Redefined

Smiling person at sunset with cityscape in the background. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.
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. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

Flight back home, over Andorra

Rolling hills with a winding river under blue sky. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

Oh how I missed sushi

A small white dog in a green striped sweater on a couch. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

My dog Lily is ready for Christmas

Airplane wing over a shimmering ocean, island visible below under cloudy sky. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

Back on a plane, this time to Houston

Airplane wing above an island, sun reflecting on the sea. Glass pyramid structure surrounded by palm trees. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas

1. Airplane wing over ocean, island in view. 2. Glass pyramid and palm trees, cloudy sky. 3. Night scene with colorful festival lights. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

Mood Gardens Festival of the Lights in Galveston

1. Airplane wing over island, cloudy sky 2. Glass pyramid with palm trees, cloudy sky 3. House-shaped lights in the dark 4. Tall skyscraper under overcast sky This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

1. Airplane wing over ocean, island below. 2. Palm trees and glass pyramid building. 3. Night cityscape with colorful lights. 4. Tall skyscraper viewed from below. 5. Street view with Texas sign and tall buildings. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

Tall glass skyscraper against cloudy sky, tree in foreground. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

Skyscraper towering against a gray sky, tree in the foreground. Crane above downtown Houston skyline at dusk, buildings lit. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

Downtown Houston

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Smiling person at sunset with cityscape in the background. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

Alison Castaneda

<p>My name is Alison Castañeda and I&#39;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.</p>

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