Bye Bye Barcelona

                When I first decided to study abroad, I knew that it would change my life. What I didn’t know, was how MUCH it truly would. While I have gone abroad before, I have never truly felt independent in a place. This study abroad has allowed me to become more independent, flexible, and open to new beliefs and culture. I believe my future will be greatly affected by these experiences as I gear up to enter the “real world” in just one short year.

                First of all, this trip has greatly affected my independence. The last couple times that I have traveled out of the country were either with a family or a large group, and I was kind of spoiled. I didn’t have to learn the metro system because there was always someone with me, and I didn’t even really have to worry about budgeting! While we were in a group for part of the time here in Barcelona, I also got to do a lot on my own, and learn how to get around in the city by myself. One of my main goals for this trip was to learn the metro system, which doesn’t seem that hard to the average person, but I am NOT good with directions. But hey, I did it!  I think my newfound independence will most definitely transfer into my adult life as I will soon be living completely on my own, and will probably have to learn how to navigate a new city with new people. Being more independent really boosted my confidence, and now I really believe that I can make it on my own! It’s scary, but so worth it.

                Another trait I accumulated from this trip was the ability to be flexible in any situation. I tend to be a schedule kind of girl. I like my routine, and I like knowing what is going to happen when. You can’t really do that when you’re in a new country, and especially not when traveling on excursions with a group. Many days I had to forgo the schedule I put in place for myself, and take new adventures instead. I think it was good for me to get out of my comfort zone and out of my routine. Meal times are aspect of this trip that required me to be very flexible. People don’t eat at 6 sharp here. They eat at 8:30, 9, maybe even 10 p.m. I had to readjust my schedule to fit into the culture here, but now I actually kind of enjoy it! I believe this flexibility will help me in my future career, and just with life in general! You can’t be in charge of your schedule all the time, and flexibility allows one to be more comfortable with change and uncertainty. I can definitely say that I will be able to be more laid back with my schedules, and be more spontaneous and flexible in the future!

                Finally, this study abroad taught me how to be open to new beliefs and ways of life. I have lived in Indiana for most of my life, and that is the dominant culture that I have known. It was fascinating to jump into a new culture, especially when that culture was in a homestay and I absolutely could not avoid it even if I wanted to. I had to adapt to new ways of doing things, like taking shorter showers and using less electricity. I also had to welcome new cultural habits in like letting my underwear fly high on the clothes line for all to see. Definitely wasn’t used to that. But honestly, I felt just a little more satisfied knowing that my clothes had been “sun dried.” I mean, people pay big money for fancy things like that right? I believe that adapting to these new cultural norms will allow me to be more open to different cultural experiences in the future, especially when it comes to my career. I feel that I will be able to better communicate with businessmen and women around the globe now that I have a deeper understanding of different cultures.

                Overall, this experience has changed me for the better, and I am overjoyed to be able to go home and into the workplace with these new found qualities that I didn’t even know I possessed. I have had an unbelievable time here in Barcelona, and as Glenda the Good Witch once said, “I have been changed for good.” 


Pizza and a movie with some of the lovely girls here! Despite what my face might say, I had a lot of fun!


Every morning I go on a run to Plaza Espanya! Views are pretty great, can't complain.



Jumping for joy on the beaches of Barcelona!



Soccer-er, I mean Football, stadium!



Sure going to miss this place!

Don't Step in the Puddles.

Well, here we are. It’s week three in Barcelona! I can hardly believe it. I’ll be gone in less than two weeks! Feels strange, but I also feel like I’ve been here forever. I actually helped an American woman find her hotel from the airport last weekend, so that was a cool feeling.

This weekend I had the incredibly opportunity to go to Rome, Italy and visit one of my friends from high school, Giuilia. We met during our senior year, and she had once said that I was welcome to stay at her house if I ever came to Rome! Of course I never thought I would actually have the opportunity to go all the way to Rome…until this summer! Oh, and here’s the catch, I BROUGHT 11 AMERICAN STUDENTS TO STAY WITH GIUILIA. I have a feeling she didn’t have that in mind when she offered to let me stay at her house three long years ago. LOL. It was a little chaotic, but that honestly just made it more fun. It was such a great trip, and I got to learn so much about Giuilia’s life and culture!

