Antibiotics, antibiotics, antibiotics (in that order)

It is so much fun to actually have things to write about!

The past few weeks were a total 180 compared to the first semester, I'm glad I'm finally experiencing what Erasmus is all about. 

I'm especially grateful that I had the courage to really turn things around.

This wonderful lifestyle is accompanied by some setbacks though. A month or so ago I got such a serious throat ache that became so bad I could not eat or sleep. In the hospital they diagnosed tonsillitis and gave me a series of antibiotics. It didn't take me long to feel better, however a few days ago I felt it coming back so I went back to the hospital and again they subscribed antibiotics, this time a higher dose. They also told me I have a perforated eardrum, how, what, where...?
This time I'm really trying to sleep enough and cut back on the parties, while at the same time overdosing on fruits and veggies.

At the beginning of the semester I was feeling motivated so I thought it'd be better to plan all my homework and assignments as soon as possible. I wanted to be able to enjoy the sun when it would finally come. This whole plan backfired on me, I've had the bussiest past few weeks. But hard work will surely be followed by good results!

This weekend I am again passing on a wonderful trip, this time to Valencia and the Las Fallas festival. Easter break is coming up so I want to save my money and spend it on a sunny destination. And I'm sure I will see Valencia eventually.

Last weekend, me and some friends went to Toledo. Another one of those magical places in Spain. Spain is very skilled in blending the old with the new seamlessly, it's like you step right into a medieval town. And I love all the Arabic touches, that's why I've always loved Málaga so much.

 

Toledo is famous for making mazapán/marsipan/marsepein so I'm sure my daddy would really love it here. We took the most ridiculous little tourist train which turned out to be the best way to see the city. It drove around the city hill and the audio guide was pretty good.

The weather wasn't peaches but we had a great time regardless!

We are now planning our Easter trip, which could potentially bring us to Granada, Málaga, Córdoba and Seville. If any of you know any good hostels in either of those cities feel free to share!

Also, there ain't no party like an Erasmus party!

Erasmus rhythm is kicking my ass!

The party I talked about in my previous post was only the beginning. 

Since then, my week has taken on sort of a routine, I only have class on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, on which days I also have my Spanish classes, after which we (Spanish class class-mates) go for tapas and watch a soccer game. All tapas bars here are actually designed to be as accomodating as possible for possible match watching. 

There are multiple flatscreens on either side of the room, so people can watch the game while actually still looking at the person on the opposite side of the table. Always a social occasion, especially among the girls, who don't really watch the game anyway. :)

This whole El Clásico thing (anual game between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona) puts all of Spain in a frenzy! Even the waiters stop while in the midst of serving because they don't want to miss a score!

Last week, on Thursday we went the Green pub, then to Gabbana bar (Erasmus hotspot, famous for being a horrible place when you're sober), and later off to Trabi club, aaaand I didn't get home until five. On Saturday we first went to a birthday party, after that to a local bar and after that to a another club (which is 100m from my appartment, perfection!) I met so many new people that night. Soon I will know everybody! (not too difficult, Alcala is pea-sized)

I'm starting to notice that every conversation I have with new people ends up being about Tomorrowland, like Belgium has nothing else to offer and I need to defend it's last piece of impressiveness. Why is it that I'm not going this year?

This weekend I had to make a tough decision. ESN was taking another trip, this time to Barcelona. ESN groups from all over Spain would gather there for an anual botellón (massive outside drinking gathering) and there was also the Clásico game on Saturday.

I have already been to Barcelona several times and I just didn't want to spend €90 on yet another drinking event. I was scared on missing out on all the fun, but I made a decision and want to stand by it proudly, now I have time to spend on schoolwork, since I'm not going out.

Going out almost every day is really beating me up, I had such a good rhythm going before with lots of energy, and now I never wake up before 12. But I'm having so much fun so I guess that's a price to pay.

There is also some progress in the appartment department. Today my landlady set up a cleaning schedule, where we each take turns. Nice initiative and all, but I'm sure I'll be cleaning in between turns whenever I see some mushrooms popping up!

Also, I got the most awesome package from the States, and if you want a share, you'll have to come visit me soon!

For my grandmother: Also, I met some Spanish guys! The love of my life, not just yet...