El espectáculo flamenco

     Monday our activity was flamenco dancing... This meant not only were we going to see a show but we also were going to "learn". Needless to say that was quite the experience! This flamenco restuarant is in the gypsy area of el Albaicín and parts are in las cuevas (caves).We started with some easy toe-heel steps (punto-tacon), and then slowly went on to a more complicated step, and also added the hands. Yeah, I'll leave to flamenco to the professionals. It was fun to watch all of us Americans struggle with our coordination though. After our lesson we had algunas tapas y tinto de verano (summer drink here the has wine, juice, and soda water) as we waited for el espectáculo (with the real dancers). Once the show started I was in awe. They make all the movements seem so simple (fancy hands and feet), and everyone is dressed beautifully as well. There is a singer, guitarist and drummer. And boy could these singers belt! Afterwards I went with some friends for drinks and tapas, where I saw more street gypsies performing flamenco. I must say, the culture and life here in Granada never gets old.

     Tuesday our activity was "Spanish Cuisine Tasting Classes". Now this is right up my ally! We started off with trying different types of olive oil (with bread). Then we moved onto different types of meats, tomatoes, and cheeses (ALL WITH BREAD). And ended our tasting with different types of nuggets. Everything was delicious, but there  may be a little more of me when I come back to the US! Afterwards I went for a drink with some of the girls from my program. Everyone's really friendly and I look forward to hanging out more and getting to know them all better.
     Tuesday nights, this pub called Hannigan & Sons has open mic night (and baseball games on the tv!). One of my friends wanted to perform so I went to support. So far all the music I hear here is American. This open mic night was no exception... I've never heard so many remixs of our classics. This one girl from Finland loved the stage (they couldn't get her off!). But all was fun, and I even got to hear a little of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
    Today were supposed to go on a bike ride at 530 (about the hottest part of the day)... and its been around 40 degrees Celsius (=100+ in Fahrenheit). Hopefully I don't melt too much! But I look forward to it (get some exercise besides walking a gajillion miles).
-Until next time...