Saying goodbye at the airport!
Finding my flight, it's on time!
Note: This entry was written on Wednesday, September 24, 2008, after one week in Granada. Some information has changed since then. I will provide you with an updated entry soon.
As many of you know by now, my first week in Spain has been tough. I didn't realize how difficult it would be to say goodbye to home and the familiar. I am currently adjusting to a new environment while using a foreign language. Initially, I had imagined arriving to find a beautiful country filled with the nicest people. Upon arriving in Madrid, I began to realize I might not find Spain to fit my definition of beautiful, especially after passing rows of smoking rooms at Barajas Airport. While I might not use beautiful to describe Granada now, I will simply say that it is different. Different is not necessarily a good or bad thing. But, it's not home and that has been the hardest part. When I walk out in the city, I am not greeted with Southern hospitality, in fact, I am lucky to receive a greeting at all. I feel it would have been easier if I had arrived closer to the beginning of the school year. There are still not many people in my dorm and I have not seen anyone on my hall. However, I am starting to see students moving in now. It is a little hard to watch them move in because it reminds me of moving in to my dorm room last year. Like these students, I had many bags and the help of my parents. Now, I am alone in Spain, far away from loved ones back home. On a positive note, I do feel my Spanish is improving which is one of the main reasons I'm here. Do I ever wish I had not decided to spend the year abroad? Sure. Have I wanted to go home? Absolutely. Do I love Spain? Not yet. It is still early, though, and I'm reminded daily that everyone has trouble at first. UNCG has a saying on the study abroad website: Explore the world... Discover yourself. And if I gain a greater understanding of myself on this trip, I think it will be well worth my time.
