Home Away From Home

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I arrived in Segovia, Spain around a week ago and during this shortย periodย I have already learned so much. The trip to Segovia was full of first-time experiences. It was my first time traveling internationally, and the first time I visited a new continent. It was also my first time traveling in a train, since there is not an airport in Segovia I arrived at Madrid and then took a train.

The first couple of days I felt as if I was on vacation and I would return home soon. After I went grocery shopping and I unpacked all my things, it started to feel real. I am making this my home for four months.

Aqueduct of Segovia.

Although I have experience moving to a new country (I moved to the United States when I was 14 years old), this time I was moving hundreds of miles away from home and in a new continent. In Spain, like in Mexico, the official language is Spanish, which hasย made the transitionย easier. I am very happy I can speak in my native language and when I go to the store and I run into a neighbor they tell me โ€œBuenas tardes!โ€ โ€œGood afternoonโ€, even if this is the first time theyโ€™ve seen me in their lives.

Sometimes I forget I am so far away from my parents and sisters and I forget that we are in different time zones and during some hours of the day, we are in different calendar days. Iโ€™ve learned that when you are far away, you have to make your temporary place a home away from home, even if it is for a shortย period. Here in Segovia, the views remind me of my grandparentsโ€™ hometown in Mexico, the mountains take me back to a place I know.

Buildings in Segovia.

I have never been this far from my family, and even though I did not think I would get homesick since I am already used to being in a different city as them (in Texas), knowing I wonโ€™t be able to go home for four months has made me appreciate my constant trips to Mexico when I am away in college.

It is strange how now I find myself calling โ€œhomeโ€ two places, Mexico and the United States. This has allowed me to embrace my two identities more than ever, yes I am Mexican, but I have two homes.

Segovia is a beautiful city full of beautiful views and buildings. The view from my apartment is breathtaking and it looks straight out of a postcard.

The view from my living room.

I also enjoy that since Segovia is a relatively small city, everything is within walking distance. I can go buy groceries, go to school, to the Plaza Mayor, and many more places in minutes. The coffee shops in every corner are also very convenient.

Cathedral of Segovia.

I am very excited to make this place my home for this semester and I am sure it will have a special place in my heart (it already does).

Adamari Gonzalez-Carlos

*Simpson Sisters' Scholarship <i>Hello in your host country language</i>: Hola <i> University</i>: University of Texas at Austin <i>Expected graduation year</i>: 2020 <i>Destination</i>: Segovia, Spain <i>Program Provider</i>: University Sponsored <i>Major / Minor</i>: Journalism and Communication Studies <i>Language of Study</i>: Spanish <i>Demographic background</i>: First-generation, Hispanic-American <i>Future career aspirations</i>: Broadcast or Print Journalist <i>Top 3 goals for study abroad</i>: To learn about Spain's culture; To make friends from different backgrounds; To grow as a student and human being.