Living in Trujillo for the past three weeks has been life-changing and recharging. Everyone is so friendly and they treat us like locals. After three weeks I feel like one. Trujillo is a small city in the autonomous community of extremadura.

Adapting to the culture was not too difficult. The lunch is much later, 2-3pm and after lunch you have a much needed nap, called a siesta. They close their stores during this period of time, so if you need something from the grocery store you might need to wait until after siesta. I am too accustomed to not napping to start now, but I enjoy these two to three hours to relax and catch up on reading or Netflix. Dinner is later, usually served around 9-10pm. Perfect timing, because after the group usually goes out around town and enjoys the Spanish nightlife.

I got really lucky with my host family. I have a lovely lady named Yolanda and she’s absolutely amazing. Whoever has her next is so lucky. She cooks amazing food, asks about your day every day, and loves to learn more about you. I love art and painting and she’s an amazing artist. She actually took me to a really cool art class she has about two times a week. She makes sure you enjoy the food she makes, and if you don’t like something she is not hesitant to make you something else. I remember the first day I got to Trujillo she asked me what my favorite things to eat are and she has been cooking all of those. She makes sure you feel right at home. I have heard similar things from all my classmates about their host parents. So if that is something you are worried about, don’t be.

 

Not only was I lucky with Yolanda, but I was really lucky with my group. We have all become friends and I will mostly hang out with them after we go back to Charleston. It’s amazing how a group of people can change your experience so much, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group. Looking back now, I hadn’t known we could all become so close.