It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Wow! I can hardly believe it! Another month down and my exchange is practically one-third over, and guess what... It snowed this morning in Madrid!

This past month of November and been both really fun and challenging for me and as the holiday season draws nearer I'm experiencing some real homesickness. Throughout it all, I'm learning so much though, and not just about Spain, the language, or culture, but also about life and myself.

This past month I have continued with my dance class three days a week and also with teaching the little ones English at the academy. Dance has been going really well, and we have recently learned two new routines. I also found out that in June right before I return home, there's going to be a showcase performance, which I'm really excited for as well.

Teaching English at the center has been going really well too. Unfortunately the original teacher of the little one's class got injured in an accident, so for this past month I've been working with the new substitute. It felt so great to be able to help her with everything because I know the class routine, games for them to play, and everything. It's been going really well and the class, as always has been so much fun for me.

Other than my normal activities I've had another excursion with Rotary the Sunday before Thanksgiving week. All of the exchangers living in the Madrid area took a bus to Soria in northern Spain. Soria is one of the ancient Spanish towns famous for it's history and museums. It was really beautiful and I had such a great time. We went to one of the museums and got to see and learn about some real Spanish art history.

On the Thursday of the next week was Thanksgiving, and to be a little honest I was a little nervous for my Thanksgiving this year. It's always been one of my favorite holidays because of the meaning and the fun ways that my family celebrates it, so I didn't know if I was going to feel homesick this year or what anything would be like. I once heard a quote that said "The thing about traditions is that you can make new ones", and after my Thanksgiving this year this exact quote held a new and special meaning to me. My Thanksgiving day was just like any normal Spanish school day for me, but for dinner I went to Madrid with all the exchange students living in the area and we had a huge Rotary dinner and also celebrated Tommaso Virdia's (Chairman of RYE in Spain) birthday! It was a fabulous night, and I even ended up having turkey!

Other than that November has been a great month of new experiences and plenty of learning. One more good piece of news is... I PASSED MY FIRST EXAM (that wasn't English!) It was my science class and I got one of the better grades in all my class! I just found out today. I was so happy and rushed home after school to tell my whole family about it. I can now definitely say that my Spanish has come a long long way.

I hope that all is well back home in the states and that everyone is enjoying the holiday season. Best wishes to everyone for a Happy Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year!

Xoxo Hana

Photos

Hola! I just wanted to let everyone know that I finally figured out a way that I can share photos with all my blog readers. It's on a photo sharing website called photobucket and the link to my album is: http://s935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/hanasinspain/

These are just some various photos from my exchange so far, in no particular order. I haven't figured out how to really organize them yet, but the main thing is that I can share them with you! Enjoy! Best wishes!

Xoxo Hana

Carpe Diem

Today is just a few days after my two month mark in Spain, and it already feels like I've been here so much longer even though I left Camden, Maine, on August 25th, 2009 and arrived in Madrid on the 26th.
So far I've had one amazing experience! I've been to Toledo one of the most beautiful towns I've ever seen, filled with so much Spanish history and legendary architecture; I've been shopping at Bvlgari in Madrid; hiking in the Spanish mountains north of Madrid; and lived for two months as a 'normal Spanish teenager'.
Everything here is starting to feel really routine to me especially school. I really love my school here. It's so different from America in every way possible, but really great. A major difference from American high-school is that you stay in one class room for all you classes, and your with the same students for every class all year. This year I'm majoring in languages: Latin and Greek, and I absolutely love it. Having two years of Latin first definitely helped me to understand more. I'm also managing pretty well in Greek, and have really grown to love the class. Apart from my majoring classes, I'm also taking lenuga (language arts), historia (history), filosofia (philosophy), ciencia (science: neuro science), application Ingles, and English... All of the mandatory classes for students in my grade.

My Spanish has come so far already, and I'm constantly amazing myself with words (in Spanish) that just pop out of my mouth. My friends, family, and teachers, have been telling me how much I'm improving and I'm so glad. My previous two years of Latin really helped me alot along with my Rosetta Stone, but I know I would have been so much better off if I had completely applied myself to learning Spanish 100% last year. Although it is what it is, and you never can really imagine how much more difficult it will be until you're in the situation yourself.

