As I turned my back on a bare room that once housed my posters, my binders, my movies, my life, and packed the last of my belongings into the car to begin the trek home to Maine, I wondered how I had let myself make such a mistake. Fifty-six days ago, I said goodbye to my friends at school (including all the non-student friends I admire so—my favorite quartet in the office, the group in the dining hall, the grounds workers, the master and the dean), opting for a semester abroad this spring. When months separated me from my eventual journey, I could not have been more titillated by the idea. When the far-off future gave way to soon-to-be reality, that excitement transformed into a storm of nerves, second thoughts, and regret. Here I was, a student who feels about his school the way a person feels about his favorite pair of pants. What was I doing leaving a place so comfortable, so warm, so fitting of me to fly to a country where I knew nobody?
A little more than two weeks into my time in Spain, I am thinking this to be one of my best decisions. Despite the challenges I face everyday adjusting to a new culture (did you know that Spaniards take “navy showers” only turning the water on for a minute, then lathering with soap, then turning the water back on?), I am confident that I will return to the friends I miss as only an improved version of what I was before. Next time I think about trying something outside of my “comfort zone,” I hope that this experience in Spain will remind me to take a risk every once in a while!
This past weekend, we voyaged to Sevilla and Ronda. In Sevilla, we toured Reales Alcázares, a beautiful maze of palaces constructed in the Middle Ages by the Muslim rulers of Spain, and later, added to by the Christians. We then got a look at the third largest church in the world, Catedral de Santa María de la Sede. We ascended the 36 floors to the top of the tower, which offered incredible views of the city below. The next day, we rode to Ronda, a city whose history dates back to the sixth century BCE. “Scenic” would be an understatement to describe the setting. Whether admiring the marvels of human achievement—the bridges and the baths—or the natural topography, I soaked in the sights, awe-struck in every direction I looked. Did I mention the Bull Ring?
Every day, I continue to learn about Spain and myself. In regard to both, I am not sure what to expect next. What I do know, however, is that I will be spending my spring break exploring Paris and London. In three weeks, I am going to Portugal. Wherever I go, and wherever I am going, I hope that you will join me along the way.
Until next time, may you grow only healthier and happier in your life.
P.S. On Sunday, I was fortunate to find a place airing the Super Bowl. To the entire Feely clan, I extend hearty congratulations on the victory of your beloved “Pack!”
Every day, I continue to learn about Spain and myself. In regard to both, I am not sure what to expect next. What I do know, however, is that I will be spending my spring break exploring Paris and London. In three weeks, I am going to Portugal. Wherever I go, and wherever I am going, I hope that you will join me along the way. 