Monday, January 13, 2014
Friday, January 10, 2014
Day 1 of España
After 27 hours of traveling, I finally made it to my destination! I live in an apartment with a sweet roommate, Katherine, and a wonderful host mother, Rosa. Rosa is more like a grandmother, she loves to cook, loves to eat sweets, and has a small dog named Iri (pronounced "eerie"). I arrived in Spain yesterday, slept eight hours, and then had to take a placement exams for my classes. Jet lag has not won the battle because I feel quite on track with the Spanish schedule, and even had a"merienda" with Katherine of rich and thick hot chocolate with churros in a cafe close to the Cathedral. The chocolate is unlikely anything I have ever had in the US, if you leave it to cool for even a few moments, it will turn to a pudding-like substance.
This afternoon, Katherine and I took our "paseo," or "wandering," through the city where all the stores are having their "rebajas" (sales"). The American men have it easy-- I did not see one girl without a man beside her as she shopped, some looked content, others, not so much.
Crash of the cultures is just beginning to set in, and the fast-paced American within me is still very alive and well. Walking behind a a crowd going at a snail's pace is quite painful, but when you quickly walk by (with your reusable, BPA free, metal water bottle), you get odd glances. Punctuality is a phenomenon of the past because "no pasa nada" when you arrive 10-15 minutes late. Finally, the person with a very tight personal bubble cannot exist. Spain is a culture of physical contact, and without that contact there cannot be any form of friendly relationship. These being the main peculiarities of the culture, I am curious to witness my adaptation with humor and a ready smile.
After 27 hours of traveling, I finally made it to my destination! I live in an apartment with a sweet roommate, Katherine, and a wonderful host mother, Rosa. Rosa is more like a grandmother, she loves to cook, loves to eat sweets, and has a small dog named Iri (pronounced "eerie"). I arrived in Spain yesterday, slept eight hours, and then had to take a placement exams for my classes. Jet lag has not won the battle because I feel quite on track with the Spanish schedule, and even had a"merienda" with Katherine of rich and thick hot chocolate with churros in a cafe close to the Cathedral. The chocolate is unlikely anything I have ever had in the US, if you leave it to cool for even a few moments, it will turn to a pudding-like substance.
This afternoon, Katherine and I took our "paseo," or "wandering," through the city where all the stores are having their "rebajas" (sales"). The American men have it easy-- I did not see one girl without a man beside her as she shopped, some looked content, others, not so much.
Crash of the cultures is just beginning to set in, and the fast-paced American within me is still very alive and well. Walking behind a a crowd going at a snail's pace is quite painful, but when you quickly walk by (with your reusable, BPA free, metal water bottle), you get odd glances. Punctuality is a phenomenon of the past because "no pasa nada" when you arrive 10-15 minutes late. Finally, the person with a very tight personal bubble cannot exist. Spain is a culture of physical contact, and without that contact there cannot be any form of friendly relationship. These being the main peculiarities of the culture, I am curious to witness my adaptation with humor and a ready smile.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Here goes round 2! Monday was a disastrous blessing--all my flights were cancelled after 3 rounds through security, 3 new itineraries and a broken suitcase zipper (overweight as well....). Due to 14 degrees below 0 conditions in Chicago, all my important connections were cancelled. By my third trip through security, I was awfully close to tears, when a TSA agent offered me a spot in the express line--this kind gesture was such a blessing. After a long discussion with the airline, I was rescheduled to Wednesday. I am expecting to arrive on Thursday to my Spain destination--4 days after the start of the program.
The blessing in disguise was completely orchestrated by God--I got to spend 2 great days with my sister (thank you sis again for your hospitality!) and was able to buy a new suitcase. Seeing my niece, nephew and sister was such amazing family time (plus she is a great cook:)). So this morning I got through security, so far no flights are cancelled, and my bag was 50.5 lbs! Here we go!
Deuteronomy 32:4
The blessing in disguise was completely orchestrated by God--I got to spend 2 great days with my sister (thank you sis again for your hospitality!) and was able to buy a new suitcase. Seeing my niece, nephew and sister was such amazing family time (plus she is a great cook:)). So this morning I got through security, so far no flights are cancelled, and my bag was 50.5 lbs! Here we go!
Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.
Friday, January 3, 2014
Just two days away from traveling on 3 airplanes, 1 bus and 1 taxi to study abroad in Spain! My contract has been signed to not speak one word of English, to live with a family, and take 19 credits in a Spanish university. People keep asking me if it seems real, which it seems anything but-- 5 months in another country...
I am incredibly blessed to be able to take this adventure, and I hope that through this blog you, my dear readers, may have a sample of what I get to see, and a few laughs that I have experienced.
I am incredibly blessed to be able to take this adventure, and I hope that through this blog you, my dear readers, may have a sample of what I get to see, and a few laughs that I have experienced.
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