I've built some really great relationships with people here now. Not only with my family but also with many different people from school and outside of school. My participation in activities after school has really helped me a whole lot during my exchange.

Right now, I have a very busy schedule. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I take dance classes for one hour. It's so fun and I absolutely love my instructor. Having danced practically my whole life, I am so happy to be taking up this opportunity to continue one of my favorite pastimes from America but in a new Spanish way. The nice thing is when I'm dancing in the studio with all the other dancers, and we're moving in sync, (in those moments, for that hour) I just forget about the language barrier, the cultural differences, the daily confusions, and I can just focus on me and the music. I love it! My other school activity teaching English at Daniel's Centre, an academy for learning English. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I teach and co-teach classes for the little ones (about 6-9 years old) for four hours. I stumbled upon this wonderful opportunity one day when I was talking to my Rotary counselor. I had told her that I was considering one day being a language teacher myself because I love teaching and languages both. After learning this about me, my counselor offered me the opportunity to work with the little one's whenever I wanted! After my first class with the little ones I completely fell in love with the students and made going to Daniel's Centre part of my regular schedule. I've also made so many friends from Daniel's Centre (and not just the other teachers). Sometimes after the classes with the little kids I'll go visit the classes of the older kids and help them out too which is also fun. Today they were all dressed up in their scary Halloween outfits and we carved pumpkins! It was a blast, and the perfect example of why I love going there!

I can't believe how the time is beginning to fly, and I know my exchange will be up before I know it. For now I can just be present in all the great moments I'm living, carpe diem, take pictures, and write in my journal. I'm also going to make an effort to be much better with my blog, although it's been difficult since the internet here is very inconsistent, but no excuses... You'll be hearing from me more often. A special thanks to everyone for reading my blog! Un besito de España!

Xoxo Hana

Isaac Peral: Day One

Hey Everyone! Just wanted to send out a quick little e-mail to you guys and let you know about my first day of school... It was great!

School was from 8:30- 2:00. I drove there with my mom, host brother (Miguel), host sister (Blanca), and my friend and neighbor (Susana). When I got there my host mom introduced me to the secretary and a few teachers and we quickly settled a few of my scheduling conflicts. I was really happy because so many friends that I had met this summer greeted me at school and they remembered me! I went into my class with my friends and saw many familiar faces from my orientation of the class. I also met a new girl today who is in almost all of my classes! The only other exchange in my school from Belgium. She's 17, but I think she came to Spain more on her free will than with a program. Her Spanish is a little bit better than mine, but when we buddy-up we understand a lot more together.

All my classes are about 50 minutes, and I have six classes with a half hour "recess" in the middle. "Recess" is where we can walk around the campus and eat snacks or something. My first class of the day was Economia (Economy) I understood basically nothing in this class. Next was Infomatica (Technology). It was in a separate building with many computers. I'm not really sure what this class is supposed to teach but I won't be having it again. Luckily after a pleasant conversation with my favorite teacher (THE ENGLISH TEACHER, OF COURSE) I am now switched into a second English class instead of Informatica. Thank goodness! After Informatica, my last class before recess was Science. I understood hardly anything in this class, except that we are learning neuroscience and that it's really difficult. Then I had recess and got some snacks with my friends. Everyone was introducing me to people and talking to me and I had a really great time!

