The most difficult part about being abroad, hands down, is leaving behind your life at home. It's a terrifying thought to pack your bags, say goodbye to your loved ones, and live the next few months with your base hundreds of miles across the Atlantic Ocean. There isn't a pause button to stop life in the U.S. as you travel to a new part of the world, and you hope that your relationships are strong enough to endure the next few months without your physical presence. Of course I was anxious about going to a new country by myself and having to navigate a new way of living, however, the re-entry part of my journey gave me the most anxiety. While I have studied abroad before, I was not too worried about my re-entry to the U.S. because my travel took place during the summer. This experience will be different because my travel took place during the academic year.

As reflect on my experiences abroad, I cannot help but wonder about life when I am back in the U.S. I learned very early on that everyone else's life does not stop because I am abroad, and this was evident in the stream of emails from my home institution and the Facebook statuses that appeared on my newsfeed. Within the span of nearly four months, there have been a roller coaster of changes and it was disheartening to not be able to witness these changes in person. I felt disconnected from my base at home and school, and it was a strange feeling. There was a sense of  loss of time, and I couldn't do anything but keep in touch and enjoy my time in Spain. So....why study 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

Regardless of how much I wanted things to slow down and wait for me, I knew that the best part of life is that it keeps going. I wasn't losing time. I was experiencing time in a new surrounding with new people!If I were given the choice again to study abroad or remain in the States, I would not have changed my decision. Yes, I am still nervous about coming back home and re-learning a new routine. Even so, I am ready to embrace the changes that have occurred while I was away. I won't come back empty handed! Of course, I will come bearing gifts and stories of my journey. But most of all, I will come back as a more worldly and independent young woman. I hope the U.S. is ready because I am! 

I am not one for roller coasters, bunging jumping, and cliff diving. Frankly, I am afraid of heights and I cannot swim, and those activities may in fact kill me! However, I am a thrill seeker in many other ways. I love trying new foods, talking to complete strangers, and I hopped on a plane to live in another country for four months without knowing ANYONE! Now, that is a thrill seeker! 

Since arriving in Sevilla, I have discovered so much about myself and I realized my growth. I have learned transferable skills that I will take with me for the rest of my life, and I have developed relationships with many people. I taught myself to read a map, navigate a new city, and ask for directions in another language. I met random strangers in a variety of cities who made my experiences more memorable. I reunited with one of my best friends in Granada after arranging my entire trip. I have consumed SO MUCH FOOD and most of which I do not recall the names! 

It's been a journey! It's been a long, wonderful, frustrating, and memorable journey. I have less than two weeks left, and I do not feel like a tourist anymore. Well, I look like a tourist. And on occasion, I have to pull out my map, which by the way is a GREAT indicator that you are a tourist. Even so, I feel like a local, and I felt so accomplished when a Spaniard asked me for directions, and I was able to direct her! Obviously, I look much more credible now.

I do admit I can still get lost sometimes, but that just means more adventures! Even though I have lived in Sevilla for almost four months, there are still parts of Sevilla that I haven't explored. It's HUGE! Regardless of how many times you see the Plaza de Espana, the Torre del Oro, Las Setas, or the Catherdral de Sevilla, you are still in awe by its beauty. 

Spain will always have a place in my heart, and I plan to come back to travel throughout the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of the world. With that takes courage and a small carry-on bag BECAUSE YOU DO NOT NEED to pack your entire room. To pack your entire life in a backpack (okay, and maybe a small suitcase) and immerse yourself in an unfamiliar part of the world is absolutely ridiculous! You can COUNT ME IN!

Hola, buenas tardes la gente guapa! As I am adapting to the Spanish culture, I have become more aware of how Spaniards act in comparison to U.S. Americans. I am embracing the closeness when talking with people, and the speed in which they are communicating. Although, I still can't keep up!

The variations in language came into light through my Spanish Culture Close Up course, and I am not talking about the obvious English vs. Spanish. The differences in interpersonal communication lies in the conversation in itself, and I found it interesting that there was a contrast in politeness. For Example: 
                               Would you pass the salt, please? vs. Pásame la sal (pass the salt)

Turns out that BOTH are polite in the context of the respective country. As U.S. Americans, we learn to say "please" and "thank you" for EVERYTHING! We absolutely hate to inconvenience someone else regardless if it's the smallest request, like passing the salt shaker. We make it a point to acknowledge the other person by saying thank you, and "I'm sorry's" have become more of a habit than a meaning. However, if you would say "pass the salt" in the U.S., you would be seen as having poor manners and rude. Spaniards, however, are much more intentional and concise in their speech. They say what they mean, and mean what they say. Por favor (please), gracias (thanks), and lo siento (I'm sorry) are said when it is truly meant. More over, it is found to be inappropriate when you use too many polite markers as you are seen as superficial or not authentic. Passing the salt shaker is needed to enjoy your meal, and everyone does it! So, why would that inconvenience me to reach 2 inches to give the shaker to you? 

