Day 2 Friday 9/16

So today was my orientation with CEA. We met at Atocha metro stop and we were introduced to the CEA Office for the first time. After we had our orientation we were given a quick tour of madrid, particularly La Puerta De Sol. After our tour, Morgan and I went home to greet both Katie and Matt which both had arrived. :)

After our greetings, Matt and I walked around Madrid. Then we spontaneously boarded the train and stopped at a metro station called Moncloa. While we were there we stumbled upon an outdoor bar and had a nice, cold, refreshing mojito which was to die for. After we chatted for a bit we went home and had dinner at our usual time, 8:30 pm. Soon afterwards we got ready to go out and ended up "pre-gaming" at El Torrito where I of course had my sangria.

From what I understood, the plans for that evening were that we were all, and when I say all I mean all of CEA, going to meet at La Puerta de Sol. If you can imagine though, it was a HUGE group and we were being bombarded by people giving us offers to go to their clubs. The group was too much to handle so we ended up separating away from the group. It was Matt, Colleen, Mo, Katie and I who left as a group in search of a place to go. As I preached about how much fun gay places are we stumbled upon Chueca, gay 'barrio' of Madrid. It was actually kinda funny cause I was telling Katie how I noticed many guys holding hands. Then I noticed a lot of flamboyant men. Then it all clicked: we were in Chueca. We ended up going to this club called Longshot or Longplay, can't remember, but it was alot of fun.

It was so nice to be able to hang out with such good people and have a great time. That night was the beginning of a tight bond we now have. The night ended with us leaving the club and having to run around the Plaza looking for a bathroom. I had to pee so badly and Colleen was in more desperate need. Not to mention it was like 5 am and both Matt and Katie were on little sleep. So we cabbed it home and went to bed.

First Day. Thurs 9/15

So after many influxes of emotions, primarily fear and nervousness, I have finally made it to Madrid, Spain!! The many months of preparations have paid off.


It was hard saying goodbye. In general, goodbyes are never fun. It was not very fun seeing loved ones crying and it definitely was not fun having to say farewell to Chris (my bf)!! But deep inside both him and I knew that this was something I really want to do and have been wanting to do for a while. I couldn't have asked for a better partner. I consider myself to be lucky for various reasons and this being one of them. Chris is one of those types that are 1 in a million and I have been blessed. Overall, he has been so supportive of me and my decision, despite him wanting me to stay.


The plane ride to Spain wasn't bad at all. I went from Chicago to Newark and then transfered, which only took about 40 mins, and then I boarded and headed towards Spain. I sat, ironically, next to the most adorable gay couple ever!! They were a little on the older side but were telling me how much they love to travel and it made me think of Chris and I. It was nice chatting with them.


I arrived in Madrid, Spain around 10 am and was taken to my home where I met my host mom Rosa and Jorge. They're a nice old couple. I was welcomed to my room and I unpacked. I stayed there for a while because I really didn't know what to do. It felt a little awkward.  I had my first lunch here at 2:30 with Morgan and afterwards we got my phone which cost 9 euros. Afterwards we met with some of Morgan's friends, Patty and some other girl and we went shopping. Later that day we had dinner and we went to this nearby bar called "El Torrito" where I had my first but definitely not last, sangria.


After a long day, I went home only to be lonely. Unfortunately, Matt's flight got canceled but at least he was with Katie who both were on the same flight together. For whatever reason, although I had only met  Matt once before, I kinda needed him if that makes any sense. I guess the sense of loneliness was discomforting. I just wished him the best!!! That was my first day =]

PreDeparture

Through out my high school experience, teachers have constantly reminded me of the dos and donts of college. Of the many advice given, the one that most stuck to me was a regret that seemed to be a life changer for this individual. As I considered it, I heard it again from other teachers. It made me realize that I had to pursue this for myself. Becuase life is too short and I'm only an undergrad once, I decided to go through with this regret that many alumni have. That regret is not taking the opportunity to travel abroad.

In three weeks I will be boarding a plane taking me to Madrid, Spain where I will be staying for the next three months of my life. I will be focusing on completing my Spanish major there. Although I am very excited I am very nervous as well. I like to think I won't get home sick but it'll be inevitable. How can I not get homesick where everything I know and everyone I love is here? I know it's foolish to think about this at such an early stage but I'm dreading the moment in where we're all at the airport saying goodbye. I'm not a big fan on goodbyes so it'll be hard.

At this point in time I am almost complete with my preparations. I have last minute bills to take care of and a few more things I need to get but I should be 100% ready to go soon. Although this is a hard move to make for both me and those around me, I've got to do this for myself. I don't want to make the same mistakes my teachers have made and this experience will only make me a better person and teach me a different side of the world that I wouldn't otherwise have known. I've got to do this. I want to make my dreams come true so saddle up people. We're going to Spain!