Okay. It doesn't really seem like it never happened, but it could soon. That is always the most disappointing part of a wonderful experience -- it becomes the past. I guess when there are things you don't want to remember (like childbirth or pain from an accident) it's not a bad deal but when it is something you want to keep fresh and alive, this human process can leave you too distant. I loved the experience of traveling--of meeting people, seeing different cultures, tasting new spices, smelling unique smells, and hearing the various languages all at once. Now that I'm back, I'm a bit bored. I still have plenty of things to do (work, exercise, organize, etc.) but they seem a bit routine at the moment.
As I reflect, I'm pleased with the opportunity I had and wonder what it would be like to live in a different culture for a longer period of time. I'm imagining that I might miss the many people I care about, but I think it might take awhile before that would seem awful. I guess I didn't really get lonely much this summer. Of course, it helped having Cody, Setare, Cheryl, and Marat to spend time with while there. I think you build a network where ever you are (as Cheryl has done).
The things I'm left wondering: can I truly learn a new language? would I grow disillusioned with the various cultural realities? would I feel older? younger? lonely? sad? does requiring women NOT to cover just become another controlling entity? where next shall I go.
If you have answers to these questions -- let me know. Thanks for reading my blog and I will return when I have more to say.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Friday, September 3, 2010
Cody's article about Spain: Campeones del Mundo
Campeones del Mundo
In the summer of 2010 nations from around the world played futbol in South Africa with the goal of bringing eternal glory to their respective country. Friends one day became enemies the next. With the game on the line, the hopes and dreams of millions followed each player’s every move. This World Cup produced magnificent wins, heart wrenching defeats, and enough controversy to last a lifetime. But for one American “soccer” fan learning Spanish and spending a relaxing summer in Espana, summer was all but relaxing; it was an exhilarating opportunity of a lifetime. Each day of class was nicely complemented with pinch of culture thanks to the most popular sport in the world.
I arrived in Alicante a week before my session began and learned how many Spaniards watch THE game. Sitting outside in downtown Alicante with thousands of fan surrounding me doing the same, I first caught a glimpse of what was to become a remarkable summer. Chants of “Yo soy espanol, espanol, espanol” was sung in perfect harmony to the Vuvuzela horns echoing off the buildings. Gasps of horror sounded when an opponent’s goal seemed inevitable, but sights of relief soon followed as the keeper made a tremendous block. A hero emerged during these first few games, a man known as David Villa. Countless times during the next month a memorable phrase could often be heard throughout the game: “Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa maravilla.”
In Madrid, the excitement and futbol fever increased ten-fold. Spain kept winning, knocking off neighbor Portugal and then Paraguay. Countless thousands watched from the Madrid stadium as more flocked to every bar in the city. The commotion that followed a simple shot on goal rivaled the most important touchdown in a Texas football game. No words can describe the scene as victory was declared. Drums, horns, and screams meshed to produce a symphony that even Beethoven would have loved. The only thing more impressive then the sound was the sight. Everywhere one looked only red and yellow appeared.
For two more games the frenzy continued until, after two hours of futbol on the 11th of July, 2010, the final whistle blew. Only one team remained. The score: Espana one, the Netherlands zero. Spain had survived its greatest game of all time to become, for the first time, campeones del mundo. And I, a college student who had played this wonderful game as a child gained a new appreciation for the enthusiasm and honor futbol could bring to a country.
My name is Cody and I am a Senior at the University of Oregon. I am studying
Political science, but after my experience in San Sebastian, I need to add
traveling, a beach, wonderful food, and una siesta into requirements for my
next job. I enjoy all of the aforementioned activities as well as backpacking
and cooking. I look forward to another year of school, graduation in the
spring, and another opportunity to explore the world.
In the summer of 2010 nations from around the world played futbol in South Africa with the goal of bringing eternal glory to their respective country. Friends one day became enemies the next. With the game on the line, the hopes and dreams of millions followed each player’s every move. This World Cup produced magnificent wins, heart wrenching defeats, and enough controversy to last a lifetime. But for one American “soccer” fan learning Spanish and spending a relaxing summer in Espana, summer was all but relaxing; it was an exhilarating opportunity of a lifetime. Each day of class was nicely complemented with pinch of culture thanks to the most popular sport in the world.
I arrived in Alicante a week before my session began and learned how many Spaniards watch THE game. Sitting outside in downtown Alicante with thousands of fan surrounding me doing the same, I first caught a glimpse of what was to become a remarkable summer. Chants of “Yo soy espanol, espanol, espanol” was sung in perfect harmony to the Vuvuzela horns echoing off the buildings. Gasps of horror sounded when an opponent’s goal seemed inevitable, but sights of relief soon followed as the keeper made a tremendous block. A hero emerged during these first few games, a man known as David Villa. Countless times during the next month a memorable phrase could often be heard throughout the game: “Villa, Villa, Villa, Villa maravilla.”
In Madrid, the excitement and futbol fever increased ten-fold. Spain kept winning, knocking off neighbor Portugal and then Paraguay. Countless thousands watched from the Madrid stadium as more flocked to every bar in the city. The commotion that followed a simple shot on goal rivaled the most important touchdown in a Texas football game. No words can describe the scene as victory was declared. Drums, horns, and screams meshed to produce a symphony that even Beethoven would have loved. The only thing more impressive then the sound was the sight. Everywhere one looked only red and yellow appeared.
For two more games the frenzy continued until, after two hours of futbol on the 11th of July, 2010, the final whistle blew. Only one team remained. The score: Espana one, the Netherlands zero. Spain had survived its greatest game of all time to become, for the first time, campeones del mundo. And I, a college student who had played this wonderful game as a child gained a new appreciation for the enthusiasm and honor futbol could bring to a country.
My name is Cody and I am a Senior at the University of Oregon. I am studying
Political science, but after my experience in San Sebastian, I need to add
traveling, a beach, wonderful food, and una siesta into requirements for my
next job. I enjoy all of the aforementioned activities as well as backpacking
and cooking. I look forward to another year of school, graduation in the
spring, and another opportunity to explore the world.
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