I thought I would write a reminiscent post about my year abroad...
(even though all my posts were basically reminiscent)
When I think back on a year ago when my Erasmus application was still under way I kept thinking about how this year was going to change my life, it was going to take me away from Belgium (a life-long dream), it was going to take me away from everything I knew and throw me into the lion's den with new people, new places, another level of independence and hopefully charge my battery that needed charging so badly.
I didn't have much love for Spain, I don't have much love for the Spanish language (italian is my true love but it's not where the money's at) so I thought Erasmus would just be a way to get better at my job.
Little did I know, Spain creeps up on you, in ways you least expect it.
My first semester in one word would be "hibernation", apart from the first 6 weeks when I was obsessively active, I didn't go out ever. They do warn about this initial Erasmus excitement wearing off after a while. The only thing I was really happy about was the place I lived in. For those few months, this was a real "home" to me. I felt really comfortable and I had wonderful housemates with whom I had great indoor time. Unfortunately, this comfortableness kept me from going out. I maybe attended two parties and it took a lot of energy to go to class. This Erasmus thing was getting to be quite a disappointment. I knew I had to break loose somehow.
After spending Christmas vacation in Belgium I decided to move apartments in Spain, luxury would have to give way to convenience and constructing a social life. And oh, am I glad I did!
Even though the apartment ended up not feeling like a home AT ALL, I am a five minute walk away from everything, the social life that I ended up "constructing" lives all around me and I felt a bit more challenged in this semester's classes.
Now I can't say I'm completely smitten with Spain (apart from Málaga, but paradise doesn't count in this equation), but from the first day I arrived here the Spanish people have proven to be so friendly and open. A nice change of scenery from the rather anti-social and grumpy Belgians.
Even my local fruit vendor is cracking a smile once in a while. Spanish people are generally a happier people; they live under the sun all year, and when times get tough (oh boy do times get tough for these people :S) they find support in their large families and local community.
Despite the fact that Spain had one of the worst winters to date (the weather in Madrid really wasn't that different from Belgium), with the smallest hint of sunshine everybody comes out and socializes on the town square. It's a joy to go there and sit among them. This outdoor way of living typical of the Mediterranean is something I will definitely miss.
Alcala was special for many reasons. For one, the storks. With a permanent population of 180 storks the city is constantly shaded by their magnificent wings. 90 bird couples in everlasting love, a love that has clearly transferred onto the people, I've never seen so many couples in my life! Seriously though, try finding a guy who's single in this place.
Since Alcala is so small, so is the Erasmus community. Everybody knows everybody and their friend, which makes it a lot more personal, like one big family. When someone organizes a party, guaranteed all Erasmus show up and the neighbors will call the cops on us. But no way we're as loud as Spanish people. (That's just not physically possible.)
And Erasmus is kind of like "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas", nobody at home will ever know the true details of our wild nights.
Because this is the birth town of Miguel Cervantes everything is in his name. Town festivals every other week, literary prices, royalty paying us a visit, you name it. I've never seen so much folklore in my life. And I don't have to tell you again how big of an impression Easter time had on me.
I will miss the international group of friends I made here. As much as you learn about the country you're in, you learn about every other country out there. Hungary, Turkey, France, Germany, Brazil, Slovenia, South Korea, Russia, Austria, and the list goes on. No school can teach you true "culture".
The friends you make on Erasmus can't compare to your usual clique. I have spent every waking hour with these people. Going for drinks or tapas almost every night, going on hikes and excursions, watching them go from sober to incredibly drunk with nothing in between. Aditionally, Erasmus is really like starting over, nobody judges you, and I've never felt more appreciated.
The friends you make on Erasmus can't compare to your usual clique. I have spent every waking hour with these people. Going for drinks or tapas almost every night, going on hikes and excursions, watching them go from sober to incredibly drunk with nothing in between. Aditionally, Erasmus is really like starting over, nobody judges you, and I've never felt more appreciated.
Every time I travel abroad it strikes me how limited Belgium is, it's like anything international is not allowed in the country. This year has really shown me how much I love globalization; finally having access to brands I've admired online for so long, eating foods from all over the world just a 5 minute walk away. Detox will be difficult... 'Cause we are living in a material world, and I am a material girl.
Not that it's really helping the Spanish economy, but leaving behind Sunday shopping will also be a challenge. Even Carrefour has special Sunday/holiday hours: from 10 to 10 instead of 9 to 10 on weekdays. You can imagine my horror and broken heart when Carrefour was actually closed one day (Labor Day)!
