When the bell rang at 2:30 on wednesday, for most of the students it meant the beginning of spring break, no more studying, and freedom at last, but for me, it meant I was one step closer to seeing my parents. I had the opportunity that most exchange students never have a chance to get; I brought probably the most important part of my old life (my family) into my new life here abroad. Many exchange students live their wholes lives in two different, separate worlds, never intertwining the two. By having my parents come visit me, I made my life one whole journey, instead of two separate chapters.Having my parents here gave me an insight I'd never had a chance to see before. In a way, I kind of saw my old self in them. They gave up complete control to me to plan each day. When they got on the plane in Philadelphia, the only thing they knew for sure was they were coming to Spain, and they would see me. They arrived in Madrid alone, unable to understand a word of the language that people were blabbering around them. They managed to work their way around with hand gestures, the few words they knew, and those beautiful irish smiles.
That was me just seven months ago. I entered a world completely foreign with no understanding of where I was going, how I was going there, who'd I'd be going with, when I'd be returning ect. I totally gave up control to people I had never met and hoped I'd make it out alive. Sure, I studied spanish for a few years in school and I knew how to say "Hola, que tal?" and I knew basic vocab like "sol" (sun) "montana" (mountain) "leche" (milk) "chocolate" (that one's pretty obvious) ect. but nothing can prepare you for that feeling when, for the first time, you're surrounded by the language so pure, so strong, and you can't pick up a single word. I could relate to the blank expressions that I saw on my parents' faces as someone would stop them in a store, mistaking them for a native, or perhaps when I would start chatting with the bartender. I was there one time. The amazing thing is to see that old part of me in them, and see how far I've come.
I successfully translated the whole back and forth conversation between my parents and my host family, with the help of my host siblings. I even managed to keep a conversation with the waiters at restaurants without struggling. With a few pointers from the receptionist at the hotel, I successfully found my way around the city without getting lost. I was no longer that zoned out foreigner, but instead, a confident, blond, spanish speaker with a slight american accent.
What still feels like a dream to me, is that my parents were in this country with me. The whole thing just seems so surreal. I acted like their experienced tour guide, bringing them from town to town, city to city, giving directions, and never getting lost. I showed them places that at one time, meant nothing to me, but now, are part of my life: my school, my apartment, where I hang out with my friends in the afternoons, and where we go out on saturday nights. This whole world that has slowly become a significant part of my life. I felt so proud to show off the things that they were still strangers to, especially the food. Of course they had to try the traditional "Fabada Asturiana" (bean dish from my region). They also had to eat as much chorizo and spanish tortilla as they could because, as I told them, they're only here once so they might as well.I could see in their eyes not only their interest in everything new, but also their fascination. They've heard stories and seen pictures of my life here, but until now, they've never had a chance to put those faces, or those places into reality. Everything was new to them, everything a mystery. They only experienced the surface level of the cultural differences that have now become second nature to me.
Being with them has helped me see how much I've changed, and how much I've stayed the same. We still get along just like always, laughing together, making fun of each other, and maybe occasionally, being competitive. One day during lunch, over probably the best pizza I've had in Spain, we began to talk about how each of us has changed. Although not as drastic as my adventure in Spain, my parents have both taken on big changes in their lives this past year that have forced them to stay up working long nights, go outside their comfort zone, and look at things from a different perspective. The point is, we've all changed in some way, big or small, but that hasn't hurt our relationship.
Seeing them was a dream, and leaving them was bittersweet. I know three months is nothing compared to the seven months I've been here. I also know that once those three months are over, I'm not sure when I'll see some of these people, or this beautiful town again. I'm just so thankful to have the parents I have. They've supported me without question and have encouraged me to be the best person I can be. Truely thanks to them, I am where I am today. I love them more than I could ever tell them, but I think they know that already :)
The weekend I spent with them will remain one of my favorite weekends here in Spain. I can't wait to hug them again.
