This chapter of my life has been over for quite a bit, but I never posted a formal “the end.” However, have no fear, this isn’t the last you hear from me! Be ready to check out the launch of my new blog “Now a Graduate,” in the coming months! For now, be sure to check out my Instagram @Krysia321 or follow me on Twitter @Kristinaa321
xoxo,
K
It’s been an entire month since I’ve returned back to my “normal”/”regular” life. Every week evokes different types of emotions.
So here’s a week by week play-by-play (except actually a general overview):
• Week 1: The first week was quite “normal.” I think my exhaustion, which caused me to sleep through the majority of the week, did not allow me, or helped me avoid, experiencing what my “new home”/old home would (and does) feel like.
But one thing that did upset me was people constantly asking me how much it sucks to be home… This question made me wonder how unhappy people actually are in their daily lives.
Our daily routine makes up the majority of our lives; it consumes us and strongly affects how we feel and for those reasons, I don’t understand how people continue doing things that make them feel so unhappy. I’ve recently come to realize, or perhaps recently acquired this ideology, that I will not do anything elective that does not make me happy. OBVIOUSLY there are required tasks that we must all do, like get up to brush our teeth when we are super comfortable on the couch, but I hope you all realize that is not what I mean. I’m referring to engaging in elective activities that do not bring us intrinsic happiness (not even the idea of happiness that we are pressured to believe in due to society.) This mindset strongly contrasts that of the the typical over-caffeinated and over-exhausted American who is constantly on the go, so I am grateful for being able to experience and learn about other society’s cultures and values while I was abroad.
• Week 2: The second week became a bit tougher. Reality was hitting me hard. It’s quite ironic that when I was traveling to a new country every weekend and living on another continent all together, I felt more sheltered than I did/do returning home. I suppose it’s the idea that the “type” of people that would go to “such places” and do “such things” are all very similar. Coming home, back to reality, I was hit with the fact that not everyone is “good people,” and people do hurtful things without realizing it. I think this may be obvious, and maybe even a truth about life, but it definitely does take a toll on a positive person. I definitely began to miss my friends from abroad.
o The Blackhawks also did win the Stanley cup this week making things MUCH better! I went to the parade with my family. It was an awesome afternoon with great people.
• Week 3: The third week was still full of early mornings and going to bed even earlier. I saw my family a lot and that made things better. We had a surprise 50th birthday party for my aunt and it brought happiness to so many people, obviously making me even happier. I love my family and am so grateful for them.
o TBH I spend most afternoons with my family. (Like I already mentioned the Blackhawks parade and the birthday party, but there were many other afternoons like those including: the USA vs. Poland men’s volleyball game, an afternoon full of soccer, breakfast after church, and so much more.) If I’m not spending time with my nieces then my parents or my Babcia. I’ve realized that this is currently what makes me happy.
• Week 4: During the fourth week, I began to realize how much I internally changed. People still ask me about my trip and how it was, and it’s been very difficult to express my emotions and illustrate my experiences. I’ve recently realized that I’ve been feeling quite a bit of stress and anxiety about returning back to school. I enjoyed my experience abroad so much that I fear I will become a victim of all my old bad habits that were fostered by my environment. (I can definitely elaborate more on week four, but I’ve come to the point where writing this is no longer enjoyable so I’ve decided that this is where I’ll stop for today. No reason to force something that isn’t necessary)
I miss many things about living in Spain, and I assume the list will only grow longer, but I do not regret one thing or wish that things were different. Every day is a growing experience. The only thing that is guaranteed is the current moment so I will do my very best to make the best of every current moment.
Wishing everyone a safe & HAPPY 4th of july! Enjoy!
Ten un buen tiempo chicos!
P.S shout out to my boy Anotonio for helping me struggle through his class and giving me an A 😍😍
Xoxo,
K
I won’t write anymore today, but I wanted to share some pictures from my hike!
So I’ve been avoiding writing this blog to avoid accepting the fact that my study abroad experience is officially over.. I guess this blog is still avoiding a formal goodbye since this will be a mass InstaGram post.
Over the past week I’ve experienced some monumental things and I think they deserve recognition.
Lets first start with:
Cheers to eating gelato in Rome with one of the most incredible families I know, other than my own #rome #gelato #studyabroad
Rome was a very different experience from many of my other trips. Rome had no agenda… We aimed to see the big things (the Colosseum and the Vatican,) but our schedule was not jam-packed like so many of my other trips. We sought to enjoy the present moment, like eating gelato every night from the same place near our hotel.
Brooke’s grand-mother (a for-sure angel) worried that she was holding us back, but I can honestly admit that she made the trip the experience it was. Rather than catching the first bus/train out every morning and rushing from one place to the next, we traveled slowly and rested often. This pace forced me to focus on where I was and what I was doing. This internal reflection played a large role as to why I will never forget my trip to Rome. (I assume she will see this somehow, so I would like to say… rather than apologizing you should be saying, “you’re welcome,” because I am thanking you.)
