What I Will Miss Most....

So I was talking to my sister yesterday, and she asked me, "So what are you going to miss most about Spain?"

She raised a great question and I pondered my last 4 months in Spain....Had it really already been 4 months? Am I leaving Spain in just 5 weeks?

But at the same time, it seems like years ago since I've been in Chicago, back at school...so here are some of the things I thought about as I really analyzed my sister's question:

My life here.

I have a different way of life now, I’ve changed a lot. I am so independent and able to do whatever I want without consulting anyone or thinking about it too much. Life is simple here. I hardly look at the clock, I’m much more laid back, and I don’t even always wear makeup like I used to….

My family here.

I love my Senora and Roberto because they are so kind and open to have me in their house. Of course, I miss my real family at home, but here is different. I have a brother I’ve never had….We go out together and he lets me hang out with him and his friends. My Senora smothers me with kisses on the check telling me “Que guapaaaaa” nearly every day.

My classes here.

I love my classes because every class is relaxed and taughy by Spaniards who have a lot of passion for what they teach. They aren’t just teaching for the money, but to educate us. I find the teaching to be much different than the U.S.

My travels here.

I am literally able to pack up and leave any moment, Thursday thru Sunday. I can hop on a bus to the beach and either find a hostel or take a late bus back. I am so lucky to say that I’ve been to Italy and Portugal (and Spain)….and going to France. I’ve done my share of traveling within Spain as well. I have learned so much about global perspectives on life and can understand and have a more intelligent conversation with someone from another country.

My new friends here.

I have made friends from Barcelona, Granada, Canada, Australia, other parts of the U.S., Denmark, Norway, France, Portugal, etc…We all come from different walks of life but somehow manage to blend well. We all exchange info in hopes that maybe we can meet again. I hope this isn’t the end of my travels in life. It’s hard to make such strong ties with people and know that I may never see them again. Although my Spanish friend, Pilar, is coming to Chicago in June! :)

My eating habits here.

Okay, so picky Heather is no longer picky. I know that seems odd, but its true. On my holiday in Portugal, I tried bacalhaou, a type of fish, anchovies, salmon, and hummus. I usually eat everything my Senora gives me with the exception of a couple things. If something has onions on it, I no longer cringe and push it away immediately. In addition, I LOVE tapas, when you get food with a drink, the Spanish tortilla, jamon York, postre de nata, sangria, café con leche….

My nightlife here.

In Spain, they have a saying about how they don’t wait until the weekend to go out and have fun. Now, Spaniards, they really know how to enjoy themselves while still acting classy. Going out for tapas on a weekday is the norm. One night, I was out with friends and going to come home because I had class the next morning at 8:30AM. My friend, Victor, said, “Heather, you’re in Spain,yes? Maybe you are here for the only time in your life so enjoy it and make the most of it. It’s only class on the morning.” Victor has literally the mentality of any Spaniard I have encountered.

My Spanish of course.

I will miss learning about the language and culture of Spain. I find it so intriguing and feel like I have really bettered my Spanish. I came here and was a Spanish speaker of very few words. I have learned to communicate better and hope to use Spanish in my life once I return to the States. Spanish is something that is important to me now, and I like knowing that I can communicate with people in two languages. When my parents came to visit, I enjoyed playing translator when they didn’t understand something.

I don’t say this to offend anyone, but I think my thoughts and perspectives have changed a lot. I’m like a hippie, I love life and making the best of it. I feel like people in the US are so much more close-minded now that I’ve seen the US from outside-in. This is absolutely an experience I will never forget.

Miss and love you all.