Picturesque Porto Portugal

This weekend my family took a trip to Portugal. My host sister, Pilar, is doing a semester at the university in Porto. So most of the family went with her to Porto and on Saturday, we played the tourist (which there were lots of) and walked around the city looking at everything and taking pictures and eating. Pêrsonally.. I liked the eatiung. 

Porto has a river running through it, a very wide river that I have no clue what it is called. Oops haha. But anyways, there are about a million bridges (maybe closer to "a lot") across the river and we crossed one and it was pretty spectacular. It is a two story bridge and no I don't know it's name.

And so yeah, that was pretty cool. There were a few big churches also (as there seem to be everywhere in Europe).

And in case you're wondering about the title, yes, it is an example of alliteration, and yes you can tell Mr. Loun that Miguel is very good at English… obviously. And I put "picturesque" in there because "pretty" doesn't sound sophisticated (like me) and "beautiful" was not getting me bonus points for alliteration. Plus, it's a good word to describe the city. Picturesque.

Un saludo, Miguel

I could almost see you guys in the USA from our apartment balcony. 

Me with the symbol of Portugal. 

(Yours truly and Fernando)

Bull Fight

Today I went to a bull fight show. It´s was a very good show. The bull fighters and bulls were both very good and very brave.

 Quick Spanish lesson: bull fighters are "toreros" and bulls are "toros"
You're welcome.

I liked the show very much. And if you are against animal cruelty and think I am a disgusting person for liking this show well I am against animal cruelty too. The bulls were very brave and I thank them for the good show. The bull fighters are good but without the bulls they are nada. Gracias a los toros.

Here are some pictures of the bull fight that I took in the sombra.

Un saludo, Miguel

The First Days

¡Hola a todos! I have arrived in Spain. And I have made my way to Valladolid.

As of now I've been here for about 39 hours. And what a time it has been so far. Well… it's been different and vaguely Spanish. (I don't know why that is). But it has definelty been fun and interesting at all times.

I took a 2 hour and 30 minute bus ride with a cool Floridan (shoutout to Bianca Cancio) who is staying in the same city as me (Valladolid) and also is attending the same school (wow). When we got off the bus I was picked up and have been living the Spanish life since then.

That night I played futból and padel. I accidentally kicked the ball over a very large wall and we have yet to get it back. Oops. Padel was really fun, and for those of you who don't know what padel is but understand what racquetball and tennis are… combine the two in your mind. Then, go look it up. It's awesome. I am pretty okay at padel if I do say so myself. No applause necessary. Thank you.

Tonight I went and hung out with some friends of my friend Miguel Morales. It was a very good time. And then we all went to watch a modern dance show. I think. There was a lot of hip hop dancing. I think. I'm not too sure. Everything but the music was in Spanish.

Also,  just know this America. You obviously make the best movies and music because so far, everything except the commercials have been American made. Like seriously if we sold this stuff, we could have way more things labeled "Made in America".

So far I cannot complain about the food at all. It has been very delicious. I have tried and liked pretty much everything. (Yes, it's true Mom). I ate some very good vegetables (also true). So far so good on Spanish food.

Well, everything is all good here. I am digitally sending hug and kisses (in word form) to everybody in the EEUU…sorry…USA.

XOXO
Un saludo, Miguel

New School (en España)

Well I finally learned what school I will be attending in Valladolid, Spain. Yay!

It is the Colegio Santa Teresa de Jesús. I will be taking the 1st Bachillerato. That is like the first year of post-16 schooling. Ehh so like junior year? I guess? Whatever, we'll see. 

Some of the children in my host family attend this school too, as it is like 400 meters from their flat. (A lap around the track for those of you who are bad at distances).

Un saludo, Miguel

Miguel #2 "Morales"

This summer my family has taken in a boy from Spain, as a sort of foreign exchange, except, well... there is no "exchange" per say. He will not be taking my place in New Mexico as I go to Valladolid. :( Sorry, he's just here for a month.

His name is Miguel Morales Sampedro. (Yes... Sampedro). He is from Valladolid, Spain, and a family friend of my soon-to-be host family in Valladolid. 

We've been dragging "Morales" around New Mexico to show him the sights and teach him about America, as this is his first trip to the States. Although, he speaks excellent English, having been to the UK a few different times before this trip. 

My family is having an awesome time showing him the people, area, and some sports in the US. Here's some pictures. 

Un saludo, Miguel