I don’t even know calculus, how did these men build such extravagant constructions without any technology?! #what? #RomanRuins
I can honestly say that my whole study abroad experience was a humbling one, but seeing these ruins really did make me realize how small I really am (but not in a bad way.) We are each just a very tiny piece of history with an immense future before us. So many of us, (the majority of us,) will be the runner-ups no one remembers and the great ideas that fell in the shadow of an even better idea, but that shouldn’t discourage us. The runner-ups are usually only milli-seconds behind or an encounter with bad luck from coming in first. Those great ideas were still described as great, and it that greatness shouldn’t be discredited because something “greater” came along.
So just because your hard work isn’t mentioned in history books that doesn’t mean it wasn’t hard work worth appreciation.
/
Selfies 4 muhh fam #selfie #colosseum #studyabroad #rome #missmyfamily
For the past five months I’ve been raging about how much I love being abroad, but I of course miss my family as well. I don’t want to go home because I am living in the present and am so happy to be able to experience all these new things, but I OBVIOUSLY am so excited to see my family and friends.
I can’t believe that my babies are already so big. I’m sad that I’ve missed three of their birthdays and that they’ve all grown so much since I’ve last seen them. (Thankfully I’ll be home for Celina’s birthday!!) They’re Skype videos always put a smile on my face, so thank goodness for technology. I’ve also had to miss some of my best friend’s 21st birthday, which did stink, but I hope they know I wish I could have been there and that we will OBVIOUSLY celebrate when I get home in two and a half weeks!
But I’ve thankfully had all of their support and am constantly in contact with them.
From strangers to family #babyBRO #bocadij #anythingDij #thisisn’ttheend @MerkelH8SocialMedia
While I’ve missed my family and friends back home, I will definitely miss the friends who have become a part of my family while I was abroad.
I think about going back to Salamanca but I know that it will not be the same as the first time around, because I believe my experience was strongly influenced by the people I had met there and got to share this experience with. I’ve never been part of a group where everyone was so extraordinary. Everyone brought something to the table, and it was so inspiring.
I think it is pretty clear that I became closer with some people than others, but I can honestly say that I learned something from every single person in the group. The diversity among us was incredible. We came from different parts of the country with very different backgrounds, yet we were all able to find things in common.
I really do hope that it’s not adios but only an hasta luego and that we all can all meet again.
In da club on a Tueday #SheChoosey @KhandaviaNightClub
I may not have studied in Madrid or Barcelona, cities that are famous for their night life, but I do not think that my social life suffered one bit because I chose Salamanca.
I always praise Salamanca for its extreme variation in population — very old people and young college students. I think it is very interesting how they co-habitat.
Salamanca is home to so many ERASMUS and international students creating a very student-oriented night-life. It will be strange going back to the U.S. after adapting to the culture and schedule of Spain. For example, my host-parents were always so excited when I told them I was going out, which is an extremely different response than I get from my parents at home. I believe this difference in perspective comes down to agenda.. I’ve noticed that Spaniards drink to be social, while Americans drink to get drunk. Drinking is a not a taboo activity, but a social one.
Also, the saying, “Nothing good happens after midnight,” definitely does not apply to Spain. It is the Spanish culture to go out later and to come home much later as well. Most bars do not fill up till about 12 and some night-clubs do not even open till about 3 a.m. (Khandavia haha,) which is the time most bars/clubs close in the U.S. (FYI: Kebab you will be missed and Leonardo’s you always knew how to satisfy my tummy on a budget so Thank you.)The best part of Salamanca was that I always felt safe waking home at whatever time it was. The streets were always filled with people, regardless of what day or time it was.
I will miss the night-life and social-culture of Salamanca. I have made so many friends from all over the world waiting in line to get into Irish, dancing the night away in Khandavia, or just while watching a Real Madrid game at one of the bars near my house. These people were a great way to learn about the world. Speaking different languages and sharing different stories.
So even though I didn’t study in Madrid or Barcelona. and chose a small-town instead, I don’t think my social life suffered, instead I think it flourished.
La Ultima Cena @Calle Pinto #FinalSupper #studyabroad #familia
I remember first arriving in Salamanca after a long weekend in London, very exhausted and being picked up by two complete strangers. I remember getting into the car and thinking, “What in the world have I gotten myself into?” But as the days passed, I found comfort in these two strangers. The woman became Clara and her husband became Felix, and they became my parents in this foreign country.
The first dinner we had together was filled with awkward silence, not knowing one another and not yet feeling comfortable in each other’s presence. I can admit that the final dinner started off silent as well, but for a completely different reason. I recognized that this was the end. Months passed with an endless number of meals where we got to know one another, and this was the final meal we would all share together. I did not know how to express my gratitude for these two people who made me feel like part of their family.
