I have stepped out of my comfort zone and into a different country, España! Since my adventure began I have found myself molding into the culture as one would naturally do (especially to avoid the intense stares). I am very much big city-minded and Madrid contains the same hustle and bustle of New York but with a stronger presence of cultural unity. When I first arrived my Spanish was tested tremendously as my
host parents speak little english. To sum things up, I felt like a small child mumbling a bunch of miscellaneous words trying to reach an ultimatum of sorts. As I gain confidence in my Spanish I gain a better sense of confidence in myself.
So far on my journey I have discovered: jamón is to Spaniards as ambrosia is to Greek Gods, cigarettes are almost more accessible than water, and there is no such thing as personal space. Furthermore, my favorite thing in Spain are not the bars or museums, however the people. By observing the people, it’s as if I am in an museum, but instead of viewing subjects behind a thick sheet of glass, I am able to see and learn with tangible interaction. I appreciate Spain and it’s people and it saddens me to think in one more month I’ll be flying home.