And so it begins...

As you all know, I've recently started the second stage of my year abroad: I have currently been living and working in Vigo, Spain for almost two and a half weeks. I've arrived in this incredibly beautiful part of Spain, definitely under-rated in the eyes of the Brits. In a forgotten corner of Spain, just above the Portuguese border, I find myself in Galicia; a stark contrast to the arid landscapes of the South that many of us are familiar with, the lushness of the Galician countryside is slightly overwhelming. Not only this, but it's insanely humid climate, really isn't the Spain that I'm used to...

My first few weeks here have been jam packed to say the least: lairy nights out, swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, being called a Barbie on my first day at work, having a major crush on my landlord, acquiring a stray dog, eating copious amounts of tapas & drinking too many canas, lesson planning, taking 4 hour siestas, cake baking... I can't say that there has been a dull moment.  

It definitely feels like I have been here more like 2 months than 2 weeks, and what can I say.. I'm loving every minute. I have met some incredibly lovely people, which is certainly making this whole experience easier! I feel like I already have some hilarious memories which will definitely stay with me long after my time in Vigo is over.

My main frustration so far definitely has to be how rubbish Spain is when it comes to paperwork and organisation... In the 21st century, I have no idea how a country can still completely shut down for 2 hours in the middle of the day, and don't even get me started on Sundays...!! Having finally managed to find somewhere to live - a BEAUTIFUL appartment in the city centre - we thought that our worries were over. But then came foreign identity numbers, phone contracts, ERASMUS forms, bank accounts, and the ongoing battle with Student Finance England. But slowly but surely, everything is coming together. I have settled into the routine of working 4 days a week, we are finally getting internet in our appartment this week, and I'm actually happy! Before arriving I was so worried about being in this remote corner of Spain that I had never heard of, but I can 100% say that I have been pleasantly surprised by Vigo and everything it has to offer, including some of the kindest people I have ever met, the mild weather, and not forgetting the Boom Boom Room...

So all that's left to say is that I cannot wait to find out what the next year here has in store for me, and there will be more to follow soon...

Catherine x