Highs and Lows

So during all of our study abroad meeting at school, they told us about the five stages. Basically, it means that when you study in a foreign country you will start in a good mood, crash, and then accept. Well, as far as I'm concerned, that describes the first hour of studying abroad. I think I've been through the five stages at least five times. But I think what makes me upset might be surprising, so read on.

High: I first got to the Barcelona airport, and none of my luggage was lost. (I have recently found out I am very lucky, many others had serious issues.) Oh my god. I'm in Barcelona. HOW COOL IS THIS?? I find where I need to go, check in, and I'm in a taxi on my way to my "colegio mayor," which basically means residence hall. Barcelona, here I come!

Low: I get out of the taxi and...I'm lost. They only told us the address, but what they failed to mention was that this particular address has about eight buildings. Right... I go into one of them, approach a receptionist, and try to communicate where I need to go. Now I am not horrible at Spanish, but when I tried to talk... Where did my Spanish go? Fortunately I managed, and I made it to my residence hall. Great. So I meet my RA, Xisca, and she is very nice and gets me situated with my...Spanish roommates?? My roommates aren't American?? Now this is not a bad thing in and of itself, but it wasn't what I was expecting at all. But, hey, I'm here to surround myself with a new culture, and what better way to do it? Okay. So then we get the dormitory rules. Some basic stuff: no alcohol in the dorms, no visitors after 11:00pm, no youtube...wait, what? No online videos or downloading anything at all. And they know. They have records. Big brother is watching you. There are even cameras outside of the gates to our building. Okay...I can deal with this.

High: The very first night, only a few other American students were there. So three others and I decide to go out and get something to eat and drink. We have great conversation, good food, and I think I really like them all. The next day, more IES students arrive and we all decide to walk to where our classrooms are located, just to make sure we could do it without getting lost. The other students seem really nice, too, and I think all is going well. I still love the city. What could be better than this?

Low: Americans are OBNOXIOUS. I know I'm supposed to save the America-bashing for when I get back, but I honestly completely understand why the rest of the world hates us. Basically, right now I love the city, I love the local students (they are sooooo nice), and I am sure I will love my classes, but the other IES students in my dormitory are nuts. Loud, crazy, unappreciative, etc. Let's see...we went out to lunch all together. One girl ordered some fried fish. What they gave her was apparently not what she had been expecting. Basically, it was a bunch of little fish dipped in batter and fried. You could still see the eyeballs. Okay, a little odd, but it's still fried fish. She tried it to be brave, and she even liked it. She then proceeded to cover it with a napkin because she couldn't stand the sight of it. That's so rude here it's not even funny. (By the way I tried one of her fish, and it was really good.) Other than that, though, all of my fellow dorm members just want to go out and get trashed. Every night. Even when we have to get up at 6:00am. Yeah.... Yay America!

High: Honestly, I don't want anybody to think I'm not having a good time. I'm having a great time; it's just disturbing to observe certain behaviors. Most of the people I've met really are good people. I love the food and the locals, and the city is so pretty to just walk in. I am so excited for the rest of the semester.

Next post(s): My field trip to Besalu y Vic, two old Catalan cities near Barcelona, and some perspective on the differences between Americans and Spaniards.