So getting back to Oregon was a 3 day process. When we originally planned it, it wasn't going to be too bad. We would have a few nights in hostels in between traveling, and getting to the US wouldn't be too stressful. However, I had my mom try to cancel my flight from Oviedo to Madrid about a month ago so that I could just fly out of Madrid to go home. Since she bought all 3 flights home together, they wouldn't let her just cancel the first leg. Therefore, I had to go back to Oviedo after Greece. Booo.
Emily and I divided our journey into stages. Mine was a bit longer, and there were 9 stages total. We parted ways after stage 5. Here's the schedule:
1. Ferry from Mykonos to Athens (6 hours)
2. Metro to Athens Airport (2.5 hours)
3. Athens Airport (9 hours)
4. Flight from Athens to Madrid (3.5 hours)
5. Madrid Hostel (10 hours)
6. Bus to Oviedo (6 hours)
7. Flight back to Madrid (1.15 hours)
8. Flight to Dallas (11 hours)
9. Flight to Portland (4 hours)
So if you read the last post, you read about stages 1-4. Stage 5 wasn't bad. The hostel was fine, and we immediately showered and took naps. I thought we were in a room of all girls, but turns out it was co-ed and we were with 6 guys. And let me tell you, these guys all looked like models. In fact, Emily and I walked in to check in and saw a bunch of attractive men sitting around, and just gave each other a look saying "OMG what have we stumbled upon?!". They were tall (which is VERY rare for Spain), and half were American and half were Spanish. All the guys in our room were Spanish, and although I didn't talk to them too much, one of them kept smiling at Em haha. I had to leave around 10pm for my bus, leaving Em alone with them. Here's to hoping she made some friends! Haha :) I went to the bus station of the airport and got there about an hour early. I saw the bus that was supposed to leave before mine for Oviedo, so I asked the bus driver if that was where I was supposed to wait and he told me yes. So I waited. Buses came and went, and I sat there for an hour. My bus was supposed to leave at 11:59pm and was a "Supra" bus, one of the upgraded ones. At 11:55 it wasn't there, so I asked another bus driver about it. His bus was labeled as going to Asturias and Galicia (Oviedo is in Asturias). He looked at the schedule, looked at my ticket, looked at the schedule again, then told me there was no bus. IM SORRY, WHAT?!?! He said it doesn't exist, but I should go to the info desk and ask. He gave me 5 minutes, and the info desk was on the opposite end of the airport, so I ran. I hate being that person, absolutely hate it. But I had no time (despite being there an hour early) and was panicking, so I ran. I asked the lady and she said "Well you have a ticket so it has to exist. Let me stamp your ticket to make it official". Thank you, lady, because you stamping my ticket is going to make my bus appear.... I ran back, the guy looked at it and said that there was still no bus (no, duhhh) and told me to get on his bus. I tried to ask what was going on and he just told me to get on. So I did. He said he would drop me off at the station (I asked which station and he didn't answer...) and so I sat in the front and kept on high alert for something to happen. He just went to the Madrid Station, said Oviedo is number 32, so I went to 32 and got on. It was a Supra bus, so that was promising. I still don't know how my bus was waiting there (my ticket definitely said the airport) or even if that was my bus. But I got on and just prayed that I would end up in Oviedo. Lucky for me I did, although it was about 30 minutes late. I ran to Marisa's house and grabbed my things, leaving a note so I didn't wake her. Then I ran back to the station and got on the next bus to the airport. From there, the rest of the way home was pretty easy. However, on the Madrid to Dallas flight there was a group of about 20 middle schoolers, and when I heard them mention Oaks Park I knew they would be on my next flight as well.... Little did I know I would be sitting next to 2 of them... Oh well, I got home and was greeted by my parents and Mike, holding a lovely sign! After getting my bags, I was welcomed by my dogs waiting in the car haha.
Adjusting to life in Oregon has been a bit rough. I am so glad to be surrounded by my lovely family, but I really miss the Spanish lifestyle. I woke up Friday morning feeling like it was all a dream, and that scares me. I miss all my friends from Spain so much already. I have some great friends here, and I owe my littles and big so much for being so awesome! Spain really taught me a lot, it taught me how to deal with the unknown, how to accept people from all sorts of backgrounds, how to be independent, a new language, and how to cope with just about anything. I learned who my real friends are, and although some positively surprised me and some let me down, I have realized how blessed I am with great people in my life. I love Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, and I am so lucky to live where I live. I miss Europe and Spain greatly, but all I can say is..
Until next time, España :)
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Greece!
