How many euro beers can you get on one euro beer night?

Orientation week for international students is in full swing as of Monday and it's been really nice meeting other people from all parts of the world, Holland, Germany, Mexico, Italy, Turkey, Boston... (Just to name a few). The university has a very large exchange program consisting of over 1000 international students. I'm not going to lie, the programs so far, although informative, have been pretty cheesy for the most part. At least for me, it is a good way to meet people. The majority of the students I met want to learn English, and I want to learn Spanish. It would seem like it would be conundrum, but it actually works out very well. It's a good way to meet people, to meet up for an hour or so at a nice place like a coffee shop or something and talk in English for one half, and Spanish the other (or whatever language). I already have some 'language dates' made :) Hopefully I'll be fluent in no time! Here's to hoping. I'm really trying, and it's harder than I imagined, but I have accepted the challenge because I know the end result will be so rewarding.

With orientation happening, the reality of classes are setting in. I'm still very excited, but as the day approaches I'm getting a little more nervous. Not exactly sure what to expect, which makes my mind wander to a bunch of scenarios will probably never ever happen.

Our program coordinator, Michelle, has been extremely helpful from the beginning. I can honestly say I can confidently navigate though a good portion of the city of Madrid and Villaviciosa because of her. I know cheap, but good, places to eat, where popular museum and cultural centers are because of her. I'm really getting to know and fall absolutely in love with the place I'm living, and a lot of that is because of her. So, thanks Michelle!

Tomorrow, coincidentally on my birthday, is one euro beer night at a local place in town and a few of my new friends want to take me out. It's weird, I have to say this is the first year I'm not making a big deal about my birthday, and this year it's one of the most 'important' ones. It could largely be due to the fact that I feel like I already celebrated before I left, and also maybe because I can drink here and I have so far not been carded and have been told I probably never will be. It seems the people around me are more excited than I am, literally counting down the minutes. So even though for the first time ever it doesn't feel like my birthday I'm sure it's going to be a lovely one with new friends in new places.  

Oh, and I fucking love the coffee here, café con leche YUM. Already thinking about how much I'm going to miss it haha (Sorry Sue, I still love Jamaica-me crazy ;) )