Sidra (cider)

Hey all,

So I have realized my Thursdays here this semester are like my Wed. last semester, LONG. I have 5 classes on Thursdays. After class yesterday we had our first dinner as a group. It was at this nice place and it was all like tapas so we got to try a bunch of local specialities. We even had ox, which many people were grossed out by because it is practically still walking. I loved it. After that we all went to a bar which is owned by a friend of Jamies because he stopped in to tell us they had a live band playing so we figured we would go and check it out. I also got news from another friend of Jamie´s who is a travel agent that tickets to London round trip at the moment are 50 euros. So I am going to have to go talk to him about some trips, and see how many places I can get to see while I am here. Fridays are so easy since I only have one class at 4pm. I was told that if I am traveling all I need to do is give the professor a heads up before I leave for the weekend and not go. So that is really nice. I guess they figure since all the students are international student, most have said make the most of your time here and do as much as possible.

Random note...
The popular drink here is cider. It is their local speciality. Cider drinking however has a whole set of rules. When you go to a cider place the bar tender pours you a little (it is called the little ass) you are to drink it in one chug and pour the little you leave left over on the floor over the spot you just drank from. That same cup gets passed around to everyone at your table. If you ask me thats asking to get sick, but I guess the alcohol is suppose to kill the germs. I haven´t tried the cider yet but I will let you know how that is.

I realized they turn off their fountains at night. I dont know if this is to save water or what. But I realized walking home late last night all the fountains I was looking for were just statues! No wonder why I was so lost!

The countdown for the start of Obama is in full swing here. They are so excited, its about all politically anyone wants to talk about. Not that I disagree in the least. Although it surprises some Americans that they care so much about our politics.

Thats all for now!
Adios! and Adios to Bush!!!!!!!