So this is it. This was my last day in Pamplona and I leave tomorrow at 6:45 am. It feels so weird to be leaving this place that I have come to feel is another home. It will be hard to answer the standard question, "Oh, how was Spain?" Many people just want to hear "I loved it!" or "It was a great experince!" but it was more than this to me but it is hard to explain it even if I had all the time in the world but I will try.
One of my best days in Pamplona was a Thursday I believe. As I was walking through campus to class I found myself waving at many friends on the short walk. After class I had lunch with my friend Maite and we talked in Spanish for almost two hours. As I walked back home I was stopped by another friend who I had come to know through my Geografia Cultural class. I finally felt that I fit in in Pamplona. I had people that I called my friends and I had daily routines. A semester abroad is not a vacation, yes there may be a lot of traveling but you learn so much and not just about the country you go to but you also learn so much about yourself and where you come from.
I have learned that I love being an American and that I am able to say that I am from the United States. I think everyone has at least some pride in where they come from and I think being proud of your country is a beautiful thing. This semester has opened me to so much more as well. My confidence grows each day as I learn that I am independent and can be successful even in another country with a foreign language. Language is also a beautiful thing.
I think I learn more in 10 minutes of conversation in Spanish than I can learn 4 years studying at a university. I learn about the person, the language, the culture and myself. There are just so many different meanings to words in other languages that translation cannot portray. It is so hard to describe this experience of how learning Spanish has taught me so much about others and myself but I wish everyone could understand it. I hope just by being around me you can all learn a little of what I have experienced while I was away.
This semester has flown by but it was an opportunity that I am absolutely grateful for from the 2€ chocolate con churros special to the special bonds that I have formed with the people in Pamplona. I wish I could thank everyone that I have come in contact with here in person and also all of you because this all makes up part of who I am. I feel like I learn so much from observing others. I love running in other countries because I get to see the daily life that many tourists miss at that look at the huge attractions. I get to see the not so pretty part of town but I also get to see the hidden secrets that make the town who it is. I wish I had better means to talk about this and show you but you can all let your imaginations wonder as you look through pictures and try to interpret the meaning behind it all.
I was thinking about making a list of things that I would miss and things I am grateful to have again but I think I might do that later when it all sets in. I also might write more about my time here when I really get to think about it. It is so much for me to really reflect on. Thank you all for reading about my adventures here even if some days weren't so adventurous. Check next week because I think I will write one last post when I get home.
Adios Espana! Eres muy maja.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
5/13/10
These are my last few days in Pamplona and sadly they are being monopolized by the need to study for my exam to study. I was pretty unlucky to have an exam the day before I leave although it shouldn't be too challenging. I have also been cleaning and packing as ways to procrastinate. The problem with this exam is that a lot of the material seems like common sense but the text is 75% of my grade so I should be a little worried about it. I wish I hadn't had a week before were I didn't have to do anything. I would really like it to be summer already even though it will be bitter sweet to leave Pamplona.
I am really ready to get home to some nice weather. Today it was a cool 50 some degrees. It was kind of sunny for most of the day but the temperature was a little low for May/ I would like it to be hot and beach weather. I guess the iffy weather keeps me inside and studying though.
Tash, Angela and I went for chocolate y churros one last time at Rumbos. They didn't have the 2€ special anymore which stunk it was still worth it though! I really want to open up a churreria and sell chocolate con churros. I am pretty sure American culture would accept it with open arms.
Anyway I really don't have anything super exciting to report. These last few days are all about packing, cleaning and just finishing up anything else before I leave. I will have a very sentimental post/reflexion tomorrow though I promise!!
Un beso enorme
I am really ready to get home to some nice weather. Today it was a cool 50 some degrees. It was kind of sunny for most of the day but the temperature was a little low for May/ I would like it to be hot and beach weather. I guess the iffy weather keeps me inside and studying though.
