School’s out for summer!

I have just left Granada for the tenth time! I always am sad and hoping it won’t be my last. These are my take aways from this trip.

** you can travel to a place many times and still not see it all. On this trip, I saw a new museum, found a new favorite restaurant and found a spot with the biggest free tapas I have ever had!

** immersion is the best way to learn a language. This not new, but as my Spanish improves, I am able to use it more and it allows me to improve even faster!

** putting yourself where you can learn makes it easier to learn. Again, not revolutionary but improvement is swifter when you commit time and money to making you show up.

** everyone wants to know the slang and cuss words. Part of understanding a language is understanding how “normal” people speak.

** watch EVERYONE to have a better understanding of social cues. I was watching someone at a bus stop and how they signaled they didn’t want to catch that bus by stepping away from the sign. While this may seem intuitive, much of what we understand is learned socially. Like, where you stand to order, how to pay at your favorite restaurant, or niceties on public transportation.

I am very aware of how lucky I am to be able to travel and to study abroad. I hope that my curiosity and ability to travel continues. For now, nos vemos Granada!

Photo from our cookie party on the last day of Spanish class. Check out the Alhambra in the background.