Today’s my last day in Spain, so I decided to walk around Alcala this morning to contemplate and reflect on the past 4 weeks that I’ve spent here. Unfortunately, my inner deeps thoughts were interrupted by the crying of babies, a man playing an accordian on the street, and construction in Plaza de Cervantes, where I was hoping to sit quietly. But I guess this is Alcala, what more could I expect? Life doesn’t stop for me. I have gotten used to the rhythm of life here in the past month, and it is hard to leave. So many places I walk by, catching one last glimpse of, hoping that someday I will see them again. But life moves on, and I can hardly ask it to slow down for my sake.

But here are a few places where I have the greatest memories of Alcala . . . they are only a snapshot of my time here, but outline one of the best months of my life.

**Universidad de Alcala de Henares** Yeah so . . . I had to actually go to class here. But I came to appreciate my classes, the quirks of my two professors, Saturnino and Yolanda, and in the end, learned a little bit more that I expected. I will miss the really good coffee con leche in the vending machines, the daily battle to find a computer where the internet works, and the courtyard outside where people actually sat and talked between classes.

**The Can Can** True, I only went to this dance club once, but it was one of my best times here. When I say dance club, I should just say bar, because none of the young people here actually dance. It’s kind of weird. But we danced anyway, and the during the one song that did have an awesome beat, I had a dance off with 2 guys. Not a clear winner, but I’m optimistic.

**McDonalds** Before you judge, I have to say that the only thing that I actually ever bought at McDonalds was the Magnum McFlurries. If you’ve ever had a Magnum ice cream bar, you will understand then why I went to McDonalds at least once a week. There was this one girl who worked there who always put extra chocolate on the McFlurry, so we always strategically went when she was there. There really is an art form to these things people. Oh so wonderful!

**La Media Pinta** This place wouldn’t really be fun if it wasn’t for the exchange students who packed the place every Tuesday night. I did hear “Infinity” for the first time here, which continues to follow me throughout the clubs of Spain. And then there’s the #5 bus stop outside of La Media Pinta, where when our legs where just about to give out, we got a bus ride home. Best 1 Euro you will ever spend.

**Indalo** Best tapas and sangria in Alcala. enough said.

**La Plaza Cervantes** The Plaza was the first place I saw when I arrived in Alcala, and little did I know how much of a centerpiece it is to Alcala. Because it’s so hot, everyone in town waits till the sun goes down at about 10pm, then heads to the Plaza to socialize. There are literally men and women of all ages around the plaza all night, and it really made me cherish the fact that people here love spending time with one another. It’s a place to celebrate not only fiestas and special occasions, but to simply celebrate the day. Spaniards celebrate life . . . everyday.

**Kebab Pasha no. 17** We walked by this Kebab place everyday for 3 weeks before finally deciding to try it for dinner one night. What a good choice! After we ate there, the waiter realized that we walked by everyday, and started to wave at us everytime he saw us. We kinda laugh about it now, but are happy to have met some new friends at the Kebab place. yum!

**La Casa de Maria** Living with my host mom, Maria, was an experience within itself. In the words of my roommate, it’s like living in a Spanish soap opera. I love it. I will miss everything from freshly cooked Spanish meals everyday . . . to looking at all the beautiful dresses that Maria sews . . . to watching El Diaro on tv in the living room, trying my hardest to figure out what exactly was going on in the show! Maria opened up her home and her family to us in ways that we will forever be grateful for. Le quiero a la casa de Maria!

Snapshots done . . . it’s time for one last Spanish Siesta. Or maybe not my last, I fully plan on utilizing siestas back in the states. Next post will be back in Norman, and that’s a whole other experience . . .

As I sit in my room, procrastinating research for two papers, I realize that I haven’t written anything about the weekend trips I have taken while being in Spain. We have class Monday through Thursday, so the weekends are all ours to explore the wonder and magic of Spain (sound like a travel book?). During my month here, I have been to Madrid, Segovia, Pamplona, San Sebastian, and Valencia. So here is a re-cap, I will try and add some good stories in there too!

Madrid – The capital of Spain reminds me a lot of New York City. There seem to be people from every part of the world, and tons to do. There is even Retiro Park in the city that reminds me of Central Park. My best memory from Madrid so far was the 4th of July. I remind you that Spain does not celebrate the U.S.’s independence day, so it should have been any regular day. However, on that day was one of the biggest gay pride parades in Europe. There were tons of people in the city, and we decided to make a day of it. So we went to Retiro Park, and rented out a little rowboat for the “lake.” It was the best we could do! Then, we headed to the Reina Sofia and checked out some Picasso and Dali paintings. I highly recommend it. Next was the parade, then we went out for tapas all night. FYI . . . if you don’t know what tapas are, find out soon, it will change your life. So as you can see, Madrid was pretty great, and in case anyone from the Olympic Committee is reading this, please pick Madrid for the 2016 Olympics!