Tash, Angela and I went for chocolate y churros one last time at Rumbos. They didn't have the 2€ special anymore which stunk it was still worth it though! I really want to open up a churreria and sell chocolate con churros. I am pretty sure American culture would accept it with open arms.
Anyway I really don't have anything super exciting to report. These last few days are all about packing, cleaning and just finishing up anything else before I leave. I will have a very sentimental post/reflexion tomorrow though I promise!!
Un beso enorme
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
5/11/10
We hadn't had a decent day for about 2 weeks until yesterday. It was sunny and pretty warm. Angela, Tash and I went to Old Town around midday to go souvenir shopping. We went into a few and bought one or two things each like key chains and t-shirts. After the shopping we went and sat outside in the main plaza. I had a coffee and Angela and Tash had a pintxo and wine. We sat outside there for maybe an hour and a half. Eventually we walked around some more and were taking pictures then Tash had to go pack for her trip to Morocco. We walked back and I had to say goodbye to her. Angela and I then went to the grocery store to pick up a few things. Then we had a late lunch and took a nap outside. After awhile it got pretty chilly so we came back in. We spent most of the evening in the apartment but then we went for a drink with some people who are still in Pamplona to this bar called House of Beer. They have a decent sized list of beers from several countries. I tried one from Belgium I think that tasted kid of sweet. It is a really cool bar. We stayed there until 1:30. I couldn't believe it was that late but it was nice to get out with some people.
Today I slept in because I didn't fall asleep until pretty late. I started getting some of my room straightened up and ready to go. I turned to studying for a little too. I heard a knock at the door around 1 and it was Tash. Her flight had been canceled by Ryanair because of the volcano. It was nice to have her back but it stinks she couldn't go on her trip. I went for a run a little while after. It was semi-nice out even though the forecast said a chance of rain. The afternoon/evening turned out to be sunny. I was not expecting that. We didn't really take advantage of the unexpected nice weather seeing as we went to a cafe for coffee and some people had ice cream. We came back and stayed inside as well. I think we are all in lazy moods since we don't have classes to get up for or anything and no one is really here. I did make a nice dinner though! There was talk about going to Old Town tonight but it is almost 11 and we haven't made much effort to get outside.
Hasta ahora!
Today I slept in because I didn't fall asleep until pretty late. I started getting some of my room straightened up and ready to go. I turned to studying for a little too. I heard a knock at the door around 1 and it was Tash. Her flight had been canceled by Ryanair because of the volcano. It was nice to have her back but it stinks she couldn't go on her trip. I went for a run a little while after. It was semi-nice out even though the forecast said a chance of rain. The afternoon/evening turned out to be sunny. I was not expecting that. We didn't really take advantage of the unexpected nice weather seeing as we went to a cafe for coffee and some people had ice cream. We came back and stayed inside as well. I think we are all in lazy moods since we don't have classes to get up for or anything and no one is really here. I did make a nice dinner though! There was talk about going to Old Town tonight but it is almost 11 and we haven't made much effort to get outside.
Hasta ahora!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
5/9/10
Today I had to say goodbye to Peri and Isa. It feels so strange to say goodbye to people that I have seen everyday for the past 4 or 5 months and have shared this unique and amazing experience with. Pamplona feels so empty already. Many exchange students that I know have gone traveling for a week or so and then plan to come back to Pamplona to leave for home. Right now it is just Angela, Tash and I but Tash is leaving tomorrow night for Morocco. I am glad that Angela will be here until my last day so I don't have to be alone.
So today was pretty much just hanging out and enjoying the last day with Peri and Isa. It rained off and on today so we couldn't really do much outside and on Sunday it seems that all of Spain likes to be as lazy as possible. I did go to an English mass with my friend Maite who studied a semester at WJ. We were going to do something after but she had to study for an exam with friends. We are hopefully going to meet for lunch or something this week.
Tash and I got burgers at a bar right across the road. They were huge and good. I am so tired of cooking and you can probably tell as I keep writing about eating out. I did make some fried rice today which turned out alright. I don't have much food left but I don't want to buy more since I only have 5 days left. I think I am living off of pasta for the next week.