I first talked to Giuilia about how her American experience impacted her life. She came abroad when she was only 17 years old, which must have been scary! I couldn’t even make a phone call to the dentist without crying when I was 17 years old…more or less. Anyway, when I asked her what made her want to come so far away from home, she said it was because she figured she didn’t have as deep of roots in her own Italian culture that she would have when she was older. She wanted to explore other cultures while she was young and free to explore what the rest of the world had to offer. I really admire her for her bravery and the fact that she was able to leave everything she knew behind her, and step into a whole new country for not one, but TWO years!

Giulia and I also talked about things like politics and day to day Italian culture. Much like in Spanish culture, Italians tend to do things later. A lot of them eat later, wake up later, and stay up later at night. Since I was already used to it from Barcelona, it didn’t come as a surprise to me. Giuilia said that she and her family usually eat at about 9 or 9:30 at night. While at dinner, her parents were incredibly hospitable, and asked how my travels were, and questions about my life. They didn’t speak English fluently, but they made so much effort to communicate with me in my language, and I definitely understood what they were trying to say. Her mother kept apologizing for the dirty dishes in the sink, which was really ironic because our group were the ones who had dirtied all the dishes up during our meal earlier! Her mom made us this huge meal with spaghetti, pork, bread, cucumber, and fruit. It was so good, and all of us were SO full. At the end of the massive meal, her mom says, “I hope you like. It was a ‘light’ meal.” To which I laughed. I was full for a solid 10 hours afterwards.

 Giuilia and I also talked about sports and politics in Italy. She’s a huge fan of ‘football’, and obviously cheers her home country on every time. We even turned the game on during lunch on the first day, and watched the hilarious sports commentators on TV. I couldn’t even understand them, and I was still laughing. We talked about how voting for the new “mayor” of Rome was happening in two days (that Sunday). There were two candidates, one that was more conservative and one that
When communicating with someone of a different culture, such as my good friend, Giuilia, and her family, I recommend being mindful of their culture, while allowing yourself to be open about your own. I also recommend avoiding ethnocentrism, as it could easily block you from learning about the other person's culture in the way that you'll be able to if you are truly open. Finally, don't forget to just relax and enjoy learning about a new culture! There are SO MANY different cultures and ways of living in the world, and immersing yourself in a culture that's different than your own, or maybe even outside of your comfort zone, is an experience that you'll never forget...or regret!

Overall, I learned so much from my good friend and her family! They have so much knowledge about Italian culture, and it’s so cool that Giuilia is now sort of a mixture of both American and Italian culture! I’m really hoping to go back sometime soon and stay longer, after only a weekend I felt like part of the family already! They’re seriously so freaking great.

Here are a few pictures from the trip!

Giuilia, her mom, and I at the top of Rome! Kind of. Oh and her adorable dog.


Our pizza party!



I think we all know what this is.



Selfie with my Italian BFF in front of something that is Roman. IDK WHAT IT IS and I don't have the will power to Google it right now, sorry.

And finally, what you’ve all been waiting for, more tips! Here are ten more things NOT to do while in Spain. So pay attention, kiddos.

1.       If you see a puddle on the street, DON’T jump in it. Trust me.

2.       Always bring water on every excursion. You will never regret it.

3.       Don’t bring sandals that you glued back together with hot glue.

4.       Don’t expect the cashier at the store to give you a bag. Either bring one or ask for one. And bags aren’t free, people. This ain’t Beverly Hills.

5.       Don’t try and tie your shoe on the metro.

6.       Don’t ask if the restaurant has free refills. They will slap you in Spanish.

7.       If someone wants to speak English with you for god’s sake just speak English (unless your Spanish is close to flawless). It makes it easier for both parties if you’re not putzing around searching for some obscure for Spanish word for like five extra minutes when you both speak fluent English.

