Author: Jack Sutorious

One of the most shocking and mind-boggling effects of studying abroad in Spain for me is how I feel as though I have only been here a week because everything continues to be so new and exciting. However, at the same time, I feel as though I have known these people all of my life because I am so comfortable and adapted to my life in Villanueva. Actually, I have only been here 3 months! The time really does fly by when you keep busy and have fun!

School has definitely gotten better as I can now understand the majority of the classes I am taking. However, the classes are very academically challenging even for the students that speak Spanish, so I am giving it my best shot. The other week was “Semana Cultural.” We had many classes to learn about cultures all over the world. In fact, I taught an American theater class to 12 and 13 year old students at my school! My English teacher knew that my job over the summer was as a theater camp counselor for children, so she offered me this amazing opportunity. It was such a success that I ended up teaching the class to all bilingual sections in the school. I also received the amazing news that I will be graduating here as well! I take classes in the first and second years of bachillerato so the directors asked if I would like to participate in the graduation ceremony as I won’t be coming back the following year. It is such an honor!

The following week was “Semana Santa,” which in the United States we consider Spring Break! On the first Saturday of break, I was a model in our city’s local fashion show. The experience was incredible and I got to meet so many amazing people. It was my first time ever doing something like that, and I would definitely do it again. Somehow, I didn’t trip and fall so I consider that a success! The next day, my family and I went to Granada, a beautiful city in south eastern Spain. There, I watched my first ever procession.

The processions of Semana Santa is a very important part of the Spanish culture, even though everyone does not participate. The people that belong to the church dress in long, full-body robes and wear masks with pointy tops and holes for the eyes. These people carry large crosses or long, lit candles as they march through the streets to the beat of the drums from the band. Other people, normally the men, carry huge, heavy statues that depict the events of the processions through the streets. Sometimes, the people can walk through town for twelve hours straight! To be honest, at first I was a little scared as I saw the costumes and heard the beating of the drums. There really is no way to describe it. I have never been so speechless in my life. Through this public display of commitment, you can see the unity and beauty of this culture. Many people (like me) may consider these events difficult or unbearable, but when you ask the participants they are always happy to do it and enjoy every minute of it!

During the days of Semana Santa, my family and I visited many places and enjoyed the city. We went hiking on mountains that were directly across from the Sierra Nevada mountains, which obviously was a great view! My favorite place was La Alhambra; I am now convinced that Spain is the most beautiful place in the world! But everyone’s favorite part of Semana Santa is the final Saturday night, known to the people as “the night without sleep.” The entire country goes out around midnight and doesn’t get home until around 10 the next morning (which is Easter!) The reason for this is to watch the “carrerita” which is the final celebration of the processions when the statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary run together and start to dance as confetti falls and the people cheer. It’s incredible. Check out this video to get an idea of the experience. After the night of celebration, on Easter Sunday everyone sleeps the day away and the streets are cleared.

The other day I Skyped some of my friends back home with some friends of mine here. I love the friends I have in both places so much that I needed them to meet! It was a really cool experience to translate for both groups. It showed me how far I have come and how much my Spanish has progressed. One of my Spanish friends tried to say that the American style of clothes looks like those of rappers… The only problem was that he ended up saying “rapers.” Big difference! We all had a good laugh after I explained the difference in the two similar sounding words! The same situation has happened to me a million times and you really learn how to laugh at yourself … a lot!

It is hard to be away from home, but I have not yet felt any strong homesickness. I think the reason for my lack of desire to return is because I constantly remind myself of my short time remaining here in Spain. Actually, when I think about leaving I feel homesickness for here. Every second I spend here I fall more and more in love with this place! I already consider Villanueva de la Serena my second city. My second home. And part of my heart will always be here.

There honestly is no easy way to describe my first few weeks living here… IN SPAIN! My life has turned completely upside down! Of course it is difficult, but so rewarding and enjoyable at the same time.  There are so many differences between my small town here and my big city in the United States.  To me, the culture shock of life was not odd or intimidating, but rather like a breath of fresh air.  One of the hardest things to adapt to is obviously the language.  Wow.  Although it is still a little difficult to communicate fully with people, my Spanish has improved a ridiculous amount.

Originally, my Spanish was very short and choppy and it was very difficult to comprehend others. Now? I am able to understand most conversations and my sentences are fluent and actually make sense! At least I hope they do… Of course I have made many mistakes, but the most important thing to have in this situation is a great sense of humor! When I have talked to family and friends, it is a little difficult to change back to English because it is constantly Spanish in my head.

