It is difficult to believe that I have been living in Spain for over two weeks already. When I first arrived, things felt like they were going by very slow. However, once I moved in with my host family and started my classes at UJA (University of Jaen) time has started to go by very quickly.
So much has happened over the past two weeks I am not sure where to start. I have met countless extended family members of my host family: brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandfathers, grandmothers, and even a great grandmother! Every single extended family member from my host family have treated me like another member of their family. It has truly been an honor to meet these people and while I cannot communicate 100% effectively with them, we connect and bond over laughs, food, and drink. When there is a topic being discussed at the table that I am not able to pick up on, my host parents help translate the conversation so I can understand.
On the 20th of September, I joined Fermin (my host father) along with my host brother and sister on a trip to the Mediterranean coast. Specifically, we went to Roquetas De Mar which is just 20 minutes away from Almeria (a popular weekend destination for many Spaniards).
Roquetas de Mar, just 20 minutes south of Almeria, is about a 2.5 hour drive from Jaen. I saw a ton of beautiful scenery on my drive there. One of the most interesting facts I learned is that on the outskirts of Almeria is a famous desert. Why is this desert famous? It just so happens that Tabernas Desert is the largest desert in Europe. This desert has been used in many films such as Indiana Jones and other “Wild West” films.
Because this area of Spain is so dry, it is very common to see Invernaderos which are typical “Greenhouses” for growing vegetables. Because these greenhouses are so prevalent in this area, it turns out that the Almeria province provides more than half of ALL Europe’s demands for fruit and vegetables. The photo below is not mine but it puts into perspective just how many of these greenhouses there are!
During this trip I was treated to many incredible meals at the home of my host family and many tapas out on the town. I attended a birthday party and was immediately hugged, greeted, and smiled at by numerous people who I had never met. I was handed a beer and loads of food followed by many friendly people excited to see me and meet me – I think this really is the essence of Spanish culture.
After my trip to Roquetas, it was time to get back to Jaen and prepare for my first week of school. My first day of school at the University of Jaen was September 23rd, 2019. For the first term at the university, my entire class schedule is all in the same building and I am joined with other international students from all over the world. I have met students from Italy, France, Germany, Korea, China, Hong Kong, and many more. It is truly incredible to meet and talk with these people and learn about their culture compared to Spanish culture.
I have 5 classes in total – General Spanish, Oral, Writing, Grammar, and Intercultural Communication. I am really looking forward to these courses and hopefully advancing quickly before the end of October so I can gain more credits to transfer back home.
Most recently, I took a trip to Ubeda and Bailen this past weekend (September 28th and 29th). This was my favorite trip I have taken in Spain thus far. I got to meet both sides of my host parent’s families. An amazing meal was awaiting us when arrived in Ubeda (a 30 minute drive from Jaen). The meal consisted of Spanish Tortillas, Lobster, Huevos Rellenos, Croquettes, Gazpacho, and so much more. Ubeda was the town of my host mother when she grew up. The town is much smaller than Jaen and is filled with spectacular buildings and history. The town is now considered a historic Renaissance site by UNESCO because of it’s rich history. Ubeda is one of the oldest cities in Spain. Fun fact – my host mother was born in Santiago Hospital which is now a monument in the city.
After 2 days in Ubeda, we left for Bailen which is only 20 minutes away. I did not actually visit the town of Bailen itself as the intention was to visit the country home of my host father. The home is absolutely beautiful. Every single thing in the home has a special place and meaning to the family. I realized this home has much history as my host father discussed his childhood here. He remembers leaving home to go for a run with his parents worried about how long he would be gone because he always wanted to adventure in the country. There is a great trail right next to the home so my host father and I went out for a 6 mile run.
I am so excited for this week of classes and a trip with my cohort back to Ubeda this upcoming weekend with an additional visit to Baetha (another neighboring town.) I will do my best to post at least once a week from here on out!
Thanks for reading! ~Josh
Josh 