Hola a todos!

This past week has been such a blast! Like always my Monday and Wednesday class-filled days have been quite long, but I never seem to dread them. I suppose the pure fact that I am able to be in Spain while attending school helps with that aspect.

On Thursday, after their week of Northern Spanish adventures, my parents arrived in Alicante for a quick visit! I was so excited to see them and show them around my city. We spent the day touring the city and we climbed the Santa Barbara Castle. That evening my host mom had prepared a typical Spanish meal for my parents so they could come to my home and see how I have been living. It was honestly my favorite part of their trip! So fun to see my two families interact.

Friday I took them to the CIEE study center and to the University of Alicante so they could see that part of town. It was so, so nice to have a little piece of home visit my new home!

Then we were off to Madrid! The capital city was not something that I had any plans to see with friends or my program, so I was thrilled to be able to visit with family. We did lots of touring/ gazing at the beautiful architecture, and we even went to a soccer game! What an experience that was!

Atletico de Madrid vs. Sevilla
Atletico de Madrid vs. Sevilla
Palacio Real de Madrid
Palacio Real de Madrid

While we were in Madrid, two of my friends from home happened to be in the city as well. I was able to meet up with them for a few minutes and catch up on all Spanish experiences. What a small world we live in!

After a quick weekend trip with my parents, I hoped on the train back to Alicante and they flew home the following morning. It was hard to say goodbye to the little piece of home that came for a visit, but I was reminded of how awesome this experience I’m living- is, right now.

This coming week I have a Fall Break and with my program I am going on the last 5 days worth of the Camino de Santiago! I am so excited to visit the Northern part of Spain and spend the week getting to know my fellow students better.

Until then, friends!

Published by Terah Ryan

Hello! I'm so excited to share my Spanish experience with you while I study in Alicante, Spain with the CIEE Liberal Arts program. I am from Holland where I have grown up all my life, so I am thrilled to get out of the country for a whole semester. I am a Sophomore at Hope, class of 2017. I hope that you enjoy reading about my experiences a much as I love having them. Peace and Blessings!

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