Home.

So this post is 113 days late....or well, almost 4 months late. I started this post when I got home on May 9, but I never took the time to finish it. So here is what I had written....and then I'll finish it off...

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I am home, and it was quite the journey getting here. Saying goodbye to Valencia and goodbye to Amparo was hard. Amparo wasn't able to accompany Marli and I to the bus because she had to take the Russian girl (who had arrived on Wednesday) to the hospital since she was very sick. It was a sad goodbye in our bedroom, and Marli and I couldn't stop crying. Since Amparo took the girl to the hospital, Marli and I left the apartment, closing the door behind us. We said goodbye to some friends and the directors at the bus, and then we were on our way to Madrid.

We arrived at the Madrid airport at 3:45am Saturday morning. We made a little "camp" area in the departures area, since most of us didn't have flight until 11 or later. The goodbyes came slowly, one or two people leaving the group--hugs and some tears. Then finally it came time most of the people I was with were checking into their flight, and I needed to get to a different terminal for my flight. It was so hard saying goodbye to those last few people, which included Marli and Megan. They helped me load my luggage onto the bus that would take me to my terminal and then waved goodbye. I checked in and then ate my last bocadillo (sandwich) from Amparo. Going through security was pretty easy and then I headed to my gate. My flight was set to leave at 1:10pm. Then they announced it was delayed...more info in 30 minutes. Then they did that again...and again. The volcanic ash cloud was going to interfere with our flight path, so they were trying to find a new route for the plane. Around 2pm or so, I started freaking out a little, because I just wanted to be home, I had been awake for a very long time, there were no other ISA kids on my flight, and I knew if we were delayed much longer, I would miss my connection to DSM. That was when I encountered a group of grad students from Drake, who had been traveling in Europe for 10 days for a globalized economy class--they "adopted" me and made sure I was doing okay. Finally, they announced that our flight would be boarding and leaving immediately. I rejoiced and happily got on the plane. It turns out we were the LAST FLIGHT they allowed out of Madrid that went to the US, and they shut down that airspace shortly after. Due to the route change, the flight was almost 12 hours. I stayed awake for a while, watching tv shows and movies, but eventually I dozed in and out. I knew I would miss the connection to DSM, and I was just hoping I wouldn't have to spend the night at the Dallas airport.

We arrived in Dallas a little after 9pm, and I met back up with the group of Drake students. We made it through customs, and then we were given "distressed traveler vouchers" for a nearby hotel. Our flight to DSM was scheduled for 7:50 the next morning. I got checked into the hotel...then called my parents and gave them an update on everything. After that, I crashed. It was nice waking up in the morning and being able to shower before going home. We took the shuttle back to the DFW airport and checked in. The Drake group started taking bets on whether or not Collin would be there waiting at the airport with my parents. After going through security, I ate my first bit of American food, which was a cinnamon bagel with cream cheese--I had wanted a cinnamon roll, but couldn't find one. Eventually, we got on the plane and left. Landing in DSM was very surreal, seeing all the familiar places and things as we were landing. It looked so green and just different--I'm not sure what I was expecting, but that wasn't it. Walking from my gate to the arrival area, I got really scared and nervous, knowing that I would be seeing my parents for the first time since December. I was already tearing up before I even stepped on the escalator that led down to the arrival area. Looking down, there were my parents and there was Collin waiting for me. After almost 48 hours of travel, I was home.
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That's what I wrote back in May. I think I was wanting to write more or maybe wanting to edit it. But that's my story of getting home. The transition back to the United States was more difficult for me than when I transitioned to living in Spain. It took 2 weeks before I was able to sleep normal hours--I woke up between 5am-6:30am most mornings. The summer ended up flying by, and now I am back at school. I got back to Luther on Friday, and this is also a transition for me that is a little difficult. I'm remembering why I love Luther so much, but some of it is slightly overwhelming for me right now. There are so many people here, and it feels a little chaotic. I don't recognize half the people on campus, and I realize that I'm a senior, but I don't feel that old. We start class on Wednesday, which will really bring me back to what normal classes are like. Since I finished my Spanish major in Spain, most of my classes are Business Management class, but I added a Spanish class to keep up with my skills. We'll see where the year takes me. For now, this is the end....

