The Return Back To The United States

I must admit, the transition back to life in the United States has been quite different and even challenging at times. Although I am very happy to be home, I greatly miss Spain and all the great rewards of the journey. I look back and think about the friends that I made, the bond with my host family, the great classes, and the culture. I truly miss all of these things and it is a struggle to deal with the reality that I finally am back home. However, spending quality time with my family and friends outweighs the sadness that I have from departing Spain.

When I arrived in New York for my layover, it was a culture shock for me because I was expecting everyone to speak Spanish. In fact, when I talked to a flight attendant, I inadvertently used Spanish because that had become my primary language this summer. The entire trip back home was extremely long and exhausting. I am just now recovering from my jet lag and adapting back to US Eastern time. For a while, I just wanted to sleep in my own bed and reflect on things. Not to mention, I was very stressed with the burden of unpacking all of my luggage as well. Regardless of these obstacles, I am happy and doing very well now.

The most drastic change from Spain back to the United States is definitely the communication. At times, I find myself speaking very quickly or searching for words during a normal conversation. This is something that never would happen to me before, but since I was accustomed to the conversational style in Spain, switching back to the English dialect has been difficult. For example, my mom and I went to the Apple store the day after I returned, and I just couldn't seem to find the right words when talking to the consultant. I was very frustrated, but I am gradually easing back into things.

Surprisingly, I wasn't really as happy as I thought I would be when I first arrived home. I was overwhelmed with many emotions that I just could not handle at the time. I wanted my space so I could gather my thoughts. However, now I am very happy to be back and I am completely satisfied with my experience. My time in Spain this summer was one of the best in my life, and I will definitely treasure the memories forever. Not only did my Spanish-speaking improve, but I feel that I have become a better person as a result of the experience too. My Salamanca Summer is one that I will never ever forget!

Here are a few photos of me unpacking and at the airport:

My First Week Back to Reality

My First Week Back to Reality

A Minor Set-back...
I was jolted back to reality quite prematurely as I nearly missed my plane from Barcelona, Spain to Atlanta, GA. My heart dropped as I came to the realization that my chances of making my plane before departure time were SLIM to none as I raced to my gate. Lo and behold, I had just made it! And then...I got detained. Apparently I had bypassed the passport check-point (unbeknownst to me of course) and airport security was NOT happy about it. So I was escorted back to the passport line and further and further away from my gate. After receiving a lecture from one of the security personnel, I was able to get my passport stamped and high-tailed it back to my gate, which was in the process of being closed off! Looking a HOT MESS, with dried tears on my cheeks and sweating like some kind of large farm animal, I boarded the plane. And, of course, I was the last person to board so I felt the stares of everyone I bumped and shoved while trying to make it to my seat all the way at the back of the plane. WHEW! What a tumultuous beginning to the long journey home. As soon as I sat down, I fell right asleep and slept for the first hour or two of the plane ride as a result of trauma, adrenaline and just pure exhaustion. It's a wonder I made it...

My First Week Back Home:

My first week back in the States has been great! I have definitely noticed some changes in myself but overall, nearly missing my flight made me appreciate home THAT much more! Below is an overview of what I've been up to since Spain!!

Le Petit Zinc

My Mom and I went to this small crepe place in downtown Detroit on Thursday, Aug 12th. It had been there for some time, but I had never heard about it. I was EXCELLENT and I highly encourage anyone interested to check it out! It is called Le Petit Zinc and offers traditional French Cuisine. It reminded me so much of Europe with it's courtyard, fountain, and old world charm. I, of course, had a lemon and sugar crepe and it was PERFECT! Just thought I'd share that with you all.

Chicago!!! One more time!

My brother attended a Sports Journalism camp in Skokie, Il (a Chicago suburb) that ended on Friday Aug. 13th, so for fun my Mom and I decided to drive down Thursday, Aug. 12th and hang out for the weekend. We ate at this cool breakfast place called Yolk, we went to the Chicago Institute of Art and saw great works of art by VanGogh, Monet and Serat, we went to Millenium Park and, OF COURSE, walked down the Magnificent Mile! (Shopping is always a must). All in all I had a great time and it was nice to spend that time with my Mom! Here are some pictures:

Our Hotel: The Palmer House Hilton Hotel, Chicago

Yolk Restaurant (1120 Michigan Ave.)

Strange Statues in Grant Park

Chicago Art Institute (with man in the way)

Garrett's Popcorn! and Me and Mom!!

Golfing

Of course, I had to spend time with my Dad too. So we had a Father-Daughter date and went golfing. That's all we needed to do to make him happy.

