For the last 11 days my study abroad group have been traveling the historical cities of Spain. We have felt like nomads traveling from home to home. But now we have finally made it to where we will be living or the next 3 and a half months. Madrid. It is a beautiful city with much to do, but it was not until now that I would feel homesick for a few. I though that being from New York City I was invincible concrete jungle right? I grew up with so much diversity that I didn't think I knew what a cultural shock actually means. As soon as I stepped foot into my host moms apartment my heart sank. I finally realized that I wouldn't be visiting my mom, family, friends, and my loved one. I had certain house rules to follow. Electricity is scarce here in Spain. I was too scared to leave the lights on or even plug my charger without the lights going out. The food is not what you are used to. Everywhere you go someone tells you to be careful with pick pocketing, and I am like doesn't think happen in NYC all the time?! It took a series of laughter with friends that turned into tears, and later a talk with my mommy back home to make me feel relieved. I am a big preacher on how if people were more humble this world would be a better place. I thought about all the fun I've been having, all the new friends I have made ( we call ourselves la familia). None of us had phones connected yet so this forced us to look at each other and learn things that we would never expect to learn about each other. We went from just a shy wave to each other to hugging and laughing hysterically till 5 in the morning. On top of being grateful for these people I am grateful to have a home, education, ability to work hard and get here. Here we are complaining that we don't have wifi sometimes, having to take a 10 minute shower rather than 1 hour, leaving all electronics on at the same time. While people here are losing jobs and have little to nothing to eat. After recognizing and appreciating everything I have I am having the time of my life in Spain. I am ready to travel and conquer the world (figuratively speaking)! I want to encourage all future study abroad travelers that it will be hard at first for some and easy at first for others but no matter what you will get use to it and you will love it!!! Be young, learn to try new things and above all be safe and adventurous! Viva Madrid!!
Live. Laugh. Love always!
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