Day 70.
March 22, 2015

Hi!  So long time no blog.
Which means it’s a LONG BLOG.

I have been off enjoying the adventure only to stop and sleep in my free time. Except for today. Today is my first day off with out school or travel in Sevilla. And let me tell you it feels good to be home. Hogar dulce hogar. In the last 70 days Sevilla has become my home in Europe.  I have been in constant travel mode only leaving three and half days for school. (Monday-Thursday) On the weekends (Thursday- Sunday) I’ve been on the go in Morocco, Paris, and Barcelona. I am always happy to arrive back to the stylish, busy, and welcoming city of Sevilla. 

The first week in March I was humbled to spend a weekend with a Moroccan family in the beautiful mountain town of Chefchaouene more formally know as the blue city.  Although, I was only there for two nights my eyes were opened to a completely different world. This was the first time that I have ever been in a predominantly Islamic Country. Also, the first time I had the chance to talk to people my age from a place like Morocco.  We talked about our futures and what we wanted are lives to look like. We spoke on topics such as gender roles and the changes Morocco has made in the recent years.

With confidence and pride one girl explained in the next few years  she expects girls in her country will continue to break barriers and change the world that we both know. We continued to talk about lighter topics. The entire time I couldn’t help but think:

we are from opposite sides of the planet.
with different religions,
different pasts and life experiences,
and we think so similarly. 

I will never forget that conversation.

Over all Morocco left an interesting taste in my mouth. As it should with such a blend of culture. I was met with some interesting bathroom experiences along with random drug offerings. That I had no interest in participating in.  The scenery was breath taking along with incredible cuisine.  The people live simple lives and are some of the most hospital people I’ve ever met.

Shukrun Morocco.  (Thank you)

Oh and I even got to ride my camel!

The second weekend my friend Jen and I were off and flying to Paris, France.
Where we were… uh I wouldn’t say welcomed, but greeted with,  “Oh, you don’t know French.”

But other than that fact we enjoyed the sights of the Louvre and the good eats of crepes and macaroons. The metro never gave us a dull moment. Yet, we figured it out and will save the stories for conversations when we’re back in the states.  We learned a little history and grew a little in the process of our first international trip solo.  I will be back for France. It has been my favorite place outside of Spain so far.

This last weekend I spent in Barcelona, Spain in Cataluña. My friend Nathan and I stepped in to a little shop for a quick coffee where we met two very proud Catalonians ready to give us a little perspective. In Spanish and English I listened to our new friend Tony, explain his Cataluña pride.

Spain has different “states” like we do in the U.S. I am currently in Andalucía and Barcelona is in Cataluña. It was interesting to hear that some a lot of Catalonians claim to be different than the Spanish. They even have a completely different language.  Tony was a proud Catalonian. As I listened I realized this was only one side of the story but at the same time thought Tony should be able to identify with the nationality that he felt closest to even if it wasn’t Spanish. However, I still don’t have enough context to agree or disagree if Cataluña should continue to fight for independence or not.

These little interactions with locals are my absolute favorite part of traveling. I love hearing their perspectives and learning how they think and work.

If anyone ever has the chance to go to Barcelona they must go to the Sagrada Familia a church started in the 1800s and has yet to be completed. Designed by the famous architect Antonio Gaudi the Sagrada Familia was breath taking, organic, and so complex with numerous details.

This is only a summary. So much more to tell but Ill save them for conversations.

Two quick things to end on that have started to become themes of my time abroad.

 First, I understand Spanish!
…for the most part.

At least more than when I got here.

All of my classes are only in Spanish, which helps, but doesn’t make you fluent.  The huge thank you goes to Rocio, Pablo, Yeray, Jorge, and Inez (the Spanish friends) who have made me feel so comfortable with Spanish. Their patience is amazing, I look forward to spending more time with them in the next couple of weeks.

Second, I am every nationality.

The Spanish think I’m Spanish. The French think I’m French. The Germans think I’m German. As we get into tourist season I get asked for directions at least once a day. They ask in Spanish and English and I’ve actually been able to help them in both.  I’ve even thrown some Americans off when I started speaking English to them.  Haha  always a good time.

In summary, I still don’t feel like this is my life. Most days I feel like I’m living in a dream and I will be forced to wake up at any moment.  But then I remember that this is REAL and I need to take advantage of every opportunity. At the same time stop and give gratitude for those who have helped me get here.  This would still only be a dream if it wasn’t for the support of my friends and family.

Especially my Mom and Dad.

Thank you for giving me the WORLD.

So heres to all.  I miss you more than you know and I look forward to seeing you sooner rather than later.  (47 days)

JORDY

Salud to Culture Shock
February 11, 2015
 

I spend a lot of time walking around Sevilla in my free time, giving me plenty of time to think and observe people here. However, I am constantly reminded that this is not my home, at least not yet.

Culture shock, times three.

Culture Shock #1: Living in a large city.  Soy de Small Town, Oregon.

