Is this real life?

This has been one of the more fascinating 24 hours of my life. I need to remember this one-of-a-kind day so here goes... Traveling for almost a full day was pretty tiring but we did sleep some on the plane. A Spanish man from the Basque country sat next to me!
Once we arrived in Madrid we met Carlos, who works with our Institute, waiting for us with a sign for la Universidad de Alcala. He wasn't too crazy about speaking English. We took a bus to the Plaza Cervantes where the families are waiting. It reminded me of an awkward middle school dance. The families on one side and us on the other, just waiting to see who would pick us. My host mother kissed me on both cheeks when I met her and then we headed to her house. She asked us which one of us is allergic to cats. The truth is neither... we just don't want cats so we added that to our application. They live in a town house in Alcalá. Padre will not be home until Wednesday because he is traveling for work. Pilar and Federico have a son and a daughter who are both married and live in Alcalá. We get to meet our bro and sis this week sometime. As a family we're going to watch Avatar, en Español. How sweet...  The family has two Huskies names Neva and Duke. Sara and I both have our own small rooms. My room is bright yellow with suns and moons on the wall. But don't forget the picture of Jesus above my bed. I had a tiny lamp on in my room and Pilar said that I did not need that on. Always trying to save money around here. She fixed us a tasty lunch and warned us that most students she hosts gain weight. Pilar was wearing star of David earrings, has pictures of Jesus all over the house, a menorah on display, and had a book of Morman strategically placed in Sara's room. We were confused for hours until she told us she goes to the Church of Latter Day Saints. We have Mormons on our hands.
Sara and I decided to go walk around Alcalá and fight the jet lag. We went to a restaurant/bar called Cafetería Sicilia, then found a mall! Tonight we are going to try to find the rest of the Auburn people and take the train to Madrid to watch the National Championship! This could be tricky without a phone. Tomorrow is orientation! 
    
High Points of the Day:
-Getting to Madrid
-Pilar and the religious decor 
-Spanish people in general: They are so sweet, cute, and I want to kidnap a little niño.
-Making friends with the owner of Cafetería Sicilia
-Finding a mall
-Hopefully Getting to see Auburn beat Oregon tonight!
-Sara being in this house with me. I might go crazy without another American.
-Finding the piano in the basement. I see a little harmonica and piano duet coming on.