Through My Eyes...

I wanted to make a post about all the places I see every single day because it is totally different than what one would see in the United States. Yes, there are similarities, but environment and atmosphere is different here in Spain. Here we go, I am going to take you through my daily walk to see and the things I see and places I walk by:

1. I live on the 6th floor of my apartment complex. So I have to take the elevator down. The elevators here are very tiny. I still remember the first day I got here and Sam, my host mom, and I jumped in the elevator with all of Sam's luggage (because mine was had gotten lost) and yep, we all fit.. couldn't believe it haha. What a great memory.

2. I walk to the left of my house and start up a little hill. One of the first places I see is the famous candy store, I always stop at to grab something sweet. My favorite are the chocolate peanuts, trail mixes, nuts.. Sometimes I will grab a gatorade or a red bull if I need some little extra :)

3. Right outside my window there is a school. I am constantly hearing children's voices. The "playground" is right outside my window. I hear little children playing basketball, soccer, tennis, or whatever. They also use this area for practices or gym classes during the day. One day I looked out my window and there was a bunch of children staying in a huge circle with two teachers in the middle. I recognized the song that they were singing but I couldn't pin point it until I focused in... "THE TOOTY TA" I am not kidding when I say the children and teachers were doing the tooty ta in spanish! The cutest thing ever!

4. Next up are all the little bread stores and sweet stores I pass. Here is Spain they are called, "panderias" or my favorite one is the "la casita del pan" meaning the little house of bread.. They are so yummy. They have the best pastries and bread. The smells are glorious and you are so tempted every time you walk past these shops to buy something!

5. Instead of coffee shops, in Spain they have little cafes or cafeterias. People stop throughout the day to have a coffee, glass of wine, or a "cana" (a short glass of beer). There are tables always set up outside for people to enjoy themselves. It is very very very typical for Spaniards to start drinking alcohol before noon. They enjoy themselves and live for the simplest moments.

6. PLAZAS. They are everywhere. Some are big, some are little. Some have restaurants within them others just have benches. Some have little stands "quioscos" that you can buy candy, drinks, newspapers, magazines..etc. Some are a huge open space with lots of people others just have trees and birds. Some have little huts or stands where you can buy bread or ice cream. It all depends, but they are very popular.

7. Bar Reca. This is the famous bar that all of my friends and I go to. It is actually in the plaza de trinidad. It is pretty close to my house and it is definitely on the way to school. We have gotten to know the bartenders, they are all so nice and helpful. They give us great discounts on drinks and they have the best tapas :)

8. Banks. They are everywhere. There are so many different banks too. CajaRural. CajaSol. CajaGranda. There are atms on the streets, you can just hop to and take out money.

9. Shops. Shops. Shops. Clothing stores, shoe stores, make up stores, toiletry stores, toy stores, jewlery stores, candy stores... You name it they got it and lots of it. There are stores everywhere! I really don't understand how they all stay in business there are tons and tons of stores!!! Some are expensive, some are reasonable, and some are cheap. It all ranges, but that's the game discovering them all!

10. Tobacco stores. This is where I buy all my stamps to send postcards, it's where you can obviously buy tobacco products, but you can also buy cards, letters, postcards..etc.

11. The post office, I pass it everyday when I walk to school. It's huge and super nice for a post office!!

12. Cell phone stores. They do not have Verizon, AT&T, US Cellular, Sprit haha! They have Movistar, Orange, Vodaphone, The Phone House. It is so interesting and different. I have a cell phone here in Spain, but I rarely use it. I text people here and there and make a phone call if it's necessary. It is nothing like the United States. I am constantly on my phone, checking my email, internet, texting, or making a phone call. I have liked the difference. I like not being on my phone constantly and communicating face to face!

13. SMOOY. By far my favorite ice cream place ever!! I love it!! You get to choose your toppings, but it's frozen yogurt! I just absolutely love it!!

14. Farmacias. If you need any sort of medicine, you do not go to a target or a Walmart and pick it up. First, they do not have target or Walmart here in Spain. haha. They have Corte Ingles. This is a HUGE store. Basically it is a combination of a Macy's and a target and a supermarket. They just call it something different. Anyways, to buy medicine, you have to go to a pharmacy. This is where you can buy all medicines, vitamins, medical anything!

15. Fruit Markets. My favorite. I love stopping in and grabbing a piece of fruit or some nuts. You can always find markets on the streets. They are super cheap and healthy!!!

16. Cafe Picaro. The famous cafe "really super mega" close to school. We always go there. It is one of the only cafes that is large and has wifi and amazing coffee (strong!!). 

And there you go.. Here are some famous places that I pass by every single day! My favorites!! 

I miss you all so very much & I can't wait to see all your faces!! Sending lots of love from Granada :) Thank you for all your wonderful thoughts and prayers... I truly appreciate them all! God Bless!