In Denial...

Ok so I’ve been thinking a lot about this last post. I originally wanted to get across all the amazing things I’ve learned or say something about the fantastic, crazy, wonderful people I’ve met here, but the thing is.. there are absolutely no words to describe that. You all have been faithful readers so you know exactly what I’ve been up to on a daily basis. For those who joined late in the game, you have a pretty good idea of the things that have been going on here in El Escorial. I guess I have to say that yes, I have missed my family and my friends back at home, but at the same time, I don’t want to leave. After my first day here, I never anticipated that I would become this close to the people here or feel such a strong attachment to them. Actually I specifically remember wanting to go home on the first night. But now? Well.. As the title of this post states, I’m in denial about leaving in all honesty. I think we all are. I have one important thing that I need to talk about. I have mentioned multiple times how extremely lucky I am to have gotten this opportunity so I think it’s time I recognize the people who made this trip possible. Well here’s the list: my parents, all of my Spanish teachers, the faculty who made this possible and my Spanish family. To my parents: Thank you for everything. You always encourage me to go for what I want and do whatever you can to help me achieve those goals, no matter how unreachable they seem. I love you both. Also, thank you dad for the mini Italian lessons that gave me the ability to accent words correctly. To my Spanish teachers: Could have never asked for better teachers. Señora Gallagher, Señora G, Señora Ziff, all of you inspired me and sparked my love of the language. You taught me all I know about the language and culture. I could never thank you guys enough. To the faculty: I’d obviously like to thank Mrs. Lipschutz and Señora G. I don’t know who else was responsible for this trip but you really are the reason the four of us are here. I don’t know how I could thank you for arranging this amazing experience. Thank you for dedicating your time and energy into making sure we’d have a fantastic, unforgettable time. Thank you Mrs. Turner for accompanying us on the first week of our journey. You made sure we were safe and happy and we all have been. You were our mom away from home! To Aleks and your family: I could never thank you enough for welcoming me into your home. Thank you for everything, especially helping me with my Spanish. The memories here will always be remembered and I can’t wait to make more when you’re en Los Estados Unidos!!! Lastly, thank you to all my teachers for having patience with me in scheduling tests and make up work and all of that. Also I’m going to thank you in advance for the help I know that you will all happily give me, Sara, Grace and Olivia in understanding the things we missed (I hope.. please!!).

And to you, all my readers. Thank you so much for following along! I really have no idea whatsoever who's reading anymore, but I hope that you were kept informed on what has been going on here while also being entertained. Todos de vosotros sois los mejores!

This trip was unforgettable and is something I am unable to compare to any other experience I have ever had in my life. It’s been difficult, overwhelming and challenging, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Why? Because it has been worth all of that. It’s been exciting, thrilling, and just perfect. I really can't describe it. It’s been the most incredible learning experience and really a phenomenal opportunity that the other Americans and I have been so lucky to have. I can’t put enough emphasis on how grateful I am to have gotten this opportunity and how thankful I am for all those people I mentioned earlier. I keep looking back on the time when I had to accept the fact that I wasn't able to apply for Spain because I wasn't in Spanish 4 Honors. For this reason, I can't help but believe that I really was meant to come to Spain. That sounds weird I guess, but it's how I feel. I remember when I was unexpectedly told I could apply for the trip.. Then being told I was chosen for it? I couldn't tell you a more happy moment in my life. This trip has not only met my expectations, but greatly exceeded them. It’s truly been a once in a lifetime experience. I haven’t even left yet, but the only thing I can think about now is… when can I come back?