Con el comienzo de clases en la Universidad se arranca una nueva etapa de vuestra experiencia en Salamanca. Aquí tendréis la oportunidad de reflexionar sobre lo que habéis vivido hasta el momento. Para completar esta tarea deben responder y comentar sobre la reflexión de una/a de vuestros compañeros/as. Fecha límite de entrega el 14 de julio a las 12 del mediodía. No dudéis en incluir fotos o videos en los comentarios.
Antes de escribir esta reflexión es aconsejable que revisáis la explicación y modelo que he colgado en Blackboard bajo COURSE DOCUMENTS.
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33 comentarios:
Reflejos de Salamanca:
Salamanca es magnifico!!!! Cuando pienso en donde estoy, no lo creo. La cuidad es increible por muchas razones: primero, la historia aca. Los Romanos estaban aca hace muchas años y todavia hay un aquiducto en un parte del area. Segundo, la arcatectura es espectaculo. Finalmente, estoy aprendiendo exactamente lo que necesito aprender a mejorme con el español. Me encanta muchisimo.
Joseph Fuller
Hola a todos,
Con el fin de semana que paso, creo que todos tenemos muchas cosas que contar sobre la experencia de España hasta el presente. Para me es una expereincia que nunca voy a olvidar.
La semana pasada fue un poco pesada por la gran cosas qe tuvimos que hacer: encontrar el lugares donde quedamos, la universidad, empezar a conocer la ciudad y las calles, los citios que son mas importantes. Unas de las cosas que me impresiono y que me gusta estar todo el tiempo es ir a la Plaza Mayor. Me encanta caminar por ahi o solamente tomar un cafe con leche sola o con mis companieros.
Me gustan todas mis clases aunque estan un poco retas especialmente la de gramatica, pero espero superarlas.
Este fin de semana fui a Portugal, othra experiencia que no voy o puedo olvidar.
Esto es todo para mi...
Nos vemos,
Yo estoy tan feliz aqui en salamanca. Me encanto el tiempo que estoy tomando aqui. La cultura es fantastico, la comida; delicioso, la gente aqui te alludan cuando pueden. Mis clases me estan alludando con mi espanol. Hablo mejor, escribo mejor, y tengo mas confidencia cuando estoy hablando.
Yo fui por El Encierro esta fin de semana pasado y me encanto la fiestas, mirando a los torros y tambien yo corrio el Domingo con los torros. Era un experiencia que voy a recurdir todo mi vida.
Yo puedo hablar por muchas dias de Espana y todo las cosas que me gusta pero yo quiero salvar para los semanas que viene. Ciao.
Cuando llegué a España yo estaba muy emocionada pero en el mismo tiempo un poco nerviosa. Yo no sabía que podía encontrar aquí. Pero todo lo que he encontrado aquí me ha impresionado muchisimo.
La gente de España es muy generosa y muy amable y la comida deliciosa. Todavía no he tenido la oportunidad de viajar a otras ciudades de España pero por lo que he visto por ahora me ha gustado mucho. Salamanca es una ciudad muy bonita con una hermosa arquitectura y sus catedrales son muy bellas. En el poco tiempo que estoy aquí ya tuve oportunidad de visitar una de ellas y me ha impresionado su infrestructura. Lo que también me gusto mucho es la lengua española y su acento ya que es muy diferente de otros países latino americanos que yo conozco.
También me ha impresionado el modo de vida que lleva la gente aquí. De lo que yo he visto, los españoles tienen una vida más tranquilla, tienen tiempo para descansar y para estar con su familia. Eso es marvilloso.
I found the la rana!! As I first approached it i couldnt believe how beautiful it was and found myself trying to at every detail.I almost forgot what I was looking for. My teacher had told us a hint where to find it so it didnt take too long to find.
Salamanca itself is a gorgeous place. The food is wonderful and my host mom is great even though most of the time i just give her the deer in the head lights look. Im learing lots of spainsh, and the spainsh culture. I plan to take my siestas when i return and try to slow down my pace. It seems like everyone is pretty calm and no one is in a rush.
I just noticed i did not post my name for the reflection. it should be the one that is right above this comment.