So I definitely cried. When I had to leave Madrid it became real that I was leaving Europe for real this time. And then I had to say goodbye to my last friend still there with me and I lost it haha. I hope you made it home safely Em, and everyone was surprised!
Anyways... GREECE!
Em and I successfully got ourselves to Athens, and we were quite proud. However, upon walking off of the plane, we realized Greek is impossible to read or understand. How they make words out of all those symbols is still a mystery to me. Plus the whole language just sounds like a baby babbling. So good for them for being able to decipher the code and understand each other haha. On the bright side, nearly everyone in Greece speaks really good English. It is required in the schools there, and they must make people take English classes for many years, cause I was amazed at how well most of the Greeks could speak to us. I wanted to see the Acropolis, even though we only had a night in Athens. We bought metro tickets quickly, expertly asked a guy which one to take, then got off at the Acropolis exactly 30 minutes before it closed. The lady asked for our student IDs and we both gave her our Uni Ovi ones, and since it said we were students from Spain she let us in free; A lot of the museums in Europe give free or reduced admission to citizens of the EU. So we kinda manipulated the system, but oh well. We quickly took pics and climbed to the top, where there was an awesome view of Athens! Afterwards, we were super sweaty and gross, so we went to the hostel and showered. For dinner we went to a restaurant across the street that was good. Food in Greece is a lot cheaper than in Spain, so that was a definitely plus. Also, water is rarely more than like 50 cents, which was awesome! The weather was so nice, hot during the days and just cool enough to wear a dress at night. Such a nice change from Oviedo! The next day we took a ferry to Mykonos (6 hours) and then checked in and tanned on our hotel balcony. We went into town and had a traditional Greek dinner, then passed out from pure exhaustion! The rest of Mykonos mostly consisted of laying on the beach, drinking on our balcony, dinners out, and avoiding our stalkers. We also managed to teach ourselves how to open beer bottles with just about zero resources haha. We went swimming both days at the beach and it was absolutely gorgeous! The water is so clear and turquoise that even when you are 20 feet deep you can still see the pebbles perfectly on the bottom. It was absolutely unreal! On the way back we ran into a girl from Portland, and she even happened to be a Chi O at Oregon. She was a bit older and had graduated and had a steady job, and had just been with friends traveling Europe. We hung out with her on the ferry, then parted ways and Em and I got more Gyros for dinner (soo good!). We had all night to kill since we were planning on spending the night at the airport, so we took our time getting on the metro. We eventually got on, missed our stop, so rode it all the way to the end of the line, through all of Athens, only to find out that it wouldn't be going back (the man told us it was "going to sleep" haha) and we had to switch trains. It was around 11 and we were the only people there, so that was a bit scary. But it all turned out fine, we ended up burning up about 2.5 hours, and eventually made it to the airport. Sleeping in the airport was a terrible experience, in fact, I didn't sleep at all. It mostly consisted of me sitting there VERY bored and VERY tired. Eventually we got on the plane and everything was fine!
Anyways... GREECE!
Em and I successfully got ourselves to Athens, and we were quite proud. However, upon walking off of the plane, we realized Greek is impossible to read or understand. How they make words out of all those symbols is still a mystery to me. Plus the whole language just sounds like a baby babbling. So good for them for being able to decipher the code and understand each other haha. On the bright side, nearly everyone in Greece speaks really good English. It is required in the schools there, and they must make people take English classes for many years, cause I was amazed at how well most of the Greeks could speak to us. I wanted to see the Acropolis, even though we only had a night in Athens. We bought metro tickets quickly, expertly asked a guy which one to take, then got off at the Acropolis exactly 30 minutes before it closed. The lady asked for our student IDs and we both gave her our Uni Ovi ones, and since it said we were students from Spain she let us in free; A lot of the museums in Europe give free or reduced admission to citizens of the EU. So we kinda manipulated the system, but oh well. We quickly took pics and climbed to the top, where there was an awesome view of Athens! Afterwards, we were super sweaty and gross, so we went to the hostel and showered. For dinner we went to a restaurant across the street that was good. Food in Greece is a lot cheaper than in Spain, so that was a definitely plus. Also, water is rarely more than like 50 cents, which was awesome! The weather was so nice, hot during the days and just cool enough to wear a dress at night. Such a nice change from Oviedo! The next day we took a ferry to Mykonos (6 hours) and then checked in and tanned on our hotel balcony. We went into town and had a traditional Greek dinner, then passed out from pure exhaustion! The rest of Mykonos mostly consisted of laying on the beach, drinking on our balcony, dinners out, and avoiding our stalkers. We also managed to teach ourselves how to open beer bottles with just about zero resources haha. We went swimming both days at the beach and it was absolutely gorgeous! The water is so clear and turquoise that even when you are 20 feet deep you