Segovia – My favorite thing about Segovia was the lack of tourism. It was a beautiful little Spanish town complete with cathedrals, a castle, a Roman aqueduct, and world famous ham (which we were too poor to try). I am still amazed by the aqueduct, I don’t quite understand how the Romans did it. So so great.

Pamplona – Ok here’s the big one. San Fermin, the celebration of the Running of the Bulls, happened while we were here, so of course we had to go. hmmmmm. The experience was definately once in a lifetime. First of all, for one week straight, the city never really sleeps (at least not at night). The run happens at 8am every morning, so people stay up all night partying, watch the run, then you see tourists sleeping in parks and bus stations during the day. So what else do curious exchange students do but go? No worries, we only went for one night. So we explored, danced, took tons of pictures, then got our seats on the fence for the run. 8am comes and the run starts. It really is a sight beyond belief, however, we experienced the brutal reality of the run. A few feet in front of us, we saw the man who was gored by a bull, and we later found out that he didn’t make it, sending us into a huge reality check. So many things we do in life take huge risks, so I found myself asking, what risks are worth it and what are not? I know what’s worth it for me.

San Sebastian - aka paradise. San Sebastian actually reminded me alot of South Africa, with the beautiful mountains next to a raging ocean. It was breathtaking. It was also interesting being in a country where the native Basque people look nothing like the Spaniards, and their language is completely different. Yet, they are a part of the country and live right next door! It is amazing how a people group can be so isolated as to never completely evolve to its surroundings. There are so many places like this around the world, where people groups have kept their culture and language, regardless of the movement of culture and change around them. I learned that truth going to Albania a few years ago, where the language has its own branch on the Indo European language tree! You just realize how precious culture and tradition really are in a people group. Besides that . . . the beaches, the mountains, and the people are all beautiful. Just be careful where you look on the beaches . . .

Valencia – Oh what a beautiful city! Our friend hosted us for the weekend, so she and her mom took us on a tour of the city. The city was built on top of Roman ruins, so many of the buildings have glass floors, where you can look down into the foundation and see the ruins. We explored all the cathedrals, and journeyed around the old part of town before stopping for some Paella for lunch. For you food lovers, Paella is a rice dish with some amazing flavor that is very unique to Valencia. It is cool because they cook it in this HUGE pan, so there is so much! Speaking of food, I learned how to make my own tapas, so get ready Norman for some Spanish invasion. Of course, there was the beach in Valencia, and tons of nightlife. I think the best part though was being able to experience with city someone who has lived her whole life there. We really felt at home, and I realized how important it is to be around people that you love. Aside from the beach, the history, the clubs, and the tourism, it’s all about who you experience it with!

Somehow I always end up a little sentimental, but no pasa nada, life is good. Coming home soon, and that is going to be another journey in itself. But for now, I better get to writing those papers! Hasta luego!

Traveling through Spain and Italy the past month, I have encountered young people, just like you and me, from all over the world. In hostels, I’ve met people from Germany, The Netherlands, Russia, Iran, and tons of Aussies in San Sebastian! They don’t always travel in groups either. In fact, I have encountered a few people who have spent the last month or more traveling completely alone. For a community freak like me, that seems close to impossible! It’s a way of life here. Backpackers have perfected traveling, mastering the art of cooking in hostels, navegating through unfamiliar public transportation systems, and living on few clothes and necessities for months at a time.

The one thing that stands out the most about backpackers though, is how many of them are NOT from the States. Yes, there were the few I met from Wisconsin or Texas, who were visiting family or had just finished a school overseas program, but I have found few who have crossed the pond, simply to explore the world. In this sense, we are so different from the rest of the world. In fact, in places like Norway and Australia, they are encouraged to take a year off either after high school, or even in the middle of their time at university just to travel. It is simply a fact of life to them to travel while they are young.

So why are we so different? I’ve heard the argument that the U.S. is just so big, there is too much to see even in our own country. Well I’ll take that, but I ask you, when’s the last time you put your life on hold for a year, even to travel our own country? Well I haven’t. So it must be something deeper. Going back to a point from an earlier post, it is so apparent that we are just so driven in the States to “succeed” in so many things, we just don’t have the time to travel. Plus, it’s just not smart to not try and get a job right after school, what are we crazy? World travel doesn’t exactly look good on a resume. It kinda just makes us look flakey and uncommited. Ok, I’m being a little overdramatic, and I realize the importance of school, jobs, and other commitments we have in our lives. Of course it is important to invest and commit to the lives we lead in the States.