I am excited for tomorrow because Angela, Tash and I are going to Casco Viejo/Old Town tomorrow to walk around. Tomorrow is supposed to be a nice day amongst many rainy days so we are trying to take advantage of that plus we haven't done much lately.
Feliz dia de madre!
So today was pretty much just hanging out and enjoying the last day with Peri and Isa. It rained off and on today so we couldn't really do much outside and on Sunday it seems that all of Spain likes to be as lazy as possible. I did go to an English mass with my friend Maite who studied a semester at WJ. We were going to do something after but she had to study for an exam with friends. We are hopefully going to meet for lunch or something this week.
Tash and I got burgers at a bar right across the road. They were huge and good. I am so tired of cooking and you can probably tell as I keep writing about eating out. I did make some fried rice today which turned out alright. I don't have much food left but I don't want to buy more since I only have 5 days left. I think I am living off of pasta for the next week.
I am excited for tomorrow because Angela, Tash and I are going to Casco Viejo/Old Town tomorrow to walk around. Tomorrow is supposed to be a nice day amongst many rainy days so we are trying to take advantage of that plus we haven't done much lately.
Feliz dia de madre!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
5/7/10
I forgot to post last night because we went to a going away party thrown by the international relations department for all of us. It was early too, around 10. They had a slide show which a lot of people sent in pictures for. It was really cute and I think just about everyone liked it. Hopefuly it will be put on youtube so we can watch it over and over. There were a few tears from some but overall it was a fun night. We went out after that. The slide show was held in a bar though. It was a fun last night out with everyone!
Earlier in the day I didn't do too much. The most productive thing I did was go for run. There was a little nicer weather yesterday but by the afternoon it was raining off and on. The rest of the day I just hung out in the apartment.
Today is Peri's and a few more other peoples' last day. I think there was talk about going out to eat to the Moroccan place again. Also I think Angela, Isa and I are going to go to this famous bakery in old town today. I hope it is open. This will be the last time I see Isa too. It is a sad day but it has been a wonderful experience!
Earlier in the day I didn't do too much. The most productive thing I did was go for run. There was a little nicer weather yesterday but by the afternoon it was raining off and on. The rest of the day I just hung out in the apartment.
Today is Peri's and a few more other peoples' last day. I think there was talk about going out to eat to the Moroccan place again. Also I think Angela, Isa and I are going to go to this famous bakery in old town today. I hope it is open. This will be the last time I see Isa too. It is a sad day but it has been a wonderful experience!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
5/6/10
Yesterday Peri and I had a to do list that started off with sleeping in which was accomplished. We both thought we earned it after exams and everything. Our friend Ciara came over a little later and then Angela came back from an exam. Once everyone was there we went out to the mall. One last shopping trip together before we all leave. I am really curious to see if the trends here are in style back home. Cultural diffusion?? We were there for a good while. We grabbed an early dinner as well before we left.
When we got back to our neighborhood we went to the grocery store and another store for things for a cinco de mayo party. We invited a bunch of people over last night to hang out and just have fun before everyone goes. It was a good thing we got everyone together last night because people left today already and some more people are leaving this weekend. It feels so weird that this experience is coming to an end. It is hard to explain but I guess the main thing is that I won't see the majority of these people again. That is a really pessimistic version of it but it is reality. I just have to make the effort to stay in touch with them.
This morning I had breakfast and ran sometime after that. I hadn't run in a few days due to studying and a continuous bad weather streak in Pamplona. The 10 day weather forecast has only one shining sun and that is on May 15th...the day I leave. There was a little bit of sun today but the high barely reached into the 50s. My hands were freezing on my run and all I could think is this is ridiculous it is May but it is Pamplona. Pamplona weather is always ideal. I definitely am ready for some summer weather!
