Towards the end of the second week, I was actually able to carry on a relatively meaningful conversation about something relatively intelligent...all in Spanish. I was pretty proud of myself. That little moment of 'wow, I can actually do this.' is why I came here. It just makes me more determined to live in a Spanish speaking country at some point.
I know two weeks is not enough time to learn a language, but I've been messing around with Spanish for a few year now...a class here and there, a little Rosetta Stone (which I highly recommend) and I needed to be thrown in head first. Once you've been given the basics of a language you need to be consumed by it, nearly drown in it, if you ever want it to stick or have any practical purpose in your life. Because at some point you pop up to the surface, sputtering and exhausted...and hopefully that thing you're sputtering in Spanish.
I love Spanish culture. I love the pace and I love the food. I love the fact that an entire people can see the value in a little afternoon nap. I love flamenco; the music is transcendent and when you watch them dance you find that, unconsciously, your face contorts and twists and grimaces until the passion and turmoil on the dancer's face is reflected in your own. I love the air in Granada; it's warm and dry. I love finding an excuse to buy gelato on the way home from class. I love being in class! Learning is such a privilege and to have two weeks to just bask in it, call myself a student and learn something, just for the sake of learning something (without, of course, the pressure of 'normal' school.) is just the worlds biggest gift.
This whole trip is a giant gift to myself. Give yourself a gift today!
Next stop, Morocco.
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