Anything BUT the ordinary

A year of getting used to a much simpler lifestyle and not even having to worry about getting a license because of the awesome public transportation was something I had to leave the thought of once coming back to the United States, a big culture shock. I'm sure for any student who has studied abroad or is currently studying abroad will also agree. This simpler lifestyle you find in studying abroad is something that I feel every undergraduate student should experience. It was the best part of my undergrad. career and when I came back to the U.S. there was probably not one day that passed by that I didn't say or think "I miss Spain." The simpler lifestyle opens up your mind to new ways of thinking and responding to situations. It tests your capabilities in ways that you can never imagine because you never thought you would end up in a certain situation. You find the patience and strength within yourself that you never knew you had. If anything, I think you feel a sense of boldness when you come back, making you feel that you conquer anything that is in front of you.

My first semester in Madrid, I stayed with a host family and most of my friends were UC kids. All my classes were taught in Spanish and were with UC and East Coast students from various universities. You make strong bonds with these people because you are put in a situation where you don't know anyone and the only people you feel comfortable counting on are the ones in your program- partly the reason why you stay with your clique. Living with a host family was a very rewarding experience, I had two host brothers and a host sister and we always communicated in Spanish. My free time was spent with UC students and there were moments we tried talking to eachother in Spanish to continue practicing, but we always ended up going back to what was the native language for most of us (English). I got to travel to different places such as Portugal, France, Italy, and various parts of Spain. Although it was great and our group had different personalities that made our group complete, I still felt I needed to stay longer in Spain. It was a a mix of emotions while I was deciding (nerves and excitement), and I remember weighing pros and cons while talking to friends and family contemplating my decision. I came up with more pros than anything, and the biggest pro was that if I don't do it now, when am I going to have the chance to? Coming back to UCR I also see the reasoning behind my choice. I'm finishing my last year as an undergraduate and I'm already worried about what opportunities are going to be available in the difficult economy we are facing. For this and many other reasons, I extended my stay. I was one of two out of the 62 people in the UC EAP program who extended their stay, and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

It wasn't going to be easy, you see I would have to find my own housing and take regular classes with Spaniards. I decided to move in with my friend Jana (a friend I made first semester who is from Spain). I don't think I have ever been more nervous than at this time of my life. Luckily, I got along with my roommates. It took a while to get used to the way of life students in Europe have. I had roommates from Italy, South America, and Spain. We were known as the "international apartment" amongst out friends. They reminded me that the most important thing in life is doing what makes you happy, don't worry about the ones who put you down or judge, and living simply with no fancy merchandise is the best way to live. Sometimes in the capitalist society we live in, it's hard to remember that. What they reminded me of, I still carry with me today. I've stopped buying things I don't need and appreciated the smaller things in life. During my time there, there were many manifestations occurring. I was able to go to one with my roommates and I've never seen a society unite the way Madrid did for a cause that they are supportive of. Most of my free time was spent independently or with them, and my Spanish improved so much more because that is the only language we would speak between eachother. I knew the Spanish language already from growing up in a bilingual home, but my accent and fluency improved so much more from staying a year and taking classes with the locals. It's hard leaving close friendships you formed in another country, especially when that country is on the other side of the world. I hope my life gives me the chance to go back there again. I still keep in contact with them, and as I said my goodbyes with tears running down my face it wasn't a goodbye, but a see you later and thank-you. A thank-you for the best time of my life and a life I'm not sure if I'll ever get the chance to experience again.

I recommend to any UCR student thinking of studying abroad, DO IT! The best time to do it is when you're young. It's possible and I never thought I would have the guts to do it, even more stay a year in a foreign country, but the rewards (which will be different for everyone) that you receive are so life enhancing and something I feel our American generation needs to have. You become open-minded and your opinions on many things may change because you steer away from a status quo that our society may have instilled in you. So be bold, take the adventure, and challenge yourself! Keep on livin'

Gabriella Landeros

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, 2010-2011

Read the original article on the UCR blog:
http://lifeatucr.tumblr.com/post/12521573340/anything-but-the-ordinary-a-year-of-getting-used

Close to one of my favorite directors

I was leaving Madrid to visit my cousin Megan in Bristol. It was the most interesting plane ride I've ever been on. I was talking to two very nice ladies (same ones I was talking to before I boarded the plane), one who is from Mexico and moved to Europe not too long ago, and another lady who is a teacher. We had an interesting conversation, about everything basically, life, relationships, what we enjoy to do, and our reasons for going to Bristol of course. I started talking to the teacher about how I study film and have been learning a lot about Spanish film, and Pedro Almodóvar is one of my favorite directors. She gave me a lot of advice and close to the end of the conversation she mentioned "mi hermano Almodóvar" (my brother Almodóvar), and a moment of uncertainty crossed my face. I said "lo siento, que dijiste!?" (I'm sorry, what did you say!?) Yes, she is the sister of one of the most famous Spanish directors in Spain, Pedro Almodóvar! I was in shock, she explained to me her family history, where they are from, and Almodóvar's new film "La Piel que Habito." When we landed she left quickly and said "buena suerte, eres muy guapa" (good luck, you are very beautiful). It's truly surprising the people you may encounter in life. I will never forget my conversation with Almodóvar's sister. Keep on livin'

Reason, Season, Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

When you figure out which one it is,

you will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON,

it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty;

to provide you with guidance and support;

to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.

They may seem like a godsend, and they are.

They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,

this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.

Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.

The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON,

because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.

They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.

They may teach you something you have never done.

They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.

Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;

things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,

and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

— Unknown

It's not the end

At first we think a year can last forever, but you'll be surprised how fast it can really pass by. I left last semester with a good idea of the Spanish culture, but it was not until second semester that I truly felt like one of the locals. I came back second semester more anxious than first semester, for the main reason that my friends from first semester were not going to be there and I wasn't sure who I was going to hang out with. I was also nervous that the regular classes were going to be tough, yet at the same time I was excited for the unknown. With all things being new, these emotions are not that surprising. I grew a strong bond with my roommates and it was actually easier than I thought making friends in my classes. Most of my free time was spent with my roommates. My most interesting classes were my two production classes- Radio and Television, classes I haven't experienced at UCR. It was truly an experience being able to study my major in another language and working with other students who are interested in the same things I am. Doing radio personalities is a blast, and made me open my eyes to another interest I have a passion for. I was the "new kid in town" in the eyes of the students, but it felt nice doing something different because I always asked myself, "when else am I going to get another opportunity like this?" (something repeated in my head ever since I told my advisors I was going to stay the whole year). You only live once. It was totally what I did not expect, funny how it always works out that way.

One experience after another, meeting new people practically everyday, the world really is bigger than what one can imagine. Studying abroad a year is the best experience I've had as an undergraduate at UCR. I met a group of individuals whom I have learned from, that helped make my study abroad experience what it is. It's a whole different world out there and coming back home to the states is the biggest challenge. Leaving with tears while saying goodbye to my roommates at the airport was not how I wanted to leave, but the tears were ones of happiness. Happiness for the friends I made, happiness for rewarding experience I worked hard for and received, and happiness with the thought I will be back to my second home someday, MADRID. I lived something that will stay with me forever. My oh my, I wish for every student to study abroad, because it will be nothing like you've experienced in your life. I grew more as a person than I expected. You become more culturally aware, really broaden your horizons, and gain knowledge with students your age from all over the world.

My friend Sabela and I on the terrace of my apartment.

(Cuatro Caminos, Madrid)

First semester I lived with a host family. I practiced my Spanish and all of my friends were mostly UC kids. I value that experience, but second semester is where I really got that study abroad experience. I spoke Spanish 24/7 and my Spanish did get a lot better. I found my own housing, and stayed with friends that made me aware of things I wasn't aware of before. Smart individuals who reminded me that life is meant to be lived, living simply is better, don't stress over the little things, and enjoy the simple things in life. Experiences come and go, but they are those memories that will live with you forever. Life really tested my capabilities more this semester, but through those tests I realized I can get through anything. The unexpected really does happen, but it feels good when you surprise yourself on what you can handle, because the strength you never knew you had appears. It was a shame I had to leave, especially when I was comfortable in my environment. I wish I can write everything I experienced second semester, but that would be nearly impossible. All I can tell you was that I had the best time of my life, and realized more about myself because I was put in a new situation.

My lovely Mom, visiting Europe for the first time! 

Casa Botín (Madrid, Spain)

Megan, my cousin and travel buddy.

(Dublin, Ireland)

You will go through hardships all your life, but the most important thing is to do what makes you truly happy, and be with people who truly make you happy. Everything else that occurred, let it go and learn from it. A friend once told me "when you die, you will remember your most fond images," for me the image of Madrid, my friends in Europe, and the moments I learned from will be some of the things I remember the most. Madrid will always have a place in my heart.

Video by my friend Caleb Davis.

Megan and Caleb.

(London, England)

Thank-you all who helped make my year the best time of my life. The ones who make the most important impact in your life, are the ones you'll remember forever. Keep on livin'

A Coruña, España con los compañeros de piso de Pedro Barreda.

(Cuatro Caminos, Madrid)

Andrés (Machuca), Gaby, Giorgio (Gio), Danny, Jana <3

It's not the end...

"Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey." ~Pat Conroy

Better late than never

So back in the states looking over my blog, I realized I forgot a very important part of my fall semester in Spain.  My mom entered a contest and won two tickets for Casa Botín in Madrid, founded in 1725 and happens to be the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. My mom told them I was going in honor of her. Another fun fact about the restaurant is that it's Ernest Hemingway's favorite restaurant, and it's said that he signed his name underneath one of the tables. I invited my friend Peter, a friend from NY who is also staying another semester.  When we got there it came to a surprise that our free meals from Casa Botín included everything on the menu, Woaahh!  We were lucky enough because it's a nice place and the meals are a little on the pricey side.  We ordered Vino Rosado (house wine), Chicken consommé (chicken broth), Croquettes (a type of appetizer, breaded and filled with mashed potatoes, meat, or seafood), I ordered Filet Mignon, and Peter ordered Veal with potatoes. For dessert I had Tarta Botín, which is a cream layer cake and Peter had Sorbete de limón, lemon sorbet. With our desserts we had Café con leche. Another thing about Spain is that the coffee is very strong and delicious, and it sure works its purpose!  Maybe I'll invest in an expresso machine when I go back to UCR. Our meals were very much enjoyed, and I thank my mom for winning the tickets. Before we left, being my curious self, I was determined to find Hemingway's famous signature.  One of the waiters told me they don't have any tables with writing on them, but I am still questioning that. I will always remember my first visit to Casa Botín and hope to return there next semester. Who knows, maybe I'll find the signature!...Thanks mom!!  Keep on livin'