Well it has been a great 3 weeks learning Spanish with a great group of people that we all have gotten to know well and if you haven’t well…. you could be missing something great about someone. We each have something great to share deep down as Sarah described very well. I myself have enjoyed my time and experience here and have learned lots of new Spanish communication, culture, people, and experiences. Each moment and photo has a great memory. The last week has been fun and we all have a bit of sadness in us as we think about having to go back to the real world of work, bills, and responsibilities that we have temporarily left behind. Not that we don’t have them here but it sure seems they are so far away and not in the current mind set of worry (for me). One last mini trip this weekend and the 3 weeks have quickly flown by. For me I still have another week in Barcelona with more experiences and then a day in Paris. This study abroad has been a great experience lead by a great inspirational and dedicated professora. I definitely would go to another study abroad program in the future and hope it’s as great.  I learned we are never really too young or old for anything you set your mind to as long as your are motivated with desire.

Week two is coming to an end. A day trip to Segovia via bus. On the ride we all chat it up and swop out sandwiches from our Mamas like grade/middle school. It makes you feel young and reminisce the younger days, though for some of our group it’s much more recent then others. We have a very wide range group of ages and personalities. We have become good friends and learned a lot about each other while learning about a new culture. One thing I find interesting is that appetizers aka tapas are much more inexpensive and different than the US. Another difference is most places have dine in or outside. If you choose to eat outside it’s at a higher price. At first it seemed odd. After two weeks I realize that most places have no AC or just not on. So you’re actually paying for fresh air and the surrounding entertainment which is usually lively. I enjoyed an old folk dance with live drums, a flute and dancers of all ages, a historic college band that got all involved, a real football game, not to mention the numerous people enjoying the evening breeze just loitering about.

Segovia on Saturday was great too, I love castles. Oh what a grand life they live. I had a most delicious freshly made lunch.

Avila on Sunday was also nice. The grand walls and historical city gives a good idea of the historical stories and Saint Teresa’s life. Lots of it was English friendly so I got a great understanding.

Next week begins our final week as our immersion program drawls to a close.

So far away from where you are, miles are tarnished and worlds apart.. and I miss you, yeah I miss you. So far from where you are. Standing underneath the stars, and I wish you were here, so many little things, mean everything to me. No matter wherever you are, shadows or sun lighting up your face, we wish you were here. So many experiences, so many miles, so many people passing your eyes window. We all see experiencing such great memories and we all miss and want to share it and makes us appreciate things more.

Portugal was awesome, great place, weather, sun, people. A city home so similar to ours, yet when’s the last time you took advantage of the magnificent scenery and pleasant water temperature in Florida? Enjoyed it for its positives!

On the ride home you stop and think when you look out far away and see people on the street or a porch, like we would see in our own city when a bus goes by, what life do they live.. as we pass by, we gaze at each other with such strong or so thoughtless to the interaction we have upon each other. Even the simple crossing paths of each others life, whether from miles away as you look out a window on a bus in a new country or sharing a simple experience (lunch, birthday, walk, or class) or even something so serious like life event ( relationship, illness, challenging moment). We all cross paths of someone, somehow and we can all make a profound impact on each other and the world. You never know where your life will lead.

Here begins week two of fully emerged in España with new experiences and my new found family and friends!

As we complete our first week in  the fully Spanish immersion program, we all are speaking and using our rapidly growing vocabulary and grammar skills. I myself, am becoming a new found Football fan, and I don’t mean the typical football of American sorts…where hands, tackles, and touchdowns are used; but the most popular one in Europe and the world; NO longer known as aka Soccer! Call it that, and you’ll for sure get a stare and just perhaps get kicked, not to mention give yourself away as well …..an English speaking American, the other type of football fan.  For the first time I join to support my first game and support my new home away from home. We gather in a small tapas place about a 10min Spain(20min American) walk around the corner to join some other fans as a very long game and intense over time. 0-0, 1-1, 2-2, 3-3… the game goes on, 4-4, 5-5,… the game goes on, 6-6 and finally Spain blocks a goal and the crowd goes wild! One more goal and Spain wins.

The tension and energy is high. They kick, they score…España is the winner, the excitement and energy is awesome!!! To be surrounded by fans of the winning team and biggest sport in all of Europe! Totally awesome.

Esta mañana- aka at American lunch time…., we enjoyed a market tour in the morning with much appreciated courtesy tour of professora  Levin with many new meats, cheeses, pastries, and more stange creatures of the sea! In Espana breakfeast is at 11, lunch 4, dinner 9. At first it seemed odd, later  it made more sense because it’s light until 11ish.

Finished a great week of class and now we are looking forward to a wonderful weekend at the beach! Portugal, here comes SPC!

We all have finally arrived and have completed our first full day of class. A great home away from home with new our families. Many new adventures, memories, experiences to come.  Hasta luego!