Life here in León (and Spain) is a little different than in the United States. For instance, the workday and school day generally starts a little later, around 9 am instead of 8. Additionally, schools get out around 2 and then siesta is at about 4. I personally have observed the siesta and I enjoy to get a little respite from class that way. It is very important because with the later hours for dinner and staying out, it would be impossible to stay lively without some rest. Similarly, I hardly ever go out to eat or try food at many restaurants in the US, especially as a student, because of how expensive it can be.
However, here in León it is very affordable to go try tapas or raciones at different places to have a snack or a meal. Though many people here know a bit of English, I try to maintain conversations in Castellano. I really enjoy the challenge of finding the right word or phrase to start a conversation or keep it interesting. By taking a class at ATU, I feel like I prepared myself a little better for navigating the language barrier, even though I am still continually improving my Spanish at the language center here. Another way to have fun and improve your language skills is watching movies in a different language. With some of the ATU students here and a friend from the language center, we went to the cinema on the “cheap ticket night” and watched a movie. It is interesting how much is conveyed through expression, settings, etc. and how you recognize words and can piece together what is happening in the film. I would recommend trying it out if you want to improve your skills!
Recently, I travelled to Paris with Mackenzie and had the opportunity to see so many famous landmarks and buildings like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and many more places. Of all of them, my favorite experience was the Palace of Versailles and its grounds. It was very impressive and the scale of it all was hard to comprehend. Additionally, this past weekend I spent the night in the small mountain town of Riaño, Spain. Impressive snowcapped mountains dominate the landscape until they meet the reservoir the town is situated on. I hiked up one of the mountains and almost summited it but had to turn back because of the conditions. The Cantabrian Mountains are a very beautiful and mighty range, and I would recommend that you tour the region in better weather so you can fully experience all they have to offer. The next day, I spent the whole in Segovia, Spain which is famous for both the Roman aqueduct that passes through the town and the Alcazar de Segovia which is a very picturesque castle situated at the edge of the town. I got to travel there with one of my new friends and we had a great time in the walled town.
Though a new experience, travelling alone to Riaño helped me grow my confidence of travelling and experiencing places in my own way. It forces you to have confidence and put yourself out there to talk to people and not be afraid to try new things. I have found that I really enjoy the medieval influence that still can be seen in many towns here. Gothic and Moorish architecture are simply beautiful, and I am drawn to seeing places with them. I think it is so profound that they have lasted so long and are still here for us to see. For example, Toledo and Segovia have narrow streets and alleys that take you back in time as you walk along the uneven cobblestones and bricks. Turning a corner and seeing a roman wall and parapets is something you just don’t get to see in this way in the US. At least now, I have a more profound appreciation and a sense of respect for these places since they are so old.
Pictures:
Along the aqueduct in Segovia, Spain
View from Pico Gilbo near Riaño, Spain