I didn't do much else today. I took a nap, which I haven't done in a long long time here, even though it is built into the Spanish day. Oh I cleaned our apartment since it was pretty messy from everyone being here. Other than that it has just been a lazy kind of day.
Feliz seis de mayo!
When we got back to our neighborhood we went to the grocery store and another store for things for a cinco de mayo party. We invited a bunch of people over last night to hang out and just have fun before everyone goes. It was a good thing we got everyone together last night because people left today already and some more people are leaving this weekend. It feels so weird that this experience is coming to an end. It is hard to explain but I guess the main thing is that I won't see the majority of these people again. That is a really pessimistic version of it but it is reality. I just have to make the effort to stay in touch with them.
This morning I had breakfast and ran sometime after that. I hadn't run in a few days due to studying and a continuous bad weather streak in Pamplona. The 10 day weather forecast has only one shining sun and that is on May 15th...the day I leave. There was a little bit of sun today but the high barely reached into the 50s. My hands were freezing on my run and all I could think is this is ridiculous it is May but it is Pamplona. Pamplona weather is always ideal. I definitely am ready for some summer weather!
I didn't do much else today. I took a nap, which I haven't done in a long long time here, even though it is built into the Spanish day. Oh I cleaned our apartment since it was pretty messy from everyone being here. Other than that it has just been a lazy kind of day.
Feliz seis de mayo!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
5/4/10
It completely slipped my mind to blog yesterday because I have been studying nonstop for a week straight or at least it feels like it. I will as much of a detailed recap as I can...
Yesterday I said goodbye to Helen quite early in the morning before I had to leave for my exam. I predicted to Angela and Tash that my prof was going to be late meeting me because he is so typical Spanish it isn't even funny. He was fifteen minutes late but fine because I anticipated this. I had one essay question to write on and my topic was the collapse of the Soviet Union. I basically over studied and didn't think that would be a possible question but I think I did well and he will see that I know the history around everything. After I took that I came home and relaxed a little and got some studying in. I had class at two but it was only presentations that were optional. After class it was mostly studying again. The weather here is really terrible but I guess that helps you focus instead of it being beautiful out and just wanting to enjoy the weather. Anyway I studied for most of the night and went to bed.
I had geografia class today. The prof lectured on a topic that won't be on the test so we all basically sat mindlessly through it. I really like my professor in that class, it's just the topic was kind of boring. I got back and wait for it....studied!! Finally I went at four to take the exam. I am so glad that it is over with!! Two of three finals are out of the way and the last final should be a breeze. Plus I have plenty of time to study for my last one. Hopefully I will find motivation to still work when all I will want to do is well anything else!
Peri made curry tonight for us all spur of the moment. We all pitched in the ingredients and it turned out ok for a last minute thing. I am really getting tired of cooking. I just make the same things which is my fault but I don't feel like buying all kinds of ingredients. I just want my mom to cook for me or swipe at the commons. I am glad that this experience really forced me to depend on myself. I think it is advantageous to live on your own before you graduate.
I am soo tired now and am really looking forward to sleeping in like the Spaniards. Peri and I have a bunch of things to do tomorrow though because we are hosting a Cinco de Mayo party. Forget the irony of the location, we just need an occasion to celebrate. By the way, I rejoiced when I realized tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo and Peri and Tash ( from England and Ireland respectively) had no idea of any significance to the date. Such a silly idea that Americans use the day as a means to party and drink when it isn't even the true Mexican independence day. Oh well Cinco de Mayo is just fun to say.
Un beso gordo
Yesterday I said goodbye to Helen quite early in the morning before I had to leave for my exam. I predicted to Angela and Tash that my prof was going to be late meeting me because he is so typical Spanish it isn't even funny. He was fifteen minutes late but fine because I anticipated this. I had one essay question to write on and my topic was the collapse of the Soviet Union. I basically over studied and didn't think that would be a possible question but I think I did well and he will see that I know the history around everything. After I took that I came home and relaxed a little and got some studying in. I had class at two but it was only presentations that were optional. After class it was mostly studying again. The weather here is really terrible but I guess that helps you focus instead of it being beautiful out and just wanting to enjoy the weather. Anyway I studied for most of the night and went to bed.