Por ejemplo, las ciudades de mi vida:

Hermiston, Oregon Population: 16,735

University of Oregon Population: 24,181

Eugene, Oregon Population: 156,185

Seville, Spain Population: 1,500,000

I can try to deny my past all I want; nevertheless, I’m from a true small town and it changes my perspective. Don’t get me wrong I’ve visited cities larger than Seville, but living here is a whole other story. From catching the bus or the metro to being able to access shopping with 2 minute walk.  It’s all new to me.  I’ve traded my scenic mountains and endless trees in for skyscrapers and beautiful architecture from past centuries.

Culture Shock #2: New School. “Spanish only please.”

The University of Oregon has served as my home away from home for the last two and half years. And I miss it. I miss my friends, my sisters, the hippies, endless duck gear, and brunch (More specifically pancakes). However, I know all will still be there when I return for my senior year.  I also do not want to create the illusion that my school here isn’t simply amazing. Every professor here at the University of Seville and CIEE is passionate, well versed in their subject of study, and creative to no end. Just within the last three weeks I have met some of my favorite teachers. Although lectures and discussions are in Spanish all the professors take time to make sure we understand and feel comfortable. 

Culture Shock #3: Spanish lifestyle. We’re eating lunch at 3pm? Dinner at 10pm? Tengo hambre. 

In Spanish classes we always talked about the siesta and meal times in Spain, but to be honest, I genuinely didn’t think this was the Spaniard’s reality. Ha, jokes on me! Food alone is a huge culture change so I will be saving that for another post.  Here’s just a few observations that have my head spinning some days:

1.     Never be bare foot.

2.     They don’t have heaters or fire places. When you get cold put on more layers.

3.     Don’t eat and walk. That’s gross.

4.     Studying in a café is weird.

5.     Wet hair…     Yeah, don’t do it.

6.     Whenever you wear work out clothes you’re going to work out. No ifs ands about it.

7.     Don’t make eye contact with men… that’s flirting.

8.     Dog poop is everywhere. A local told me when you step in it, it gives you good luck. Hmph. Well I wish I would have had this new found luck before… yeah you get it. It's only happened a few times...

9.     When you want something, ask. The Spaniards are very direct.

10.  Being American isn’t cool. So if someone thinks you’re from Germany or the UK role with it. The stereotypes are everywhere. Americas=tantos (dumb)

11.  If you want to hang out with friends you go out. Never ever invite friends over to your house to watch a movie or chill, its considered strange and rude. Your parents need to be the ones who make the invitation.

12. Oh! And when you go out. Don’t expect to be home before 4am or later.

13. Normally, young adults will live with their parents until they’re 25 or more. Interesting.

14. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is everything. They prepare for this week months before their celebration of Easter.

15. Hugs and Kisses for everyone. No personal space. Most of the time my host mom (Carmen) will just walk into my room when the door is closed to say hi or grab something she needs. I don’t mind though, Carmen is by far one of my favorite people here in Spain.  (Post coming soon about my host family, they’re the best.)

I cannot even begin to count the amount of cultural differences I have encountered. Yes, they are different than my own but I have yet to find anything that strongly upsets me. 

Other than the continuous culture shock; I am facing lack of control. I have lost control of what I eat, where I walk, the times I sleep, the ability to talk to people at home, and even the language I am speaking.  For someone who typically has every hour of her day planed in her planner this could be a problem.

But I digress, this is all part of the experience. The adventure. Everyday I learn a more about the country I have the opportunity to live in, as well as a tad more about myself. I continue to be curious and find experiences outside of my comfort zone.

 As I complete my first month in Spain I see there is so much to gain and I wonder…
Will three more months be enough?

JORDY

Honeymooning in Espana
January 22, 2015

I think it would be fair to say that I have officially entered the honeymoon phase of studying abroad. For now the daily happenings are relaxed and starting to become more routine.

I walk in the early morning down the streets of Sevilla to see kids with backpacks speaking in their high-pitched voices in Spanish.  Everyone I pass is dressed as if they are going to church or a party; women wear heels and the men wear fancy scarves, everyday of the week. They all look natural, beautiful, and almost golden. Not only is their appearance interesting but so is their personality, its almost the opposite of their attire; completely, casual. I think I hear the phrase, “Pasa nada,” 10-15 times a day. Translate it as you like and you’ll get different things that mean nothing.  

Pasa nada is the equal to no worries, not a big deal, or it’s what ever.  I need to adopt this lifestyle. 

If you know me well, you know I like/tend to function at a high level of stress. However, one of my goals here is to learn to go with the flow, and poco a poco I'm getting there.

For example, the other day after class I found myself completely lost for about an hour and half, without a phone or a map. Nonetheless, not once was I nervous or scared about finding my way. I stumbled along some shopping  (Spain has crazy sales in January) then I found myself in a neighborhood where I had been before and knew the best chocolate croissants were made.  Here I ran into the head professor of my program, se llama Oscar. Oscar introduced me to the baker and we had a quick chat. They asked if I knew my way home and I genuinely thought I did, but then I found myself lost again. At this point it was dark. I ended up asking an elderly couple for directions and after they gave me gracious examples of how to get to the church close to my house they asked me about myself and we had a short conversation where they wished me the best of luck and I went on my way. Their instructions were spot on and I made it to my apartment with out any trouble, pasa nada.