8.       Don’t forget sunscreen. Especially if your skin burns like an Eskimo in the Sahara.

9.       Don’t get ocean water in your mouth unless you’re ready to for your tongue to sizzle like bacon on a frying pan.

10.   DON’T worry too much. Relax and have a good time. I’m a compulsive worrier, and it’s important to remember that you’re going to BE OKAY, no matter what challenge you are facing. 

Well, that’s all folks. Adios! 

American Culture in Spain

I've been in Spain for a little over a week now, and I am definitely adjusting quickly. I can now use the metro on my own and I usually only cry four times! My sleep/meal schedule is also quickly adjusting, and waiting until 9 p.m. to eat feels almost normal now.

One thing I see a lot of here in Spain is the way my own American culture is presented. It's rather humorous, to say the least. For example, there is a sign on my way home every day that says "Academia de Ingles; A Piece of 'English' Cake'" (see picture below). 

I find it hilarious that this expression, which is used commonly in American culture, is being used to describe learning the English language. There's actually a British flag on the piece of cake, so that makes me think that the expression must have originated in England. Either way, it's pretty great. 

Another thing I've noticed that tends to reflect back to America is the fitness culture that is beginning to become popular here. I feel like Americans are somewhat obsessed with physical fitness, and the industry is booming in the United States. Here in Barcelona, I am seeing more and more fitness stores and advertisements! There's one store near the apartment where I'm staying called "Colosus." The other day there was a HUGE dude standing outside trying to, I don't know, sell protein shakes I guess. So that was about as American as it gets. 

Finally, American music is super popular here, it's great! I guess I expected to plop into Spain and hear nothing but a Spanish music, but no! These people love their American music. My host mother plays Elvis, and sings along enthusiastically while she does it. I was also sitting in a resturaunt yesterday and Justin Beiber came on over the speakers. I wasn't too thrilled about that, actually.

I would say that American culture is represented in both a negative and a positive light. While we are known to be obnoxious, loud, and possibly spoiled, I also feel that Spanish culture has caught on to a lot of American trends. I wouldn't say American culture is completely accurately represented, but I've seen worse! They definitely think that we love our food and our entertainment, which is completely accurate. Americans tend to be thought of as dumber, from what I see, which is negative. But I feel that a lot of Spanish people are genuinely interested in things like the weather in Indiana/America, the scenic views, the cities, etc. Like all cultures, there will always be a mixture of positive and negative stereotypes.

Pro tips: How NOT to be an stereotypical American when in Spain.

1. Do not leave your shoes on when entering a house. Like seriously, your feet have been all over the super populated streets all day, don't bring crap that inside.

2. When on the metro, MOVE OUT OF THE WAY. Don't stand by the door if you still have five stops to go. People will yell at you in Spanish. Also don't cry on the metro after they do this. That is also very American.

3. At least make an ATTEMPT to speak their language, even if you only know four words. People are always much more willing to help when you are trying to communicate in a way that they are familiar with. I know about 6 words in Spanish, most of them referencing either food or the nearest bathroom, but hand motions work too. Just don't waltz up and demand that they speak English. That's not gonna fly.

4. Try whatever food you are served! These people went to a lot of effort to make whatever you're eating, the LEAST you can do is try it! If you don't like it, don't get it again. But trying the food is a sign of respect and courtesy.

5. Dress like you're not going to be laying on the couch all day. Seriously though, Americans are pretty laid back about how we dress. I'm so guilty of this as well. Yoga pants for dayz, man. Yeah, you don't see a lot of that here. So, at least make an effort to look like you didn't just roll out of bed. It's hard, I know.

6. GET SOME COMFORTABLE FOOTWEAR AND DON'T COMPLAIN THAT YOUR FEET HURT IF YOU DIDN'T BRING ANYTHING BUT 5 DOLLAR FLIP FLOPS FROM MACY'S. I have a lot of experience with this. Trust me, if you invest in anything, get some freaking great shoes.

