Salamanca: Primera Semana

Humbling. Frustrating. Isolating. Embarrassing. Lonely. These are just a few words to describe what it is like to go to a foreign country for an extended period of time with essentially no knowledge of the language. Never having taken a formal Spanish course, I went to Spain optimistic that the bits and pieces that I had picked up along the way would help me. They help me understand at times, but they certainly do not help me communicate. The basic communication skills I learned in my only Spanish class (the one for teachers offered through Guilford County Schools on a handful of weekends) really only taught me how to say a few things. I can ask for someone on the phone and tell them that their child is misbehaving or they need to sign a permission slip...but that's not really helpful here. I can also start a basic conversation with someone to find out their name, how they are doing, etc., but if they deviate from the path I've learned (which is more often than not), I'm lost. This week has been very difficult for me. I love communicating and language and am used to being an effective communicator, not someone who has to walk out of a store because I can't figure out how to purchase fruit! People talk about culture shock when they study abroad, and I experienced it living in Scotland for a year, but nothing is like moving to a place where you understand less than half of what is going on around you. That is not limited just to language but includes cultural norms as well. If I make the mistake of smiling at people while walking, they either stare at me like I'm crazy or think that gives them the freedom to comment on my appearance (as if my smile were a come on), so I now walk with my head down. When walking on the sidewalk, Spaniards do not make way (there is no right and left lane on the sidewalk). It is basically "My way is the right way, and I like the shade," so you have to maneuver like a snake as you weave through people. These experiences are frustrating, and I've had plenty of time on my own to experience them, but they are nothing compared to the limitations of not being able to speak the language.

The street of Silence (basically my experiences so far :) ):

During the first week in Salamanca, I've spent a lot of time updating my blog so people can share some of our experiences, going on little walks during the day to practice my Spanish, meeting people from J. Santiago's program, exercising, and reading. It probably doesn't sound that exciting, and, to be honest, there were times when it was really boring. I start my class tomorrow, and I cannot begin to express how excited I am to start learning more about my surroundings. However, I am nervous about the class because it starts with a placement exam (that includes an oral interview). I am a total beginner, so I have nightmares of walking into the exam room where they only speak Spanish and not even knowing how to start my exam. I guess I'll find out tomorrow...

My best Spanish conversation so far. He listened and did not correct me when I made mistakes; however, looking at his eyes, he seems to be a little bored...

On a positive note, we have had some really nice experiences in Salamanca this week. Here are some pictures from our experiences:

The Plaza Mayor at night is amazing. People congregate to watch them turn on the lights. When they suddenly illuminate the Plaza, you can't help but to exclaim, "Ah!":

We had a great dinner (in English!) with "BAMC" (Brad, Ami, Mike, and Christy Anne):

Walking around Salamanca:

Casa de las Conchas:

University facade (Can you find the frog? I did within about five minutes!):

Catedral Nueva y Catedral Vieja:

The astronaut that a mason "snuck in" while restoring the cathedral:

Yes, folks, that is a human arm on display (I still have nightmares after this...):

Casa Lis, the Art Deco Museum, which is currently housing an amazing collection of Alphonse Mucha:

A patio restaurant located in the ruins of an old church:

Going out for dinner on July 4 (our two-year anniversary):

After my multiple posts over the past week, you guys are now pretty much caught up on what life has been like in Spain for the first two and a half weeks. It has been a whirlwind full of highs and lows (for me, at least), but it has been a great experience so far. I'm looking forward to what is still to come...