What I actually pictured Spain to be like before arriving. Córdoba for me is the southern version of Toledo (capital of Spain before Madrid). I love small towns. We got a taste of flamenco and food they are known for like Salmorejo (a creme soup served cold like Gazpacho). I am not the biggest fan of Gazpacho, but Salmorejo is delicious! Every area of Spain has their own delicacy they are known for, and I have been lucky enough to taste these fabulous wonders.
Granada
Córdoba
Before leaving to Spain I thought I was going to travel to different countries during my last week, instead I moved some stuff into my new apartment in Madrid! For the "piso" (shared apartment) I will be living in, I chose to live with my friend Jana, one of my good friends I've made in Spain and a couple of other students. I can't really describe exactly the emotions I've been feeling these past few days. It is the bittersweet feeling you get when you graduate from high school/college and not knowing what is there to come. I ended my first half of study abroad and will come back to the same city, but with a different experience.
My friends are amazing, they were like my family here in Spain. A couple of them have told me, "don't be sad, you are coming back again!" It is sad to have said my goodbyes to them, so the term "hasta pronto" comes up, meaning hopefully we see each other soon. They are amazing individuals and I wish them all the luck in their future endeavors. We were all new to Madrid...we came, we saw, we conquered, and all great things have to come to an end. Like my friend Matt says "sadness just mean you lived something worth living." One of the best quotes I have heard in my life because this can apply to many things, and not just study abroad. This study abroad experience has been a roller coaster and truly unforgettable with many bonds being made. My familia- I thank them, because I don't know what my study abroad experience would have been without them.
Thanksgiving Dinner 2010
I am more on my own next semester. I am living on my own and taking classes with Spanish students. When I come back I won't be a stranger to the city so it will definitely be easier. I want to thank my coordinators Rocio and Cristina for helping me in this process. They've told me I won't regret staying for a year. I'm excited, I'm doing this, something where last year I didn't think I was going to have the guts to do. The host family experience, something I was really nervous for, and now that I look back at it I see why it was a good idea. One really is immersing themselves into the culture. I thank my host family, I learned so much about Spain and other parts of Europe from living with them.
My family. I thank them for always supporting me, and are continuing to support me with my decision of staying for a year. I love them so much and without them I wouldn't be the person I am today. I will be seeing them on December 12th and I am so grateful to be with them again. My mom is even going to travel with me next January before the new semester starts.
My friends from back home. They support me with everything and understand why I want to stay for a year. It's hard to be away from them, but the relationship I have with them will never go away, even if I'm another continent away. I can hardly wait to see all of them!
I am grateful to God, for giving me the opportunity to live life to its fullest.
I learned more about myself and felt I grew as a person. Study abroad really tests your capabilities, it has tested mine. I'm undergoing times I will never forget. What will part 2 be like? We'll see, but for now, California here I come. Keep on livin'
Lisboa, Portugal