can still see the pebbles perfectly on the bottom. It was absolutely unreal! On the way back we ran into a girl from Portland, and she even happened to be a Chi O at Oregon. She was a bit older and had graduated and had a steady job, and had just been with friends traveling Europe. We hung out with her on the ferry, then parted ways and Em and I got more Gyros for dinner (soo good!). We had all night to kill since we were planning on spending the night at the airport, so we took our time getting on the metro. We eventually got on, missed our stop, so rode it all the way to the end of the line, through all of Athens, only to find out that it wouldn't be going back (the man told us it was "going to sleep" haha) and we had to switch trains. It was around 11 and we were the only people there, so that was a bit scary. But it all turned out fine, we ended up burning up about 2.5 hours, and eventually made it to the airport. Sleeping in the airport was a terrible experience, in fact, I didn't sleep at all. It mostly consisted of me sitting there VERY bored and VERY tired. Eventually we got on the plane and everything was fine!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Leaving Europe
I think I may cry. Ill update later with our stories from Greece, but right now I'm having a mild panic attack. I'm leaving for oviedo in a couple hours. And once I get on that bus its one thing after the other until I get home. No more nights in Athens or Madrid. I'm actually leaving. And I want to cry.
I'm excited to go home, but I really don't want to leave Europe. Even leaving Spain is bearable, although I love it so much. However, as soon as I cross the ocean there's no coming back, no more quick flights to new countries and more adventures. Emily and I joked the other day about how all of our friends are slowly leaving, and how it feels like once they cross the Atlantic, they die out of our world. Kinda gruesome, but really true. Its unreal that I cant just call Laura and Chloe up anymore to go out. I know life doesn't stop, but the US just isn't in the same world. And most people who have spent good amounts of time in Europe would agree with me, I think.
I have the same feeling right now that I had coming here. I'm avoiding saying goodbye to Emily. I want to cry cause I'm scared of how life will have changed at home without me there, and because I don't know when ill be back here. It's scary. Especially since life always goes on whether you're there or not. And Ive got a huge ball of anxiety in the bottom of my stomach right now... I know everything will work out, but realizing that this is it, this is the end of the end, makes me want to vomit haha.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Airports
I love airports. I love the excitement of flying. I love the anticipation. The nerves. The emotions. I love watching the goodbyes and the exuberant hellos. I love the adventure in a person's eyes as they pass you. I love the countless amount of languages spoken. I love the culture sharing. I love the seasoned flyers and the nervous mom with the newborn child. I love the sports teams of young kids, excited to compete. I love the extravagent outfits. I love watching memories being made. I love airports, because to me they represent adventure, freedom, and risk.
See you soon Greece :)
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Hasta Luego, Oviedo.
Today has been a bit rough. It still doesn't feel like I'm leaving tonight. I think I may be in denial.
This morning I slept in, then went on a walk. I took pictures, admired this beautiful city, and ended up sitting down on a bench to listen to the street trumpet player and to think. I love that people play music on the streets here, it gives the big city a small town feel. I sat on that bench for about 30 minutes, just taking in my surroundings and trying to convince myself that I'm actually leaving. It was exactly what I needed. Afterwards, I headed down to the elementary school to volunteer one last time. The kids all drew me pictures and then sung songs to me. These pictures are easily the best thing I will be taking home with me. In the end, Lourdes asked them to raise their hands if they had anything they wanted to tell me. Nearly every single student raised their hand and told me I was the best teacher in the world, that they'd miss me, that I helped them a lot, or that they love me. I almost started crying right then and there, but anyone that knows me well knows that I'm not a huge crier. Next, Lourdes and the other teachers gave us all a portfolio of the drawings, a certificate, and a pen from the school. It was absolutely lovely. Afterwards I went to AHA to say goodbye, and we had sidra and cake. Saying goodbye to Carmen, Silvia, and Reme was hard. I will really miss you guys!
This evening, Marisa took me to Valor for chocolate and churros. It was a great way to end my time here, since that is how I began it as well. Afterwards, we came home and Marisa told me she had some things for me. She gave me an Asturian flag, for which I am so grateful. It will be hanging proudly in my apartment next year, and for many years to come. She also gave me a beautiful necklace from a boutique here, and an absolutely gorgeous mug from Zara. It is pink with a flower, and it is definitely now my favorite mug. Every time I use it I will think of you, Marisa. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all you have done for me, and I could not have asked for a better host mom :)
I cannot believe I'm leaving Spain. It has become my second home, and it is seriously is unreal that I am leaving. But it is never goodbye, simply hasta luego :)
I'm off to say goodbye to my friends, then to Greece with Em! Wish us luck, and I will be back in the US in a week!
