I'll be home for Christmas!

The most anticipated day of my year is almost here, and I'm not talking about Christmas, although I'm looking forward to all of the Christmas festivities!  December 20th has been at the back of my mind throughout these past three months.  I remember in October the date seemed so far away and I often wondered if I could make it here until Christmas break.  With one day standing in front of the 20th, I think it's safe to say that I made it!  Lately I've been reflecting on everything that has happened so far in Spain.  I look back on things that happened in the beginning and my initial thoughts and feelings make perfect sense to me.  Of course some of my worst memories are of the first days and weeks here.  I was alone in a brand new country, jet lagged, my Spanish was rusty, etc.  Again, I'll say thanks to everyone back home who encouraged me to stay.  It would have been so easy to have hopped on a plane and thrown all of my dreams away.  And, as many times I said I wanted to go home, I honestly knew I wouldn't leave.  After thinking about all of the time and energy I put into coming here, I was bound and determined to have a good experience.  While the experience hasn't been as glamorous as I envisioned, it has definitely been rewarding and it will forever have a great impact on my life.   I have learned so many valuable life lessons in these months.  It reminds me of a quote I saw before embarking on my journey.  "I met a lot of people in Europe.  I even encountered myself."  I find this quote to be very meaningful now, especially since I feel this trip has allowed me to learn more about myself.  Once you take away the familiar, you're forced to discover the things that make you thrive.  I don't feel I've changed a great deal on this trip, I've just come into focus.  I always knew myself, but now I have more confidence in who I am, and with that comes a greater self respect.  I've now hopped on the bandwagon for study abroad and I recommend it to anyone in search of a once in a lifetime opportunity.  I'll pass along some words of caution, it may not be easy, but it'll be extremely rewarding.  When I board the plane on Saturday morning, words can't express how happy I will be to go home for the holidays.  I'll also be happy thinking about what lies ahead in Spain, more adventures and more stories.  I'll admit I might shed some tears when boarding the plane back to Spain. But, as my Spanish professor said, everyone always comes back to Granada, she'll always have a place in your heart.  At first I was a bit skeptical as to whether it really applied to me.  As I'm getting ready to leave,  I do find myself with some sentimental feelings toward this place that has been my home away from home.  

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and look forward to seeing many of you during my time home!

More to come in 2009! 

I'm dreaming tonight

Of a place I love

Even more than I usually do.

And although I know

It's a long road back

I promise you

I'll be home for Christmas.

You can count on me.

Please have snow and mistletoe.

And presents under the tree.

Christmas Eve will find me 

Where the love-light gleams.

I'll be home for Christmas

If only in my dreams.

Let it Snow!

Last night, I was in the middle of packing my bag (can you tell I'm getting excited?), when all of a sudden I heard many students screaming and hollering outside. I had no clue what was going on and why so many people would be outside at 8:30 on a Sunday night. Was there an exciting futbol game? Are the Spanish just really loud people? My friend Marta soon knocked on my door and informed me, "esta nevando!" And suddenly, everything made perfect sense! We all ran outside and joined the other students who were admiring the snow. It reminded me of last year at UNCG when we got some unexpected snow in February and all the students were out playing in the snow. I guess no matter where you are, snow generates excitement!

Field Trip

My history class, Historia Moderna de Espana, went on a trip Friday to Priego de Cordoba and Alcala la Real. This was the first of five trips throughout the academic year. I'm sure the trip was very educational, but to four foreign girls who are still learning the language, it was rather boring. Okay, the first three churches were interesting, but by the seventh church I had lost some interest. The weather didn't help make the trip more enjoyable. It was seriously one of the coldest days we've had so far, and I only had a lightweight jacket. Oh well, you live and you learn! I'll definitely check the weather before heading out again. Overall, the trip was fun thanks to my foreign friends. Part of the fun was being clueless most of the time and getting weird looks from the Spanish students.


The first church in Priego de Cordoba


Alcala la Real


Typical Spanish street


History Friends from Wales & Finland


Christmas tree in Alcala la Real

Meet Me in Madrid!

This past weekend Spain celebrated two holidays, Dia de la Constitucion and La Inmaculada Concepcion, which meant students had a nice long weekend.  It just so happened that my friend, Krista, who was studying abroad in London, finished her program the week before.  Krista wanted to see Spain before she headed back, and I was all for seeing a friend!  We decided on Madrid and the next thing I knew I was purchasing a bus ticket.  I have to admit that before I left on Friday, I was a little anxious about the whole thing.  Had I been too lofty thinking I could just hop on a bus and go to a big city by myself?  Or maybe it was one of the many horror stories I'd heard...  I'm pleased to say I made it to Madrid, saw the sights, and I lived to tell about it!

