Words of Wisdom

There will always be shoulda, coulda, wouldvas when reflecting on the past. Nevertheless, I have very few regrets from my semester abroad. I really got everything out of it I wanted and it was amazing (if the last four months of exuberant blog posts didn't convey that). So to end, I want to offer my advice on studying abroad to anyone out there who finds it relevant:

(1) Take as many classes at local universities
(2) Take ALL your classes in Spanish (they are actually easier than the English ones and they help your listening, reading and writing IMMENSELY)
(3) Live in a residencia, it may not be glamorous but there is no better way to meet and become close friends with international students (my one mini regret was that I didn't, although I still was really lucky with my living situation)
(4) Really try and stay away from American scene. You didn't spend all that time and money to hang out with other Americans, there is plenty of time for that when you get back.
(5) Take advantage of your new environment to let yourself go. Be as friendly and open minded as possible and don't be afraid to take risks and make a conscience effort to get out of your comfort zone.
(6) Do an intercambio program. Its awkward at first but really rewarding in the end.
(7) Respect the local norms and customs. May sound obvious, but you would be amazed at how disrespectful and arrogant many american students are (and then they complain that Spainards are mean or rude, ugh)
(8) Try to fight the inevitable deterioration of your Spanish when you return by finding channels of immersion, like spanish-language television, music, the language social networking site, Palabea. 
(9) Keep a blog ; ) not only is it an easy way to keep everyone at home updated, it gives you a great time capsule of your experiences that will always be with you.

Back to Reality

Looking back on the whirlwind semester in Barcelona is like looking back on a dream. Did it really happen? Did I really visit all those amazing places, meet all those interesting people and have all those memorable adventures? I still vividly remember the surreal feeling of getting off the L7, walking up to my apartment, and packing the last of my clothes before catching a cab to the airport to go home. I still remember the heart wrenching moment when I saw Barcelona fade into the distance from my window seat. It was exactly a month ago today.

Was it too good to be true? Being back in central New York makes Barcelona seem even more like a figment of my imagination. How did I survive going from a one stop light town to living in Barcelona? And how am I able to survive my return. Barcelona has spoiled me. Never again will life be that carefree, exciting and mind-opening all at once. Whether it was trying a new night spot, wandering through a new part of town, or meeting a new friend, everyday offered something unique. But life is not like that in upstate New York. Coming home brought me back to reality. The problem is what I used to be content with, just isn't enough anymore. I have not stopped feeling restless since my return from a life of constant activity to the doldrums of home.

What I have to thank Barcelona for most is my new sense of adventure. I discovered through various travels that I love finding my way around a city. Its like putting a puzzle together and every time you piece together a new section you begin to see the whole picture. While I have always dreamed of moving to a city after graduation, Barcelona has given me the confidence to know I can do it. So will it be Boston, NYC or Philly? I have heard good things about Chicago? Also, I have never been to the west coast. Who knows, maybe I'll find myself back over the pond? As the chapter of my life that this blog captured comes to a close, my hope now is to find my Barcelona again. What I mean is I hope to find a place and a life that not only offers me adventure and excitement but also that inspires me and leaves me feeling content. Not to much to ask for, right? Let's hope not.