!)  The next morning we  Alcazaba is an old castle that stretches over some of the highest points in Malaga giving us AMAZING views of the city's every angle. And best of all, we rewarded ourselves with some local beer on top.

Next, we walked to the beach and dipped our toes in the ocean (water was still to cold to swim) and we had lunch on the beach.  Next we visited a bull fighting stadium and the Picasso museum.  We couldn't get inside the stadium, but the museum was excellent.  We then went to a local restaurnt, Pimpi, recommended by my senora which is known for attracting celebrities and their house wines.  We then tapa and pastry hopped a bit.

The next day we went to Picasso's house and a huge market before heading back home.  Once home it was time meet everyone at the bars to watch the Real Madrid vs Granada game.  Granada won because Christiano scored on his own goal while trying to block a corner kick!  Then we went to the discoteca to celebrate our friends birthday.

The next morning (Sunday) a few of us went to the festival "San Cecillo" in Sacromonte.  The festival was at the very top of the mountains, so we got to see the famous view of Granada that's there.  The festival celebrates Granada's saint through food and live flamenco music and dance.  There were also some great venders including one where you could make your own trail mix.  I personally held out for the 4 euro chicken paella that was made fresh during the festival in a huge pan of a large fire.  It was a delicious way end to my weekend.

My original plan was to stay up and watch the Superbowl that night, but I crashed.  Beyonce killed it though! And I practically cried during the Destiny Child's reunion!!