More time.

So I wrote that last entry thinking I wouldn't have time before I leave to write more...but it just so happens that I have some more time--so here goes.

I can't believe I'm leaving the place that I've called home for the past 8 months. I've grown more in these past 8 months than any other time in my life, and I am changed from the experience that I had here. I did this thing on my own. I completely left my comfort zone, and I knew that I couldn't look back. It wasn't like going to college, when I was just a car ride away from home--it was a full and complete culture immersion--and I loved it. Yes, there were the good days and the bad days, but I really don't remember much about the bad days.

The people I've met are incredible...every single one of them has a place in my heart. It's so weird that Marli and I are going apart. We've spent this entire time together...when we're home, not going more than 4 hours with out talking to each other (except when we sleep)--and whenever one of us would travel, we always knew the other would be waiting we when got back. Who am I going to tell when my mom sends me a funny email or when something great happens?? She's become one of my best friends--there were ups and downs...but we talked last night and decided we wouldn't have wanted it any either way. We were a good fit for roommates, and it really helped having each other around. We sort of balanced each other out. The group from last semester was like family to me. That's what we were...we came as strangers, became friends, and left as family. I know that if I were to encounter one of them, we would pick up right where we left off. Then this semester the group wasn't close as a whole, but I found a great niche of friends. Jenna, Megan, Allison, Stef, Heather and I made so many memories together. I know that those are girls that I will continue talking to throughout the whole summer and probably the rest of my life. And then there's Amparo...my Spanish mother. I think back about when she first arrived that second night we were in Valencia (since she had been in India)--and she walked in, beso-ed us and said "I am your Spanish mother!!" It was truly a blessing for Marli and I to be placed in her house. She really cares about us. She got really sentimental last night at dinner, and I know that saying goodbye tonight will be hard on all of us.

As for Valencia, I love it here. I'm so happy I picked this place to study abroad. I feel so relaxed here, and I love the vibe the city has. After exploring the city when I first arrived, I got the "vibe" that it was just right--much like the vibe I got when I visited Luther trying to pick out a college. The city is big, and yet it feels small. I loved winding my way through the center--going through each plaza, spending a few quiet moments reflecting in the cathedral, having horchata with fartons during the afternoon, looking at all the produce and meats at Mercado Central. The city is alive during the day and at night. I feel safe here, no matter what hour of the day. On Wednesday, Marli and I went to see the sunrise, and it was just another aspect that made Valencia ever more beautiful to me. I'm leaving a little piece of myself here, and I know that I will come back here throughout the rest of my life. I wouldn't have it any other way.

That's all I feel like writing for now...this will probably be continued later...

Leaving.

Tonight...I'm leaving...getting on a bus to Madrid with the rest of the ISA group...getting on a plane tomorrow and will be back home tomorrow night.

It's weird...I don't really feel anything right now. I don't really understand what's happening. I'm shocked that the time is here. I'm staring at my full suitcases (all 3 of them...oops) and I just don't quite get it. I'm slightly upset right now that I can't find my American cell phone...it has to be somewhere in my stuff..but for now, I can't find it. I need to pack up those last few things and get into my traveling clothes.

Next time I write, it will be from home (unless I get horribly bored in the airport and decide to pay for wifi)....

Hello Finals Week.

Finals week is staring me in the face. It's Monday afternoon, and I just finished my first final in Vanguardia. It was weird saying goodbye to our professor, because it doesn't feel like it should be time to go already--I feel like there is so much more to learn. Tomorrow, I have my Phonetics exam. I also have Cinema tomorrow, where we will get our exam to take home and complete before class on Wednesday. I also have my Lit final on Wednesday. Tuesday night will not be very pleasant for me--having to study like crazy for lit and do my cinema final.

But then I will be done. I think I have to go to Phonetics on Thursday to get our grades back and so our professor can answer any questions, but that won't take too long.
Thursday and Friday will be filled with packing and saying goodbye to places...something I'm considering starting today.

