CGISGRANADA2015: Estoy esperando hasta luego Granada.

We did it. Six weeks, waiting in anticipation for our sixth examen. Many mouthfuls of churros con chocolate, aceitunas ( olives), pan ( bread), jamon (ham), and many smells of spanish verano noches ( summer nights) later. Many footsteps in our worn down paths to school. Many footsteps to and from our favorite places and sights later, we finally tuned into the sound of the heartbeat of this city. What a beautiful thing it is and was to experience life and living in a different country, city, culture, and amongst different people. What a beautiful, comfortably uncomfortable, challenging, enriching dose of luck we were given. Going forward, I cannot wait to incorporate the language and different lifestyle that we have grown into and with these past seis semanas ( six weeks). Our language skills have improved incredibly, and I cannot wait to seek out avenues to use this skill in the future. Whether that be language exchanges at coffee shops in Ann Arbor, conversing with fellow students learning Spanish, or in new countries in the future or with my aspiration of working in a non-profit public health sector. I will take away the appreciation for taking time out of the day to decompress and rest. Although there may not be set in stone times for siestas in the U.S. (even the word siesta combats American culture so strongly) I am going to try to incorporate a time each day to rest and reflect. The sense of enjoyment, disfrutando is so much larger here, and is something that I want to take back with me wherever I may be. I never thought that I would be saying this, however, there are some many things that I cannot wait to return home to in regards to American culture. Stepping away from what you are so programmed into on the daily stream helps you appreciate things from a different viewpoint. My shoes will be kicked off, and I will return to my outdoor running and relaxed wardrobe with an appreciation.

In regards to things that I would suggest for students doing this program in the future... aquí son mis consejos ( here is my advice):
- Try all the food. Culture is very much embedded into food, and you can begin to discover things about what food means to personas españolas when you taste their daily foods. You may start to crave atun, jamon sandwiches, and patatas fritas as time passes...

Some of my first tapas at Cafe Bar Manlo

My favorite breakfast, aceite, sal, y tomate

-Adventure on your own starting the first week. One of my favorite past times here in Granada was getting out and exploring and often getting a little lost in the cobblestone streets. I was able to find some of my favorite places El Rio Genial, Carmen de los Martires ( a garden over looking the whole city).

Rio Genial

Parque de Las Ciencias

Vista de Carmen de los Martires

- Make a list each week of things you want to do. I found that when we made plans and bucket lists and we narrowed down to the last three weeks, we began to explore, enjoy, and discover more and more.

- Free is often best. Seek out free museums ( como Cuarto de Santo Domingo), parks ( Parque de las Ciencias y Parque Garcia Lorca), and local events.

- Pack less than you'd expect, but more formally than anticipated. My advice is to bring more formal shoes than expected, however, only pack two weeks worth of clothes, as your host mother will do laundry often once a week or more.

Ruins at Cuarto de Santo Domingo

- Do not come to España empty handed. Bring some euros with you to have that spending money those first few days, bring a gift for your family ( when you come and one for when you leave), have opinions about politics both in los EEUU and here.

A largo plazo ( in the big picture), this experiencia was moving, full of action and relaxation, and provided a window into the beautiful country that España is and all it has to offer. I would also advise going to Madrid if you have the chance, it has a more progressive outlook and is chalked full of history, art, great food, and very friendly people. Looking back here are some more of my favorite memories and places that I will miss until I return.