And Then There Were Nine.....

Well, I knew when I decided to come to Spain and stay in host families that having constant other people around might be a challenge, particularly as I have been living alone with just a dog for company for the better part of 20+years. Therefore, I booked a single room for my host family arrangements. That way, I could at least get away and close the door for a couple of hours, even if I had to pretend to be studying or sleeping.  

After 2 weeks in Salamanca with Carmen and Jose Ramon, I was feeling pretty good. I had figured out the daily schedule for food etc, Carmen & Jose proved to be chatty and friendly and the only other student here, Kiri (from Russia) hardly ever came out of his room. Hence, I was coping really well. Carmen had mentioned that other students were arriving. Again, I should have paid more attention as I thought she said they were coming separately. This was not the case!!!!!

On Saturday, a further 2 students arrived (young girls from Italy). Sunday 3 more arrived (2 young boys from Frances & 1 young woman from Switzerland). Kiri arrived back today (Monday) from a visit to his parents in Russia. So now there are 9 people and 1 dog living in a 4 bedroom apartment - 5 of which are under 18 years. OMG!!! I'm surrounded by babies and there are people under foot, the bathroom and toilet are constantly busy and we need to eat in shifts as the table only fits 4!. PHEW - 4 of them are only here for this week - Gracias a Dios. (Thanks to God). As Kiri and I have a single bedroom each, I'm not sure where Carmen and Jose Ramon are sleeping this week (my suspicion is on the lounge chairs).

The French and Italian pairs will be leaving on the weekend. Rebecca, the young woman from Switzerland is staying for 5 weeks, and Kiri has retreated again to his room. Rebecca is a very mature young lady and I think a bit homesick. She is planning on becoming a teacher of history and maths at the end of her university studies. I think we will get on fine. She is at the same college as me so we travel together to and from school. Her Spanish is very good (one level up from me) and quite friendly and chatty. I'm sure she will make friends at the school and want to hang out with younger people, but I have enjoyed her company so far and Carmen appears to have taken to her too. Well, hopefully next week will be less crowded and we can resume normal schedules. Poor Tango (the dog) is quite beside himself and not sure who he should be keeping an eye on. He'll be glad when everything returns to normal.