March 1. Month 2.

¡Es marzo! ¿Que? Yes, it is indeed already the month where twigs turn to plants and people find reasons to drink during the day. Almost 2 months since I arrived in BCN and almost 2 months until I'm forced out. There's no good way to convey how I feel about it, but I can tell you that I'm beyond excited for the rest of my travels through Europe! Any-who...

Yesterday, my spanish class had the wonderful surprise of not really having class, rather a check-up as to how we were all adjusting to life in Barcelona. Our discussion leader asked us to remember back to the first week here, when we made a list of goals. The first lady we had as our orientation leader was out on maternity leave so this new IES staff member did not have our lists.  I started rattling my brain to remember my goals, then stopped myself. I knew what my goals were. They were the same goals that I had even before arriving in Barcelona.

1. Become fluent in Spanish

2. Learn about a different culture from my own

3. Travel in Europe

Typical, right? The thing is, those are what I call my interview-format goals. They're not my most personal desires as to what I hope to accomplish during my time here. Our discussion leader pointed out to us that having goals is an important thing. However, it's ok if they are modified or completely switched over time. Just by having goals, we give ourselves motivation. So, here is my real list of goals for this semester:

1. Become fluent in Spanish  Become almost fluent

2. Learn about many different cultures from my own

3. Travel, but realize it's impossible to see everything so appreciate the places I do see

4. Become more independent *

5. Be able to sit in a café with just a book and not fidget

6. Finish reading my copy of Orgullo y prejuicio 

7. Don't give into every bready-chocolatey food I lay my eyes on

Jardín Botanica en Barcelona