There are some lessons that simply cannot be learned in the classroom. There are certain things in life that we must experience - people we must meet, places we must travel, things we must try - in order to better understand, well, life. I know that sounds like such a simple statement, but it's so very true! I think about what I've learned from my experiences in Spain (thus far), and almost all of those lessons have been learned outside of the classroom...

1.) Getting to know people from other countries has taught me that love is a universal language, and that a genuine smile goes a long way. This week two of my friends, Olga and Carina, left to return to Germany. I don't think I processed the fact that they were leaving until it was time to say goodbye. I hate goodbyes! (Especially when you aren't sure if you will ever see the other person again in your life!) Before she left, Olga said something that really left an impression on me. She looked me in the eyes and said, "Alex, I just think that you will always be happy. You will be happy for the rest of your life. You're so sweet and kind and easy to get along with... I know you are going to find someone who you really love and who loves you back." It was one of the most heartwarming and most sincere blessings that I have ever received! :)

2.) You have to break free from the shackles of fear in order to take advantage of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. When did I do this? On Monday night, when I decided to try octopus. Yes, you read that correctly...OCTOPUS!!! I sometimes worry about trying new foods because I would hate to have an allergic reaction (especially in a foreign country), but life really is too short to let petty fears like that one get in the way of priceless experiences. Octopus actually has a great flavor! If you can get past the texture, it's quite delicious!! I would definitely eat it again.

3.) Mastering a foreign language requires you to be confident AND to be okay with making mistakes. It's all part of the learning process. While I don't always perfectly roll my "rr's" or correctly pronounce the letter "c" (it's more of a "th" sound in Spanish), I know that I am improving every day - getting closer and closer to becoming fluent.

Well, it's almost midnight here...so I'm off to bed! This weekend my friends and I are going to A Coruña (approximately 70 km from Santiago de Compostela) to shop. I can't wait :) Next weekend I'm going to meet up with my mom, my aunt, and my uncle and the four of us are going to Sevilla!! I really can't wait for that!!!