Hope all is well for everyone. It is so very great to be home, but it is equally sad to be missing Spain and all of its beauty. While my adventures in Spain were nowhere as exciting as some of the stories that I’ve heard from some of you, I was content just being there and admiring it all… the art, the architecture, the people, the food, and the music. I write this tidbit to say, thanks for being wonderful classmates to travel with. We are all so different, somewhat similar, and all made it work as a harmonious Austin Peay team. It was wonderful getting to know you all. Have a great summer!

Kudos to my professor for helping me step-up to the next level in spanish with diligence. Thanks prof.

Tina, gracias, for my scholarship towards the Study Abroad Program in Spain for which I am so very appreciative.

Saludos,

Norma Jean Defago

Isn’t the architecture absolutely amazing throughout Spain?? I was mesmorized by all of the buildings that I saw in Malaga, Madrid, and Barcelona while I was studying abroad. That is one of the things that stood out the most to me. The way the city streets in Barcelona were designed are also quite unusual. I remember walking down the streets of the city, and each avenue I approached came to 4 points. In the middle there were spaces for cars and vespas to park, and there was a crosswalk for pededstrians. I loved the way it purposely makes you cross its streets in a certain direction. Barcelona is amazing- have you been?

I saw just how beautiful this park is..and let me tell you..it is really hard to describe it in words, but you did a great job! There is just SO much going on at this park, at any given moment.. it’s great for a lazy Sunday, or in the afternoon if you want to go for a run…or a great spot for a picnic! There are just SO many options- it’s a really cool place! That’s great that you can go there directly after class to study, must be nice and relaxing

I didn’t stay with my own host family in Madrid, I chose a shared apartment with a few other international students. I spent a lot of time at my friend’s host mother’s apartment, and I can absolutely see all the “mamas” you speak of, waiting to escort their new children. My friend’s host mother was such a nice lady, she even played cards with us, and taught us all the Spanish words we needed to know!

I really miss Madrid, ESPECIALLY Park Retiro- it is such an amazing place, you can go there 5 times, and see or do something different each time.

Have fun in Madrid-

Hasta luego!