September 15, 2025
Living the Moment: Two Weeks Into My Viaje
Saludos,
This post marks the beginning of my viaje. I’ve now officially been here in España for two weeks. Before I begin, I want to preface by saying there is no way to adequately describe this experience. There is nothing ink or tongue could do to properly capture my time here so far, but I will do my best. So many times I’ve caught myself in sheer awe that I am actually living this life. I really did pack my bags and move across the world at seventeen years old.
My journey started at the Atlanta airport, where I said goodbye to my family and friends. That goodbye was harder than I expected, but I felt so blessed to have amazing people to leave behind. From Atlanta I flew to Philadelphia, then to Madrid, and finally flew into Alicante. The moment I stepped off the plane, I was immediately immersed in Spanish culture— sonrisas, laughter, and a general sense of joy and warmth that eased my nerves. After collecting my bags, I was greeted by my host family and a Rotarian from my host club here in Spain. From there we went to the house, toured around the city, enjoyed an amazing lunch, and then traveled to Gandía, where we spent the first week. My host family immediately welcomed me and made me feel like one of their own. I'm eternally grateful for their endless patience, warmth, and generosity in helping me adjust to this new life. They made a foreign place feel like home and for that I am so thankful.
That first week was nothing short of incredible. We visited cities like Benidorm, Altea, and Valencia. I looked like a kid in a candy store in every place we visited because it felt like a dream. Throughout the week I got to taste mouthwatering foods like: paella , tortilla de patatas , jamón, melón , and pan con tomate . The mix of perfect weather, stunning views, delicious food, and my welcoming host family left me in awe. One of my favorite things was how the sea and mountains come together in the landscape. I had never seen anything like it and it left me utterly speechless. Unlike Georgia, there’s not much humidity here and it's amazing. I throughly enjoyed going boating in Xàbia, where we snorkeled in the prettiest water surrounded by mountains. My host sisters and I also enjoyed swimming in the pool, eating ice cream in Gandía, and shopping in Valencia, where I discovered the classy, elegant style of Spain.
Once we returned home, I was able to meet even more cousins, aunts, and uncles; all of them were beyond precious and inviting. We went shopping at Mercadona , a supermarket so big, organized, clean, and fresh. Soon after, my second week began with school. My school here is much larger than the one back home, so it was definitely an adjustment. On my first day, I was overwhelmed with the change ( new environment, people, and language) but my new friends and teachers were so helpful and welcoming. I am in segundo de bachillerato , which is a challenging year for students because everyone is preparing for a major exam at the end called Selectividad. At school, we bring a bocadillo (typical sandwich here) to eat on the patio mid-morning, and then after school everyone goes home to eat lunch with their families.
The weekend after school started, I attended an overnight orientation with other students who came to Spain, like me. We went to the beach, did fun activities, and had deep conversations about the highs and lows of adjusting to a new country and making the most of this opportunity. I shared some American culture by teaching the Cotton Eye Joe dance and an American football cheerleading stunt. The other students I met from the U.S. say that my Spanish has a distinct country twang to it... oops. All in all, I felt so connected with others who share the same goals: to see the world outside of themselves, to grow, and to make a difference through service.
Of course, there have been plenty of cultural shocks. One of the biggest has been the greeting by two kisses. Back home we usually greet each other with a big hug or firm handshake, but here I’m embraced with two kisses. Thankfully, my family in Georgia weren’t strangers to kisses, so I am less shocked. I also really enjoy the pace of life here in Spain. People don’t live to work, they work to live. Families come home for lunch, then return to work, and happiness seems to flow through everyday life. It’s hard to leave the house without smiling. Another difference is that we call professors by their first names, there is no “Mr.” or “Mrs.” It's also uncommon to use "Ma'am" and "Sir" (I really struggle with this one because my southern manners are basically stitched into my DNA). In addition, meals happen later, and food is a shared, communal experience. Plates often are set in the middle of the table for everyone to enjoy, conversations stretch longer than the food itself. The act of eating becomes less about consumption and more about connection. Also, olive oil is on almost everything (delicioso).
I’ve learned to embrace every moment. Presence is a cultural value here. People linger longer, conversations flow freely, and there is less rush. The pace of life encourages you to live it fully and attentively. There is no shame in rest. Here, constant busyness is not glorified, which ultimately protects the wellbeing of everyone. Joy is found in simplicity: a good meal, an unhurried conversation, time with family and of course, churros con chocolate . Richness lies in moments, not materials. There is also a sense of quality over quantity- whether in food, conversation, or fashion, there’s pride in doing things well and taking time for them. Everyday life has charmed me too. Public transportation is safe and reliable; I loved my first train ride. Families walk together through the streets, and cars are used less than in the U.S. People are welcoming, warm, and affectionate; I’m always ready to be greeted as if I were their long-lost cousin.
Looking back on these two weeks, I’m overflowing with gratitude. I have been surrounded by the glory of God's creation and I have been blessed with a mighty group of supporters. It is not lost on me that I would not be here without them. As I reflect, I can’t help but thank God, my friends and family back home, my Rotary clubs in Spain and in Georgia, my incredible host family, and everyone here who has helped me.
My cup runneth over.
Hasta luego!