Another big difference is transportation. I walk. EVERYWHERE. I love it! The town of Villanueva is small, but not too small! Whenever I take a walk in the town, I always run in to people I know! On the Main Street, which is about 5 minutes away, there are restaurants, clothing stores, grocery stores, and of course, coffee shops!  I have really taken advantage of having the center of town so close since it is such a great way to experience the culture.  I have found that it has been easy to make friends here, even with my lack of Spanish communication skills! It is no wonder Spain is known for having such welcoming and kind people!

This past weekend was a holiday called Carnaval, it is essentially four days of Halloween, but without the candy. Although my town does not celebrate with a huge parade, many other cities have huge parties where everyone wears a costume and lets loose! On Sunday morning, my family decided to take me hiking on Gredos, which are huge mountains near Madrid. As many people know, Arizona does not have many huge mountains and there is never snow in my city, so this was definitely a new experience. Whenever I fell (which was a lot), my host family and I would laugh, get back up, and push forward. Not every day do I go to huge, beautiful mountains and Halloween parties…

My normal day goes something like this…

7:30- Wake up and get ready for school!

We eat a very small breakfast right before going to school. My house  is located just down the street from the school, so we normally leave the house at 8:18 to get to school on time.

8:20-2:20- School!

Told you.. The school is practically our neighbor! In school, I normally have six classes with two, 15 minute breaks during the day. Except on Friday I only have four because school is let out early! What I love is how the schedule is different every day, which makes each of the classes more exciting. On the topic of classes, I am commonly asked, “How have your classes been?” Many of my classes are very fun, but others are difficult.. Not only because of the language barrier, but the curriculum is very difficult… Even for the students who live here! However, most teachers are very understanding and are willing to help me when I have questions!

3:00- Time for Lunch!

This may be the best part of the day! Every day, my parents make a big lunch for the whole family to enjoy together! This is one of my favorite things about the culture here because everyone stops what they are doing to spend time together and enjoy a meal. The food here… Oh. My. Goodness. I have not tried one thing that I have not liked!  Maybe it is because my host parents are incredible cooks! I try to learn, but with my luck, I would probably burn the house down!

4:00-5:30- SIESTA!

Okay, so… Maybe this is the best part of the day… This is the time when I just relax at home or take a nap, when I do not have to study or have a lot of homework. From 2 o’clock to 5 o’clock, all the stores close for siestas! So normally everyone just relaxes during this time period!

6:00- Gym, run, and coffee!

After resting for a while at home, I like to go on a run on the Main Street of the city. Normally, two days of the week I go to the local gym with my friends from school that are members of the club. Currently, I am looking in my city for dance classes and volunteer opportunities as well! It is very common in Spanish culture to go out to get drinks in the afternoon/night. Therefore, many days during the week I go to local coffee shops to meet with friends and practice my Spanish. It is very normal to only have one drink, but stay at the shop for hours because you just continue to talk! This is very different from America because it seems as though there everyone is always in a rush and has something they need to do.  Living here has definitely helped me to become more laid back and enjoy the current moments in life.

10:00- Dinner!

Yes, ten o’clock! After everyone has finished all of their activities for the day, the family once again comes together to have a meal and discuss the events of the day. Normally, the dinner is a little smaller because the main meal of the day is lunch.

11:30-12:00- Shower and off to bed!

My long day finally ends around midnight, after I shower and change into my pajamas of course! Side note: in the house, the whole family  wears slippers, never are they barefoot or only wearing socks.  I did  not even own a pair of slippers before coming here!

As each day ends here, I realize how lucky I am to be blessed with such an amazing opportunity. I knew my first day here that this is the best experience of my life and to enjoy every precious moment. I cannot wait to see what else Spain has in store for me!

 

 

 

 

“It’s time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad and I’d much rather say hello.  Hello to a new adventure.” ~Ernie Harwell

Or should I say hola?!  It seems like just yesterday that I proposed the idea of moving 5,582 miles away to live with a different family for a semester! Now, there are only eight days until I land in Madrid and begin the experience of a lifetime! Honestly, there is no way to express the crazy mix of emotions I am feeling.  Although I sometimes feel worried or scared of what is to come, I am more than ready to start on this life journey.

As I inch closer and closer to my departure, everything begins to feel more real.  Recently, I have found myself envisioning my life in Spain: new family, home, friends, activities, routine, and more!  It will be so different not driving with my best friend to school, or getting lunch at my favorite restaurant, or even taking my dog on a walk in my neighborhood.  I feel as though the stark reality of this experience is finally hitting me and I could not be more ecstatic!

A few days ago, I began the arduous struggle of packing my suitcase.  Originally, I thought, “How does one pack for an entire semester abroad?”  However, deciding what to bring and what to leave behind turned out to be easier than I expected!  It may sound frivolous and cliché, but just packing reassured me that I can do this.  Although leaving my family, friends, and life here in Arizona seems close to impossible, I know that I am about to embark on the journey of a lifetime… ¡Estoy listo!