Actually woke up early for the first time in two weeks to hop in the shower so I could look cute to receive my diploma today. Wore Mom’s dress that I ganked, and it is so cute that I’m keeping it forever.
Headed to class and was SO glad that everyone from my class was there, because a lot of other people headed out early or went to Barcelona for the weekend before they start their second term here.
So, Herica, Salva, Phillipe, David, Pablo, Darleny, Molly, Angela, and I were all together for one last time. Along with our professor, María, of course.
María handed back our tests, and I got a 9 out of ten on it, so I was pretty dang happy with that. I didn’t study like I should have for it, so I definitely could have done better on some of the subjunctive stuff, but on the writing part, I only had ONE mistake! I was quite sad that we couldn’t take the exams with us, but apparently in Spain, exams are official documents, so they have to stay at the University. Then after a year, they are destroyed. No photocopies are allowed, either. So when I got on facebook later and saw that Salva had taken a picture of his exam, I teased him about how he’s not allowed to do that J
We got out of class 30 minutes before graduation was going to start, so Molly and I went to café favorit. She wanted coffee, but I decided to wait until we got to go to our usual café after graduation. Anyway, Molly and I visited for a long time and had a grand conversation about weddings and religion. I’m gonna miss that girl L
Headed to the auditorium in the library for the ceremony, and my class was the first to receive our diplomas. And I was the very first person in our class to receive a diploma. Go figure! I was sad because I thought we could only do the whole cheek kissing thing, so that’s what I did when María handed me my diploma. But then other people from our class gave her big hugs, so I decided I would find her afterward and give her a bear hug!
After all the diplomas were passed out, we went to a little reception that they had in La Casa de Las Lenguas. There were Cheetos, Doritos, Lays, bocadillos (little sandwiches), doughnuts, peanuts, and soda. Mainly visited with Stephanie, Daniella, and Amanda.
Then I had Stephanie take a picture of María and I before I left, and I gave her about three different hugs. I told her I was so sad to leave, and she said, “You really fell in love with Spain, didn’t you?” And I told her I did and I didn’t want to leave. She assured me that I’d be back again someday, and when I do return, we’d go out for coffee. She said that some students keep in contact with her regularly, and she always returns e-mails. Sometimes, she’s even helped them find graduate programs here in Spain and things of that nature. I told her I was going to cry, and she said, “Oh, mujer…” and put her hands on my cheeks. Luckily, I didn’t cry, though. But I will most definitely miss her and the whole class and the whole experience.
After that, I grabbed a picture with Salva, and we shared some parting words, and I wanted to get a picture with Phillipe, too. So I grabbed him, and crazily enough, he remembered that I had said something in class along the lines of “I wish my ancestors would have stayed in Lithuania.” And he said that he has brothers and sisters that live in Vilnius. So I grabbed his e-mail address just in case I ever head over into that neck of the woods.
After the reception festivities, Stephanie, Daniella, Amanda, and I headed to our usual café. We were so excited to get a picture with the owner and his wife, and he told us to send him the picture through e-mail and he would put it on the wall in the café. I’m willing to return to Oviedo in a few years just to see if our picture is still there. He and his wife were the sweetest things ever, and we truly were regulars there. He would use the cutest English, saying “Ok” and “’Scuse me!” And always wish us good weekends when they arrived and see-you-tomorrows during the week. He was the happiest man I’ve ever seen, and I just loved going there every day for Spanish tortilla and/or coffee. I can’t describe it other than absolute love.
Went shopping with Stephanie after that because there was a scarf that she really wanted to buy. Turns out, they didn’t get it with their shipment today, either, but we found another store that had some cute ones, too. She was pretty thrilled about her purchase. And I finally found Ev a gift! So, it was a good day for shopping.
Headed back to the house after that and pretty much hit the hay, from what I can remember. Berta’s mom was here, so I chatted with them for a bit but told them that I had had lunch with my friends. Took a siesta from three to five, then started packing up my suitcase for awhile.
Made out a few more postcards, then headed out to meet up with Stephanie to go see Toy Story 3. In Spanish, of course. It was absolutely awesome like I’d heard, and Stephanie and I were both crying at the end. I just want to go home and hug all my stuffed animals!!!
Came home after that, and no one was here, so I turned the music up and started packing some more.
Pretty much reached near-panic attack about the whole suitcase situation and lack of space for all the crap I have. Still don’t know how it’s going to work out, but I did take some Xanax, so I’m a little more calm about the whole situation at this moment.
Talked with Mom and Dad on Skype and cried like I have been when I think about leaving.
I just can’t put into words what this experience has been for me and how in love with this city I am. I just truly do not want to leave. I just feel that it’s my place. I’m so happy here, and I just feel like I truly belong.
I know a great deal had to do with the amazing professor and people in my first class, and looking back on that, it’s so hard to not cry. It was just such an amazing experience getting to know an amazing, amazing professor and people from all over the world. I can’t put into words all the craziness and fun we had together and how much I just enjoyed every moment of it.
It’s so hard for me to think about leaving this city because it just feels like home. I don’t know what to say other than I’m completely head over heels in love with Oviedo, and it just breaks my heart to think I may never return. Or not for a very, very long time, at least.
I guess there’s still a possibility for me to miss that train tomorrow…
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