A Few Last Shots

Packing Up

This was Manuel's method to keep me from leaving. It definitely made the depressing job of packing more fun/difficult.

Just Something I Liked...

...meaning, "Just one race, the human race. A movement against intolerance."

Cool, right?

Pasión Vega

Tonight we went to the theatre to see Pasión Vega in concert. It was fantastic. I went with my host mother, Bea, Gloria's sister-in-law and an aunt. Earlier in the evening, I walked in the door after an afternoon out and about. I hadn't even made it to my bedroom before I learned we'd be leaving...in about 10 minutes. And we made it just in time. I basically forgot about my literature exam scheduled for the following morning, telling Bea that "these things are much more important."

Fútbol

Olé! In Cádiz...

Fútbol is a MUST. It was crazy and fun, even though the game ended in a 0 - 0 tie.

Todo Navideño

Since the 8th, every street and plaza in this city has been decked out for the holidays. Espero que tengais una feliz Navidad, un prospero Año Nuevo y un buen Día de los Reyes Magos.

La Noche de Despedida

No puedo creer que este semestre haya llegado a su fin. Es triste que tengamos que irnos de Cádiz y dejar a nuestras familias y amigos aquí, pero el fin del programa también puede ser un momento alegre. Podemos ver el progreso que hemos hecho, las aventuras que hemos vivido, todo lo que hemos aprendido y las relaciones que hemos entrañado. Puedo decir, y creo que muchos compañeros míos estarán de acuerdo, que he aprendido mucho durante estos cuatro meses. No solo vocabulario español, gramática y costumbres españolas…no solo como pedir la cuenta y entender el sistema de autobús de Cádiz. He aprendido algunas cosas más importantes de la gente que he conocido aquí. Me he dado cuenta de que los gaditanos son muy simpáticos y optimistas, y espero llevarme ese cariño y optimismo cuando vuelva. He aprendido que una buena familia es buena en cualquier sitio, y que es algo para celebrar y apreciar. Una parte del semestre fue dura para mi, por razones familiares, pero también me ha enseñado mucho. Quiero expresar mi profundo cariño a mi familia gaditana por su apoyo en todo. Gracias a mi madre por siempre estar allí para hablar, ofrecer un abrazo y hacerme sentir una parte de la familia. Aunque tengo que volver a los EEUU por ahora, veré a mi familia gaditana y Cádiz de nuevo en el futuro. Gracias por todo.

I really can’t believe that this semester is coming to an end. While it’s sad to have to leave Cadiz and our families and friends here, the end of the semester is also a happy time. It allows us to stand back and look at the progress we’ve made, the adventures we’ve had, the things we’ve learned and the relationships we’ve nurtured. I can say, and I think many of my classmates would agree with me, that I have learned a lot over the past four months. Not just Spanish vocabulary and grammar…not just how to ask for the bill and understand the bus system in Cadiz. I’ve learned some more significant things from the people I’ve spent time with. I learned that Gaditanos are very optimistic, and I hope to take some of that optimism with me. I learned that a good family is a good family anywhere, and that it is something to appreciate and cherish. I learned that after the storm comes the calm and that nothing should break your spirit. The semester has been difficult for me, for personal family reasons. It has also taught me a lot. I want to express my deepest appreciation for my Gaditana family for supporting me through everything. Thanks to my mother for always being there to talk, to offer a hug and to make me feel like part of the family. While I have to return to the states for now, I will be seeing Cadiz and my host family again in the future. Thank you for everything.