Mailbag

Before I begin, be sure to ask me any questions you wish. Either you can try commenting on a blog entry or email me at jpries@csbsju.edu. I'll be checking my mail.

So from the questions I have recieved, I will address them here:

1. When I referenced drinking, the Spanish are not fans of being drunk. In the United States I feel that it's more acceptable or more common. Here, it's frowned upon. They like drinking, but in a casual manner, NOT to simply get drunk. Maybe it's just a college thing.

2. I have walked everywhere around town and have yet to take a bus or a train; except for the bus to Salamanca. I'm getting a lot of walking in which is good preperation for the Camino coming up in a few weeks. (Parents: I even have worn my walking boots.) School is about a 15-20 minute walk away.

3. I have a Spanish professor for a teacher. She is from Spain. My classmates include a girl from St. Ben's, who I have had a class with before, and José's son, Daniel, who is 12 and has spoken Spanish and English quite equally throughout his life. But his age does show a bit in class.

4. All of the other students on this trip are taking classes here at the same University. There's only about 5 classes to choose from. But I still see them around where I take my classes.

5. We have an "excursion" each Saturday. Salamanca was the first week, this week we go to La Granja (sort of like the grand canyon), and I can't remember what the last one is.

Things I brought that I wish I didn't bring:
-A bunch of $1 bills that have absolutely no use. I have not seen any other American money exchanged at all here.
-Two flannel long sleeve shirts. They may seem in style in the land of 10,000 lakes, but they really have no place here and don't pass for a "nice" dress shirt here.

Things I brought that I'm so glad I brought:
-Mom, that raincoat we bought is working out tremendously. It rains spontaneously here and, in my opinion, it looks very classy.
-The watch I bought at Target the day before the trip.

Things I wish I could have brought but didn't:
-More nice looking shirts. Everyone dresses nice here. And I don't have too many shirts to wear around the town at night that would help me fit in. Maybe I need to buy some. It may cost me a pretty penny though.

Everyone will be in a pub somewhere tonight (myself included) to watch the ultimate soccer (fútbol) match. The UEFA Champions League Final: Manchester United vs. Barcelona.


Barcelona's best vs England's best. The fact that a Spanish team is in this championship out of all the teams in Europe is pretty important to them. (Spain is divded between their two best teams; Barcelona and Real Madrid. So many will be rooting AGAINST Barcelona tonight I'm sure)

Today, we're also going to take a tour of el Museo de Toros. (The Bull Museum) I'm looking forward to it.

Cheers,

Jack