bit o' an update

So, where to start? My last day in Barcelona was a great one-- I went to a Castellers event, at which the batteries in my camera died after two pictures. alas, I cannot show you the tower in all its glory of 7 or so levels. But, it was incredible. At the end, they send two kids (with helmets) to the very top, they (sometimes) pose for a few seconds, before starting their descent back down...practically sliding the whole way down, arms around the bodies of their fellow castellers. They also did towers of one per level. And even sent two girls up a rope to a balcony (see video, found on Youtube: http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=UWFufkeyBBI ) Anyway, quite impressive. In the evening I went to the FC Barcelona vs. Betis game at Camp Nou... awesome!! I went with they guy I was staying with, and some of his friends. Going to a futbol game was one of the things I was very sad about not doing last year when I was there, so I was pretty content. :) After the game, we went to the end of the Merce celebration fireworks, which they set off to music. In front of a huge fountain with colored lights. I went last year and was very impressed. We barely got to see the grand finale, because we were late and there were SO many people there. Incredible. The next day I flew to Granada and caught a bus into the city, where a friend of a friend picked me up. I stayed with him for 3 days, all the while looking for housing, calling numbers, looking at flats ("pisos") and continuing to live out of my suitcases. Sunday I moved in to my new home, which I share with a Spanish guy and a French girl who is here on an exchange program. Hopefully I can learn some french. I don't think there will be much common cooking, which makes me sad after sharing meals with four lovely ladies who cook very well last year... (miss ya'll!!) Its sad to buy groceries for just yourself. I've met a fair amount of people here, and gone out a few times with people, but so far don't really feel like I have "friends." I guess it's only been a week. :)
I went to my school, though, and met all the teachers and the other language assistant who will be working there (from Belgium). Should be fun. The bus to Alhendín takes only about 15-20 minutes, but the stop is about 25-30 minutes walking from my house. Which is fine. I could take a bus if need be, but, I like walking. I had thought originally that perhaps I could buy a bike to get to my school, but I see now that it would be rather dangerous...It's not just a straight rode, but has lots of roundabouts and doesn't seem too bike friendly. So I'll stick with the bus and walking. The last picture is my team, Peixets C"riminales." i.e. there were three teams from Peixets (Barcelona team) at the tournament, so we split into three groups. C became Criminales. It was a fun day. Its a good time to be 22 and living in Spain.