I think what I’m trying to get at is that I think in a way, we really are missing out. I think about a Dutch girl I met in an Italian hostel, who spoke about 4 languages and was traveling completely alone for about 2 months. She probably knew more about herself, life, and the world, than I will in my lifetime. In the 24 hours that I spent with her, we shared a common love to conquer the mysteries and wonders of this world. It was really inspiring and made me want to discover even more. Over the past few weeks overseas, I’ve faced the realities of my own life. I’ve had to realize who I am, what I want, and what I stand for. There is no escaping yourself when you travel. You can’t hide behind work, friends, school, or anything else that keeps us perfectly busy. It’s not a bad thing though–it’s completely refreshing. In the end, I like to think that I’ve grown into more of the person I want to be.

Traveling is probably not the same for everyone, but I dare you to go ahead and try it. I would love to see hostels filled with more backpackers from the states, experiencing the world in which our own country has so much influence. I guarantee it will make you believe that you too can change world.

For all you Magnum ice cream bar lovers out there (meaning my South Africa team), I thought that I should let you know that they have them in Spain!!! Yes, you heard right . . . MAGNUM BARS!!! Here´s what happened. I was walking down the street with my roommate, and she says that she could really go for a Magnum bar. I, of course, start to freak out because I thought that South Africa was the only place that you could get these delightful ice cream treats, but oh was I wrong!! Magnum bars are definately popular here, and they are every bit as amazing as they were in Cape Town. You can get them at just about any convenience store, and we even got one in a bar the other day. So amazing! AND . . . the McDonald´s here has Magnum McFlurries!!!! It´s kinda ridiculous how good they are.

On the down side, I don´t think there is such a thing as snowcones in Spain, which is definately a bummer. I would pay 5€ right now for a snuffelupagus snowcone . . . or Classic 50’s . . . mmmmm!! So if you read this, please go get a snowcone for me, and enjoy it, because you don´t realize how great they are until they’re gone.

So, as I sit in the computer lab at school, staring at the apple my house mom packed for me as a snack, my stomach only wants one thing–Magnum. I just might go get one.

Hakuna matata . . .

It means no worries. Well, in Spain, the phrase is “No pasa nada,” and it pretty much sums up the culture here. My time here in Alcala de Henares, España has been life changing already, the way of life is definately something to get used to. Life is slower paced (of course!) — people actually take naps in the afternoon. Yes, siestas really do happen! Most of the reason is because it is so hot between the hours of 2 – 9 (no air conditioning), there is not much else you can do. It is weird though, to have so much free time. Despite 5 hours of class everyday, there is still so much time to contemplate life, which is scary sometimes. You start to realize things about yourself that you never knew were there. Yikes! But in the end, I would say that being abroad ignites passion and boldness that is so freeing. No pasa nada!

Ok so in the past week, I have managed to . . .

*communicate with my host mom, Maria, despite having to ask her to repeat everything . . . twice
*master the public transportation system in Madrid
*explain the lyrics to “If I Were a Boy” to Maria in Spanish
*get used to not having air conditioning . . . except in class . . . when its freezing
*walk EVERYWHERE
*go to Segovia, Spain, where there is a huge Roman aqueduct and a 15th century castle
*start liking fresh seafood
*sit through 2 1/2 hour classes without falling asleep
*get used to the sun setting at 10pm
*spend the 4th of July in Madrid and saw the Gay Pride parade
*try the best Churros and Chocolate that Madrid has to offer . . . and tapas
*see La Guernica at the Reina Sofia. Amazing!

As you can see, life may be slower-paced, but the American in me has kept me going! Spain really is such a beautiful country. There is still so much to do! This weekend, I go to San Fermin in Pamplona (running of the bulls!). It should be a pretty crazy experience. The culture of bull fighting is so interesting to me though. There are so many protests, yet the tradition continues to live on year after year. One thing is for sure, there is not really anything else in the world like it. I guess I’ll find out soon!

That’s it for today, maybe it’s time for a siesta.

It’s harder than you think to get internet overseas.  AND . . . did you know that Italian keyboards are way different than American ones?  Things like the questions mark (?) and the @ sign are in completely different spots, making simple task, like updating my blog, both arduous and annoying.   Well I guess that’s my excuse for just now posting again.  So there you go.

Italy is . . . pretty amazing.  It’s hard to describe.  I went my whole life hearing about sites such as the Colloseum, the Sistine Chapel, and the David sculpture, feeling like in some way they were imaginary and didn’t really exist.  But they do!  Something about seeing a place like Rome which has been inhabited for the past two millenium is pretty incredible.  Standing there, I think about how over the years, billions of people have stood in my exact spot.  People from all over the world have come to the same places where I’ve been, to marvel at the same churches, museums, and piazzas that I have.  Whoa!  But it’s amazing.