Friday, my bus left at 7 AM (!) and I arrived in Madrid five hours later.  The bus ride was far better than I had expected.  My iPod, a nap, and a 30 minute stop helped make the time go by faster.  I enjoyed looking out the window and seeing different parts of Spain.  Once I arrived in Madrid and checked into my hostel, I had lunch and walked around before calling Aunt Wanda's friend's mother, who lives in Madrid.  Sra. Vizoso was nice enough to let me spend a few hours with she and her husband, Kiko.  They were a very sweet, older couple who were interested in hearing about my time thus far in Spain.  It was fun talking with them and practicing my Spanish!  (Kiko doesn't speak English!)  We looked at pictures of their children and grandchildren while eating turron, a popular Christmas sweet in Spain.  There was a bit of confusion as to how I would get back to the hostel.  We spread my map out on the table while Kitty and Kiko used a magnifying glass to read the street names.  Kiko would point to a street and I would tell him the name.  "Calle Canalejas," I would say  and Kiko would say "ahhh Jose Canalejas....," as if he were an old friend.  I ended up taking the metro bus back to Puerta del Sol which was close to my hostel.  I'll never forget my visit to Kitty and Kiko's house, and their hospitality.  What an adorable couple!  I arrived back to the hostel exhausted and in desperate need of a siesta.  After a short siesta, I met a girl from Massachusetts who was staying in my room.  We talked for a while and then went to dinner at a sandwich place with over 100 different sandwiches.  We met a guy from Australia who was in Spain on "business" but seemed to be in search of a good party.  Oh, the people you meet!  

Krista arrived Saturday afternoon and we had a good time catching up.  It was really quite weird to see someone from home.  That's one of the hardest things about studying abroad, while I have friends here, I don't have a friend who I've known longer than three months.  Some of the highlights of my weekend were just talking and laughing, and boy did we do a lot of that! We didn't do as much as planned on Saturday because we were both worn out.  We did, however, make it to the Prado since it had free admission on Constitution Day.  It's a remarkable museum, but like most great museums, there's no way you can see it all in one day.  

We went to the Reina Sophia museum on Sunday, it's free admission day.  This was a really interesting museum and I'd love to go back someday.  We saw Picasso's Guernica, which was impressive.  I didn't realize how huge it is, it practically covers the entire wall!  It even had two guards who were quick to scold anyone who moved close to the platform in front of the painting.  It seemed there was a sensor that detected cameras and it would make a loud sound if anyone tried to take a picture, even without the flash.  After the museum, we walked over to Palacio Real, the Royal Palace.  I was surprised they didn't have guards in front like at Buckingham Palace.  We  found a great place for "lunch" at 5:00.  We had so much fun that we stayed 3 hours!  When we left at 8 we sort of forgot that we had just eaten lunch and not dinner.  I think it's safe to say the Spanish are rubbing off on me.  We had planned to do something extra fun Sunday night, but unfortunately it down poured, in fact it rained every day.  

Monday, we got up early and I checked out of the hostel. We walked over to the Parque del Buen Retiro, the famous park in Madrid.  I imagine it probably looks a lot prettier in the spring or summer.  Afterward, we went in some shops before it was time for me to leave.

I'm so thankful it worked out for us to meet in Madrid.  It was nice to reflect on life abroad with a friend.  I think we have a new found sense of pride for our country.  Sometimes it's easy to forget that all of the basic American beliefs and principles have not reached other countries.  

Thanks for a fun weekend in Madrid, Krista!  Hope you're having a wonderful time in Paris!

Outside of our hostel 

Plaza Mayor

posing in the plaza, this place was packed!! 

Christmas venders fill the plaza 

Reina Sophia Museum

Krista and I inside the museum

in front of Palacio Real 

Cafe con leche

Parque del Buen Retiro 

"Meme"

Last week my cousin, Susannah, tagged me to do a "meme."  As Susannah said, it has nothing to do with our grandmother, who is also known as "meme."  Apparently it's a new, fun "game" for bloggers.  A trip to Madrid and a Spanish exam kept me from posting it earlier! Better late than never!

The rules: Link to the person who tagged you. Post the rules on your blog. Write 6 random things about yourself. Tag 6-ish people at the end of your post. Let each person know he/she has been tagged (or let them get tagged by reading your blog). Let the tagger know when your entry is posted.

Here it goes!

1. Music gets me through the day!  Anyone that knows my dad, knows he loves music and has quite a collection of CD's.  I think he must have passed his love of music on to me.  Often I find myself with my music cranked up, and I can't help but smile and think I am my father's daughter.  

2. I love little kids.  They bring so much joy to life, and they have such a different perspective on the world.  I've missed not being around any children in Spain, even though it is fun watching the adorable Spanish children. 

3. I am a person who likes structure!  Before studying abroad, I might have been hesitant to say I really enjoyed structure and order.  Three months in Spain have made realize how much I appreciate and need structure!

4.  I put a lot of thought into just about everything.  I can spend hours trying to find the perfect card or the perfect gift for someone.  Even in the grocery store I put a lot of thought into everything I'm buying.

5.  I have a crazy memory.  I never really thought anything of it until high school.  People would start recalling events and I'd be able to give a detailed account of everything that happened.  It seriously surprised me that others didn't remember the same things.  Maybe it's because I'm such an observant person?

6.  In order for me to truly learn something, I must teach it to myself.   A whiteboard is my best friend right before an upcoming exam.  I know I truly understand the material if I can explain it to myself without looking at my notes.  

Unfortunately, most of my friends haven't started blogging yet, so I don't have anyone to tag! I'll let Krista off the hook since she's in a hostel in Paris right now!