:)
This morning I slept in, then went on a walk. I took pictures, admired this beautiful city, and ended up sitting down on a bench to listen to the street trumpet player and to think. I love that people play music on the streets here, it gives the big city a small town feel. I sat on that bench for about 30 minutes, just taking in my surroundings and trying to convince myself that I'm actually leaving. It was exactly what I needed. Afterwards, I headed down to the elementary school to volunteer one last time. The kids all drew me pictures and then sung songs to me. These pictures are easily the best thing I will be taking home with me. In the end, Lourdes asked them to raise their hands if they had anything they wanted to tell me. Nearly every single student raised their hand and told me I was the best teacher in the world, that they'd miss me, that I helped them a lot, or that they love me. I almost started crying right then and there, but anyone that knows me well knows that I'm not a huge crier. Next, Lourdes and the other teachers gave us all a portfolio of the drawings, a certificate, and a pen from the school. It was absolutely lovely. Afterwards I went to AHA to say goodbye, and we had sidra and cake. Saying goodbye to Carmen, Silvia, and Reme was hard. I will really miss you guys!
This evening, Marisa took me to Valor for chocolate and churros. It was a great way to end my time here, since that is how I began it as well. Afterwards, we came home and Marisa told me she had some things for me. She gave me an Asturian flag, for which I am so grateful. It will be hanging proudly in my apartment next year, and for many years to come. She also gave me a beautiful necklace from a boutique here, and an absolutely gorgeous mug from Zara. It is pink with a flower, and it is definitely now my favorite mug. Every time I use it I will think of you, Marisa. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all you have done for me, and I could not have asked for a better host mom :)
I cannot believe I'm leaving Spain. It has become my second home, and it is seriously is unreal that I am leaving. But it is never goodbye, simply hasta luego :)
I'm off to say goodbye to my friends, then to Greece with Em! Wish us luck, and I will be back in the US in a week!
:)
Adios escuela
DONE WITH FINALS!!!
probably the most I've ever studied for finals in my life, and I'm doneeeee until September. It feels so nice. However, now I have nothing to distract me from the inevitable... 2 days til I leave :(
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Mushy Gushyy.
I've learned so much from living in Spain. Being in a different country really makes you re-examine yourself and your way of life. I've learned that being an over-productive American isn't the only way to live. I've learned that family belongs above all else. I've learned to carry an umbrella if it's raining. I've grown so much as a person, and I think it's a shame that not everyone that can takes an opportunity like this! It's scary as hell, don't get me wrong. I came to Spain literally knowing no one. But I met some of my best friends, saw some of the most beautiful places in the world, and truly loved life. These past 5 months have been the best months of my life, and I am sad to end it. But not everything can last forever, and I am super excited to come home and see my family, friends, puppies, and be in the land of Taco Bell, street signs, and English speakers!
Laura:
Girl, I love you. You are pretty much my twin as far as any detail of our personal lives haha. I am so glad I was always paired up with you, cause if I was paired up with someone weird and Marisa always asked, "Oh, is _____ going too?" and I had to lie about being friends with them, it'd be a bit awkward. You are so outgoing and funny, and I feel like we can always relate to each other. So many long talks at McDonald's, Western City, and on our walks to go get shwasted haha. I've told you things I've never told anyone else, and I know you're the same way. I cannot wait for you to come to Oregon next year, and Chloe and I will for sure show you a good time! I'm also serious about the road trip, it just may be a few years. I love that you are so passionate about everything, and I love that you are always willing to travel. No matter what, you will always be welcome in Oregon, and I feel like even a year from now it'll be like nothing ever changed :)
Chloe:
Chloe, you are probably one of the most hilarious people I've ever met haha. I remember when we hiked El Cristo and went to the donut shop, and Em turned to me and goes "I never realized Chloe was so funny" hahaha. You are so laid back that sometimes people don't see that other side, but I'm so glad I got to experience it the last 5 months! There have been multiple times you have had me dying of laughter, and sometimes you just do the most unexpected things. Your obsession with your hair being straight, your legs being too skinny, washing off your sunburn, and cats are probably the most ridiculous things I've ever heard, but I'm so glad you have crazy obsessions for us to make fun of haha. Also, the fact that you asked David for a curve killed me hahahaha. I'm so glad I met you, and you're welcome to sleep on my couch anytime :)
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Megan:
You are one of the nicest people I know girl! You never have a bad word to say about anyone, and it is so refreshing to spend a day with you, even if you make me feel like a terrible person sometimes cause you're such an angel :) hehe. I love our shopping days and our Fro-Yo obsession, and those were some of my favorite days in Spain. Whenever I need to take a break from the world or de-stress, you are the perfect person to hang out with. I love that you are always willing to take adventures and explore, and I will miss you dearly chica! But like I told Laura, the roadtrip will be happening!
