I am going to Spain so soon. Like in 3 days. This is so exciting! There are some nerves along with the excitement, though. What do I need to pack? What will my host family be like? Will I even be able to communicate in Spanish? These are all important questions that stress me out a little. 5 months is a long time. But I know that I will never be alone even when I feel like I am. God is always there to guide me. Even though I know that, I still worry a little. This culture is going to be very different than what I have encountered in my life so far. I have done as much preparing for it as I can, and now the only thing left to do is experience it.
The purpose of this blog is to share my adventures in Europe with friends, family, and whoever else decides to read this. I am new to this whole blogging thing, and I feel that all the things I write need to be exceptionally witty. I don't think I can do that. Even the clever name of this blog, "Dos besos de España" was mostly because of my friends (thanks Big C and the Lurd). So I apologize in advance for my poor blogging skills. Hopefully it will get better in time. Also, a side note: the pictures found on the pages of this blog right now are of Oviedo, but they are not my own. I haven't taken any pictures yet because I am not in Spain (thanks Google images for the help). But as soon as I can take some artsy pics, they will be replaced.
The purpose of this blog is to share my adventures in Europe with friends, family, and whoever else decides to read this. I am new to this whole blogging thing, and I feel that all the things I write need to be exceptionally witty. I don't think I can do that. Even the clever name of this blog, "Dos besos de España" was mostly because of my friends (thanks Big C and the Lurd). So I apologize in advance for my poor blogging skills. Hopefully it will get better in time. Also, a side note: the pictures found on the pages of this blog right now are of Oviedo, but they are not my own. I haven't taken any pictures yet because I am not in Spain (thanks Google images for the help). But as soon as I can take some artsy pics, they will be replaced.
The location of Oviedo, Spain I really hate packing. I have too many things.
I also want to explain the title of my blog a little bit more. Even though I only kind of came up with the title, it really applies to this whole adventure well in a couple ways. "Dos besos de España" is translated into English as "two kisses from Spain." It is customary in Spanish culture to kiss someone on both cheeks when introduced (At least as far as I have heard. I guess I will find out soon if this is really true). I am being introduced to Spain, and therefore kissing it on both cheeks. The other part of it is me sending my love back to everyone in the United States that I won't see for a long time. I am sending my love back by sending kisses from Spain.
For anyone who I haven't already told, I will give a brief overview of my trip. I leave on January 5 and start classes soon after. I am minoring in Spanish, therefore taking a couple Spanish classes, as well as some core, like art and literature. All the classes are in Spanish (!!). I am also going to live with a host family. The rule is only one person per family so that the maximum Spanish is used. We are staying in Oviedo, Spain, which is North and a little West. Oviedo is both on the coast and in the mountains. My traveling buddies include my cousin Jenna, my future housemate Hope, and my good friend Diana, as well as about 15 other Calvin College students. We have weekends and a 10-day Spring Break (that we might extend to 2 weeks) to travel. Jenna and I are also staying after for an extra 10 days to travel Europe. I eventually return on May 28. My goals include learning Spanish the best that I can, as well as experiencing European culture to the full extent. So that's that.
The last thing I want to share are some websites that helped me prepare for the next 5 months of my life. Packing and sightseeing were my main research topics if any of you ever need any references for traveling. If you want to learn more about Oviedo, here is a site all about the history, here is a travel guide, and here is everything else you might want to know. I want to thank everyone for all the support and especially prayers. See you in 5 months!
Beso, beso
For anyone who I haven't already told, I will give a brief overview of my trip. I leave on January 5 and start classes soon after. I am minoring in Spanish, therefore taking a couple Spanish classes, as well as some core, like art and literature. All the classes are in Spanish (!!). I am also going to live with a host family. The rule is only one person per family so that the maximum Spanish is used. We are staying in Oviedo, Spain, which is North and a little West. Oviedo is both on the coast and in the mountains. My traveling buddies include my cousin Jenna, my future housemate Hope, and my good friend Diana, as well as about 15 other Calvin College students. We have weekends and a 10-day Spring Break (that we might extend to 2 weeks) to travel. Jenna and I are also staying after for an extra 10 days to travel Europe. I eventually return on May 28. My goals include learning Spanish the best that I can, as well as experiencing European culture to the full extent. So that's that.
The last thing I want to share are some websites that helped me prepare for the next 5 months of my life. Packing and sightseeing were my main research topics if any of you ever need any references for traveling. If you want to learn more about Oviedo, here is a site all about the history, here is a travel guide, and here is everything else you might want to know. I want to thank everyone for all the support and especially prayers. See you in 5 months!
Beso, beso