Final Hike in Segovia

Hola! 

Recently, I have told some of my faithful followers that I would make more posts about my time abroad. As you know, I post-traveled without a computer and so I could not easily blog about my final adventures. Then, I returned home to Minnesota and had to quickly unpack, see friends, and then repack and move to Columbia, Missouri (where I am now). Thus, I have been extremely busy and have not had time to tend to my blog. 

That is, until now. Today is the day! On this gloomy Memorial Day, I decided to spend the morning updating old entries (I added more photos to recent posts- check it out) and creating a new video blog. This video is about my final two days in Segovia. 

Enjoy!

Cheers to a wonderful semester!

Cheers,
Anna

Final Night Thoughts

Hola! 

Today is my last day in Segovia. 

I honestly cannot believe I just wrote that. 

The entirety of my clothes and memories from the past four months are packed into one suitcase - it is a surreal and bittersweet feeling. Thus, I decided to make one last video diary post, as it is the last time I am able to record myself in my wonderful Segovian home.

This isn't happening. I am not leaving. This semester is not over. You can't make me leave.

Cheers,
Anna

Top 10 Reasons Why Segovia is the Best Place to Study Abroad

Hola! 

Two days. 48 hours. 2880 minutes. 172800 seconds - such little time left in Segovia. 

With this, I am spending the time I do have doing the things I love about Spain: running,  eating froyo, hiking the mountains, and spending time with friends and my host family. In addition, I am taking time to reflect over my wonderful semester and thus have concluded that this quaint city is the greatest location to spend four months. 

Top 10 Reasons Why Segovia 

is the Best Place to Study Abroad

1. Diversity of Spain

Before my semester abroad, I knew very little about the country and its people. I didn't realize that it had various regions that are almost like individual little countries themselves. That is, each area has its own dialect, traditions, flag, and customs. Even more, the geography of each part is so diverse. Spain has everything from snow-capped mountains to flat lands, the Mediterranean and Atlantic beaches to a desert region, and so much more. By living here for four months, I was able to visit most of the regions (I didn't make it to the Northern Basque Country) and see and meet a variety of people. Spain is truly a diverse country.

Map of Spain and its various regions
(Segovia is located in Castilla y León)

2. Being able to visit numerous countries

One of the main reasons why I originally picked Spain was because it is located in Europe, which means that it's close to many interesting countries. During my four months, I have gone/will go to Spain, Portugal, France, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Hungary, Slovakia, Belgium, and Holland. Nine countries in about 100 days - pretty amazing! Plus, it's relatively cheap too! My entire weekend in Portugal (flights, living, food) cost about $200 - that's way cheaper than flying to Portugal from Minnesota!

I have seen so much in less than four months!

3. Safety 

Segovia is a safe haven. Now, I realize that it is a bit naive for me to say, but it's the best way to describe this quaint Spanish town. I have never felt in danger during my four months here, which cannot be said for many study abroad programs. With this sense of security, I am able to run and walk alone- even late at night. There are also no "sketchy" parts of town, so I know that I am always (relatively) safe.

I always feel safe on the Segovian streets!

4. Best bang for your buck

Things in Segovia are reasonably priced, which cannot be said for many other abroad programs (e.g. London or Australia). More importantly, though, is that all the necessities are included in the starting price. We don't have to buy groceries, metro passes, cleaning supplies, or anything else for that matter!

I like the euro way more than other European currencies

5. Home stay

Living with a host family is an indescribable and priceless experience. It allows you to learn so much more about the culture and people of the country than you would if you were merely living with other Americans. You eat their food, follow their schedule, and truly live their way of life. In addition, you get treated like a queen during your home stay. The family cooks all of your meals, does your laundry, and cleans your room and bathroom. It's great! I like it not only because it's less work for me, but it also allows me to spend more time exploring and enjoying Segovia. Finally, I like host families because it means that someone is caring and looking out for you. This is especially helpful when you're sick or are having difficulties with cultural barriers. In all, I highly recommend home stays. Good day or bad, it has been an incredible ride. 

Diego and Jorge, my two host brothers

6. European men

There is un montón of eye candy in the streets and halls of school. European men are tall and preppy. They exude confidence and class. In essence, they're the best.

European guys > American guys

7. Course offerings

All of the professors in Segovia are incredibly kind and understanding. They realize that we are in Spain for both the academic and cultural experience, so they take this into consideration and assign light amounts of work. In addition, the earliest class starts at 9:30 AM. Thus, there are no 8:00 AMs! I have been stuck with taking 8:00 AM classes every semester at CSB/SJU, so I have enjoyed starting my days a bit later in Spain. Finally, the longest class in Segovia is an hour and a half, which is much shorter than the three hour classes that exist in many other study abroad programs (e.g. London program).