Yesterday was probably my last day at the beach--a day of studying and soaking up some sun. I swam in the Mediterranean twice, and it was amazing. I also swam last Wednesday when I was at the beach with Allison. It's so peaceful--floating in the Mediterranean, the waves rushing under you, pulling you closer to shore. I kept thinking a verse from an ee cummings poem that a girl from last semester really liked. The verse is:

for whatever we lose (like a you or a me)
it's always ourselves we find in the sea

It just makes sense to me. I'm going to miss the sea. It's such a wonderful, relaxing place. Today, Valencia decided to cry since we are leaving this week--in other words--it's raining buckets. Marli said it stormed last night, but I was fast asleep. We saw lightning last night before bed, and it was the first time we had seen lightning since arriving in Spain. Part of me is glad it's raining, it keeps me inside to study. I'm somewhat sickly right now--my allergies started acting up, which has led to sore throat and coughing and whatnot. Not too fun, and it turns out a lot of people in our group are feeling the same way. I hope to feel better by Friday..but we'll see. All for now--time to continue studying before lunch.

An interesting link...

I know I posted a little about the Holy Grail last week (still need to go see that--but today is the day)--but today I found a link of the Valencia Cathedral's website that is pretty interesting. You can read more about the history of the Holy Grail and whatnot...enjoy!

http://catedraldevalencia.es/en/el-santo-caliz_historia.php

Being Mimsey.

During high school, I participated in Large Group Speech. My brother got me started doing it, and I really enjoyed it. During my senior year, I was part of a group ensemble. We performed part of Neil Simon's "Plaza Suite." The part we did came from the third act.

The third act takes place in a suite at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Roy and Norma Hubley's daughter, Mimsey, is set to be married in the hotel that day, but she has decided to lock herself in the bathroom and refuse to come out. I was Norma, and my friend Alex was Roy. The majority of the scene revolves around trying to get Mimsey to come out the bathroom--involving trying to knock down the door, climbing out onto the window ledge, and doing a lot of yelling. She still refuses to come out. Finally, they decide to get her groom, who is patiently waiting downstairs for his bride. He walks into the suite, knocks on the door, says "Mimsey...cool it!" and leaves. 5 seconds later, she walks out of the bathroom and says, "I'm ready now."

I feel like I've sort of locked myself in the bathroom, refusing to come out--not wanting to think about leaving or dealing with everything else with my upcoming departure. But this morning when I woke up, I read 2 emails (one from my parents and one from Collin)--and suddenly I decided "I'm ready now." I'm not quite sure what they said, but I just had a sort of calm come over me. Chances are that I'm going to "lock myself in the bathroom" a few more times before I leave, but for now I know that I'm ready.


That's it for now. I'll probably write some more later...for now I'm going to rest a bit. I think I may be getting sick...or it's just my allergies starting. I'm just hoping I'll feel better by next Friday!!

Seeking the Grail.

I've been making my last list of things to do before leaving, and I realized that I haven't seen the Holy Grail, nor have I written about it.

The Holy Grail is the cup used by Jesus in the Last Supper, and there are about 5 or 6 places in the world that claim to have the Holy Grail. Valencia is one of these places; however, the Holy Grail in Valencia is the only one with Papal approval and the one most historians believe could be the real thing.

So sometime this week, I will be seeking the Holy Grail--much like in Monty Python--except without the coconuts used for horse hooves. It is located in the cathedral in one of the chapels--but you have to pay to get in--and I always happen to be in the cathedral when that area isn't open. I'm excited for my little quest.
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On another note, I got some great news yesterday! I was offered an internship for the summer with the ACS, and I figured out where I'm living next year at Luther. It was a good way to end the day.
I went out for horchata yesterday afternoon, since there was a Luther guy in town visiting (he's currently studying in Nottingham). It was the first time I had "horchata granizada"--which is somewhat like slushy horchata. It was really really good!!
All for now, must get ready for Phonetics!!