Oh, the places you'll go...

Day 8

No discredit to the University of Arizona, but I have a sneaky feeling that I will learn more this semester than I have in all my other semesters of college combined. So that's good news, Mom. Our money is being well spent.

One of the main reasons I always insisted on studying abroad was that I knew, as everyone had told me, that it was a once in a lifetime experience. It's truly a chance to take a peek into a different culture, a different world, but not quite from a visitor's perspective nor a native's. The other times I have visited Europe, I felt like a spectator. This time, I feel like the people of Barcelona are letting me in on a little secret.

As I look out my bedroom window at the city of Barcelona, I can see the crane hanging over La Sagrada Familia, a crane that has been building Guadi's unfinished cathedral for over a hundred years. I can also hear the sounds of Spanish children playing futbol during recess at the school next door. These are the things that strike me when I take a moment to breathe and look around - and I've barely even seen more than the Barcelona that's in my backyard. Sure, I sometimes feel panic setting in when I am crammed on the Metro trying to find my way to school or the medical clinic. But, it's these times of near panic that make me realize the other stuff I am learning, perhaps the more important stuff.

In addition to being immersed in a city exploding with a culture and history that make Arizona's look like a baby, I am learning a lot about myself that I didn't know. When I have no other option, I actually can speak a lot more Spanish than I thought. At my doctor's appointment, he was supposed to speak English, but barely did. When he said, in fragmented English, that my Spanish was very good, I probably beamed from ear to ear. I also have Dad's military background to thank for a natural sense of direction. Never before have I felt this independent and self-sufficient. There are people here to help, but if you want something - you need to find your own way. Good life lesson.

I guess since I'm actually here to study, I might as well mention something about that, too. I can't wait to see what my classes have to teach me. My econ teacher is brilliant. One of those rarities who speaks about 8 different languages, each with the accent of a Spanish Sean Connery. My Communication and Global Competence teacher is insistent on creating scenarios throughout the semester that "pop our bubble" and force us out of our comfort zone. And the other three classes are equally as interesting and thought-provoking.

One last quick note: I miss home - a lot. But even though I think of certain people constantly :) I know that this truly is... a once in a lifetime experience, one that will make me way cooler than I already am. haha

Besos y Abrazos <3