Carnaval

Carnaval 2016 Alicante style was one of the craziest things I have ever experienced. My friend Kayla put it best by saying, “When Halloween does cocaine, the Spaniards call it Carnaval.”

A little background, this widely celebrated holiday takes place pre-lent and is publically celebrated with costumes and street parties. People wear masks and dress up, (my host mom told me the most important thing is to not be recognized as your normal self) allowing them to lose their everyday individuality and experience a heightened sense of social unity. And let me tell you, carnaval is a PARTY. Not wanting to spend much money, a few friends and I bought cheap masks and wore all black. (Disclaimer: If you do this, you WILL be known as a foreigner, so if you want to blend in more dress up more, if you don’t mind having everyone know you’re an extranjero, a mask will do just fine J).

Me, Sage, Marshall, and Tori with our masks with La Rambla in the background, where all the main action took place.

I wish I had taken more photos, but the people on the streets were all dressed up. Something I found interesting is that it was a common trend to wear the same costume as a group of your friends. There were small packs of Supergirls or Football players walking the streets, which if you think about it is a genius idea because with the streets so packed, it is easier to find your friends. And the streets are PACKED. I have never been to such an insane party just out in the streets. The “rambla” (the central street of the celebrations) was jam packed with people, stages with live music, lights, and vendors. For the large portion of the night, people were in the streets. Later on, they filtered into bars and discotecas. I returned to my apartment at 4am, and was probably the first person to retire for the night. Many people continue to party till dawn!

This photo was taken from the stage on La Rambla and clearly shows how packed the streets were. (I didn’t take this picture obviously but it gives a clear picture of what I’ve been describing!)

What I really respected about Carnaval though, was that yes, it was a crazy party with plenty of people and alcohol, but things were in safe and secure order. Families were out on the same streets large parts of the evening with children, and as big and crazy as it was, nothing got out of hand. I felt safe the entire night! It was truly an unforgettable experience. Spain sure does know how to throw a party!!

Four days after the main Carnaval celebration, on Ash Wednesday the Entierro de la Sardina is celebrated. This parade celebration, concluded with the burning of a large artificial sardine, is an event that marks the end of the celebration of carnaval, and the beginning of lent. Everyone wears black and jesters dance as the sardine burns. It was a very interesting cultural experience. While this event was much smaller than carnaval, I loved seeing the contrast of the huge party with the settled down start of lent. There is seemingly a holiday everyday here in Alicante, and I wouldn’t trade these experiences for the world.

Living With A Host Family

As I sit down to write this I am beyond excited to talk about my host family. I am not sure how it works with all programs, but for me, living with a host family was a requirement. Everyone said it would be the best way to get the most out of my experience, but I was so uneasy about the idea. I would literally have dreams about arriving to the wrong home, not being accepted, or hating my living conditions or having the family not like me. Now nearly a month in I can assure you this statement is true: Living with a host family will enhance your study abroad experience immensely.

I might be a little biased, but I feel like I have to have the best host family possible! I have heard this statement from several people in my program, and while I would fight them all to say mine is the best (seriously they're amazing) the fact that I have heard this said so many times shows how truly indescribable it is to live with a host family. Everyone is different, and some people get along better than others, but there is no denying the advantages.

First off, you have a place to practice your Spanish freely and without judgement all the time. I promise it is the place you will learn the most! Even if my host brother is arguing about something, he will still pause his argument and turn to me to translate the slang or bad words I didn't understand. Just sitting with them at meals, watching tv, or even talking about my day when I get home from school this is the place I speak and hear the most Spanish and it is invaluable.

Secondly, but oh so close to first in importance, is the FOOD. Imagine coming to a new city with a foreign language and being exhausted all the time. Now imagine when you've had a long day and you don't feel like doing anything, a delicious meal has already been made for you. The food here is amazing. I am not a picky eater whatsoever, which works out perfectly for me, but if you let your host family know your preferences they will always take that into account and make sure you are fed more than enough of what you love. From tortilla española to pastas and more, the food keeps coming. In my house I finish what I think was my meal and the "second plate" comes out. I have never left a meal here unsatisfied. Adjusting to the eating schedule can be very trick, as your main course is lunch around 2:30 and dinner can be as late as 10, but just let your host family know if you need snacks or anything. They are there to help! Also prepare to eat more bread than you have in your lifetime combined!

Finally, the best part of living with a host family is having people who actually care about you. You will never be sad and alone in an apartment. My host mom Maria and I have done a lot together! She and I have gone for walks around the city, shopped, gone to the movies, and I have even gone to the English classes she teaches and she has helped me study for my Spanish tests. She is seriously my favorite person in Spain! We go back and forth with Spanish and English sayings and pronunciation and I have already learned so much from her. She always asks about my day and whats going on and genuinely cares what my answer is. I am beyond thankful for her!

Many host families consist solely of a host mom which in many cases is more than enough! However, I was blessed to have a 19 year old son and 17 year old daughter in my house as well. Having them brings in a whole new aspect of learning. I pick up their slang, they know where the best places in the city are, we help each other with Spanish/English homework, and I have even gone out with my host brother and his friends! It is incredible to have them.

I could write forever about my host family and how thankful I am to have them. For now, I just want to reiterate that living with a host family will enhance your experience more than I can describe. Take advantage of the opportunity. You will never be treated so well again in your life! Enjoy it, and make the effort to be social with them, it will pay off!!