i apologize for neglecting the blog! i have midterms now and the Spanish professors feel it necessary to make the tests as long and hard as possible...

i have been staying in alicante the past 2 weekends and its very nice. despite being a busy city there are some places to find peace and quiet if you look for it. last night i "botelloned" which is basically an outdoor party in a hidden place where young spaniards go. it was fun and i felt like i had discovered an underground...something. i dont know. whenever i spoke to spaniards it was in spanish, but they responded in english so we both could practice. we were actually at the castle, which is really big, and even though it seemed like we were making a ton of noise (there must have been more than a hundred people) from the street you never would have known anyone was there. it was a clear night and i found the big dipper. it feels good to know even though i am far from home we are all looking at the same stars.

i have just reached the half way mark of my time here. im not really sure how i feel about it. im trying not to think any further than tomorrow because time is going by so quickly and i dont want to miss out because im worrying about leaving! i am feeling pretty homesick at times though... nothing too bad i just miss my mom and dad and sister. also im tired of the food here... what i would give for a nice salad! the spaniards idea of salad is weird and often includes corn... i cant wait for food that isnt drenched in oil! although im sure when i go back to oberlin i will be missing wine with every meal and huge pastries and the strong coffee.

i hope you all are well and i send you un abrazo fuerte (a strong hug) and un beso (kiss)

amor, raquel