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