Reflections.

Before coming to Spain, I had drawn a few conclusions as to what the culture in Spain would be like. Sometimes it's hard to see anything other than what you've already made up your mind about. But mostly, I feel like my expectations were right on key. And I received everything from the trip that I could have possibly hoped for.

The culture there is definitely something to experience. The people are loud, ... animated, ... and different. They embrace something else that I can't describe. It's definitely not money. And it's definitely not work. My American mind toils about what else could possibly be important. Or, at the very least, how could you not care about money? I admired this difference. They have something I can't apprehend. Their lives revolve around other things than cash and revenue.

I also loved their appreciation for art and music. From the very first days in Madrid, I noticed immediately how much they embrace art. It just seemed to be everywhere - from street performers to free concerts and constant advertisement for the many theaters in the city. I had read that Madrid, from the earliest of days, had a great appreciation for art but seeing it - made me think how much I miss at home. And the same goes for the history. It was very impacting - to realize how much older Spain and the other European countries are than from America. I think, above anything else, the history really opened my eyes.

I don't know that I'd ever want to spend another month in Spain, but I do have a huge desire to travel back to Europe and see more of the cities and sites. It's different to watch "world news" versus watching the local news at home. Traveling made me feel a lot smaller. And I liked it! There is a lot more to the world and I feel naive for not seeing everything more clearly before.

As for surprise and adventure, I definitely received both of those. My favorite surprise was Flamenco. I almost talked Trey out of going! But I was surprised at how powerful the dance was and how it moved me. If there is one thing that I would do again, it would be to go see Flamenco again. Even though there are a 100 other things that made the trip worth while. I will have many many stories to tell in the future. Ha, maybe not tell them in Spanish, but I’ll be able to tell them.
My Spanish improved tremendously while I was in Spain but I wish I could have stayed longer - to hang onto what I have learned. Even after just one day in Paris, I realized how much I had let slip through my brain. I still have a lot of practice to do!

I can’t say enough good things about the trip. I would recommend that any student should go. Even students that aren’t studying Spanish would be receive a lot of value from traveling overseas and by taking classes with FORSPRO. It was a great program and I hope to be able to do something similar again!