Viajes, Amigos y Trabajo (travels, friends and work)

So after a few rough days of self pity and thinking, "What am I doing here?!" I'm finally back on the right track. I've moved and settled into my new flat, as you've already seen the pictures. I've done my first load of laundry, cooked my first meal, sat on the balcony with a drink and friends for the first time and I've loved every minute of it. My whole philosophy on life is completely changing while I'm here. I went from getting here and being super excited, then kind of feeling low when everything sank in but now I'm back to loving it. During my self-pity moments, I questioned if traveling was what I really wanted to do in life and if I loved it as much as I said I did. So far, and I know it's early, I do!

I'm starting to realize that traveling and living abroad is an amazing experience. We have watched videos on Spain in our language class and it gives me butterflys to think that I can see these places! I'm living in this country for five months and I intend to make the best of every minute of it! I'm starting to realize I have some really great friends to see everything with who are just as excited to travel as I am.

Being here and learning the language and seeing what is offered makes me want to work internationally when I'm done (my new mindset). Now, more than ever, this is the path that I hope I will be lucky enough to take. I want to learn new languages, learn new customs and meet new people.

The language barrier is really fascinating to me. Most of the exchange students come from different countries so with some of us, language differences are very much a part of our life here. Like I said before, I thought that most people speak English but as it turns out, not the case! I have a friend who is from France. He speaks only French and Spanish, no English! It's the hardest, and sometimes funniest thing, trying to have a conversation where we actually end up understanding each other. Half the time, if I've asked "¿Que?" (what?) too many times, I just nod my head, smile and say "sí" (yes) or "vale" (ok). Then I go and ask another friend what he said. So I'm still learning but it's difficult getting over the language barrier with others. But it's also kind of fun. Lots of hand gestures and animation. We would probably be pretty entertaining to watch.

I've met most of the exchange students and from what I can tell, seems like a pretty good group of people; lots of fun! My flatmates and I have sat down and talked about traditions and customs in our own countries and it's really muy interesante (very interesting) (I wish there were a better word to describe it but I lack coming up with one right now) to listen to them speak. I have a German flatmate and I've heard her talk on Skype. Wow! So interesting to listen to. I definitely admire people who can speak more languages than their native tounge! I've met people here that speak sometimes three or four different languages! I don't know how they would keep them all straight. One girl I met can speak five, almost six. I couldn't even imagine trying to learn six languages!

The other night, the Erasmus students - Erasmus is what the European exchange program is called - went out to a bar/pub called the "City Arms." It was a good time and the bar was doing this new thing where you get your drink and then you flip a coin to decide whether you pay for it or not. I don't think any place I've ever been to in Alberta would even try that tactic! I was one for two. Not bad.

All in all, I'm meeting some absolutely amazing people here that I continue to admire and respect. I can only hope that I remain friends with all of them!

Writing this may sound really corny but it's only because this is my new revelation and I'm really excited as I write this. Being international is where I want to be.

Until next time...

Adéu