Sign from my school, IE Universidad

8. Gladys White

As I have previously written, the woman is a saint. She is definitely the best study abroad director!

Gladys and some Bennies!

9. Running trails

In my opinion, Segovia has the most spectacular running paths in the world. You run by a river, flowers, mountains, a cathedral, and a castle. It can't get much better than that! In addition, there are so many trails! You never get bored! 

Photo taken with my phone during a run!

10. Small town community

Segovia is great because if you meet someone, you are likely to see them again. You may make a new friend at a café and then see them later in the day on the street- it's great! Everyone is so friendly too, so they are likely to say hola to you every time they see you. 

I love Segovia

Don't make me leave.

Cheers,

Anna

America does it Better

Hola!

Now, I feel like I might have bashed the United States a little too hard yesterday, and thus felt compelled to write an entry entitled, America does it Better. That is, after months here I have also realized that there are many things that make more sense at home.

1. Meal times
After months of living in Segovia, I have learned quite a lot about Spanish food and their eating schedule. With this time, I have adapted, yes, but I am still not a fan. Namely, I do not like the large gap of time between la comida (lunch) and la cena (dinner). With this, I come home at night and am starving and thus stuff my face with food. Soon, I am extremely full and yet it is time for bed. I do not like this feeling! In the United States, on the other hand, I eat dinner around 7:00 PM, which gives my body time to work off the food and go to bed in a comfortable (or even slightly hungry) state - much better! 

2. Nightlife departure time
On a similar note, I do not like how late Spaniards leave to go to the bars and clubs. Now, I don't mean to sound like an old lady, but I can't handle leaving at 1:00 AM and coming home at 5:00 AM. It makes your next day miserable if you have to do anything, or it makes the day a waste if you sleep all day. Getting back at 1:00 AM, like I do in Minnesota, makes much more sense! With this, I can be asleep by 1:30 AM and still get seven hours of sleep when I start my day at 8:30 AM. Yet again, much better! 

3. Smoking
With all the research and public knowledge of its danger, why do people still smoke?! It baffles me everyday to see young people on the streets of Segovia lighting up with friends. Not only is it expensive, but it causes you to age and die quicker due to its negative health effects. In Minnesota, smoking is looked down upon and is not accepted in society. In Spain, on the other hand, it is a cultural phenomenon and is part of the social scene for all ages. It is both incredibly frustrating and sad. 

4. Store hours
In Spain, most people follow the no pasa nada lifestyle. That is, they do not feel compelled to pack their days and always be on the go. Spaniards wake up later, take afternoon siestas, and spend hours preparing and consuming meals with family. While I'll admit this is probably better than the US lifestyle, there are parts that frustrate me about it. One in particular is how the no pasa nada mentality affects the shops in town. That is, all stores (including supermarkets) are closed on Sundays. This can be frustrating and difficult, especially when you're hungry! Similarly, most tiendas (stores) do not have set store hours. They open when the owner chooses to arrive and close when the he or she decides to leave. I'll admit that the shop keepers try to keep a daily routine with this, but it is still irritating to not know the set hours. 

5. Education system
In Spain, you specialize your studies fairly early in your schooling. That is, there is less time to be "undecided" with your path in life. While I realize that there are pros and cons to this, I appreciate that the education system in the US allows (or even forces) students to spend time exploring their options in regard to major/specialty. I think it equates to greater happiness later in life.

Two days left in Segovia. Time flies.

Cheers,

Anna

Cosas Pequeñas - Part II

Hola!

With eight days left in Segovia, I have to make the most of my blog entries. Thus, I want to blog about things that truly matter and document things that have made my experience abroad so memorable. With this, it is time for Cosas Pequeñas - Part II

Cosas Pequeñas - PART II

1. Gladys

Gladys White is the leader of our trip and has been amazing. She does so much for us! Not only is she understanding, but she is also incredibly witty and bright. Gladys makes me laugh on a daily basis and has made my time in Spain very enjoyable. Above all, she is extremely caring. For instance, she gives up her apartment's heat so that she can use the money on us and our activities. In essence, the woman is a saint.

2. Not having class on Friday

Thursday nights are the biggest nights of the week in Spain - they are a must! Because of this,  we often stay out pretty late, which makes Friday morning classes pretty brutal. Most of my friends have class on Friday at 11:00 AM*, but I have nothing so I get to sleep as much as I want! Also, it means that I get three-day weekend every week! What's not to love?

*This class start time may not seem early, but it is when you stayed out until 5:30 AM the night before! 

