Spain does it Better

Hola! 

After studying abroad and living in Europe for four months, I have learned un montón not only about Spain, but also about the United States. With this, I have come to realize that there are many things in America that simply do not make sense.

1. Outlets - Two-prong, three-pong -why are there different types of wall outlets in the United States? It doesn't make sense. In Spain, there is only one type - the classic, two-pong, never fail outlet.

Spain has one wall outlet

Why does the US have two?!

2. Metric System- why must the United States be so difficult and use a measurement system that differs from the rest of the entire world? Spain uses the metric system and thus is in accordance with the rest of society.

Metric system is the most logical, too

3. Temperature System - On a similar note, using the Celsius System for measuring temperature makes more sense than the Fahrenheit System. The conversion between the two is not simple, either. Classic America trying to be different - what's new?

Celsius > Fahrenheit

4. Walking - In Spain, very little cars are used as people walk everywhere. Because of this, people get in touch with nature and use their legs to exercise. It's cheaper, too! It makes me wonder, why do Americans drive everywhere?!

Yippee to walking!

5. Wedding bands - Now, you may be confused by my last example. Wedding bands? How could one country do it better? Well, I decided to include it in my list because I think the Spanish method makes a lot of sense. That is, when you're married in Spain, you wear a ring on your right hand. You wear a ring on your left hand to symbolize that you're widowed. Thus, you don't have to stop wearing a wedding ring if your spouse passes away.

Ring on right hand? Looks like you're married!

Cheers,

Anna

Five Things I Missed Most

Hola! 

A few days ago, I received an email entitled "CSBSJU Returnee Handbook." That is, the Office for Education Abroad sent material that would help "prepare [me] to help say goodbye to [my] most recent home for the last few months and how [I] can start transitioning back to the USA." With my time in Segovia quickly coming to an end, I thought I might actually use the given resources so that I can start unpacking some the experiences I have had these last few months. One in particular is called Anticipation and Expectation Exercise. It includes a variety of questions that should be answered honestly before coming home, and I thought I would pick one to include in my blog.

The five things I missed most about home while I have been abroad are:

1. Family
I have the best family, so not being able to see them for four months has been hard. I've missed calling my mom in-between classes, hearing advice and motivation from my dad, and bonding with my sister. They are truly my rock and greatest support system, and for that I am looking forward to returning home. In addition, I miss the animal members of my family! I can't wait to play with Otto, Eddie, and Woody again!

My mom is my best friend!

My dad is my role model and inspiration!

My family supports me in all that I do! (Photo taken at TC Marathon)

2. Friends
Second to my immediate family, my friends have become my second family. I am blessed to have amazing networks of friends, both from Edina and CSB/SJU. I cannot wait to be reunited with them again! 

I miss my best friend Kristin the most!

Close friends from Minnehaha Academy and Edina!

Members of my CSB/SJU family!

I love my Edina friends!

Who could forget these goons? I love Kaitlyn and Graci!

3. CSB/SJU
Even though I am abroad with a CSB/SJU program, I still dearly miss my school. I miss feeling the wonderful sense of community on campus, being involved in various clubs, and working as a Biology Teaching Assistant and Exercise Lab Assistant. I can't wait to be back in St. Joe again soon! 

I can't to be a CSB Senator this fall!

Johnnie football is the best!

4. Science
As geeky as it may be, I've deeply missed science. Studying abroad in Segovia means 16 credits of Spanish classes, which differs greatly from my typical science-filled course load. Going into the semester, I relished in the fact that I would not have any labs, but now I actually miss them! I can't wait to spend hours in the library studying things that interest me - things that actually matter! (No offense, Spanish).

This is a video recorded during finals week last semester.

 I was studying for Biochemistry, which has been 

my favorite class I have taken in college.

5. Church
To end, I miss attending church on a weekly basis. Specifically, I can't wait to go to Praise in the Pub, which is a Wednesday night gathering at CSB/SJU, and Upper Room, my home church. Both help keep me grounded and are always the highlight of my week!

A picture taken at an outdoor service of Upper Room this summer!

Cheers,
Anna

The City - Part III

Hola!

Today is a beautiful Sunday morning in Segovia! The air is refreshing, the sun is shining, and there is not a cloud in the sky. I am currently sitting beside two friends in my favorite Spanish coffee shop, Farggi. In essence, I am doing all that I can to soak up final days of the Spanish life.

With this, though, we should switch gears back to London, as today is my final post on my marvelous weekend in the city. It's crazy to think I was there last week, and now all my London friends are done with their semester and are going home - makes me appreciate that I still have a few days left here in Spain!

Final moments in my favorite city

Cheers,
Anna

The City - Part II

Hola! 

Today, I am dedicating another post to London! This entry, though, is about day two in the city. 

Still in love. Still obsessed.

Enjoy!

Cheers,
Anna

The City - Part I

Hola! 

Today, I want to start sharing stories about my wonderful weekend trip to the United Kingdom. London was fabulous and classy, and I truly fell in love with the city. For this, it deserves more than one blog entry. 

Today's video: Day One in London

Enjoy! 

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