1st full day

Today I slept in. That felt GREAT! I went through all the papers they gave us yesterday. Then my "buddy" that I had been in contact with before I left home came over & helped me with some things. Tonight was a "corridor crawl". That's when everyone in apartments from my floor get together & everyone makes something & we eat supper together. One Spanish guy made a punch that wasn't so much what you find at a central Illinois wedding reception like I was expecting. I would call it "zangy"...or gross. That was sure a surprise. The Spanish are really into drinking! There are 4 guys, & about 6 girls on my floor. One of the girls is from Canada. It was nice to hear my accent come out of someone else's mouth! Then we went to a pub underneath the next door apartment. There is dancing & socializing. I met many new people again from all over. They are all welcome to new people. Before I left the US I met with a Swedish girl who is looking into coming to EIU next fall. She comes back on Saturday, & has offered to let me borrow a bike, blankets, & pillows. So that's a blessing. Right now I have to use the bus, walk, & sleep on a pillow you would find on a sofa, a sheet set, & my long down coat. Thanks for all the messages & emails. They are nice to come back to at night :)