Changes

I've noticed a few things that are different now that I have lived in Spain. Below are a few of my observations:

(1) Eating Habits

I eat much smaller portions now. Here in the States, restaurants tend to serve huge meals that I used to be able to scarf down NO problem. Now, either my stomach has gotten smaller or I like the food in the States less, but I can never seem to eat everything on my plate now. I stop when I'm JUST at full, I don't go beyond that point. Also, the food in the States feels much heavier to me now for whatever reason. In any event, my eating habits have definitely changed for, in my opinion, the better.

(2) Still Thinking in Spanish

Even when I was back on U.S. soil, I had such a hard time letting myself speak English. I always jumped to Spanish first, which I guess is a good thing in terms of language retention, but kind of embarrassing when you answer and English-speaker in Spanish. It's faded more and more every day, so I don't really have that problem anymore, but I still do say certain things in Spanish and I still forget the English word of certain things at times.

(3) CanNOT Stop Thinking About Spain/Thinking I'm in Spain

Pretty elf-explainatory. I just forget that I'm back home sometimes and have to remind myself that I am. Sometimes I wish I could do things specific to Spain like go out for tapas or get a Fanta Naranja...or go on a weekend trip somewhere. But I'm definitely glad to be home and that is a blessing I do not take for granted!

Michigan...

Woooooo! Michigan, baby!

Hmm... doesn't quite feel the same, when it's not for Spain. Well... it is not to say that I'm not excited to go home - because I am, and very! Still, I will definitely miss my time in Salamanca.

Honestly, I would have never thought that I could grow attached in so little time. By the time I was walking out of my homestay, my senora was almost in tears. I (emphasis on "I") was almost in tears...

So, what exactly made Spain such an unforgettable experience? Aside from the amazing group of students with whom I shared my experience and the incredible and knowledgeable professors, there was a lot that made me love the Spanish experience. In fact, there is too much to list, here! Rather, I will try to show you!

Madam, need a hand?? (I make myself laugh)

Guernica requests that we only take photos from outside the room.

Is it even real???

These are only a few of the spectacular sites there are to see, in Madrid. Overall, it was an amazing journey, and helped me grow not only in my ability to speak Spanish, but also as a person. I feel that I have consistently stretched beyond my comfort zone, helping me attain a new understanding of the world around me, as well as a new sense of self.

As a final summary of our experiences, I've uploaded a video...

Until next time!

Maurice

Looking Back on Spain

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh-my-gosh! I can't believe my time in Spain has passed by so quickly! Before leaving Spain, all my friends and family told me that this time in Spain is going to change me, and I thought they were being ridiculous. How much can happen in 6 weeks? In short... A lot.

This trip was full of firsts. It was the longest I've ever been away from home, and the first time I've had to travel without the guidance of an adult...well someone above the age of 35. It was the first time I've lived in a hostel, taken a European train, lived with a host family, taken the metro without chaperones, spoken Spanish extensively, been to Portugal, been to Spain, eaten tapas, eaten Spanish food, gotten mugged, made friends from Italy, France, Germany, Denmark, England, Slovenia, and of course Spain, used skype, and much, much more.

I've visited a lot of places in the six short weeks I was in Spain. I had the opportunity to explore Madrid for a day before the program and a day after. It is a beautiful city with lots of history. I took an art history class through the University of Salamanca, and to be honest, I really did not think it would be too interesting. However, my professor was really nice and fun, and there is something about learning about painters from the country your studying in. Also, I went to the Prado and Reina Sofia after the program ended, and I never thought I could have so much time at a musuem, let alone an art museum. Art is so much more interesting when you get to see the actual works you were studying. It was also fun looking at paintings and identifying their painters by the techniques and colors used.

I really enjoyed my time in Barcelona as well. It was just me and a friend traveling there, and the trip made me feel much more confident and independent. It was my first time navigating a city without my parents, adult chaperones, a large group of friends, or, for a period of time, without a map. I also got a good feel of the transportation systems in Spain through the experience. To get from Salamanca to our hostel in Barcelona, we had to take a train from Salamanca to Madrid, a metro from the train station to the airport, a plane from Madrid to Barcelona, a bus from the airport to the metro station, and the metro to our hostel, all with some walking in-between of course.