But there are a few things that I won't miss too much, not to say at all. For instance, tapas. Disgusting, low quality tapas. I do understand that there probably are establishments in Spain that do mediocre to acceptable tapas but these places are few. I don't like the concept of paying 3 euros for a coke with a slice of sausage or a piece of bread with salmon. No herbs or taste enhancers whatsoever are involved in the preparation of these things. And they're more likely to give you food poisoning than a full stomach. I HATE TAPAS.
Nor will I miss dinner time at 10 in the evening, there is really no need to starve for so long, eight o'clock will do just fine!
And then there's this "jejejejeje" and "jajajajaja" thing, (Spanish written version of "hahaha") seriously, nobody laughs like this.
And then there's this "jejejejeje" and "jajajajaja" thing, (Spanish written version of "hahaha") seriously, nobody laughs like this.
I won't really miss the weather, since it was gravely disappointing, but I will miss nature. The difference with Belgium is here, once you leave a town, you enter the middle of nowhere, until you enter another town. In this middle of nowhere there are mountains, lakes, forests, parks, animals, and the smells I can't even describe, it's as close to the Amazon as it gets. I really didn't have to go far to get some peace and quiet.
As bad as I may feel about it, I will not miss Spain in crisis. Homeless people, beggars, charities, unemployment, strikes and protest marches on every block. I gave to others as much as I could but it breaks your heart to see this every day.
Since booking my ticket, countdown has started. It's almost impossible not to think of home, when classes are over, students are staying inside to study for finals, farewell parties are being organized...
Thinking about packing my bag is giving me great deal of stress (not to mention the exams I have waiting for me in Belgium). On top of that, I'm leaving on the exact day all the outdoor pools are opening in Alcala, fail.
But there are so many things I am looking forward to.
A bed that fits my head and feet at the same time, access to my full closet ( OH WARDROBE HOW I'VE MISSED YOU), high heels (I know just how girly and superficial all this is starting to sound).
I have missed my weekly friday night Belgian fries, the perfect way to unwind after a tough week. The moment Belgian chocolate touches my lips, I will be a happy woman. I have missed full plate, three hour-long, you-can't-move-afterwards dinners. (Almost forgot Belgian pancakes with vanilla ice-cream and chocolate sauce.)
I am dreaming about touching a steering wheel again, the freedom to go wherever, whenever you want. I will be glad to go back to an economy that allows me to work, and not rely on my parents for every penny.
These last few weeks I've been going on the healthy path, trying to maintain my motivation to work out and eat a certain amount of fruits and vegetables a day. It wasn't too hard, if there is anything that is cheap in Spain, it's food. Most of the fruits and vegetables are local, so you're helping the environment. There was never a country more physically fit than Spain. Go to the nearest park and guaranteed there are dozens of people running or cycling: so many old ladies (when they chat like the geese in The Aristocats and they're still running faster than you, you know you have to step it up!); new moms pushing their stroller, whole families on kick scooters... Honestly, you still feel lazy after a 30 minute run.
I am hoping to continue this newfound health kick in Belgium once I get back. (Mainly because these Erasmus kilos are really not agreeing with me!)
I am looking forward to not go out as much anymore (the second semester was maybe a little too much of what the first wasn't), unfortunately too much of the Erasmus partying relied on heavy drinking, I'll be happy not to feel that pressure anymore.
It made me appreciate the low-key nights I have with my belgian friends who I also look forward to seeing again.
Even though communication with the home front was limited, it is where I am comfortable. Did I miss my parents? Of course not! I just mean it is kind of nice to have your mommy and daddy around, no?
A few things I will take home with me: the ability to use a washer. And really, what's all this talk about not mixing colors with whites, just throw everything in there!
I am not sure if my Spanish actually improved, it is hard to remember what it was like when I first arrived. Sometimes I still have difficulty understanding people (but I've perfected the "sí sí, no no" response) and I didn't turn into a walking dictionary. I am however a lot more confident, and I finally feel I deserve being a third year spanish student.
I am currently applying for jobs in Spain, to see if I can spend the summer making money in the sun.
My experience in Spain is sort of a love/hate relationship, I could never live here, but it sure would be nice for a quick holiday, in Málaga of course.
I want to thank my readers for sticking with me, or joining when you did. I wrote this blog for all of you, with a lot of pleasure and enthusiasm!
Hasta luego!
