It was the trip I had
been waiting for my whole life. A bit dramatic? Maybe, but its better than “the dawn of time.” Ever since I even heard of the concept
of study abroad I knew that Spain was
going to be my destination. 1) I
could practice my Spanish by means of immersion. 2) It is in Europe… and I had
never been to Europe. Done and
done. And, after so much eager
anticipation, just like that, the three and a half weeks were over in the blink of an
eye. Looking back, it was a
whirlwind of people, places, and language. It is as if each day runs into the other, lacking a finite
beginning and end. I have to look
at the journey as a whole, then focus on individual experiences in isolation in
order to wrap my head around it. I
can’t believe all I have seen in such a short amount of time. Of course, I would have loved to stay
longer. However, I was glad to be
coming home. I was starting to
miss things like air conditioning.
And the food. Oh, and my
family.
In addition to
Madrid, I also visited Toledo, Segovia, Salamanca, Córdoba, and El
Escorial. We were busy! Let’s recap a bit: I have been to a
packed stadium soccer game and witnessed history as Real Madrid won their 32nd
Championship victory. I dined in
the world’s oldest restaurant. (Er… at least attempted to.) I ascended the tower of a castle. I
perused the Royal Palace. I observed timeless pieces in the Museo del
Prado. I saw the resting place of
Spanish royalty. I watched a
flamenco espactáculo done to Carmen. I even took a Flamenco class! Travis
and I (the dancing rock stars/sinverguenzas) gave the famous dance our own
attempt. In my brain, I did
fabulous. I brought the dancing to
the discotecas, something unlike anything in Athens. The best was our last night all together there at a place
called Moon Dance. Which, for the
life of me, I could never get right.
(Moonlight/ Moonshine/
Moonbeam…?) I saw Madrid from
above in a cable car overlooking the city. I scoured the racks of some of the
cutest stores I have ever seen. I got to see Zac Efron speak Spanish. Might not have been in person, and it
might not have really been his voice.
Minor details. I met
students from all over Europe. I
was humbled by ornate cathedrals. I
was serenaded by a tuna in the plaza
of Spain’s “college town.” I saw beauty all around me. It was in the form of the amazing
architecture, the hilltop views, the delightful parks, even the charming little
alleyways. This is all just to name a few…
If I had to say
what I miss most, it would be strolling through the park or chilling in front
of a café. This may not sound very
exciting, but it was these simple, easygoing moments, in which I had no
commitments or places to go, I could talk and relax and just enjoy the
easygoing lifestyle that is Spain.
I made some great friends, and it was enjoying their company that made
it all the better. The experience
simply would not be the same without their humor and inside jokes, which for
some reason were just not as funny to anyone else. I look forward to many more adventures with them upon
returning to Athens. One person I certainly
miss is my “madre” (my Spanish caregiver)
She treated us so wonderfully, and I am thankful I have a place to stay
when I go back. (That’s right not if.) For me, I know this was just the beginning. Sin duda, era una experiencia
inolvidable. Without a doubt, it
was an unforgettable experience. I
look at leaving not as an “adios” but more of an “hasta luego.”
No comments:
Post a Comment