After the break I had a really great line up of classes. Starting with 50 minutes of Latin y Griego (Latin and Greek). I loved this class with the two languages in one. I already knew all the Latin that he mentioned and the teacher said I had the best Latin pronunciation and for once I felt really smart! After a great class of Latin and Greek was the best class of the day... ENGLISH! I LOVED IT! My teachers name is Susana and we get along great! She's the teacher who helped me switch out of Informatica and into more English in the morning. Susana told the whole class that she wants everyone to talk to me and that I can help them with whatever they need. She also said if I do their homework for them she'll kill me! Ha-ha! I reassured her that I will ONLY HELP. I have a review exam in English tomorrow and I can't wait! After the best class of my life was Lengua. Lengua is like "English" or "Language Arts" in America. I'm slightly concerned about this class because my Spanish comprehension skills are pretty sub par and until they get better I'm sure I won't pass. The teacher seemed pretty nice and I think he understands my situation being a foreign exchange and all so I'm not overly concerned. Well that pretty much rapped up my first day of school. Afterwards I walked home with some friends, had lunch, and here I am writing to tell about it!

I hope everyone keeps in touch! I miss you all! Love from Spain!

Xoxo, Hana

10 Days

Today is my tenth day in Spain. With that in mind, I thought I would make a blog post and give everyone a little check-in.

Everything here is going well for me. I have a lot of friends and everyone seems to know about me, even before I meet them. Although the town I'm living in seems to be big to me, I guess it's not really that different from what I'm used to on the Maine coast, where everyone knows all the major gossip and words spread quick.

Yesterday, I met the most lovely woman! My sister and I went this woman's work, she works in a center that teaches English. She and her husband are also Rotarians. She is going to be my tutor and it was really nice to talk to her. I look forward to more meetings with her in the near future after my first Rotary International orientation in Madrid (on September 11th) I can't wait!

Two days ago, I went to Madrid center with about fifteen friends and we went to a mall. It was really fun. We had a great time, and I got in my quick Starbucks fix... Life is good.

One thing that I was really nervous about at first before I came to Spain was the food, but I love it here! Everything is so delicious! Mom and dad, I am trying new things! Can you believe it?

In so many ways, my life here is completely different from in America, but I am starting to notice things that I think are just universal... For examples, behaviors.

I love my host family! I'm pretty sure they like me, we laugh a lot. I make a lot of speech mistakes, but that is expected. My family is so hospitable and my sister and friends keep me busy with plenty of events to go to.

Hoping all is well with all my family, friends, and readers.

Xoxo, Hana

First Few Days In Spain

For some reason, not sure why, I have been a little hesitant about writing in my blog. Tomorrow will be the one week mark since I left home... Boy, what a week this has been!

I had a series of three flights to get to Spain. From Portland to Detroit, Detroit to Amsterdam, and Amsterdam to Madrid. I really had no airport trouble, which was nice. My first flight was nice, I sat next to an "elderly" man whose son is a Rotarian... Go figure! He was really nice and we talked and I did some word searches and the soon enough I was in Detroit. Once I was off the plane I had about thirty minutes to find my next gate. I was successful in finding it quickly, then made one last call to my dad, and boarded the plane. The plane ride for my over seas flight was by far my favorite! It was so cool! I watched "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (Dad, I hope you're proud) and I listened to some music and enjoyed the flight.

Next came the Amsterdam airport, and yes, it is big. Although, I went through security, and found my gate with ease. While in line for a security check, I saw two girls with Rotary blazers on, we exchanged glances and I got out of my line, walked up to them and asked them where they were from and where they were going. They were from Ecuador and couldn't really pronounce where they were going. They were really nice though. We exchanged business cards, and pins, and went our separate ways. I couldn't help but feel a little envious because those two girls we traveling together as buddies and I was alone. Shortly after I saw two girls with Rotary blazers holding hands and running to an exit. Looking back on it, I'm glad I had the experience of traveling alone because I learned a lot.

The flight from Amsterdam to Madrid was definitely the worst flight for me. I was overtired and uncomfortable, and desperate for something wholesome and fresh to eat. It went by quickly though and soon enough I was in Madrid!

I have been in Spain for five days now, and it's everything and nothing like I had imagined. Sometimes it's hard for me, communicating and dealing with missing home... Other times, there is no place I would rather be!

Today, my friend told me, "Hana, you had stay in spain little time but I love so much and you are very very nice and agreeable"... I am so happy with all the friends I have made here. The Spanish have been very friendly so far! This is going to be a great year for sure!

