GRAcias, de NADA - A Bittersweet Goodbye

It’s hard to believe that our time in Granada is coming to a close already.  This group has become a second family to me, Granada a second home, and – somewhere along the way – Spanish, a second language!  While I can’t wait to see my family and friends back home, I’m amazed by how much sadness I feel at the thought of leaving.  Granada has been very, very good to us.

For anyone reading this post and considering studying abroad, I could not recommend it more highly!  I have learned so much about myself, gained so much confidence, found so much peace, and come to so appreciate the diversity and cultures of this country.  Plus, I never imagined that my conversational Spanish would improve this much!  To Granada, to Andy, to the wonderful CEA staff – goodbyes are going to be difficult. 

DO:

• Realize that the little, day-to-day things will be what you miss most.  Andy mentioned this to us, and it really resonated with me.  The Alhambra was beautiful, but it won’t be what I remember.  Certain songs, the ice cream at Los Italianos, the children I pass everyday on the way to class, the jokes and mannerisms of my classmates, the way the mountains look at sunset, the double-cheek-kiss greetings, the way people answer their phones, the sound of house slippers padding down the hallway, the flowers spilling from every balcony – these will be the memories that make me smile years from now.
• Get involved in activities and organizations of the city.  For example, many of us volunteered regularly at a school/orphanage, I joined a Spanish running club, we got caught up in the (admittedly disappointing) World Cup festivities, and we enjoyed all of the Corpus Christi activities.
• Work to adopt Spanish attitudes and customs, rather than attempting to force your American lifestyle on to the Spanish society.  Sure, I might want to eat dinner at 7:30 or bring a friend to my house, but there’s a reason for and beauty to the norms of life here.
• Try new things, and leave your comfort zone.  For example, the crazy-delicious food!
• Appreciate and respect your host family.  My host mother has been so good to me, and I am amazed by how hard she works.  I try not to take her for granted.
• Wear sunscreen!!  ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS J 
• Pack comfortable walking shoes with good traction.  The first day it rains on the smooth sidewalks, you’ll understand why!
• Bring a non-breakable gift for your host family (whoops on the non-breakable part L )

DON’T:

• Stop speaking Spanish the second you leave the classroom.  I admit, my classmates and I were occasionally guilty of this.  My biggest regret of our trip is that we didn’t speak more Spanish in informal situations.
• Get in the habit of four-hour siestas!  Naps are great.  Sleeping the whole afternoon away is not.
• Spend too much time holed up in your bedroom.  Even if just going to the park or a café or your amiga’s pizzeria to study, don’t let these opportunities to immerse yourself in the city slip by.
• Neglect studying.  You’ll be taking the equivalent of a 20-credit course load form one of the most prestigious universities in the world.  Even if the pace of life is slower here, the course if not.  Stay punctual and get chunks of work done every day.

And one final do - say thank you to this beautiful city for how it has changed you, challenged you, helped you, and filled you with joy: