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