As my time continues in Spain I know I am going to be faced with similar challenges, if not harder challenges. When these arise I need to simply remember to take a big breath and simply say, "pasa nada."

With my pasa nada attitude in hand I will continue to enjoy the Honeymoon phase here in Spain and start to embrace the hopeless romantic that’s dying to come out.

I’ll wander the streets of beautiful architecture with my new found best friends talking about art, world conflicts, culture and topics that matter.

JORDY

Below are some quick pics from my iPhone of my adventures this week.

The Fallacy of the Spanish Man 
January 12, 2015

Todays the day! I’m off and flying! From PDX to O’Hare to Madrid then Seville.

(So please excuse my thought process here, I am a little scatter brained to say the least.)

In the last week and even the minutes before I took off from PDX I kept thinking why did I do this to myself? I’ve never done anything even remotely close to this. Why? Why? Why?... Why? Why?  As I sit here on the airplane I have tried to make a list of the reasons “why” I am doing this to remind myself.  And there are quite a few reasons.

However there is one reason that I have yet to agree with…

In the last few months I have had the “I am going abroad to Spain” conversation with strangers, friends, and family. And I find it very curious that at least 50%, if not more say, “Oh you’re going to find a Spanish man… and get married… and live in Spain.”  Hmm.  How can that be the first thought?! Before anything else!? It’s funny because that was the last thing/reason why I applied to study in Spain.  I don’t mean to be rude to those for asked but I just find it funny. There is much more to this little adventure than finding a Spanish man. 

My reasons for “why?”

1.     See Europe.  
   I have always dreamed of seeing Europe. So why not take the chance in college to live there for four months?

2.     Speak Spanish.
  For my Bachelors of Arts I have been taking Spanish at the University of Oregon for the past two years. My history with Spanish has been a love and hate relationship, however, at UO I have found that it can be a fun challenge as well as a skill I can gain.

3.     Experience Culture.
The Spanish culture, from what I have read and studied is so rich and full of history. I will be in a home with a mom, dad, sister(25) and brother(22). I am especially excited to be there during Semana Santa and Feria. As a Catholic it will be very interesting to see how Easter is celebrated.

4.     Design and Publish.
While in Seville I will be working with 27 students from around the US to create a magazine publication about life in Seville. I am Looking forward to using my J-School skills as well as learn from other students.

5.     Personal Growth
Going international is scary. But here I am seeking things past my limits. Speaking Spanish… uh what?  Yeah.

I am fully aware that not everyday will be full of smiles and rainbows. However, I will keep in mind that everyday is opportunity. An opportunity to meet new people, to experience culture, and grow.

Although the Fallacy of Spanish Man sounds interesting, it is not even a factor. (However, I am positive it will be an on going joke with my family while I am there.) My time in Spain is about the growing, learning and experiencing. I don’t mean to be sounds self-centered, but this trip is about me having an experience I never thought possible. I’m going for the people, the art, the food, the history, the language, to learn, and to get out of my comfort zone.

So here we go, a comfort zone is a beautiful place but nothing ever grows there.

I’m off, next stop Spain!

JORDY

On a side note, my family deserves a big THANK YOU!! I know the whole process of going abroad isn’t easy, but I am so thankful and grateful to have their support.  I am so blessed to have them all. I love you all so much.

Saying See You Later
December 29,2014

In two weeks I will be headed across the world for the first time ever, to Sevilla, Spain. 

 I have read just about every blog know to man about Spain and customs such as the siesta, the people, and of course it’s food.

But before I get to all that fun stuff I first need to say my see you laters (I'm not too good at goodbyes) to all those who have prepared me and inspired me to follow this life goal. To live in a culture and country different from my own has always been on the bucket list.  Since I started my education at the University of Oregon I knew I wanted to study abroad.

I’ve already said my seeya to the University of Oregon and all the amazing friends I have made in just the last two years.  I am humbled by the variety of kindhearted people I have met and look forward to catching up with them when I am back. I will miss the next two terms of rain and classes, but I will be back for it all my final year in fall 2015.

When I was 5 years old my mom and dad gave me the nickname, “Danger Woman.” And I think they got it right.  I would jump from couch to couch with a blanket as a cape. Now, fifteen years later I will jump a little farther, from continent to continent.  I am a little nervous to be speaking a language I have not yet mastered and be surrounded by people I know little about. But truthfully, I am more excited. Excited to grow through my classes and the relationships I will have the opportunity to create while abroad.

So for now I say see you later to my friends, my pets, my family, 'Merica and my past self. I’m off to see new things, experience culture, and learn a little about my self along the way. 

I hope to keep posting here every two weeks to update family and friends about life and to document for myself.  Also, hope to keep them short like this.

See you later.

JORDY