I’m finally settled back in New Paltz and being that it’s “Throwback Thursday” , it seems like the perfect time to wrap up my blog with some reminiscing.
As I had correctly predicted, this homesickness I would feel in regards to Madrid wouldn’t kick in until now that I’m settled back in New Paltz. Allow me to vent a little bit:
I feel this emptiness within me. Almost everyone around me speaks solely in English, I have no choice but to get back into the routine of juggling work, the Oracle, clubs, and classes. I miss walking around Getafe, I miss my roommate and the friends I made, I miss spontaneous traveling, I miss everything around me feeling so new and fresh, I miss the food, I miss my siestas! I feel it every time I get asked, “How was studying abroad?” I feel it when I look at the photographs I took. I feel it when I speak to friends on Facebook/Skype.
But it’s time to move forward. It’s been great running into familiar faces around campus, seeing their eyes light up, and hearing some variation of “You’re back!” As much as I miss UC3M and Madrid, I understand it’s time to get back into the swing of things here in my other home: New Paltz! I’ve already spent a couple late nights working on assignments at the library and the honor’s center ( last night I braved my first Oracle production night back on board!)
There’s no way to truly do justice in describing the magnitude of my semester abroad within the few minutes of chit chat in passing with people so I’m absolutely happy I got to blog about it all. Madrid–and Spain in its entirety–was so enchanting.
Hanging out in Alex’s flat, enjoying the view of La Alhambra, walking around Parque Güell, drinking tea in Granada and celebrating at an outdoor Mexican festival. I had a blast with my best Aussie friends!
Flamenco shows, street bands, gardens, soccer stadiums, churches, tea houses; Some of the greatest moments of my trip 🙂
A peak at the UC3M Fernando de los Rios residence hall, which quickly felt like home ♥
A simple sample of the Getafe sights I could never get tired of.
There wasn’t a single place that I went that was not touched by beautiful art , regardless of fame or style.
All I can say is that my time at UC3M and in Madrid was so remarkable that I plan to visit again within the next year or so. My collages are only a small portion of the many photos I took. It’s safe to say that I accomplished the goals I had initially hoped to work up toward: learning more about the Spanish culture and perfecting my fluency. I also learned so much about myself and other people, which is a whole other reward in itself. I can’t thank my family, my professors, advisors, and the Center for International Programs enough for supporting me and catapulting me into what is now this amazing story that I’ll be able to tell for years and years and years to come.
Throwback Thursday: Madrid Edition
I’m finally settled back in New Paltz and being that it’s “Throwback Thursday” , it seems like the perfect time to wrap up my blog with some reminiscing.
As I had correctly predicted, this homesickness I would feel in regards to Madrid wouldn’t kick in until now that I’m settled back in New Paltz. Allow me to vent a little bit:
I feel this emptiness within me. Almost everyone around me speaks solely in English, I have no choice but to get back into the routine of juggling work, the Oracle, clubs, and classes. I miss walking around Getafe, I miss my roommate and the friends I made, I miss spontaneous traveling, I miss everything around me feeling so new and fresh, I miss the food, I miss my siestas! I feel it every time I get asked, “How was studying abroad?” I feel it when I look at the photographs I took. I feel it when I speak to friends on Facebook/Skype.
But it’s time to move forward. It’s been great running into familiar faces around campus, seeing their eyes light up, and hearing some variation of “You’re back!” As much as I miss UC3M and Madrid, I understand it’s time to get back into the swing of things here in my other home: New Paltz! I’ve already spent a couple late nights working on assignments at the library and the honor’s center ( last night I braved my first Oracle production night back on board!)
There’s no way to truly do justice in describing the magnitude of my semester abroad within the few minutes of chit chat in passing with people so I’m absolutely happy I got to blog about it all. Madrid–and Spain in its entirety–was so enchanting.
Hanging out in Alex’s flat, enjoying the view of La Alhambra, walking around Parque Güell, drinking tea in Granada and celebrating at an outdoor Mexican festival. I had a blast with my best Aussie friends!
Flamenco shows, street bands, gardens, soccer stadiums, churches, tea houses; Some of the greatest moments of my trip 🙂
A peak at the UC3M Fernando de los Rios residence hall, which quickly felt like home ♥
A simple sample of the Getafe sights I could never get tired of.
There wasn’t a single place that I went that was not touched by beautiful art , regardless of fame or style.
All I can say is that my time at UC3M and in Madrid was so remarkable that I plan to visit again within the next year or so. My collages are only a small portion of the many photos I took. It’s safe to say that I accomplished the goals I had initially hoped to work up toward: learning more about the Spanish culture and perfecting my fluency. I also learned so much about myself and other people, which is a whole other reward in itself. I can’t thank my family, my professors, advisors, and the Center for International Programs enough for supporting me and catapulting me into what is now this amazing story that I’ll be able to tell for years and years and years to come.
Zameena Mejia
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