Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Remembering My First Day

¡Hola! I hope all is well ^_^

Since I've returned home, my mind sometimes takes me back to my very first day in Spain. I remember getting to the airport back home and telling my mom to leave quickly so that I could put on a brave face for her and also so I wouldn't cry. It was a scary experience, especially since I had never really traveled such a far distance on my own. But I had signed myself up for it and there was no turning back! Once I arrived at the airport on Madrid, the fear of not locating my group in time began to freak me out, especially because I had to ask for directions in Spanish. I assume that they kept telling me to "go downstairs" but at that point my Spanish wasn't very strong and I was clueless as to where they were directing me. Luckily I eventually found where I was supposed to be (thank goodness!) 

Finally arriving in Salamanca (much later than expected because of flight delays of other students in my group) we saw a gathering of older ladies with perfectly coifed hair waiting to whisk us away to our new homes for the next few months. I signed up for a single room, not realizing that my host mother spoke not a word of English (or made it seem so). To say the least, getting into the car with her and someone who I believe she introduced as her brother was an experience that not only filled me with fear but also tested my bravery, I guess you could say.

Luckily I ended up with a host mom who was as sweet as can be and still lived up life by going out daily with her gal pals at the ripe age of 61-years-young (sometimes putting me to shame haha).

Anyhow, I don't remember much else from that day, except suffering from extreme jetlag, but it is a nice memory to relive every once in a while.

~Justine <3

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Some Good News!

About a week ago I received some very exciting news! I can't remember if I mentioned this in a previous post, but the semester that I spent in Salamanca was my final semester of college. I know that may seem weird or even backward because people usually study aboard during their sophomore or junior years, but I had to study abroad when I felt like I was ready (and also because I knew this was my final chance!) 

I only had to finish up a few more credits in the fall, so I thought what better way to do so than in another country? Some sacrifices had, however, had to be made, and one of them was not making it back in time for the fall graduation ceremony (because it took place one week before my return home). Nonetheless, I wasn't fazed because I figured I could graduate the following semester. So now I am home currently interning and eagerly awaiting this momentous occasion.

So to finally get to my good news, all of my credits from Spain have been input into the system and I am officially done with college! The next and final step is graduation, which I now get to participate in with my friends who were set to graduate a semester after me, and then I enter into the real world. It seems slightly daunting from this vantage point, but I think that I am ready to handle all that is thrown my way. Wish me luck!

~Justine <3

Thursday, February 2, 2012

¡Saludos de los Estados Unidos!

Hello all! Just wanted to give a little update on how my life is going now post-Salamanca. I will admit that at first adjusting back to life in the U.S. took a few days. Bigger breakfasts, everything in ENGLISH, different time zone, and an annoying younger brother of course. Despite all of these changes, however, I was glad to be back in my own territory. Being in a foreign land tests your strengths and your weaknesses for sure. Sometimes you have to be able to land quickly on your feet, but that all comes with time. 

Nevertheless, there are times when I am reminded of my adventures abroad and I wish to be walking amongst the cobblestoned streets of Spain once again. It definitely was an experience that has changed my life and has made me view the world in a completely new way. Cliché, I know, but 100% true! I still don't know if I have processed everything that I have done, but I know one day I will look back on it with an unmatched appreciation. Also, returning back home has allowed me to assess just how much Español I've really learned.

Anyhow, I must be saying good night as it is past my bedtime (haha), but I just wanted to say that one thing that I miss so much from Europe is this: 
Yes, I miss the culture, the language, the people, and so much more, but I definitely miss the Häagen Dazs Macadamia Nut Brittle flavor :( This was my absolute fav flavor in the U.S. until it was sadly discontinued. But then I found it once again in Spain. :sigh: If anyone in Spain is reading this, please mail me some asap lol. 
  

Buenas noches!!

~Justine <3