Saturday was move out day. I was sort of sad to leave. I had been there for about 6 nights, and the owner was such a nice guy, very accommodating. If you ever need a hostel in San Juan, let me know. Very economic, family owned/ ran. It’s like ½ star rating, but I loved it. The owner, “Quique” called us a taxi. The three of us with all of our suitcases pretty much filled the back of this large 15- passenger van. When we were loading up, this homeless guy tried to help us load stuff. The owner of the hostel didn’t like the idea, and I didn’t really either. I guess I was afraid that he was going to take the bag and run. But, he didn’t… he just helped load up and then walked away… where was he when we were carrying all these bags up and down the 3 flights of stairs? (Our last room was on the THIRD floor with NO elevator)
So, we made it to the dorm and moved in.
Here is the view from my 11th floor room:
The only students moving in on Saturday were exchange students. And to my surprise, only maybe 1/3 of them are Americans. There are a handful from Spain, France and Haiti… a couple from Italy and Canada (Quebec), one from Honduras… and I’m sure I am missing some places. It’s very very cool. In the elevator I met Claudio and Silvia from Italy. We went to Burger King for lunch and then we went shopping for the dorm. I was so exhausted. The heat didn’t even bother me [that much]. It was so fun getting to know everyone. We had a pretty fun group together.
The group of us on the bus to go shopping!
Sunday morning they want us downstairs and in the meeting place at 8:30am for an ALL DAY orientation- something that I didn’t know about/ was expecting until later Saturday evening. They gave us breakfast and a presentation. Then, we took a tour of the campus and they gave us an authentic Puerto Rican meal for lunch.
I LOVE my campus. I honestly feel like I am walking around in the jungle.
We had a break and then we went to Old San Juan. The part about going to Old San Juan wasn’t too exciting for me… especially since I had spent the last 7 days there. BUT the bus was free and I was going to get a walking tour of the city. It was interesting.
We stopped by the castle again!! This time, there were lots of people flying kites.
We passed one of the sites of where a geocache was hidden, so I was able to retrieve it, sign my name and catch up to the group. We were then taken to a little café for dinner, where we were given more Puerto Rican food and lots of shade.
Part of the group, resting a minute.
ALSO! We saw flamenco dancers! It was during a festival and they were representing the Spanish influence here in Puerto Rico.
It was such a hot and sunny day. After that we were shuttled home… once again completely beat.
Today (Monday) I woke up on my own around 7:30. The heat really won’t let you sleep later than that. I hope I get used to the heat later on. I got ready and popped over to campus. I had to adjust my schedule. NOW I only have classes Tuesday and Thursday. I got my ID (awful picture, by the way) and then I got to talking to a girl named Christine. She is LDS (just found out today). I thought she was… but today it was confirmed. We went to the store together and went to lunch. It will be nice to have someone to go to activities/ institute/ church with me.
I am very excited for classes to start!! I am ready to meet new people.....!
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