Emily:
Oh Em! I don't know what I would have done without you this semester girl! I absolutely adore our Monday coffee dates in the cafe and I will miss them dearly. You are seriously such a blessing chica :) I love that you are obsessed with family, and that you will always put your loved ones before anything else. You are always taking care of everyone, and you are such a gem. You deserve the best, and I hope everything in New York works the way you want it to :) I cannot wait for Greece, and I am excited just to sit on the beach together sipping our cocktails and flirting with those Greek men ;)
Rio, Victoria, Jessica, Yessica, Kristin, Roberto, Nacho, Lilly, Angela, Goksu, and everyone else:
Thank you for being here and being my friends :) You all had an impact on my time here, and I couldn't have asked for a better group of people! I hope you all make it home safely (minus Roberto and Nacho haha), and continue to keep in touch!
I love you all to the moon and back, and I'm so glad Spain brought us together and we got to share this wonderful opportunity!
Laura:
Girl, I love you. You are pretty much my twin as far as any detail of our personal lives haha. I am so glad I was always paired up with you, cause if I was paired up with someone weird and Marisa always asked, "Oh, is _____ going too?" and I had to lie about being friends with them, it'd be a bit awkward. You are so outgoing and funny, and I feel like we can always relate to each other. So many long talks at McDonald's, Western City, and on our walks to go get shwasted haha. I've told you things I've never told anyone else, and I know you're the same way. I cannot wait for you to come to Oregon next year, and Chloe and I will for sure show you a good time! I'm also serious about the road trip, it just may be a few years. I love that you are so passionate about everything, and I love that you are always willing to travel. No matter what, you will always be welcome in Oregon, and I feel like even a year from now it'll be like nothing ever changed :)
Chloe:
Chloe, you are probably one of the most hilarious people I've ever met haha. I remember when we hiked El Cristo and went to the donut shop, and Em turned to me and goes "I never realized Chloe was so funny" hahaha. You are so laid back that sometimes people don't see that other side, but I'm so glad I got to experience it the last 5 months! There have been multiple times you have had me dying of laughter, and sometimes you just do the most unexpected things. Your obsession with your hair being straight, your legs being too skinny, washing off your sunburn, and cats are probably the most ridiculous things I've ever heard, but I'm so glad you have crazy obsessions for us to make fun of haha. Also, the fact that you asked David for a curve killed me hahahaha. I'm so glad I met you, and you're welcome to sleep on my couch anytime :)
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Megan:
You are one of the nicest people I know girl! You never have a bad word to say about anyone, and it is so refreshing to spend a day with you, even if you make me feel like a terrible person sometimes cause you're such an angel :) hehe. I love our shopping days and our Fro-Yo obsession, and those were some of my favorite days in Spain. Whenever I need to take a break from the world or de-stress, you are the perfect person to hang out with. I love that you are always willing to take adventures and explore, and I will miss you dearly chica! But like I told Laura, the roadtrip will be happening!
Emily:
Oh Em! I don't know what I would have done without you this semester girl! I absolutely adore our Monday coffee dates in the cafe and I will miss them dearly. You are seriously such a blessing chica :) I love that you are obsessed with family, and that you will always put your loved ones before anything else. You are always taking care of everyone, and you are such a gem. You deserve the best, and I hope everything in New York works the way you want it to :) I cannot wait for Greece, and I am excited just to sit on the beach together sipping our cocktails and flirting with those Greek men ;)
Rio, Victoria, Jessica, Yessica, Kristin, Roberto, Nacho, Lilly, Angela, Goksu, and everyone else:
Thank you for being here and being my friends :) You all had an impact on my time here, and I couldn't have asked for a better group of people! I hope you all make it home safely (minus Roberto and Nacho haha), and continue to keep in touch!
I love you all to the moon and back, and I'm so glad Spain brought us together and we got to share this wonderful opportunity!
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