So much to see.

Not too much to report. I put up some new photos today. The rest of the week went well. I've learned that since I don't have class Thursday--I tend to get homesick those days. I took Shari's advice this Thursday--she told me to go someplace new or try something new to make me forget about being homesick. I explored that afternoon in the Parque de Viveros, which is very close to my flat. I explored there for a while (it was beautiful!)--then moved on to a part of the river park I had not visited yet. Marli left for Oktoberfest Thursday afternoon, so I've had meals with just my señora. Thursday night we were at the dinner table for over 2 hours. Eating for a bit of it--then just talking. She now knows about a good part of my extended family, and then someone we got on the conversation of China, and she decided to show me all her pictures from her trip to China with her Tai Chi class 2 years ago. It was really fun. Then Friday I had my culture class, and when I arrived home I had an email saying my Lit class was cancelled because my professor was sick. That was exciting--so I went shopping with Kat and Jessica. Jessica's birthday is today (Saturday), and she wanted to find something to wear. It was lots of fun--we went to an actual mall--shopped and also went to Haagen Daaz for ice cream. It was fancy--we sat at a table with a menu and someone came to take our order! So delicious--Kat and I split something called Brownie Attraction. I just relaxed last night when I got home (caught up on Grey's Anatomy too!).

Today we went on our visit to the City of Arts and Sciences. We saw an IMAX movie. It was about the Secrets of Mummies in Egypt. Quite fascinating--we had to wear these headsets for the sound (look at the photos) and then we got to pick what language. They had it in Castillian Spanish, Valencian (similar to Catalán), English, and French. After the movie, we headed over to the aquarium where we were free for the rest of the day. It was lots of fun--it's the largest aquarium in Europe. We watched a dolphin show, which was easily the best dolphin show I've ever seen--plus it was hilarious because it was Jessica and Ali's first time seeing dolphins. They were like kids on Christmas morning! Now I'm back at home, taking a little rest before going out for Jessica's birthday. We're going out to eat--which is kind of a big deal. I have eaten out once since arriving in Valencia. After dinner, I'm not really sure. I also am taking a little day trip tomorrow to Xátiva, which should be fun. All for now. I've loved getting messages from people--thank you for those--I'll work on replying soon!!