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