I have to say, though. My time in Salamanca will definitely be the most memorable. I loved my walk to and from the University. It was so beautiful with all the historic buildings. We saw many cathedrals and churches and famous sites all over Spain, but the cathedrals and all in Salamanca still held their own. All my classes were interesting, and I liked how I was learning things that were actually useful. My host family was great as well. I'm really going to miss Senora. I'm never going to look at another egg or bottle of olive oil the same. They will always remind me of Spain. I'm going to miss all the other students that I've stayed with as well. At times like this I really appreciate facebook.

All in all, this was an amazing, eye-opening experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.

Leaving Spain

As I finish my summer here in Spain all I keep thinking about is how fortunate I am to have had this experience. Before I came all of my friends and family told me that this would be the best summer of my life but I didn't know what to expect at all. I knew it would be great but I didn't expect to have the opportunity to travel to 7 different cities in Spain, I didn't realize that my señora would welcome me as warmly as she did, and I didn't think I'd come out of this with as many new and close friendships that I have now.

When I landed in Madrid airport 6 weeks ago, I immediately felt awkward and uncomfortable. The first spanish conversation I had was with the person at the information desk about bus tickets to Salamanca. She replied very quickly and quietly to my question and I didn't understand her at all. I was so scared that the next 6 weeks would be just as discouraging with me having to ask people to repeat themselves over and over again. However now that's not the case at all. Living here in Salamanca has given me the skills and the confidence to conserve and reach out to the community. I'm really happy that I got over that discomfort because I would not have gone to Madrid or Barcelona and would have missed out on all the incredible experiences.

Living with Sagrario and speaking with her every day was a very valuable learning experience. Everyday at lunch we'd watch the news while we ate and she would explain to me things that we're happening in Spain. That was very helpful to me because it give Sagrario and I more things to talk about then how my day went and I in turn learned a lot about the Spanish culture. Sagrario was amazing to live with. The food was delicious, even when Sagrario served me parrotts, she always provided everything I needed, and took care of me when I was sick. Some of my favorite memories living with Sagrario would include how she calls half the people on television ugly, when I was sick we watched the Girl with the Pearl Earring together, and going out to lunch with her and Luis. I'm truly going to miss her constantly gossiping on the phone with her friends and repeating herself over and over again.

I was also very lucky to have excellent teachers, who made a great effort to make sure that I understood them and that I learned the things that would help me to make the most of my time here. I especially enjoyed History of Art because when I went to the Prado and the Reina Sofia it meant more to seeing the paintings when I know their significance. Cultura Española was also a very useful class because it made me aware of Spanish customs that had I not been aware of would have put me in very uncomfortable situations. I loved my "Learning and Living Abroad" class because it was specifically directed towards teaching us things that would make the home stay more comfortable and places that we should visit that we would not have know about otherwise.

I think I am most thankful for the friendships I made with the people in my program. I didn't know anyone going into this experience and now I have lots of new friends that I share lots of great memories with. For example our bus rides to the excursions, studying for midterms, meeting for dinner, and hearing everyone's stories about their homestays will definitely come to mind when I recall this summer. I'm glad that everyone is a student at U of M as well because it makes saying goodbye less difficult.

And here are some of my favorite pictures that reflect my experience best.

Our welcome dinner. At this point all these people were strangers to me.

First night out with everyone.

Watching Spain become Champions at Corte Ingles.

My birthday with all my new friends

View from Cathedral in Sevilla

The seventh beautiful Cathedral I saw

View from the roof of the Cathedral in Spain

The Erics and I at our group photo

To everyone that read this, thank you and I can't wait to see you again.

El Último Blog

WOW! Is the six weeks almost up already? Well, I guess the saying that time flies by when you’re having fun really is true! It’s very hard for me to write this last blog entry because I have made so many new friends, memories, and travelled so many places, that quite frankly it is overwhelming. I knew that my Summer in Spain would be amazing, but I had no idea that it would be this fun and gratifying. The trip has simply been rewarding in a plethora of ways. My Spanish speaking has improved drastically, I received the experience of living and interacting with a foreign family, and I visited several historical monuments. My Summer in Salamanca will definitely be one that I will never forget, and I am grateful that I can follow up my Senior year at Michigan with such a positive experience.

As I exited the train at the Salamanca train station on June 27, 2010, I had mixed emotions about the journey that I was about to embark upon. Would my host family accept me? Would I like the food in Spain? How would I cope without seeing my family for 6 weeks? All of these questions were lingering in my head. Despite this, I can firmly say that I do not regret my choice to study abroad. I feel that I have become a much stronger, independent person from this experience. Dealing with adversity such as the chaos in Portugal and having to solely use my Spanish to maneuver through situations have all bettered me as an individual. Also, when I arrive back in the States, I will be more appreciative of things such as air conditioning and drinking water. These components are very limited in Spain and I will never take them for granted again!

