The Waves of Change Rolling In

Thursday January 12th
11:30 a.m.

Plane ticket, check! Student visa, check! Excitement, CHECK! Packing... I'll get back to you on that.
5 days, 6 hours, and 15 minutes until I depart for Spain, not that I'm counting.

So I leave for Spain in less than a week and let's just say my emotions are running wild.  It's some sort of mix of excited, anxious, nervous, and hopeful, with a sprinkle of sadness.  It's no secret I'll miss my friends and family, but I am so ready for the experience that lies ahead of me; it will be such a big change.
I've been thinking about this concept often in my weeks leading up to my departure.  CHANGE, what it means, what it entails.

While thinking about this, I compiled a list of the biggest changes to come:
1. Language. Everything: books, signs, menus etc. will be in Spanish. Although I'll speak some English here or there, Spanish will become the language I speak daily, not just in Spanish class.
2. Food.  The food is definitely a change of pace.  Goodbye greasy fries and burgers, hello paella!!!  Can you say home cookin'? My host mom will be preparing all of my meals! No more Ramon noodles for this girl.
3. Dinner time.  In America, I eat dinner at about 5ish. In Espana, dinner is served around 9!
4. Monayyy! From US dollars to Euros, gotta love that exchange rate!
5. People.  I do not know anyone going into this experience.  I am so excited for all of the new people I am going to meet from all over the world!
6. Greetings. Americans shake hands, Spaniards kiss on each cheek!
7. Nightlife. It starts later, it ends later.  Hopefully that means we sleep in later?!
8. Pop culture. Will Snooki still be a hot topic?
9. Tourist attractions. From the bean to the Giralda!
10. Convenience.  I don't think there are many 24 hour Wal-Marts in Espana, do you?

I'm sure these aren't the only changes waiting for me across the Atlantic, but I'm ready for them! Let me know if you think I missed anything.  Share with me your experiences of change. What do you think will be the most difficult change? I'd love to hear your opinions!


Until Next Time...

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do.  So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor.  Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."  – Mark Twain


Breck Scarnavack