All right, that's about all I have to say this time around. Join me next week to see if Abbey survived Rome without falling into the Trevi Fountain. It's going to be riveting, to say the least.

Here's a picture of me with petting a giant lizard statue for your entertainment.

Hola Barcelona!

This week I departed on the crazy adventure to the enchanting Barcelona, Spain. I really didn’t have any idea what to expect when I arrived. I have never been able to speak more than a few words of Spanish, so I had the faint idea that this might make things a bit interesting. But I like beaches and history and what not so I figured, why not?

             Let me preface this by saying that I have traveled before, so the travel part didn’t come as a complete shock to me as it has in the past. Though my flight was switched because of many delays and I BARELY made it on the freaking plane to Barcelona, the actual flying and traveling wasn’t as bad as I expected it would be. It was my first time traveling alone, and though I wouldn’t say I enjoyed it, I made it to where I was supposed to be without dying or having a complete mental breakdown (although I had a few mini ones a few times in the airport). I am certainly proud of myself for that.

              When we finally arrived in the city, we were greeted by our home-stays. Mine is a cute mother named Esther, and she doesn’t speak much English. Alexis, my roommate, and I have both taken a substantial amount of German and very VERY little Spanish. We are making it work with google translate, and learning new words and phrases every day. Who knows, maybe I’ll be fluent when I return? Yeah, okay. I still really enjoy the family. They’re really nice and the food is delicious!

                I really enjoyed our tour of the Gothic Quarters. It was fascinating and our tour guide was very interesting. I loved the majestic architecture of the buildings and learning the history behind them. It reminded me why I wanted to come to Spain, and why it’s important for me to fight through the challenges that I have been facing.

               One of the hardest things that I had to deal with is just the jet lag. I have trouble sleeping when my clock gets thrown off, and it’s been difficult to be able to function normally without feeling incredibly sick or tired. It’s hard for me because I really want to explore everything and have a great time but a lot of time the feeling of sickness or uneasiness prevents me from doing that. Thankfully it’s been getting better little by little each day! Sometimes stressful situations like being in a new culture make me want to be alone and just isolate myself while I try to make sense of the situation, but I’m trying to push myself to do things that take me out of my comfort zone. Things like having so many people walking everywhere I go, and even the busy roads filled with drivers who may or may not be COMPLETELY OUT OF THEIR MINDS have been taking some getting used to. Definitely a lot of culture shock, especially since I am from a small town and also incredibly bad at directions. but it helps to just take a deep breath and remember that you're not alone here. I am confident in my decision to be here, and I'm determined to learn how to get around in the city! 

                I am also slowly learning how to navigate the metro system. I feel like the more you learn about ways to get around in the city, the more comfortable the city becomes. I have this fear of being lost in the middle of the city with no way to get back, and no one who speaks English and is willing to help. Thankfully there are plenty of modes of transportation in Barcelona, and I know I could even just hop on a taxi if I’m super lost. But learning the metro system was a goal of mine when I arrived, so I’m hoping to learn it completely by the time I leave.
               To anyone who is considering coming abroad, my advice to you is to be prepared. Make lists of things you need and then make more lists of things you forgot on the first list. While you can always buy things here, it always helps to come prepared. The more prepared you are, the less stress you put on yourself when you get here. I would also advise you to not worry too much about travel. I got really scared when my flights all got delayed and re-arranged, but everything works itself out. I also really advise just taking some time out to reflect, unwind, and remind yourself that the first few days are hard and THAT'S OKAY. No one is going to adapt perfectly, and every place has it's own set of challenges. I think that's what makes traveling so cool though, the fact that you were able to overcome these challenges. It's harder than what it looks like in the pictures, but I think it's worth it.
             So yeah, that’s been my first few days so far. Barcelona is an incredible city, and I can’t wait to explore more of it, and I’m hoping I’ll become more comfortable and less stressed out as the trip goes on! Until next time!