But I Know the Heart of Life is Good.

laurentakesmadrid:

Month 1 Reflection

I honestly cannot even believe that I have already been here for a month. I have been living in a country across the Atlantic Ocean from what I am used to for a whole month now.

The transition honestly could not have been any smoother, I was fortunate enough to have my dad here with me for the first week to help me get settled. A few days before he was set to leave, I quickly became completely terrified over the prospect of being alone and foreign. That feeling quickly changed as I got settled into the routine of things, as my sister had pointed out when she learned that I was getting homesick. I am a creature of habit, a lover and avid fan of routines, therefore her advice could not have been any more perfect.

I have been able to go on some really cool trips and also meet some nice people. I don’t think my Spanish has improved that much yet but I am hopeful that it will get better, I just have to give myself more of a push to really initiate conversation in Spanish. 

I think the greatest thing that I have taken away from this experience is just how fortunate I truly am. I have such a wonderful life and very little of it is due to my own work and actions. I have a wonderful family that is providing me with this incredible experience, who help me out when I am in a bind and who are anxiously reading these blog posts. Not every person can say that they have traveled to Europe, even less can say that they spent a whole semester in Europe and probably even less can say that they did so with very little financial responsibilities. So thank you, mom and dad. Thank you for providing me with this experience. For always giving me the option to do this. For saying that no matter what, it will happen. I also want to thank my sister, I doubt she is reading this but she has been a great aid to me while being here. She checks up on me to see how I am doing and she graciously helped me fix up my resume for internship applications. 

I also have had something verified that I have already known for quite some time and that is that I really love my friends. I have some of the best friends in the world and I miss them to death. I am so excited to see Natalia (who’s birthday is today - 2/22) in 8 days and see the city that she has told me so much about. I do miss being at home and at NC State but I think this change is good because it is helping me understand what I appreciate about those who are close to me.

Lastly, I have realized just how beautiful and intriguing the small things can be. I am a girl on a budget, therefore I do not have all the money in the world to spend doing touristy things. But I have been able to be completely floored and amazed by little things such as architecture. It is incredible to me to be able to live in a country with such a vast history. I am in love with my spanish literature class because I love learning about the history of this country. I love just walking around (especially running) and exploring different areas of Madrid. I love going to my favorite spot (Templo de Debod) and reading a book and basking in the sunshine. I still have a lot more adventures to come but I want to make sure I pay my respects to the city that is hosting me as well.

I think that sums up everything I wanted to say. I never really plan out what I am going to say in these posts because I like the spontaneity of my writing, so my apologies if it seems a little haphazard at times. I am going to read a little bit for class now and then possibly some of Catching Fire then hit the hay. 

Thanks for a lovely month, Madrid.

Now playing: “Switzerland” - Daughter

some thoughts about my study abroad experience thus far.