I thought I was decent at Spanish. I thought I could hold my own in a Spanish-speaking city with no problem. I thought four years of Spanish class would have at least prepared me for that. I thought wrong.

So it’s been pretty much exactly a month since I have arrived in Nantes and I can’t believe how fast time is flying by. It’s crazy to think that a month ago I was packing my bags and getting ready for an experience of a lifetime and now I am actually here and living out that experience. Everyday has been a new adventure and a new opportunity to learn the language and the culture. While some days are a bit more challenging than others I feel like I’m making good progress and believe that I have come a long way from where I began.

So yesterday was my twenty-first birthday, and the only way that it could have gone better would have been if I had gotten a puppy with a big, red bow on its head (Christmas present, anyone?) My day began just like any other Tuesday: rushing out of the house, heading to my Italian class, and scarfing down a cappucino and croissant (thanks, Sarah!). After class was over, my teacher, Roberta, pulled me out of my seat and walked me into the main room of IES Abroad, where I saw all of my friends, my host parents, and a cake!

Hey America, it's time we had a little chat. There are some things that you are doing very wrong, and being abroad has helped me realize that. So sit down, open your ears, and listen to all these things that exist in Spain that need to exist in America ASAP.

1. Bocadillos

After spending 5 days in the South Island of New Zealand, now I can say I have seen some of the most beautiful places in the world. I learned good lessons, I made good friends, but above all, I had the time of my life!

"Have some fire,

I’m sorry that it’s been a few weeks, but that is mostly because I’ve been easing into the swing of classes and attempting not to drowning the rising waters of German that have been slowing overtaking not only my sanity, but also my homework schedule, social life, and what I like to call, Katie chill time.

(For those of you who didn't understand the Cheetah Girls two reference in the title I am very disappointed in you).

This week I'm here to tell you all about my weekend in Sevilla and Granada. This trip was organized by IES Abroad so my entire program travelled together by bus to the south of Spain for three days. Honestly there was a lot more driving than would've been desired but all in all it was definitely worth it.

On Tuesday, I sat in a classroom discussing the roles and capabilities of the European Parliament within the EU.