We Three Kings

So we do have wireless in our apartment, HOWEVER, it is a hit or miss kind of thing. Sometimes we can connect, and sometimes we cannot. I just wanted to share that.

So almost everyone is here now. We are only missing Rob who is coming in tomorrow morning. We went to Christi's tonight for dinner. Her apartment is a bit of a walk from ours but its not bad.

Before we went there we went to the Parade of the Three Kings. It was awesome. There were two men in costumes leading the parade announcing the coming of the Kings. Then each king came by on a huge float. Each float was lead and followed by a group that was associated with the king. The king from the West was first (he was lead by European dancers), then the East (there were a couple of Chinese dragons with people under them leading him), then was the King from the deserts of Africa (there were some awesome African dancers and a man riding a mechanical elephant leading him). Following the three kings were three camels. They were real, but didn't spit.

On our way to Christi's apartment we walked down the main street called La Rambla, usually referred to as Las Ramblas because of all the restaurants, bars, and shops. It is set up with a pedestrian island in the middle of two streets. We were walking down the center and there were several little animal/pet vendors set up with fish, birds, rabbits, and TURTLES! They are baby red-eared sliders and they are 7 euros, which is like $10. I am very tempted to buy two if I can figure out how to get them back to the states. They also have tortoises for 80 euro but I don't want the commitment of a tortoise right now. They live more than 50 years easily. I would prefer to buy a turtle that is more exotic and less common in the US. Right now I am just being impulsive and seeing the little turtles made me want to buy them. But if I can't figure out how to get them home I won't buy them.

Also, I stopped at Burger King today for a quick whopper because we didn't have time for lunch and I needed something quick. So Monica and I went to Burger King. It was her suggestion and I just followed. She didn't have to twist my arm though. But I don't think I will be going back there any time soon because I want to experience the Spanish culture (and the whopper value meal was 6 euros which is almost $10!). Her dad is here for the weekend along with Gisela's dad so we already have company.

We don't start classes until Tuesday because Monday is a holiday so we don't have class. The Epiphany here is bigger than Christmas so the streets were packed tonight with people out buying gifts. The three kings then go to all the children's houses and give them toys. I can't wait for mine. Three Santas in one night. I could get used to that.

I am sorry for this blog being very out of order but I am just typing things as they come to me. I am tired and unorganized. I haven't unpacked anything yet. Meg and I helping Christi meet people today as they arrived at the studio. It was fun to see how everyone reacted when they saw us as they turned the corner. Meg and I are starting to get to know our ways around so we feel pretty comfortable here. No stolen things so far.

Well, tomorrow we are meeting as a group to discuss the apartment situation. As of now we have three apartments, one of which is pretty far away. The other two are a 10-15 minute walk from studio. These two apartments have 11 beds total and there are 11 people in our group. We want to scrap the third apartment that is far away and stick those 3 people in the other two. There are enough beds and it will bring the rent down. The only problem is that people will have to double up in rooms. The apartment on Aldana has 2 doubles and 2 singles for a total of 6 people. The apartment on Gran Via has 1 double and 3 singles. Gran Via is a little closer to studio and has 2 bathrooms. Aldana has 1 bathroom but has higher ceilings and the rooms are a little bigger. Hopefully we can work it out tomorrow with no problems. Tom and I will room together. And Meg has no problem rooming with someone. We will see what happens.

We have to pay the first months rent on Monday, but if we pay the semester's rent on Monday we get a free bonus. Last year the people who did it got a free trip to somewhere I can't remember. But it is a pretty good deal. Especially since I have to pay it all eventually.

So my next goal is to find a cheap basketball. There are basketball courts right across the street from our studio and some right across the street from our apartment. So we have places to play basketball, soccer, and frisbee. It's pretty exciting.