The events of our last week as a group!

Well my last week in school was spent in Toledo, Segovia, and Madrid. I do have to say that it was probably one of the most bittersweet moments of my life. I was glad that school was over but insanely sad that my time abroad was ending.

After our final on Monday it was time to say our farewells to our lovely tutors that night. We all went out and had a good, first and last time out of school, together. Our last night consisted of going to the usual places then randomly hitting up the discoteca one last time… on a Monday. Who would’ve thought? I stayed up all night because I had to board the bus at 6:15 to head out to Toledo. What can I say? I’m a champ, along with my other classmates that joined in on the fun.  Some of the tutors I became extremely close to (Irene y Javi) and I am extremely sad that I won’t see most of them again. They have not only helped me as a Spanish student but they have offered to help me with my future plans. My future plans are to live in Spain for a good 2 to 3 years to perfect my Spanish and also, just to enjoy my life while I’m still young. Yes, I love Spain that much and plus… los chicos son MUY guapo. I never thought that saying goodbye to people I’ve only known for a month would be so hard but it only got worse when I got to Madrid.

We didn’t head straight to Madrid. Our first pit stop was in Toledo. Toledo, by far has one of the most beautiful aerial views. My past excursions we all got a little loco, but this one was different. I was able to enjoy artwork by Greco (a great painter by the way) as well as just free my mind of any doubts, negativity, and evil that were restraining my mind from being free. Night time arrived and the city lights swept me off my feet. Oh my gosh! My camera broke fourth of July so I haven’t had a camera to document my moments on BUT the image will never be erased from my mind. Enjoying the breeze and the quietness of the city, I had a nice, long, mature heart to heart with Alida. We had a lot of these this trip. I know I’ve said this many times in my past blogs but I cannot express to you how much I now enjoy the smaller things in life and I seriously challenge you to take a look outside and be HAPPY and GRATEFUL for EVERYTHING. Toledo… you will forever be in my heart.

Next up was, finally, Madrid. We got into the city around 6 PM. It was enough time to take a much needed power nap and get ready for dinner. Dinner… I was not too impressed but it free so who cares. After dinner, us troopers went out to see what this city was all about. In mathematical terms the night was greater than the dinner.

We didn’t stay up to see the sunlight but we were extremely tired. Our schedule was extremely busy for a block of 9 hours…we are popular people. My whole time in Spain we saw a handful of palaces but none like the one we saw in a town close to Segovia. This palace matched the pictures in all my imaginations. I was in awe not only because I never thought I would see something like it but also because real people, years ago, actually lived there. The palace had a lot of beautiful gardens but I wanted to go to the maze. I can finally say I’ve been through a maze. The whole time I imagined that I was in a battle for the goblet of fire, seriously. Some advice to those that ever go through a maze: use the restroom before entering.

I finally got my much needed bathroom break when it was time to head to the city which holds the castle that inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella castle--AMAZING. Christine was going absolutely crazy, but it’s understandable because she works for Disney. Segovia had beautiful architecture such as the Cathedral and the Aqueduct. I wish we could have had more time there because I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more than I think I did.

After a long day, we headed back to Madrid. It was Thursday night and it was time to celebrate John Juan’s birthday as well as celebrate my birthday early. I took a nap, got ready and went to eat some tapas with Ali. Sad to say I got food poisoning the next day, bummer. That night we hit the streets of Madrid and went to the same place we went to the night before. Let’s just say we definitely livened up the place. Afterwards the party poopers went home and Ali, Clayton, and I went to Joy Eslava (very popular discotech in Madrid). This place was huge. On the outside it looks tiny but the inside is a very nice theatre. My early birthday celebration ended at 6:30 AM and that’s because the club was closing. I couldn’t believe it.

On Friday, we had a free day in Madrid. I, however, did not get the chance to enjoy it because of my food poisoning/stomach virus that I just so happened to get. My mom and my aunt were coming to Spain that day. Even though I was sick I was ecstatic about my mom being there with me. All I did was lay in bed all day, see the guapo maintenance guy fix our AC, and find out that I got an A in class. After I felt better I thought it would be a good idea to get something to eat. Ali and I were walking when we found Samuel! Samuel is probably one of the funniest, sweetest guys I’ve ever met, I can’t wait until we hangout in Lubbock. Dinner was tough but hilarious at the same time because of Sam’s little comments. We told him that we were going to have a movie night in our hotel room and that he was invited to join; it turned into him staying the night with us in the extra bed. I hadn’t laughed that hard in a while. I always love meeting people that you can be yourself around as well as laugh at the most pointless things. With those people you tend to share the best memories with.

Our last week came to end and I had to say goodbye so some really special people. Shout out to Alida Paine for being true to herself, and thank God for putting someone who has just as a big heart as me, in my life. I can’t wait to see where our friendship goes! Also, Samuel, my little chismoso, I can’t wait to see you in Lubbock! Christine aka roomie, your loud laugh and huge personality are what make me excited to go back to Lubbock. Nonprofits here we come, can’t wait to hang out with you! Everyone else I really hated… just kidding. I can’t wait to see you guys in the fall. It’s like we’re going to be in Spain all over again but Lubbock edition. Prepare yourselves.

Everyone left and I was the lone wolf. Hasta luego España y ciao Italia!

Love,
Carolina