Learning about the intricacies of the Spanish language, I thought it was beautiful how they preserve the meaning of their words. I reflected on my own speech, and I must admit that I am one of those "I'm sorry" addicts. I apologize for things that are beyond my control, things that happen to other people, and the statement lost its meaning a long time ago. If I learn anything from Spain, I WILL learn to speak with more intention and meaning. So, if I come home more blunt and less sorry. . . I'm not sorry!

My trip to Cadiz was AMAZING! I absolutely loved the beach, and it was a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery. The area was beautiful, and there was a calmness to it. The most significant memory of the beach was when we were walking to a restaurant Sunday night, we passed by people doing Tai Chi facing the sunset near the beach. It must have felt incredible, and my mind was at ease when preparing for the days of school ahead.

School began last week and ink chalking up my entire calendar with homework assignments, due dates for grad schools, and deadlines for the Fulbright. Less time is spent meandering throughout the streets of downtown Sevilla and squandering my limited funds on cute dresses! And with everything that I am doing, I couldn't help but feel as if something was missing from this experience. There was an emptiness that I felt, and I wasn't sure what to make of it until it hit me. . . volunteering!

Having been able to volunteer in India was the highlight of my experience there, and I hope to fill that void soon. As part of my Spanish Culture Up Close course, I will be teaching English to kids in a school around Sevilla! There were opportunities to aid organizations in working to better the lives of marginalized people, but my heart broke a little when I couldn't participate due to my lower proficiency in Spanish. Of course, I will enthusiastically enjoy working with kids and aiding the teachers in the classroom! I also signed up for a paid position to babysit kids and work on their English in their homes. As I help children with their English, I will be practicing my Spanish with another student at Universidad Pablo de Olavide as part of the Intercambios Program, an opportunity to pair up with a Spanish buddy. MORE TALKING!! The amount of excitement that I felt when I found out about these opportunities was equivalent to a MINION with a BANANA (Despicable Me reference)! I look forward to starting!

Honestly, I am determined to make this study abroad experience meaningful on my own terms! I do enjoy relaxing, going to the beach, going out at night, and spending time with other international students. . . but I need more. And the fact of the matter is that there IS more. Buenas noches desde España!!

This week has been one adventure after another. Speaking as a geographically and directionally challenged individual, I probably held the record for the number of times getting lost in Sevilla. The transportation system (THOSE RED TUSSAM BUSES) have tested my ability to navigate throughout the city, and I think I finally have it down-packed after a few days of complete chaos! 

The words that comes to mind to describe my encounters before my departure to London and then Spain would be "struggle bus". Well, the more accurate words would be "struggle plane"! 

     Struggle 1: Packing. This, by far, was the most grueling task for someone who likes to pack for every "what if" situation possible! It took every fiber of my being (and a 50 lb weight limit) not to pack my entire room and a collection of hygiene products. While unpacking my items and looking at my closet, I was so appalled. I have never had so little articles of clothing to last me a whole semester (see photographs section)! Time to get creative, I suppose.  
     Struggle 2: My flight was delayed due to "minor performance difficulties". These minor difficulties would have affected the amount of weight that the plane would be able to take off with and land with. So, we were told that all the cargo would have to be transferred onto another plane and there was a possibility that the airline would as for volunteers to take a later flight. Like, what?!? After some time, the airline announced that the problem was solved completely and our cargo would be coming with us on the plane! Approximately two hours after my initial departure time, we were finally boarding! Although this was inconvenient, it doesn't surpass the evacuation during my first travel experience. . . I'm thinking that's a good thing!
     Struggle 3: Jet lag. It's only been the second day that I've been in Spain, but I feel like being in bed all day! I feel a little light headed, and I am adjusting to the new time schedule. Spain is about 6 hours ahead of the U.S., lunch is usually served between 2 and 4, dinner is served between 8 and 10, and the day starts early! I could spend my day in bed, but I refuse to squander the day sleeping. 

And so, my day is going to be spent looking up transportation for tomorrow for Orientation and my first day of class for my Spanish Intensive Course! I am also meeting up with someone that my friend, Allie, introduced me to before I left the U.S. German will be giving me a tour of Sevilla, and I am SUPER PUMPED! My host family is wonderful, and I absolutely love the apartment, my room, and the colorful flares of the decorations. My host mom is fantastic, and we communicate pretty well. She doesn't speak much English and my Spanish is remedial! However, we can understand each other for the most part. Once I begin my classes, I know I will improve my speaking and comprehension abilities, but for now. . . I am in dire need of a dictionary! ¡Buenas Tardes en Sevilla!