I had geografia class today. The prof lectured on a topic that won't be on the test so we all basically sat mindlessly through it. I really like my professor in that class, it's just the topic was kind of boring. I got back and wait for it....studied!! Finally I went at four to take the exam. I am so glad that it is over with!! Two of three finals are out of the way and the last final should be a breeze. Plus I have plenty of time to study for my last one. Hopefully I will find motivation to still work when all I will want to do is well anything else!
Peri made curry tonight for us all spur of the moment. We all pitched in the ingredients and it turned out ok for a last minute thing. I am really getting tired of cooking. I just make the same things which is my fault but I don't feel like buying all kinds of ingredients. I just want my mom to cook for me or swipe at the commons. I am glad that this experience really forced me to depend on myself. I think it is advantageous to live on your own before you graduate.
I am soo tired now and am really looking forward to sleeping in like the Spaniards. Peri and I have a bunch of things to do tomorrow though because we are hosting a Cinco de Mayo party. Forget the irony of the location, we just need an occasion to celebrate. By the way, I rejoiced when I realized tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo and Peri and Tash ( from England and Ireland respectively) had no idea of any significance to the date. Such a silly idea that Americans use the day as a means to party and drink when it isn't even the true Mexican independence day. Oh well Cinco de Mayo is just fun to say.
Un beso gordo
Sunday, May 2, 2010
5/2/10
I can't believe that it is May already. I officially am under two weeks until I get home. I just have to get through a few exams first. I am glad that I will be getting two over with in the next two days. It will be nice to have them over with so that I can enjoy the rest of my time here. My last final is the day before I leave which kind of stinks but it shouldn't be too hard at all so I don't mind that much.
This weekend has pretty much been a marathon session of studying. Yesterday I think I studied basically straight from 11 to 4. Around 6 we went to la ciudadela because someone had organized a botellon which is just when a group of young people gather in the park or whatever to socialize and usually drink. People were signing shirts and other things because many people are leaving very soon. It is so weird to think that this experience is coming to an end and that there is a good chance that I will never see the majority of these people ever again. It will be worth the goodbyes though in the end. I stayed at the botellon until about 9:30. I think it went until about 11 but I wanted to get back so I could study a little more, eat dinner and go to sleep early.
Today I laid in bed for a little longer than I was planning because I was not looking forward to immediately studying. I did manage to finally get up and be productive though. Around 2 I went for a nice run even though the weather wasn't very nice. I think we have a cold front until next weekend. Angela and I went for kebabs for dinner. I chatted with Helen a little because today is her last full day here. Then I returned to studying. I think I am ready for my econ exam tomorrow though so now I am just avoiding studying more. I have to get up early tomorrow so it is going to be an early nigth.
Besitos!
This weekend has pretty much been a marathon session of studying. Yesterday I think I studied basically straight from 11 to 4. Around 6 we went to la ciudadela because someone had organized a botellon which is just when a group of young people gather in the park or whatever to socialize and usually drink. People were signing shirts and other things because many people are leaving very soon. It is so weird to think that this experience is coming to an end and that there is a good chance that I will never see the majority of these people ever again. It will be worth the goodbyes though in the end. I stayed at the botellon until about 9:30. I think it went until about 11 but I wanted to get back so I could study a little more, eat dinner and go to sleep early.
Today I laid in bed for a little longer than I was planning because I was not looking forward to immediately studying. I did manage to finally get up and be productive though. Around 2 I went for a nice run even though the weather wasn't very nice. I think we have a cold front until next weekend. Angela and I went for kebabs for dinner. I chatted with Helen a little because today is her last full day here. Then I returned to studying. I think I am ready for my econ exam tomorrow though so now I am just avoiding studying more. I have to get up early tomorrow so it is going to be an early nigth.
Besitos!
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