For me, going to my two Cursos Internacionales classes each day and my Michigan class four days out of the week was very beneficial. The structure of the classroom here in Spain is much different from that in the United States. For example, in my Cursos classes, I learned about the history, traditions, customs, and celebrations in Spain. These things are very applicable and interesting, especially when you are able to travel and see them first hand. When I traveled to Madrid, I saw the “Guernica” after learning about it in my art history class, which enabled me to take much more away from the portrait. Even though these classes were great, my Michigan course was definitely my favorite. The reason for this is because we were never exclusively boggled down to the classroom. We visited tapas, took an excursion to the markets and supermarkets, and toured notable places around Salamanca. The class was very interactive and I enjoyed going each day. Lastly, my agri-business practicum was absolutely amazing! After visiting the ham, cheese, and wine factories, I definitely have a new found appreciation for quality food!

A large part of my experience is this Summer is due to the places that I traveled to on the weekends. When I came to Spain the first time, my family and I only went to Madrid and Barcelona. So this time around, I made it a priority to travel to as many cities as possible. That goal became reality as I was able to visit Sevilla, Granada, Toledo, Madrid, and Lisboa, Portugal. You don’t really know the true value of traveling within a country until you actually experience it. Staying at the hotels in these various places was almost like an excursion in itself, considering the fact that we had time away from our host homes. So, from the extreme heat in Granada, to our super futuristic hotel in Madrid, I will hold these memories with me forever.

The hardest part of my Spanish experience has been saying goodbye to my friends that I have made from other universities. I met people from Florida, Alabama, London, and Indiana. Over the course of the Summer, I became very close with these people after seeing them everyday and going out with them. Just the thought that you may not see these people soon or ever again is very disheartening, but thankfully for modern technology, I can stay in touch with them. Last Friday when my new friends left, I was very sad, but I’m much better now and I have even talked to them since then. The good thing about having a group that is all from Michigan is that we will see each other all the time in the Fall. So, to my other great friends that I have met this Summer, its not goodbye, but rather I will see you later!

In summary, my time in Salamanca has been absolutely amazing. I feel that I have so much more exploring to do, but I know that it is now time to go home and enjoy my family. I have a lot of work and chores to do over the next few days to prepare for my departure, but I am up for the challenge. I want to send a special thank you to my host madre, Mrs. Iluminada for her hospitality, as well as a thanks to all my teachers. You have all contributed to the great time I have had here. So, for today I leave, but for tomorrow, we shall be reunited very soon! Salamanca, Summer 2010, one for the history books!

Final Thoughts and Memories

As I sit in the airport in Amsterdam, it's hard to belive that my time in Europe is finally coming to an end. After almost 12 weeks in this amazing part of the world, I'm glad to say I have learned so much this summer!

When I first borded the plane in Detroit in mid-May, I had no idea what to expect. I had never traveled by myself before and I was very concerned about simply transfering planes and getting to Europe (and with all my stuff!) But somehow I managed...I learned how to use the metro system in some huge cities like Paris and Madrid, how trains and buses work, and more.

When I first got to Spain, I was also very nervous about the host family situation. At first, it felt very akward to basically walk into someone else's home and start living there. I quickly got over this however, and felt very blessed to have been placed with someone amazing like my Señora and her family. Rosa is an amazing person and whenever I see someone cooking tons of food, I will definitely think of her! Her family was also awsome and it was a great experience being there for her family reunion with her family from the Canary Islands.

I also feel very lucky to have been able to take some amazing classes at La Universidad de Salamanca, both with teachers from UM and some from Salamanca. One of the coolest parts of my classes, for me, was meeting people from all over the world. I had classes with students from Brazil, various parts of the United States, China, Japan, France, and more. I also meet many people from all over the world on weekend trips, like people from Germany and the Netherlands. For me, it was also great practice when my professors and classmates did not speak English. It forced me to speak Spanish and not rely on English so much, like I can do during my classes in Michigan. Overall, my classes were great and I learned a ton, whether it be about Spanish art, the government and history of Spain, or the culture of Spain.


Finally, I am really glad I meet such amazing people during my time in Salamanca. I know that when I return to Ann Arbor, I will continue to meet up with my friends from Salamanca and, although it will not be the same as in Spain, we will hopefully continue to live "the dream."

For now, I am back in the States and back to normal life, but I know that one day I will return to Europe, I place that I feel in love with in only 12 short weeks.

¡Hasta Luego!