Plans, Trains, and Automobiles: My First Week in Granada, Spain

It is my first week in Granada, Spain! After a whirlwind of visa issues, illness, and frantic sprints through multiple airports, I'm finally here!

As the official “new girl” en el bloque, I’m beyond excited to say that Granada ya tiene mi corazón and this IES Abroad program is truly special. The people here have been so kind and welcoming, and I’ve already found more hometown connections than I could’ve ever imagined. It’s almost become a game, trying to figure out who we have in common! So, if you’re like me and are the only student from your college in the program, no pasa nada—you’ll make friends quickly. The community here is incredible and you’ll find yourself bonding over shared experiences in no time.

Now let’s talk about the city itself… Granada is magical! You will instantly fall in love with the árboles de narajas that line the streets and the warm glow that is created when the afternoon sun hits the buildings. The city's rich history, with its fusion of Moorish and Spanish influences, is everywhere you look, and the charm of Granada is undeniable.

Even though I have not been here long, I already learned about some essential places to visit. If you are looking for a good coffee pick-me-up after a siesta or between classes, I can not recommend Noat Coffee and Otieza Coffee enough. Both places offer incredible coffee and delicious food options, and a bonus—they let you whip out your computer and use their wifi to get some homework done. This is something that not all cafes in Granada allow. If you’re looking for a tasty meal, I highly recommend Shawarma Kebab La Primavera. Es muy barrato y el propietario Javier es muy simpatico. Finally, if you want a sweet treat (and don’t we all?) then you must try Lloalloa Frozen Yogurt. I AM OBSESSED. I always get a medium-sized cup with dark chocolate sauce, lacasitos (like M&Ms), and mangos. If you love tart frozen yogurt, this is definitely your spot! Special thanks to my amazing orientadora Mercedes and my compañera Sienna for introducing me to so many of these gems!

Next, let's talk about housing… porque me encanta mi nueva madre! If you are someone considering living in a homestay, I highly recommend it. I know it can feel intimidating at first—trust me, I’ve had my moments! For instance, at some point, you will inevitably tell your host mom that you had a moment “embarazada,” instead of “embarrassing,” which you can imagine is a bit awkward. However, do not worry, your roommate with superior Spanish skills will help clear things up! Thank you Sienna :)

But seriously, living in a homestay has been such an enriching experience. It forces you to immerse yourself in the language and culture, and it creates a little “family” support system—your very own home base away from home. For example, this past weekend, our program visited Seville, which I need a whole other article to rave about! Nevertheless, after a long three-hour bus ride back to Granada, our host mom was quick to welcome us back with open arms and make me a cup of tea :)

Overall, if you’re nervous about your first week in Granada—or any new city, for that matter—don’t worry, that feeling is completely normal! But don’t let it stop you from embarking on this amazing journey. Take it from the new girl who missed orientation and showed up two weeks late—this is an adventure you won’t regret. You’ll meet amazing people, indulge in fabulous food, and discover something new about the city (and yourself) every single day!