Sophia's Post Trip Reflection

My traveling journey has officially begun. I have now been to Europe, I have now lived with a Spanish family, I have now been in a country where English was not the primary language. I learned so much from my two week visit, and I feel so much more confident in my Spanish. I can only imagine how amazing a month or a year would be abroad! I was not ready to leave Spain! When we were leaving Madrid, we passed many train stations with metros that go to Barcelona, Valencia, Seville and I so badly wanted to hop on one of these trains!! I know that there is so much more to see and to learn, and I am eager to experience it all now. I know that as I continue to travel and see more that I will continue to build on to the definition of "culture" and what it is. In my opinion, I think the biggest way culture was defined in Spain was through their night life because there were so many people out all the time! I loved being able to walk outside and see smiles and laughter as family and friends enjoyed tapas outside in the streets or plaza mayor. Through this trip I have realized how important people are in defining a culture as well as a good time. Many times we choose to go somewhere or do something because a lot of people do that, and I think being in Salamanca, Spain and going outside on a Monday night at 9:00 and seeing people around every corner really made me feel like I was in the right place and that I could never be bored. I loved being somewhere with so many cultures and stories! I wanted to talk to everyone there over a cafe con leche!! Salamanca was truly and unforgettable experience.