Hello from beautiful Spain!
I had yet another wonderful opportunity to travel this past weekend. My friend Bryleigh and I took a very relaxing trip to Santander, a city on the northern coast of Spain, which is only about 2.5 hours from Burgos by bus. (WMU actually has a summer study abroad program in Santander, too.) The weather could not have been any nicer, the views were absolutely amazing, and going to the beach was awesome. I was so thankful to spend a weekend in such a beautiful place with such a great friend!
Also, I’m starting a new job this week: I’ll be giving English lessons to two kids, ages 5 and 8, who live in Burgos. Essentially, I have to pretend I don’t know Spanish at all and play with kids for a couple hours a week, speaking only in English (shouldn’t be too hard, right?). Their parents really want them to be exposed to speaking and listening to English – there’s a huge demand for this type of English lessons here. I think I’m really going to enjoy this opportunity!
Last night I had the chance to play basketball with some of my friends from church. I learned a bunch of new vocabulary words and had a ton of fun! I think one indication that my Spanish is improving is that now I’m able to “trash talk” and joke around about who’s going to win. 
I’m grateful for new friends and constant opportunities to work on my language skills.
Oh, and I have some exciting news: my mom is coming to visit me later this week!!! I can’t wait! I’ll definitely keep you updated on our time together and on our travels.
Hasta luego,
Mandi