Living in a home-stay was one of the best decisions I made while studying-abroad. I learned so much it. Not only did it give me an opportunity to practice my Spanish, but it taught me so much more about living with strangers and life in general. I know I am only one of the many that they have hosted in their home, but they will always be the only parents I had in Salamanca.
I will definitely miss Clara’s wonderful cooking and Felix’s awful jokes, but I will also miss all the little things of living in their home.
When I was leaving, I figured I would be too exhausted to be upset when I said goodbye. Boy, was I wrong. I felt emotionless as I lugged my suitcases from my room to the door, but when Clara appeared and gave me a hug the tears would not stop. When I was finally able to control myself, I walked the stairs to meet Felix at the car. (He offered to wake up early and drive me to the train-station because that’s the type of person he is.) It was difficult for me to speak, let alone look at him without tears pooling in my eyes. When I finally got on the train and gave him a hug goodbye, the tears started all over again. I did not want to let go. I recognized that the chances of ever seeing them again are so slim. Again, strangers who became my family..
Saying Goodbye is never easy, especially when they become a part of you #HastaLuego #amigasparasiempre #leos
I can’t even begin to expound on this picture. Words can not describe the bonds that were created during this short time. We were strangers and ended up leaving knowing everything about each other.
Ashley once mentioned how study abroad is such an ass. It brings people together and makes them become best friends and then forces them a part when its all over. “Its just not fair.” And I agree, its not fair. Being able to travel the world together, explore a new culture together, and grow together creates an eternal bong, and then being forced geographically apart is hard.
Manc City will always have my HEART #Catedral #greatviews
Salamanca. Manc’ City. The city two hours from Madrid. The city by Portugal. Before I came to Salamanca, I never knew that the city even existed. I had no idea where it was located. I had no idea what it was famous for. I had no clue about absolutely anything. And perhaps, that’s what made the experience so great.
Salamanca will always have a piece of my heart. I spent only a short period of my life there, but it was an important period.
Salamanca has so much to offer, as I’ve mentioned throughout this post, and I just want to encourage anyone and everyone who has the chance to study there, or even just visit, please do!
I think the hardest part of saying goodbye to Salamanca was the fact that I will never get to experience the city as a resident again. I can visit, but it will be as a tourist. I will never have the opportunity to go on endless runs and explore new parts of the city, lay out by the Rio Tormes with my friends, botellon and eat a boccadillo at one of the many beautiful parks, play futbol with people from all over the world at Salas Bajas, walk to San Boal and arrive to class 10 minutes late and still arrive before the professor, go to CarreFour and pick up snacks and a 2 euro bottle of wine, stop for tapas or a glass of wine with my friends before or after class, eat an endless amount of patatas bravas for 5 euros, or most importantly ** go to Chupiteria and find all my friends.
All of the things are insignificant, but they are what made my experience so incredible.
There is so much more I can say about this city, but I think you guys get the idea.
The end of one adventure always leads to the beginning of another.#podhale #poland #nature
It’s always difficult to say goodbye, but we are always eager to say hello.
The end.
Thanks for letting me share with you, and if you’ve read this in entirety I applaud you.. It took me a couple of days to write this, so I couldn’t imagine reading it all in one sitting.
I’ll be back on American soil in about two weeks! I’m excited to see you all!
xoxo,
K
I can’t believe it’s already may 7.
I’m currently sitting on a bench in el Parque de la Alamedilla, across from Plaza de Espana, soaking up the warm sun while I wait for Brooke and Ashely.
(this is what you get for taking Selfies on my phone)
Earlier today I went over to the AIFS office to pick up some documents, and ended up talking with the director, Gaye, and another student in the program, about how quickly the past four months have flown by — and I’m sad. I’m not ready to leave, but I just might never be ready to leave this city or these people behind. Some people are certain we will meet again, and I really do hope so, but I know how tough it will be once we get back to our busy lives at home.
Many of us also promise to return to Salamanca, me being one of them, but I do recognize how slim those chances are. And if we do return, it will be as tourists, guaranteeing us a different experience and making this departure so much more difficult.
The weather is finally getting nice and there’s so many more places to explore, but not enough time. One week from today, I will be spending my last day in Salamanca and I just can’t believe it. (Before then I need to ace five exams, wish me luck!)
Just this past week, I discovered a new and very cool place to run… Very different than the rest of this city. (Some of you may have seen it on my snapchat story.) Lush green trees and beautiful bright flowers lined the trail — my ideal place to run. This leads me to think about how many super “guay” places I’ve yet to discover.
The city has transformed with the change of the weather. Flowers are in full bloom. All the parks are well-groomed with full landscaping, but the wild flowers that grow in the field have caught my eye and captured my heart. These flowers are definitely something we don’t have in my neighborhood back at home and I will definitely miss their natural beauty.
