Despedidas

Im sad to say my study abroad experience has come to and end. I am so thankful for this opportunity that I have had and will never forget all the amazing people, and places that I have encountered and things I have learned. I feel as though I have become more mature and independent, as well as gained a greater appreciation for cultures and just being able to slow down and appreciate life. The people I have met, places I have seen, and adventures I have been on have surpassed my expectations and I wouldn’t change my time here for the world. That being said, I am all packed and ready to go, ready to be reunited with my family and friends in the U.S. and ready to return to the peaceful low-key life that awaits me.

But before I go and say goodbye I have a few random tips and things that I have learned and want to share with those who may study abroad (especially in spain) in the future.

– Take pictures. Its definitely more about quality then quantity because your not gonna care about a blurry picture of a random cathedral door looking back

– Plan your last meals before you go properly. Stock up on breakfast food and really good salads, both of which no one seems to know how to do here.

– Be prepared to sleep just about anywhere. Airports, airplanes, buses, bus stations… Unfortunately with so much traveling and crazy layovers its inevitable. Metal benches will become your friends.

– Be adventurous when it comes to trying new local foods. Unless the food is morcilla, in which case you might want to know what it is before you think about eating it.

– Siesta

– Be careful when you say you eat fish. Eating fish here means you get the whole fish;  scales, bones, head, everything! Ive eaten enough fish bones this semester for a life time.

– Bread will become the bases of your diet.Tostada for breakfast, loaf of bread on the side for lunch, and too many bocadillos (sandwiches).

– Going out at 1 am is pretty normal, and thats early. Don’t expect to see any spaniards out and about until about 3 am.

– Get lost.

– regarding the previous make sure its day time and you have a phone, snacks, and some money with you. I don’t mean actually get lost but really explore and get to know your city, chances are you’ll walk to same two streets everyday and will never get a change to appreciate the whole city

– Siesta again and write it off as a cultural experience

All Im trying to say here is really take advantage of your study abroad experience, You don’t want to be left regretting not going out and doing more, or eating more, or shopping more! make the most of your time abroad!

“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.”
― Terry Pratchett

 

 

 

 

If you’re thinking wether or not to study abroad, go for it! You won’t regret it!

Madrid, Toledo, Segovia oh my!

I can’t believe its the final count down! This was our last group trip and we have just two weeks left, one week of classes and one week of finals. The feeling of going home is so bittersweet. I want to see my family and home more then anything but the thought of leaving Granada and my family here is really starting to make me sad.

Our last group trip was a very eclectic mix. From the biggest city in spain, Madrid, to a cute little town, Segovia, we really did end on a bang.

Madrid is the definition of a very large city. I had trouble walking in the streets with the amount of people that were there. It is such an incredible city though. The shopping, food, and museums are definitely some of the best. El Museo del Prado was a feast for the eyes, we had an hour group tour and were only able to cover Goya, el Greco, and Velazquez. It was really awesome to be able to see what we’ve been learning in class about Goya and a little about Velazquez up close and personal. My favorite part of Madrid was the Botanical Garden that we got to go to in our free time. I love flowers and I love being able to take close ups of flowers and this garden was amazing. I could have spent a whole day wandering the gardens, even with just under two hours in the gardens we barely made a dent. (I also took no pictures from my time in madrid with the exception of the Garden, yikes!)

 

Segovia was such a precious little town. Im always confused why we decide to go to these little one horse towns but then we are there, I swear, every inch of Spain is some sort of adorable gem. The town has a large aqueduct and a few palaces that we saw, but the streets themselves are the cutest. Small little shops and bakeries fill the alley ways and the views, per usual, are impressive.

The last town we went to on our journey was Toledo. There is definitely something haunted or creepy about this town and to be honest it was one of my least favorite cities we’ve been to this whole trip. It is absolutely beautiful, the streets and architecture are so old and filled with character. Toledo is know for its swords, knifes, and black and gold pottery and they definitely embrace it because those were just about the only stores the had. I mean if you are in the market for a new sword I would highly suggest you visit toledo, but if you want to buy anything else, chances are the don’t sell it.

Finally, on our way back to Granada we made a pit stop at the windmills from Don Quijote and our teachers put on a hilarious rendition of a scene and we all just about died laughing.

All three towns were so beautiful and different from one another, it was definitely a perfect trip to end with. (also if you haven’t noticed, I only seemed to have taken pictures of cats on this whole trip and have just about none with people).