to...
Note the very minor landscape differences. :)
While in this very different environment for eight weeks, I plan on journaling and blogging weekly about my time there. I want to remember every detail and relish every once-in-a-lifetime experience. Besides that, I have a few goals I hope to accomplish. My chief dream is to achieve a true ease and confidence in my Spanish speaking ability. In the classroom I've learned a great deal about Spanish grammar and writing, but this summer I'm hoping to climb the next step in my ability to orally communicate. I also aim to appreciate the beautiful, historically rich culture that is Spain. I plan to thoroughly explore Alicante, as well as neighboring cities such as Seville, Granada, Valencia, and of course, the Spanish capital of Madrid. In the Spring semester of my sophomore year at Hillsdale, I completed an Ibero-American Civilization and Culture course. Even though the course primarily focused on the geography and early cultures of North and South America (the Olmecs, Aztecs, Mayans, Toltecs, and Incas), starting with Hernán Cortés' arrival in Mexico in 1519, Spanish influence was a key factor in the development of Ibero-American civilizations. Through this course, I caught a small glimpse of Spanish government, society and culture, and I look forward to seeing more in real life as well as view the historical sites that we touched on briefly in the course.
I also look forward to trying the traditional foods in Alicante! I love cooking ethnic foods at home for my family and collecting new recipes, so I'm ready to explore the culinary side of Spain as well. It will be really interesting to see how the geographical location affects the menu. As a Nebraskan, I am used to a diet that is very light on seafood. As in, I never eat seafood. This is simply because Nebraska is thoroughly landlocked (we are located right next to Lebanon, Kansas, the geographical center of America) and good seafood is scarce. But in Alicante, I imagine that fresh seafood is plentiful and that it is prepared excellently. To feed your imagination a bit, here is an example of a typical restaurant meal in Alicante:
It will certainly be a tiny change from the beef and casseroles of the Midwest!
Now, people have asked if I have any fears or concerns about studying abroad. If I had to say what my greatest fear is, it would be the initial shock and adjustment to Spanish culture. Although my background as a missionary kid gave me a familiarity with various cultures, traversing a new country on my own will be a completely different experience. Also, adjusting to the very different mealtimes in Spain will be interesting. The thought of eating at 9pm or even 10pm is just strange, but I know that I will adjust quickly. That's the good thing about humans, right? Like those camouflaging geckos of Thailand, we quickly adapt to our surroundings and lifestyles. Living with a family will be amazing too. I think it will help me adjust to the lifestyle of a Spaniard more than living in a dorm or apartment alone ever could. As of now, I don't know anything about my host family, but I pray that I will be able to build a solid, healthy relationship with them that may even endure beyond my two months in Alicante.
Well, as I prepare to set sail—or I should say, take to the air—for Spain, I am filled with an interesting mix of excitement and trepidation. It will be different and new, but both of these things are good for the soul, so this Nebraskan is ready for mi aventura en España!
with blessings, cheers & promises of more posts to come,
with blessings, cheers & promises of more posts to come,
~Laurel
