Last blog post. (sniff...sniff...) I know we've been through a lot on this blog site this semester, its been emotional for all of us.
In all seriousness though, the past four months have been something truly unique in my life, and something that I could never really do justice by writing or speaking of my experiences. But of course, that's no reason not to convey what I can here on the blog. Right now I am feeling a serious battle of emotions going on, making it difficult for me to really tell how I am feeling about everything. I know that a big part of me truly regrets not signing up to spend a full year abroad. There is just so much to see, learn, and to experience here and I really feel that four months was far too short. On the other hand, I'm sure that if i had studied here and entire year I would have felt like one year was not sufficient either. So, I've decided to be happy for the experience and not waste time regretting the decision to spend only one semester in Bilbao.
Regarding my study abroad program, I could not be happier with how my choice turned out. Before coming here, I definitely had my doubts about my choice. Bilbao/Getxo turned out to be the perfect place for me to study abroad, though I am sure I would have felt the same way in many other locations. In terms of learning spanish, between living with a spanish family and being in a city where english is seldom to never spoken, this program was incredibly beneficial. I make this point because I have heard a lot about study abroad programs in places like Barcelona, that are essentially "be an obnoxious american college student abroad" programs. Many people who have studied there have said that they really did not learn much spanish, due to the huge presence of english, as well as the regional language of catalan. And after all, learning the language is really the most important, and most beneficial part to studying abroad. From interacting with people in a different language, you gain access to a completely different culture, and a completely different way of life. I am so grateful for this experience and I am proud of myself for making the most of it.
With this program, I was also lucky to meet some really great people. I found interactions between us american students really interesting. Because of the small size of our group (about 30-40 students), everyone spent time together and interacted with people who they would probably not get to know in their respective schools. I found it interesting because at college, everyone is so in their "group" and you look at people in different groups and assume that you, surely, would never get along. But this semester i realized that totally different people like that can actually get along and become really good friends, and I really think the college environment would be a better place if people realized this. I feel like there is so much you can learn from someone who has a completely different lifestyle from you, and also that while you might feel like you would never have anything in common with someone upon a first judgement, you really can find people you get along with who you would have never expected.
Alright, I feel like I'm getting a little preachy and annoying here so I'm going to move on. Today I went to a medieval market in a small town out in the country. Honestly one of the cooler experiences of my semester. You just see so much tradition and so much history, and you really can't get anything like it in such a young country as the US of A. Just a ton of different stands with people selling awesome artisanal products. I really have enjoyed days like this to be immersed in spanish/basque culture and get away from being an isolated group of americans abroad.
I'm getting tired so I'm gonna go ahead and sum this up. Borderline devastatingly sad to leave this place. It has really turned into another home for me, complete with another family as well. This area has so much personality and so many interesting places and hidden gems that I really just wish I could spend years here. It is sad to think that I will most likely never have the chance to return to this place that, like a tease, was my home for four months during a peculiar time in my life. But, like always in the US, there's shit to do, and I've got to get home, see everybody, start working again, and chase that american dream. I am glad to see my friends and family, but I realize that it might be a hard transition for me coming back.
I've had a life-changing experience here that I will remember my whole life, so it's no wonder I can't really express on paper how i feel. As always though, I hope that you guys have enjoyed reading my blog and I hope that you found some of this stuff interesting and maybe even took something from it. I'll end this with a few things I personally would like to adopt from spanish culture, things that I think might make people a little happier.
1. Stop denying yourself happiness.
If something will make you happy, buy it. don't feel guilty about it, don't deny yourself something you want because you think its more logical to "save up" your money. As unfortunate as it is, money runs our world. but you know, you can't spend it when your dead. buy yourself that glass of wine, or nice meal. And if you even try to talk to me about how "guilty" you feel about eating bread, or food that was cooked in (oh so horrible for you!!!) olive oil instead of water, or a little pastry...
2. Enjoy yourself.
Spend your time outside, get off the computer. The culture here is socializing outside, being friendly to strangers. I don't know why americans are so cold, it seems like everyone is afraid of everyone and just wants to stay in their family bubble.
3. Lose the big house.
Almost everyone here lives in tiny apartments. And they are a lot happier for it. Realizing that you don't need an excessively large house/car really allows you to use your money to enjoy the things in life worth enjoying.
Alright yall, its about that time. My friends who are reading this, as much as I've made it sound like I never want to return to the US, I really am excited to see all of you. See everyone soon
Beau