3. Viber

Viber is a free texting and calling application that works on all smart phones. Thus, it allows me to text and call my family and friends back in the United States for free! I don't have a data or phone plan here, only an old iPhone, so this application has been a great way to stay in touch! 

4. Sleep and class schedule

I absolutely love my class schedule. Unlike most of my classmates, I start and end my day at the same time Monday-Thursday, which I like because it gives me a set routine. Specifically, my first class is always from 9:30-11:00 AM, and I end at 6:00 PM. It's great because it is early enough to start my day in the morning, but still allows me to sleep in until 8:30 AM. I love it! 

5. This blog

I hope you know how much I enjoying blogging about my semester abroad. It means so much to me that people care and want to learn about my experience in Spain. Also, I know I will greatly appreciate it when I come home and can reread my entries and relive all of my wonderful and cherished memories.

Cheers,

Anna

La Primavera en Segovia - ¡Por Fin!

Hola! 

Today, I can happily say that it is la primavera en Segovia - por fin!*. What does that mean, you may ask? Well, let me paint you a picture. For those of you in snowy Minnesota, you may have to close your eyes and use your imagination...

The Spaniards are wearing shorts and dresses, and there is a sense of exuberance and cheer in the air. Laughter can be heard throughout the streets, as all are smiling under the warmth of the Segovian sun. It is 75 degrees and there is not a cloud in sky. In essence, it is heaven on Earth. 

*la primavera en Segovia - por fin! means "spring in Segovia - finally!"

Unfortunately, it is finals week for me, so I don't have much time to enjoy the amazing weather. I did find ways to make the most of it, though. I studied outside in multiple locations, and captured it all on video along the way!

Enjoy!

Picture taken on my walk to school! 

Now, I must go and finish studying for tomorrow's final! I am finding myself with zero motivation and very little time. Oops. Wish me luck!

Cheers,
Anna

Good to be Alive

Hola!

This afternoon was absolutely breathtaking. The Segovian sun was shining and there was not a cloud in the sky. For this, I stopped halfway through my run to admire the stunning beauty that surrounded me. As you might have guessed, I decided to capture it on tape too. 

Hold on, is this really the life I'm living? 

Cause I don't feel like I deserve it. 

Every day that I wake, every breath that I take you've given.

So right here, right now, while the sun is shining down

I wanna live like there's no tomorrow,

Love like I'm on I'm on borrowed time.

It's good to be alive

Hold on, if the life that we've been given

is make beautiful in the living,

And the joy that we get brings joy to the giver,

Then right here, right now

This is the song I'm singing out

I won't take it for granted

I won't waste another second

All I want is to give you a life well lived,

to say "thank you"

Cheers,
Anna

PS. I leave for Semana Santa tomorrow!

Media Maratón Ciudad de Segovia - Part II

Hola! 

If you read my previous entry on the half marathon, you might have noticed that it was entitled, Media Maratón Ciudad de Segovia - Part I. Now, I bet you have been anxiously waiting for Part II to be posted...

THE WAIT IS OVER - TODAY IS THE DAY!

The second entry about the race includes videos and special Tweets. Enjoy! 

PERSONAL AND NEWSPAPER VIDEOS

A wonderful video captured by Katie

News coverage of the race

Supportive Race Day Tweets

Now, I don't want you to suffer through the waiting game a second time, so I should note that there will not be a Part III. Lo siento.

Without running, I would have missed the joy of rain. What could be considered an inconvenience or a bummer to the inexperienced is actually a gift. Without running, I would miss a lot of things - like seeing cities in a certain way, or knowing certain people all the way to the core. I'm glad we don't experience life through glass, under cover, or from the sidelines. Good things take miles.

13.1 to be exact! 

Cheers,

Anna

Media Maratón Ciudad de Segovia - Part I

Hola! 

I don't have much time to blog, but i felt compelled to share a bit about my day. This morning, I ran in the Media Maratón Ciudad de Segovia! It was great! 

Specifically, the race started in front of the aqueduct at 10:30 AM. The path led us around Segovia and took us to the beautiful monuments and sites. Below you can see images from the course:

Half-marathon brochure

Katie and I laughed at how unprepared we were for the race. We've been running, don't get us wrong, but our typical runs in Segovia are around four miles. We knew this would make completing a half-marathon difficult, but valía la pena! (It was worth it).

Katie and I before the race!

The course was extremely hilly, which was surprisingly fun and satisfying. I liked the challenge and the reward of completion. It was also pouring rain! I was running through mud and puddles the entire time - I'm surprised I didn't fall! 

Start of the race

Overall, there were about 4,000 runners, but only 200 females. It was so strange being surrounded by only male runners! This was empowering. The Spanish spectators went nuts when they saw a girl running. I would hear them cheering, "Vamos...Vamos..ah hay una CHICA! VAMOS, CHICA!" This definitely made me feel special and proud. 

I ended up finishing 13/200 women, which was great surprise. The human body and spirit never ceases to amaze me! I ran the race off pure adrenaline, being pushed and motivated by every Spanish cheer. It was a surreal experience. I was surrounded by thousands of runners, which felt so normal, but then I remembered, "I'm in Spain! I'm in Segovia, the city I love, doing the thing I love!" Needless to say, I felt incredibly blessed.

Finishing the race - 13.1 miles, done!

One more thing I should note is the fact that I have some pretty amazing friends. A group of them came and stood in the cold rain for hours to cheer for Katie and me. Words can't describe the gratitude I have for them. They're the best!

Bennie and Johnnie cheering squad! 

Cheers to friends!  

They even made signs! 

Cheers,
Anna 

Bucket List Updates

Hola! 

As I am now over half way done with my Spanish adventure, I thought I would reflect on my Segovia Bucket List and see how far I've come. It is also a reminder to make the best of my final two months.

1. Have sangria at Oso Blanco and talk to Jesús (the bartender).
2. Explore the caves by the river
3. Go see a show at the Jose Bravo theater in the Plaza Mayor
4. Pregame at the top of the aqueduct 
5. Take a fire shot at Venven, a chupitos bar
6. Enter the Segovia Half Marathon
7. Try calimochos 
8. Go bowling or see a movie in nueva Segovia
9. Rent bikes when it gets nice out
10. Go to La Colonial for some café con leche and other yummy coffee drinks
11. Have tapas at Orley’s Café
12. Dress up for Carnaval
14. Study in the basement (dungeon) of the university
15. Go to a fútbol game (Atlético tickets in Madrid are reasonably priced)
16. Go to a bullfight
17. Go to La Kapital – a 7 floor night club in Madrid
18. Do a 10 bar tapeo
19. Easter Sunday (or any) mass in the cathedral
20. All the People, Gran Hook – fun night clubs in Segovia
21. Eat gummies at Burbuja
22. Try Cochinillo
23. Go hiking in La Granja
24. Participate in the Marcha de Zombies
25. Swim in the Mediterranean Sea when in Barcelona
26. Hang out with an intercambio
27. Travel within Spain 
28. Get churros at the stand (only open Thursdays and weekends)
29. Shop at Pull’n’Bear or Bershka! 
30. Participate in deportes
31. Telepizza or Hollywood Restaurant in San Bravo plaza
32. Watch Spanish sitcoms or fútbol with your family
33. Drink Dia brand 40’s
34. People watch at the aqueduct and plaza mayor
35. Enjoy/trade the bocadillos your parents pack in your lunch
36. Visit Marta's shop, Think
37. Make a new friend
38. Try churros and chocolate
39. Dress European and have a photo shoot around Segovia
40. Do something spontaneous 

I can't believe I have completed 25/40 things already. With my two months left, let's hope I can check off 15 more! 

Cheers,
Anna

Running in Segovia - Part II

Hola! 

The other day, my friend Nikki posted an Instagram photo that really made me think. Like me, she enjoys working out and last year studied in Segovia. The photo she posted was a side-by-side comparison on her past and current running locations (see below). The caption of her picture was "scenery sure has changed over the year," which made me realize how blessed I am to have such an amazing running course. In my humble opinion, it is one of the most spectacular paths in the world. It truly makes you feel as if you are running in a fairy tale.

With this, I want to express my gratitude to Segovia for providing a safe haven in which I can run. I am grateful to live in a city that values the active lifestyle and has created paths designed specifically for runners and walkers alike. It's something I do not want to take for granted, and for that I thought it deserved a second entry.

Below you can find Nikki's Instagram photo and a video of a recent run. Enjoy! 

Seeing this comparison really made me appreciate the running path I have in Segovia (left photo)

Quick video of a recent run:

Oh, and one more thing! Like I said before, Segovia supports health and wellness, which can be seen in its free exercise parks. They exist throughout the city and allow people to work out outside of the gym! I approve! 

Cheers,
Anna 

CARNAVAL

Hola! 

Today, I am blogging about the Spanish tradition of Carnaval. Now, I do realize that this is a belated post, as the festival occurred February 8-12, but better late than never, right?

Hope you enjoy the video! 

CARNAVAL: an annual festival held during the Friday to the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent.

We had a great time dressing up and celebrating Carnaval. In essence, it was a mix of halloween and mardi gras - it is a family friendly holiday celebrated by all! 

Cheers,

Anna