Sending all my love the the U.S.A. ... Hoping you all are well!

Xoxo, Hana

Getting Ready To Go

So much has been going in my life, it's crazy. Recently, I went to Massachusetts and made my personal appearance at the Spanish Consulate. Everything went smoothly with going to get my visa. They told me that it should arrive at my house around the 19th of August. However, much to my surprise, it came August 14th! Right after I heard that my visa had arrived at my house I e-mailed Sabrina from Bokoff Kaplan and I leave in nine days. August 25th I fly away to Spain, although I won't get there until the 26th.

I am so excited to go to Spain, but I'm starting to get a little nervous, only because I don't know what to expect... That's the fun part! Just a little nerve racking too... Oh well! My time left in the states is short so I'm trying to see everyone and say goodbyes. I just wanted to include a special thanks to all my family members from far away that have come to visit me and say bye to me this summer. It has been a great summer and I hope everyone keeps reading the blog over the year.

Xoxo, Hana

Time Flies!

These past few months, I have found much truth in the saying time flies when you're having fun! I finished my sophomore year at Camden Hills this Friday. It was very bittersweet for me, and I'm going to miss all of the great teachers there next year.

Our final outbound orientation is coming up soon! As always, I'm very excited!

A week or two ago, Taylor, Molly, and I visited for a Camden Rotary club meeting and spoke to their members. It was a great experience and I loved talking with everyone there! Some of the older members are quite witty and funny and I really liked spending that hour or so with them, and seeing how a real Rotary meeting works. One of my favorite things at the meeting was the happy dollar/ or sad dollar into the basket time. I was SO happy that a few happy dollars were given on behalf of Taylor, Molly, and I. At the end Kim gave all three of us a little Camden Rotary club banner and it's hanging on my bedroom door! I love it! I felt a total sense of accomplishment after receiving that. I felt like: Wow! I'm really doing this! This is really exciting, and all these people here are supporting ME! ... I can't speak highly enough of every Rotarian I have met. Everyone has been so helpful, and I can't wait to speak with everyone again when I return home.

Recently, I've been getting a lot of advice for my exchange. "Enjoy it!", "Try everything!", "This experience will change you're life!". I hear it a lot! The other night, I was at a small restaurant/ cafe and the man at the bar noticed that I was talking about going to Spain. He was just 21 years old and had recently returned from a 6 month stay in Spain. His advice on foods to try and places to consider visiting were also really nice to hear! It was a different sort of advice from someone younger who had been to the country, and even though I know that I am part of an exchange and my experience is going to be unique, the information that he shared was still pretty cool and nice to hear.

I spoke with my host sister a few days ago and decided to take Latin and Greek in my new Spanish school (Isaac Peral). I love Latin and thought that maybe adding more languages would be a little bit easier than trying to figure out what my biology and economics homework says when the information is in Spanish... I have enough trouble understanding the english version of some of the biology terms we learn in class already! Let alone in Spanish! Ah! ...So Latin and Greek it is! (We'll see how that goes).

I'm really excited for Spain and praying that my guarantee form comes very very soon! If anyone reading this knows anything about my guarantee form, please contact me! Gracias!

P.S. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO MY DAD! (I love you!)

Xoxo, Hana

News from my future host family!

¡Hola! Today something super exciting happened. As I was in my school library checking my e-mail I noticed a new message from Jose Alberto and the subject was "host family". I was super excited as I read the message from... My future host dad! He told me a little bit about his wife and three kids and what he does for work. He seems really nice and welcoming! The only bummer is that HE FORGOT TO TELL ME WHERE HE LIVES! So I'm planning on writing him back and sending and asking for pictures and of course- what city they live in.
I'll update my blog as soon as I hear back!

Xoxo, Hana

Preparing for Spain

Hey Everybody! I'm Hana Berke, and this is my new blog! This August I leave for Spain as an outbound with the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. Keep checking my blog for more information as my date of departure draws near!

Xoxo, Hana