Swimming & Ice cream

On June 10th, our second, official, day in Spain, we started our morning with a continental breakfast at the university cafeteria. There were a variety of pastries, ham, salami, cheese,  fruits, and yogurt.

Our orientation started at 10 AM. During orientation, we discussed health and safety, program logistics and some Spanish cultural elements. We were provided with phones and sim cards to use while in Spain. Of course these phones are not meant to be smart or savvy; However, some of them do have a camera. These phones serve their purpose; we are able to make calls in the country and send text messages. A few other pros of these phones are that they are very durable and small. There is almost a guarantee that you will not have that phone pickpocketed. They are simply the perfect phones to use abroad!

After orientation, we went to an Italian Restaurant called Bruno. Bruno’s had various options to choose; spaghetti with shrimp, pizza, and lasagna were among some of the most popular choices. Of course, we had to have dessert; the white chocolate flan was very delicious. Others also enjoyed chocolate cake and cheesecake.

They say you should not go swimming after eating, but they also say, no risk no glory. So, after lunch, we headed back to the hotel and spent an hour at the pool. Although there was more filming and photography than actual swimming, there was plenty of horseplay: jumping, flipping, and belly flopping. Let’s just say, D’Andre was not feeling too well after his belly flop. Some also opted for soaking in the sun.

Later that afternoon, we met up with our Program Coordinator, Manuel, and toured San Vicente del Raspieg and visited one of the largest parks in the area. On the tour, we observed a few tapa bars, kebab restaurants, an ice cream shop, and a Chinese market. We also spotted a laundry mat that is also a coffee shop. If our laundry mats back home also doubled as a coffee shop, more people would go to the laundry mat; because why not enjoy a cup of coffee or two while doing your laundry?

Sightseeing can really work up an appetite, so after the tour, we went back to the hotel for dinner. Dinner consisted of salad, fish or pork, steak fries, and lasagna. For dessert, we went to Masia for ice cream. Masia sells ice cream made from scratch. According to the locals, Masia makes so much money, that they could remain closed all winter.

Tomorrow we will see one of the castles in Alicante. Pictures and details to come in the next post!