Redefined

Alison Castaneda
 January 4, 2016

It's been just over two weeks since I arrived back to California. Although it's nice to be back at home in time for the holidays, I do miss being in Barcelona and spending time with my friends. The café con leche, my host Mom's cooking, and the ease of getting around the city is what I miss the most.

I spent five days at home in California and then I hopped on a plane to go to Houston to visit my family for Christmas and New Year's. Being in Texas for a week was a nice distraction to keep me from reminiscing about study abroad in Barcelona. Re-entry has been a bit tough. I often question why things aren't done the way they're done in Spain. I also catch myself talking about Barcelona whenever I have a chance--sorry friends and family! Being back home I can tell that I have grown as a person, I'm not quite the same as I was before, I feel more independent, and I analyze things different than before. I have a redefined view of the world and knowledge of different cultures all thanks to studying abroad.

View of snowy mountains from a plane window, wing visible.

Flight back home, over Andorra

Sushi rolls topped with crab, sauce, and fish roe served on a plate

Oh how I missed sushi

A small white dog in a green striped sweater on a couch.

My dog Lily is ready for Christmas

Airplane wing over a shimmering ocean, island visible below under cloudy sky.

Back on a plane, this time to Houston

Glass pyramid building surrounded by palm trees and decorative light displays

Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas

Outdoor nighttime display of colorful holiday lights along a walking path

Mood Gardens Festival of the Lights in Galveston

Upward view of a tall office skyscraper with flags in the foreground

Street sign reading Texas near tall historic buildings in an urban area

Upward view of a tall modern building against a clear sky

Construction cranes above a building site surrounded by tall city skyscrapers

Downtown Houston

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Alison Castaneda

My name is Alison Castañeda and I'm a junior double majoring in Communicative Disorders and Spanish at the University of Redlands. I grew up in Rancho Cucamonga, California and I have a passion for traveling, exploring new places, trying new food, and taking tons of pictures. In my free time I like to go thrift shopping, drawing, taking trips to Los Angeles, and spending time with my family. Studying in Barcelona this fall is such a blessing and I couldn?t be happier with my decision.

Destination:
Home University:
University of Redlands
Major:
Other
Spanish
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