Class.

It was weird to think I actually had to go to class and do work, this had just felt like a vacation before then. After a couple of days the words syllabus and schedule kept coming up. There is so much to explore over here and class was just going to be something that stifled adventure. Then that dreaded Monday came and the evil classes began. My only thought when I walked into the center that day was, these horrid beasts last an hour and forty minutes. To the great surprise of my peers and me, we really liked our first days of classes. We have some neat professors, who all love to teach what they are teaching and are passionate about us learning all we can about art, writing, Spanish culture, and anything they can cram into our brains. Class is so much better when you have a person who genuinely enjoys being there and helping others learn about a subject they care about so much. However, the whole concept of papers and exams didn’t seem to slip their minds, so there have been many writing and reading assignments. Yet, there can’t be much to complain about when you are doing your homework in a café, drinking warm milk and eating the world’s best caramel muffin, and also planning trips to London and Greece in between assignments. Even though I now have a schedule, every day is different here. Today in my culture and civilization of Spain class we walked around and our professor told us hundred year old legends of places that we walk past on our walk to and from school. The adventures on this trip could not have been, and will not be, the same without a great group of girls to run around Europe with. For this reason my lovely, comedic roommate Tressa and I have bonded with the whole group on this trip, but especially with Jenn, Audrey, and Annie. I think it’s our common longing for home and some nice weather, along with a little Sangria, that has caused us to have grown into friends so fast. Once again there is so much more to come and it’s already flying by.

Our first night at our favorite bar.

Once again at our favorite bar.

On expedition in Toledo.

Vale.

Right before take off in Dallas all the lights went out on the plane, great. So for an hour we sat as the mechanic fixed the power source that started up the engine. But after a bit we took off for the other side of the Atlantic and in less than 10 hours we were in Madrid. From there we had an hour long bus ride to Segovia. Finally, I made it! After many months of planning, a mountain of paperwork, Stephine helping pack my suitcase, Stephine helping unpack my suitcase at the airport (it weighed more than 50 lbs), and support from my family and friends. Segovia and I fell in love at first sight. The cobble streets, the buildings all notched together, people walking everywhere, and women of all ages in heels. This town is like out of a book, with chic fashion and brilliant sales till the end of February. My first pair of Spanish heels has been bought. Life is set at such a different pace here; the days are longer and slower. People take a nap in the middle of the day and have dinner at 10pm. Even all the stores close during siesta time. Another difference is the way people talk here and the way I do, everyone takes note of my accent and the culture is unlike than the one I have grown up in. The same word in Spanish has a different meaning here than at home, and they use the word vale in every sentence. At home I say it when speaking of the value of something, and here they use it as an affirmation of a statement. My host-lady is very sweet, and has made us very comfortable in her apartment; it seems that there are only apartment buildings in Segovia. Much to my mom’s delight, there is a church right down the street called Iglesia de Santa Isabel. My roommate Tressa and I share a bunk bed that is shorter than the bed I had in the dorms. There is a ton to learn here and I am ready to take it all in. Classes begin on Monday and it seems we have as many free days as we have days in class. Planning our adventures is going to be fun; so far St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland is on the agenda. I am so excited about anything and everything, I thank God for everyday here. I miss so much from home, one thing in particular, but 3 months will go by in a flash.

In the airport before leaving with the most beautiful family in the world.

In Madrid.

On top of Madrid.

My future husband, do not be surprised if I bring him home with me.

Sin Bandera.

I got the title for this blog from a Sin Bandera song. It’s a song about a journey of love between two people, but for me it will be a journey of love between me, myself, and I. I am finally done with all the paperwork, have had all the pre-departure orientation sessions, and booked a flight. On January 24 I will fly out of Louisville, then to Dallas, and end in Madrid, and the journey will officially begin. For now I have a wonderfully crazy family to celebrate Christmas with and a sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet boy to celebrate an anniversary with.

I had many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, many are shown in this picture:

• A house crowded with family and friends
• Sisterly love
• My tia's birthday mango daiquiri
• My brother’s faces in the background

Accepted.

            There have not been many things in my college career that have remained consistent: major, future career, etc. One goal that has remained the same since I first set foot on WKU’s lovely campus was the hope to study abroad. Now I find myself a junior and with the opportunity to do what I have dreamed of, studying in Spain. So here I go!! Well after a mountain of paperwork and some constant reassuring of my Mami that everything will be ok while I’m more than an hour and a half away from her. With God’s blessing, this will be the adventure I have been hoping for.

"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."
-Saint Augustine