Language studies started

Today started two week language course what we are going to have before the studies of our faculty. We will have four hours lessons from 16 to 20, which is quite different time than I am used to. We will have two hours grammar studies and two hours oral studies each day. Oral classes were more fun because we could participate much more. Students were divided to different groups by their level of Spanish. Teachers spoke only Spanish in the class and I was able to understand almost everything. I am happy to see that I understand.

I am planning to make volleyball team for some kind of universitys league. Also joining some student football could be nice. I should visit the sports center and ask more about possibilities in sports.

Traffic in Alcalá

In Spain cars do not have to be 5 meters from the zebra road like in Finland.

Alcalás streets are full of cars and it looks that there is never free parking space. Cars drive through the yellow/red lights but it does not feel dangerous. Sometimes cars have to stop to the middle of crossroads to let people walk who have green light. Drivers let people cross the road and even stop to let people cross the road when there is no traffic lights. I have heard sirens every day but I have not seen accidents. Walking streets are narrow so it would be hard ride a bicycle on walking street if there is people. I am hoping to find place where they rent bikes for free but so far I have not found it. So much more walking here than I am used to.

First party

My tutor Ana

Yesterday night we had first party. It was arranged by Esn Alcalá in bar called Gabana and there was free sangria and beer from 22 to 24. Free drinks is something what you do not see in Finland. In the party I met Norbert, Julien and Marta from CE virtual language course. Earlier I have met also Przemyslaw.

On Monday we are starting language studies in different groups based on our current Spanish skills.

Alcalá

Living room

My room with balcony

I have found flat in Alcalá. We were planning to check out few flats but first one seemed good so I decided to take the first one. Rent is 230e + water + energy. Kitchen and Bathroom have been renovoted three years ago. Therefore those are in good condinition. There is four rooms in the flat but so far I have only one Romanian girl as a flatmate. Romanian girl smokes so I have to discuss with her about smoking inside. Thanks for the Carlos that I found this flat.

Yesterday I registered to the university. Today I got student card and later on today I am going to meet my tutor Ana.

Asiago-Milan-Madrid

I left Asiago on Sunday and travelled to Milan. On my way to Milan I met nice Italian girl in the train and we went to see Milan together. In the center there was annoying black people offering bracelets and seeds for birds. I had to refuse from their offers 5 times. H&M and other clothing shops in Milan looked more elegent than in Finland. In the evening Valentina finally came from her trip and we met in the railway station. I was really happy to see her.

On Monday I had first dificulties with travelling. I had bought train ticket to the airport the day before but in the morning I could not find the train I had planned to take. Therefore I took bus straight to the airport. Coni came to the airport pick me up. In the evening we went for a little walk in Las Rozas with her friends. I have been speaking only Spanish in Spain. I have asked translation for some words but I can already have conversation in Spanish. There is still much to improve.

Today I am going to Alcalà to take a look on shared flats with Coni. Yesterday we called to few landlords and they promised show us flats.

Italians

Chiara and Serena

Simone and Stefano. Stefano looks small because he is sitting

Italy have been great. Serena has introduced me to her friends and many of them don't speak English, therefore Serena has been translator. I have practised Spanish with one ex-erasmus student and one forthcoming erasmus student. I wish I had studied a little Italian before this so I could have learned much more Italian than I have been now able to learn. Staying in a Italian family and going out with Italian people have been great. By knowing the language you could take even more out of it.

Italians do not eat only pasta. So far we have had pasta only once. With meal they have cheese and ham. Italian men fight that who will offer the drinks and they don't let others pay for the drinks.

Up in the mountains

Picture of Asiago

I got email from Alcalá. Letter said that there will be test of my level in Spanish on third of September. I also received email from my tutor Ana. Nice to get some email from Alcalá.

In Italy we climbed yesterday to the top of one mountain which has been battlefield during the world war. Unluckily the view was not clear so we could not see the landscape very well.

Venice

Weather is hot in Italy and it gets hotter when we go down from the mountains. Today I visited Venice with Serena and Michela. I couldn't feel the romantic side of Venice. Girls didn't find it very romantic either so I wasn't the only one. Venice was really crowded. Narrow streets (2. picture) were full of people and Gondols filled the canals (1. picture). It took one and half hour to walk to the famous San Marcos place (3. picture). There were long cues to the church and to the tower which we visited. While being in the tower they suddenly started to ring the bell and everyone in the tower were scared and surprised about the big bell ringing right above you.

In Asiago Italy

Journey to Asiago went well. I met some Spanish people and Italian man when coming to the airport. I had long talk with the Italian dentist who had made many trips around the world with motorbike. It wasn't difficult to find train station in Bergamo and train changes went smoothly. Serena came to Thiene to pick me up with her friend Michela. What a warm welcoming to Italy!

Today I went with Serena to see Asiago sight seeing and to the semetary build by mussolini (picture 2.). After lunch we drove to Bassano and met Marika and Valentina (picture 1.) there. It was nice to see them.

I have alrady noticed some differences between Italy and Finland. In gas station they pump gas for you and driving style is different. In Italy they drive right behind the car in front of them and drivers don't seem to care about speed limits. They drive how they feel. They slowdown to the curves and in narrow parts but when the road is free they speed over the limits right away.

In the evening we are going to have "notte nera" party which means black night

Good bye Finland

Picture is from my balcony in Kuopio

Tomorrow early in the morning I am leaving Finland. Before going to Spain I will spend one week in Italy. I have long travel ahead. First I will travel by train from Kuopio to Tampere. My flight is from Tampere to Bergamo and then I will go by train to Thiene. Car ride to my final destination Asiago I should reach after 22:00. Most nervous I am about travelling by train from Bergamo to Thiene.

Serena kindly helped me with the travel plan and will she will also give me the final ride. I am really happy to see her again after long time. She also told be about nice plans what she have planned for the upcoming week. Anxiously waiting what Italy is going to offer.