I haven’t had much time to reflect about leaving, but today it has finally hit me. It’s strange because I’m not going home for another four weeks, but I only have seven measly days left in Salamanca. All the friends I have made, who were always only a whatsApp and four minutes away, will be dispersed all over the country and some even all over the world.
It’s said that only 1% of the population studies abroad, and I am so grateful that I am part of that 1%. (I wish it was a greater percent, because this is definitely an experience I will never forget and definitely do not regret.) I’ve learned so much living in this foreign country, which I called my home for the past 4 months. When we first arrived, Gaye told us that Salamanca will feel like home. That when we come back from our weekend trips, “we will be happy to be “home,”” and I can say that is 100% accurate.
This weekend I am heading out on one last final weekend trip — to Rome. As I said, I’ve been so busy recently that I haven’t had time to process what is going on (hence the lack of blog posts, sorry! Promise there will be plenty of TBTs and FBFs to come) but I am finally super excited to be going on this trip! Again, as I’ve said so many times before, I can’t believe how lucky I am to have this opportunity. To be able to visit Rome, a city that my family has yearned to see.
xoxo,
K
This blog is obviously not complete, but I think it demonstrates a lot of what I was feeling at that time.
Read on if you’re interested:
Cheers to Barcelona & Learning New Things
While all my friends at home are celebrating the end of April and anticipating the coming of May, I am dreading the passing of the next three weeks. I am not ready to go home. Every day I realize how much I have learned, and how much I am still learning.
My family laughs that I never attend class and that this semester cannot justify as “studying,” but I truly believe I have learned more about life, myself, others, the world, and even just daily life-skills than ever before. Just the other day, I realized that no one will understand my experience here. My friends who I do so much with here still don’t understand the experience I have had during my time abroad. We each experience things and perceive things in our own way. The small things that go unnoticed are the things that have shaped us over the past few months. (I did not plan on writing about this – the plan was to talk about my weekend in Barcelona, but I feel like this is what I need to say. I haven’t been in the mood to write, hence the lack of posts, but now I feel … so sorry if this is boring you! BUT continue reading to hear about my latest trip to Barcelona)
This past weekend I was privileged to spend the weekend in Barcelona with two of my best friends. I always recognized I was extremely #blessed to be studying abroad and being able to travel so much, but just this past weekend I finally realized what I have spent the past semester doing. I’ve literally been flying from country to country “for the weekend.” For example, when I met people in Barcelona I was telling them that I am only here “for the weekend.” How crazy!? People save for a lifetime to travel to one of these cities, and I’ve had the privilege to travel to many of them in one semester at the meek age of 20. I definitely recognize that I am #soBLESSED.
As much as I enjoyed and relaxed in Barcelona, looking back on the trip I realize it was a huge learning experience as well. The first day we arrived, we struggled to find our Air B&B. We only had a street name, but no exact address and of course no communication devices.( I’m glad to say me and Ash figured it out and eventually got there, only three hours later than expected.)
Despite our slow start, the following days were jam-packed with cultural sight-seeing. The city is filled with tourists, but reasonably so… there are so many cool things to see in Barcelona. We began our first day with a general tour of the city. Not only did we get to see some of the sites, but we also learned a lot of the history and also met some cool people along the way. (Our tour guide was actually a poet and song-writer.) After the tour we walked through Espana Industrial Park and then saw the Arc de Triumf. The best part of all of this was that we got to go at our own pace and enjoy what we were seeing. We had plenty of time and were able to take in what we were doing and what we were seeing – an opportunity to be present.
That day we also went to go see the Sagrada Familia, which was one of the things we were most excited to see. I’m not going to get started about my feelings or thoughts about the Sagrada because I can go on forever, but it definitely is something everyone should see… regardless if you are religious or not. After that we also went to go see Gaudi’s famous residential houses. I still can’t fully understand how his mind was able to construct such abstractly beautiful ideas.
Tomorrow I leave for Rome. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for me there!
xoxo
Feeling excited that I’m actually enjoying writing this final paper… & in Spanish!
I can’t believe how much I’ve learned in this short period of time 🇪🇸🇪🇸. I remember the days where I couldn’t even write a basic paragraph for homework and used google translate for EVERYTHING (or Chris Sich)… I also remember the more recent days I DREADED going to this class, and now I have a favorite quote from a book in Spanish?! I don’t want this experience to ever end.
|| El Cartero de Pablo Neruda — Antonio Skàrmeta
Salem mallekum friends.
(Yes, this is a photo from Google but this is EXACTLY what it looked like) 
I’ve been so busy recently that I haven’t had a chance to write, but I’d like to share some pictures from Porto!
ENJOY!
And tomorrow I’m off to Marrakech!
Salamanca, SPAIN. 