The Morgan you know and love

Hello everyone,

This is going to be a quick, yet substantial blog...I have to walk to choir practice in 12 minutes.

My blog is a bit deceiving. I've have only posted the positives of my experience; the truth is these first few weeks have been extremely difficult for me. I was not happy of my choice in study abroad location. I am in a big city with very limited natural scenery. I am in a building on a side street that is two stories tall—not university. Also, as most of you know I was looking forward to a bigger university experience, what I got was 46 American students—I am not the international student I wanted to be. I am an American in an American program submerged (more like awkwardly placed) in a Spanish culture. Admittedly, I did not do enough research on this program. I know this now. Also, I’ve realized I prefer the Latin American culture to the Spanish culture. In my opinion, the LA culture is much more inviting and hospitable, while the Spanish culture is more formal and slightly detached (in regards to communities).

Those who know me know that I am not one to settle, nor am I one to focus on the negatives (although, I have been doing that quite a bit). What have I done to change this experience into something that I will be happy with: sulked, complained, and cried for a while, then took action. I tried transferring to a different program—this was eliminated as an option because the other programs already started and the refund of my tuition would NOT be in my favor. Then I talked to the director of the program here, and she helped me out a bit.

I want immersion, which I am not getting from my peers, so I joined a community choir. I am going to travel to Austria with them in December! It has always been a dream of mine to perform in Europe…so there’s one thing to cross off my bucket list. Also, I’m going to be meeting with a Spanish student every week for casual conversation, so that I can improve my Spanish. I hope to be making some Spanish friends soon through the choir. Also, I’m going to try to join a dance class at the Universidad Catolica (the same university that offers the choir)—ultimate goal: make Spanish friends and learn Spanish!

So here is the BIG news. I’ve decided to come back to Wisconsin for next semester. In other words, I am not studying abroad for two consecutive semesters. I’ve done a lot of thinking…I feel that for the first time in my life I am making a well thought out decision, rather than always going and going without stop. During the semester at Norbs I want to make time to explore my career options. The truth is I have so many interests that I need to hone in on what makes me happy (not to mention what helps the bank account a little). I feel that if I rush off to study abroad again I could ruin an important experience by not doing sufficient self reflection beforehand. Also, I made the decision because I am taking charge of my finances. I have been so lucky to always have my mother and brother to help me with finances; however, with the economy the way that it is, their help has been limited. I would feel much better to save some money and pay some bills before having to spend all of my funds again on a second semester in Spain.

My decision to remain at St. Norbert next semester does NOT mean I will not be going abroad again. I always can go Fall Semester of 2011—I’ve already talked to my counselors about that J Also, I am happy to have had this lapse in composure because it got me thinking in what other ways I could get an “abroad” experience. I love the idea of an international internship—something with Spanish would be preferred, but anywhere in the world would be amazing. Also, I’ve already learned what I can bring back to St. Norbert. I would love to start a program with the international students at Norbs where I would plan weekend and long break outings for them. I realized here that it is sometimes difficult, time consuming, and expensive to plan your own trips. I want to make their experience a little more comfortable and be there native friend J

Despite the rocky start, I am forging my own smooth path.

Welcome to my life

Hola, hola de Valencia!

Welcome to my life: my new, adventurous, tranquil life in Espana. My new life comes complete with hours and hours of walking to where ever I want to go, which is just the way I like it! Who needs buses and taxis when I can get to where I'm going by walking at most 45 minutes. Yes, yes, 45 minutes seems like a lot, but when everything is so beauty I really rather prefer it.

I walk 40 minutes to my University everyday. I choose to walk through el Rio (the river). Don't worry, although there is an abundance of religious influence throughout the city it has not rubbed off on me so much so that I am able to walk on water or anything like that. El Rio used to be a river. It flooded in the 1960s. After much of the city incurred water damage city officials decided to reroute the river leaving behind a stretch of bare land. Now el Rio is a BEAUTIFUL park (how's that for a history lesson). There are various sitting areas, fountains, running/biking tracks, sculptures, benches to read (one of my favorites) or just people watch. I love this walk because I get to clear my head every morning. Yesterday my Spanish brother and I went for a lovely bike ride through part of it! Que divertido! I'm going to attempt waking up early tomorrow to go for my first run--since I've been here it's been too hot to run...which brings me to my next point--el calor (heat).

OK. So who is the biggest dork you know? Of course all should be answering "Morgan." Why is it that I am the silliest person you know? On second thought, don't answer that! I will tell you. Only I can suffer a severe case of sun poisoning/heat rash the third day I arrived in Valencia. Oh yes, that is right. Day three was spent on a beach and exploring an old castle in Pensicola. That was a day! I delayed the bus departure time because I (only I) would receive a humbled and VERY unexpected monthly visitor...I'm counting on all of you to clarify the ambiguity ;-) Upon returning from this trip I noticed my skin was quite red; but NO, that did not stop me from spending the next day at another beach sitting in the sun. Please keep in mind I put on sunscreen each time...when I returned home that day my prison time began. I had an entire body rash that itched. Oh, how it itched! I could not leave the house for leisurely strolls, which I wanted to do because the heat would make it unbearable; nevertheless, I could not miss the first day of school. On the first day, it must have been 90s or 100s I went to school wearing a cotton sweater--my skin could not tolerate exposure to the sun. I am happy to inform you that after a day of covering my body in anti-itching powder (provided by mi madre) and apply pure aloe vera, which was a whopping 12 euro for a 6 oz bottle and almost impossible to find, I am in the final stages of recovery! The Mediterranean sun is too hot and is out for too long--it mocks me. I miss/appreciate Wisconsin weather so much more now :-)

What more to say? How about a list of random things I would like to recap.
1) Coolest thing I've seen yet: A young woman walking a rabbit on a leash throughout el Rio!
2) First night of dancing: Yesterday. AWESOME. I am that crazy American girl that everyone is just in awe of because I don't stop. lol.
3) My level of class: Every student in the program got a free alcoholic beverage at the club last night. I tried it...I had like 3 sips poured it into another girl's glass, kept my cup the rest of the night and refilled it with water from the bathroom sink because I did not want to spend 2 euro on a bottle of water.
4) Simplicity is lovely: Second night I was here went out with my lovely freshman year RA, Rachel. We took the metro (my first time using it in Europe!!! Surprisingly very clean. Also, I love that they have digital signs telling when the next train will be there--sweet!) to the pizzaria where her boyfriend works. I had REAL Italian pizza because the owner is from Italy! Also tried Sangria for the first time...not bad, but not great. lol. Rachel's boyfriend took me for a ride on the back of his moped!!! My fantasy of riding through Europe on the back of a moped is complete. Thank you, Ruben :-)
5) My biggest culture shock: Being in a modern country. Having technology and the same luxuries of the U.S. I am used to third world countries where I don't know when I will be able to contact home. Here it is as easy as turning on the computer. I don't know what to do with myself...I'm accustomed to isolation. Hahahaha.
6) Greatest feeling: Speaking ONLY Spanish the first day I was here then having to write an e-mail in English and having great difficulties.
7) The superior goal for my stay here: Learn how to balance my life. School and social life. I do not want to live a life of stress and overexertion like I usually do in the States. Here everything is so laid back. It's frustrating at times (when shops close because the workers are going home to eat lunch and take a siesta), but definitely something to be admired.

More to come soon! Lots more has/is happening, but it's beddy bye for me. Buenas noches todos