SUIRP in Spain
Reflections
01
My first week in Spain was overwhelming as I was not really comfortable speaking only in Spanish as it was my second language. It was very exciting though, as this was always a country I had wanted to visit. I was able to visit Toledo this weekend, which was an amazing experience as it had so much history! Because, of this, my first week was overwhelming but very fun!
02
My second week, I got to learn more about various different aspects of the country like the culture, politics, and social norms. I also began to understand how different the work culture is here. At least in my department, everyone knew each other and even ate lunch together as a huge group. I also got to travel to Granada and learn more about the history of Spain. This picture was taken at the Alhambra, which was a beautiful and educational experience!
03
My third week in Spain, I came across some difficulty. I injured my knee and then got sick that same week to the point where I could not work for a few days. This was really stressful since I was not sure how the medical system works here. Being sick, I was also struggling to find food that I could eat as I was quite nauseous and all of the food here was new to me. This was definitely a low point for me, as I became quickly overwhelmed and became homesick. On a more positive note, the view from my desk was amazing and helped me feel better!
04
By this week, I was finally starting to feel better and settle in. I became more familiar with the food and supermarkets nearby, began familiarizing myself with public transportation, and explored a bit more. I began hitting my stride at work both in my project and with my coworkers. At this point, I finally felt comfortable here for the most part.
05
Week 5 is when I would say I finally began to fully relax and enjoy my time here. I met up with some friends and explored Madrid, and then when my friends left I even went out exploring on my own which was a big step for me. I discovered a beautiful part of the town I am staying in, Alcala de Henares, which was completely unexpected as it was wonderfully preserved as a historical site. This was my best week up until this point!
06
This week, I was able to explore the famous Museo del Prado. I have always appreciated the fine arts and the history behind them, so this was an enriching experience. By admiring the artwork, I learned more about the culture and social history of Spain, especially the religious and political contexts during which the paintings were created. Photography was not allowed inside, so I am including an image of one of the most famous paintings there, "Las Meninas" by Diego Velázquez, from the museum's website.
07
This weekend, I traveled with my PI to see some small towns around the Tajo River in the Guadalajara area. This was a unique experience, as these small towns are not readily available to tourists as they are difficult to travel to. It was nice to see historical villages that retain their history but are often overlooked. This also gave me the chance to see agricultural areas, including some beautiful lavender fields. At this point, I have begun feeling homesick but am having an amazing time!
08
This week, I met up with a friend and visited the botanical gardens in Madrid. It was really nice to see the types of trees and plants that were in these gardens compared to the botanical gardens I see in Florida as they have vastly different plant species. However, the gardens had a tropical greenhouse that made me feel like I was home! At the end, we found a bonsai collection, which had some trees over a decade old! I have always had a passion for bonsai, so I was extremely happy to see this. The bonsai pictured here is 50 years old!
