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.
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 fee
l 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.
l 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.
Anu - I am glad you had the chance to visit the Prado and Reina Sofia after taking your art classes in Salamanca. They are two wonderful museums and no one should visit Madrid without seeing them. As always, a great post summarizing your thoughts!
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