So far we have been in Rome, Florence (Firenze), and Arezzo.  Besides going to the touristy stuff (which we never like to stay long at because there are too many people!), Jenny and I have managed to dominate some of the coffee, cheese, wine, and gelato that Italy has to offer.  Sorry Starbucks, I am loyal, but I had a real caramel macchiato and it was incredible!  Nothing like the ones I used to make.

The best part about Italy, however, is the people.  Just today, a man was playing the guitar (August Rush style) in a piazza while we watched kids ride a merry-go-round in the center of the square surrounded by a beautiful church, people eating in outdoor cafes, and tourists clicking away with their cameras.  In the words of Jenny, it was a movie moment.  Yesterday, we saw the cutest old ladies walking and talking in the park.  They stayed there for hours, talking about who knows what.  Jenny said that Italians will live in their hometowns for their whole lives.  I like to think that the ladies had been childhood friends.

One more thought on Italy . . . I realized today how interesting it is to be a traveler.  Let me explain.  I come from a culture that says, “hurry up!  you’re late!  get that done!  do as much as you can!  walk fast!”  Being in Italy though, people take life so much slower.  In other words, they actually enjoy life.  So for every church that I didn’t enter, bridge I didn’t get a picture of, or tour I didn’t go on . . . I have instead read in a coffee shop, written postcards over pasteries, and spent a little too much time contemplating life and relationships at the park.  Italy has been wonderful!!  When I look back years from now, I’ll remember those moments, and know that I enjoyed life.

Interesting facts about where I’ve been:

°The movie, Life is Beautiful, was filmed in Arezzo. They have litte posters all over town with pictures from the movie. I got to stand in some of the same places as Roberto Benigni!!!

°The more grayish the pistachio gelato looks, the more natural the gelato is going to be at that stand. And it will taste better!

°The David statue is . . . HUGE! The Sistine Chapel is . . . HUGE! The Colloseum . . . HUGE!

°Italian men, whether they are military, businessmen, or construction workers, are just good looking. Enough said.

Ciao!!!!

As I pack for Europe, I am reminded of the last time I packed my bags.  Only a month ago, I boarded a plane, heading to Cape Town, South Africa.  I guess it’s worthwhile to unpack a few thoughts about SA before journeying to yet another part of the world and experiencing something completely different.  Maybe I’ll include some pictures too.  Here goes!!!

Even though I joked about going back to the homeland, I realized how much Africa really did become a home to me.  It’s amazing how when you are in a place, things deep inside of you come out–some things you never knew were there.  There, I was reminded of the deep-rooted sentiments of their legalized segregation, called Apartheid.  Before 1994, people like me (a mix of black and white) were not allowed freedoms to decide where to live, whom to marry, what job they wanted, where they could go to school,etc.  The classification of South Africans: White, Coloured, Indian, and Black, ruled their everyday lives.    The separation, although no longer legal, still makes its presence among the people.  The poorest of the poor are still apart from the richest of the rich, and people may live most of their lives without experiencing what it feels like to live on the other side.  On the other hand, I also have to realize that the same pain and oppression that plagued South Africa still has roots in the United States.  Even 40 years after Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream, separation still happens, and in many ways, there is still a long way to do.  In the words of Nelson Mandela,

“I have walked that long road to freedom.  I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way.  But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.  I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come.  But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended.” 

Mandela’s words are powerful, and I constantly have to remember that no matter what struggles I face, I have to choose to keep walking . . . keep dreaming . . . keep hoping.  The good news is that there is immense hope.  You can see it in the people of South Africa.  One of my favorite things about the trip was the hope and joy that the people had.  Even more powerful than the pull of AIDS, crime, and poverty is a spirit of endurance, faith, and joy among South Africa’s people.  It truly was a beautiful country.

Other life lessons from South Africa:

Whales feel exactly like what you would expect them to feel like . . . blubber
Penguins are both cute and extremely smelly
Masi Spur really does have the best pork I’ve ever tasted
Xhosa is way harder than Spanish
Dance parties can happen anywhere, anytime . . . be ready
Man + Baboon = Manboons
It’s possible to play and enjoy the game of Mafia everyday for two weeks straight
I love South Africa

That’s all for now, ’cause it’s back to packing. Next post–Italy style.

My Grandad once told me that throughout his lifetime, he was able to travel to 54 different countries around the world. Impressed and in awe, I decided that I would go to 55 . . . at least. The world is a beautiful place, and in my opinion, God created it for me (us!) to explore, discover, and learn from. I’ve realized that so much of His character and beauty is shown through other people, places, and cultures.

I want to explore those things, and hopefully grow in ways beyond imagination. So welcome to my blog. Here’s to adventure, summer, and life!