Monday, December 26, 2011

The Journey Ends

It seems as though I abruptly stopped posting, but this past week has truly been hectic! I finally have returned back to the United States, and even though I was sad to leave Salamanca, I was anxious to return back home as well. My flight was originally scheduled for 10:30am on December 18th, but due to some sort of pilot strike taking place in Spain (perfect timing, I know), I discovered that my flight time had been delayed for four hours! I was pretty bummed out, especially having just gone through a bag check-in fiasco because one of my suitcases was overweight, but I was just happy to still have had a flight back. 

As for my time in Salamanca, I wouldn't change much. I really did enjoy being able to be a part of another culture and immerse myself within another language. Also, traveling around Europe was such a learning experience. It is extremely multicultural and diverse, and being able to experience some of it firsthand is something I'll never forget. Of course there were times when I wished that my family were there to experience it with me (and drive me nuts), which sometimes resulted in going souvenir-crazy, (like when I was in Paris), but I know that there will be other times in the future when we will all be able to travel together. 

Volunteering at the elementary school was another facet of my trip that I really enjoyed. Seeing what schooling was like in another country was not only interesting, but fun at the same time. The students were always so enthusiastic and the teachers were so freaking nice. On my last day, they awarded me a volunteer certificate  as well as some cute parting gifts. I would tell anyone who is studying in another country to try something similar :) 

Before my arrival, the thought of studying in another country seemed so difficult. From the paperwork, to the cost, to living on my own in a country whose language I had not mastered, it just seemed extremely out of my reach. However, once I made it over those hurdles, I could only look forward to what was to come. I feel like one of the most important things to remember is to go in with an open mind, and in return new or foreign experiences will seem less weird and more interesting, I suppose.

Studying abroad is a life-altering thing and one that will hopefully bring anyone who does the same a sense of joy and fulfillment. I definitely look forward to seeing more of this huge world and maybe I'll even continue writing my blog. In the meantime, I just want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read what I have written, even if it was just a sentence, because I wrote with the hopes of aiding others on their own pursuits of studying abroad.

For anyone who has a question or would like to leave a comment about anything that I have included here, feel free to reach out to me. Thanks so much and I hope we'll meet again soon!

~Justine <3 

2011

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Concierto de la Navidad ♫

So I just got back from a Christmas Concert held at the university here and it truly was such a fun experience. I didn't know what to expect, except that all the performances were student-acts put on by different international students. There was lots of variety, like songs by Adele and a nice rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." There were also student groups from Japan that sang some pretty cool songs. But the star of the show had to be a student a little different from the rest. I don't know her name, but I believe that she is from Japan, and she is a lot older than other students (at least 65!). She played the piano and sang about 5 to 6 songs in her high operatic voice and proved that she was no stranger to the stage. I am happy to have attended the show because it really was one of the first times that the entire international sector of the university came together as a whole. It seems as though most of the time the people who came as a group have stuck together, which sometimes made it difficult to meet other people. However, this show brought together many people in the name of not only Christmas, but also of uniting the students as a whole. I truly hope that they continue this tradition


~Justine <3




All Roads Lead to Rome! ✈

So I'm finally back to update about my time in Rome. Sorry about the delay, it's been kind of a hectic week. Anyhow! Where do I begin?? Rome is such a beautiful city! It's ancient, yet modern at the same time, and the sights are really breathtaking. This trip was the longest that I've made outside of Spain while in Europe, it was four days, and it was really nice to just be able to relax and see things at a leisurely pace instead of constantly running here and there. 

Tip #1: Since we were there for so many days, we opted to buy the Roma Pass, something I highly recommend (http://www.romapass.it/). It is valid for three days and you are able to get free access into two visited museums and/or archaeological sites of your choice, as well as unlimited access to the city's public transportation (all of the buses and trains), which really comes in handy, believe me :p The Colosseum, as well as Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum are included in this pass (all three are counted as one entrance, which cost about 15€), so after a while the pass pays for itself, and you get to jump the line! The Colosseum is amazing to view in person and reading the signs on the wall about its history just helped me to realize just how much history is within its walls. If you want, there are paid tours available.  


This time of the year is also extremely beautiful. Not only is the weather perfect (never more than 70° F) but there are loads of Christmas lights up and performances happening throughout the city. After making an attempt to go on the free walking tour, but getting the time wrong, we made our way to Trevi Fountain. Just another example of an architectural masterpiece. While there, don't forget to make a wish! Stand with your back towards the fountain and throw the coin over your left shoulder. I didn't know that when I made my wish, but I still hope it comes true nonetheless. According to the tour guide, about 600,000 euros are thrown into the fountain every year and is used to feed the homeless. I'm glad to know that I've at least helped to contribute to a good cause even if my wish is a bust :p


On our third day, we visited a part of Rome known as Trastevere (pronounced Tras-tay-veer-ray). It is really too cute for words and it might have been one of my favorite parts of town, also very different from the other more touristy areas. Little shops, delicious restaurants, and cobble-stoned streets could all be found here. 

Tip #2: The restaurants here are way cheaper than in most other parts in Rome. I ordered an entire pizza for just 3€! I think that if you have the time and desire to see a different side of this city, Trastevere is definitely worth the trip. A beautiful church named Basilica di Santa Maria is also located here. Amazing mosaics and statues adorn the walls and it's a nice alternative to the other more popular churches. I think sometimes great places are overlooked because people would rather visit the more well-known places (which is completely understandable) but sometimes going off the beaten track can lead to some amazing experiences. 

(Inside of Basilica di Santa Maria)

Oh yeah! And also try to make a visit to Janiculum Hill! Breathtaking views and awesome photos await :) 

Ok, so since I know that I've talked and talked a lot, I'll try to sum up the rest of the trip very quickly haha. Visits to Vatican City and the Pantheon were made. 

Tip #3: If you don't buy your tickets for the Vatican online ahead of time, make sure to show up super early! The line can get extremely long and the wait-time could be forever. We made it there fairly early, so we only had to wait about 20-25 minutes before entering. We also didn't get a chance to see the Pope, but it we did receive the opportunity to see amazing the architecture within the Vatican itself. We didn't make it to the Sistine Chapel, but I'm not too bummed out because I hope to make it back to Italy one day. The Pantheon is great as well and it's nice to have been able to seen such an well-known structure in person. 

                                    (The Vatican)                       (The Pantheon)

Overall, Rome is an amazing place to visit, and I truly do encourage every single person who has the desire to travel the world to make it happen. I definitely know that you will not regret a single moment!

~Justine <3 

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Rome, Italy

 

Rome, Italy: The beautiful and historical city that I spent this past week in! More details to come :D

~Justine <3

Sunday, December 4, 2011

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

It's so nice to be able to walk outside at night and see all of the new Christmas decorations that have been put up. All of the lights and the shop windows made to look like winter wonderlands always bring about cheerful, happy memories. I can only imagine what the holiday trimmings back home look like. Can't wait! :)