Sunday, May 19, 2013

Goodbye Spain


Now that I am at the end of my study abroad experience I feel like I should spend a moment reflecting on what I have learned during my time overseas.

In Spain I have learned quite a few things. Practically, I have learned to speak a new language, live in a different culture, and use Google Maps, but I must say that the largest lessons that Spain has taught me have nothing to do with technical skills.

My time in Seville, living in a local home and attending the local university, has shown me that in all of the biggest ways, all people, Spaniards, Americans, and everyone else, are exactly the same. We all love our friends and families, our significant others, and our children. We all worry about money and education. We all work to make our lives better and we are all proud of where we come from.

Having seen these similarities I have grown to understand that the only differences that exists between different cultural communities are in how we express this sameness. In Spain there is futbol and Feria and in the states we have baseball and the 4th of July, but these different holidays and sports are simply varying reflections of the same humanness. 

That being said, my time in Spain has also made me proud to be an American. In the past few months I have come to realize the ways in which I am a complete product of the American culture.  I love our diversity, our openness, our food, and our language.

I am so thankful for my experiences here and at the same time I am sad and excited to go home! I’ll be back Spain, but until then, America here I come!



Food Cravings!


I have never been pregnant, so I’m not really sure what a pregnancy craving is like… However, I bet it feels just like the sensation that you get after not eating a nice, juicy, medium rare, American hamburger for five months.

Don’t get me wrong…I love Spanish food. A good Solomillo al Whiskey or a Manjar Blanco can hit the spot, and American bologna doesn’t stand a chance next to some good’ol Spanish Iberico ham. In fact, there are many Spanish delicacies that I fully intend to bring back with me to the states to integrate into my weekly dining vernacular.

HOWEVER, at this very moment, if I’m being honest, I feel like I should tell you that I would seriously harm, possibly maim, and definitely wound you if you got between me some American food.

I had a dream the other night about steak that made me wake up in tears. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about beef fajitas for two weeks. I would sell my hair (Les Miserables style) for a freakin cheeseburger.

I know what your thinking, “Why does she only crave beef products?” Let me answer that question. I am from the great state of Texas and that is what we eat.

The other day I literally caught myself thinking, “I wonder where I could find a cow”… a whole cow…this obsession has obviously gone too far…this can’t be healthy.

But don’t worry, and Mom, don’t start researching how to mail me whole meals. Soon enough I will be back in the states, and until then I can fill the carnivore void in my heart with some amazing architecture, beautiful culture, and great friends…really I can’t complain!
An American Professor on sabbatical in Spain took mercy on my and invited my over for real steaks!

Yes, those are real tortillas!

A beautiful view for a great meal