Natalie Uchmanowicz
Not sure if im doing this right but this my comment for Eric:
you were at one of the most thrilling and unusual religious celebrations in the world which im sure you will never forget. You were part of something that has been going on for hundreds of years! Im jelous lol
Natalie Uchmanowicz
MI REflejo de SaLaMaNcA
Cuando llego tiempo a ir me para salamanca estaba muy nerviosa y con un poquito de miedo porque nunca he estado tan lejos de casa. Cuando llegue a Salamanca me encanto. no podia creer que lindo era. No podria creer que yo estaba aqui. LOs dias se sienten tan largos que siento que estoy aqui por mucho tiempo y solamente estado por una semana. Me gusta la universidad es muy linda y tiene mucha historia. La clases me facinan. Me encanta la plaza mayor durante la noche se ve tan linda y es algo differente.
ESte fin de semana que paso fui a portugal me encanto. fui a la playa y me puse negra. coji mucho sol y Fui de compras. fue una esperiencia bonita.
When I began this experience, I really had no idea what to expect. I did know a bit about what it is like to travel and to spend time trying to immerse myself into a different culture, but I had never spent so much time doing so, nor had I ever had any external deadlines or constraints.
Thus far, I think I have benefitted from the structure. As much as I'd like to think otherwise, I am not much of a self starter. It can be difficult for me to apply myself to studying when there are so many entertaining distractions around, such as at home. Here, I am able to apply myself in a more focused manner.
Also, I think that the group dynamic is proving to be useful. I tend to prefer to approach these kinds of experiences on my own, without other people as a shield or a filter. Here, we are all being exposed to the same kinds of things, and all reacting to it in our individual ways. Seeing other people being the authors of their own experiences has been instructive.
Ideally, I will continue to learn each day, and I hope to be open to whatever happens.
COMENTARIO PARA NATALIA
ME GUSTA LO QUE DIJISTE DE LA GENTE DE SALAMANCA PORQUE YO TAMBIEN CREO QUE LA VIDA AQUI ES MAS TRANQUILA QUE LA QUE NOSOTROS VIVIMOS EN CHICAGO. TAMBIEN ME GUSTO COMO DIJISTE SOBRE LA RANA...
Kelly
I liked the reflexive nature of your comment. It is interesting that you mention how you like to approach these experiences more independently. I can identify with that also. Your point about watch how others "the authors of their own experiences" was quite insightful. Functioning within a group can be challenging, but as you say, every experience should teach us something... a wise and thoughtful approach. Thanks!
commenting on Joe Fuller:
Yo estoy de acuerdo con Joe que no puedo creer que estoy aqui en Espana. La historia, la arcatectura, la cultura es increible!
Claudia
Como dijo Claudia, a mí también me gusta muchisimo la Plaza Mayor. Cuando estoy ahí, me siento muy tranquilla y muy feliz. Todo parece como un sueño que estoy viviendo y estoy segura que nunca lo voy a olvidar.
The moment I arrived in Spain I was aware of the amount of influence by the Catholic Church. Not being a catholic, I am teaching myself the importance of the culture, history and architecture. I have always had an interest in architecture since I was young. After arriving, and visiting the cathedrals, the palace, the museums, and eating the food, one important aspect of life in Spain I have learned to appreciate and will continue to cultivate into my own life is the use of the day.
During the day we are accustomed to going to meet with our host family and enjoy a large meal mid day. Some of us sleep, and some of us relax, chat or read. Then, a couple of hours later, we begin, which is almost like another day, but in reality only the second half from about 5PM or 6PM until about midnight.
I feel that the Spaniards really take advantage of their entire day and really enjoy life. In America, I have the opposite impression. I sense that Americans don’t get out and walk with their families, especially in suburbia. They drive everywhere, sit home after a big meal at 6PM or 7PM and watch TV.
Brian,
I agree that the Spaniards make good use of their day. I think Americans can learn a lot from them, one of the chief lessons being the importance of having truly livable cities. Walkable cities are more conducive to active lifestyles than spread-out exurbs.
Natalie,
I am a little shortbus when responding to the comments made by other classmates. But here we go. I love the "deer in the headlights" comment. I am the same way but I want to share with all of you especially you because I do the same thing. I ask my host mother to use other terms, or write it down. For some odd reason my voice isn't as fast as me reading, but I can understand when I read it more. I guess I am a visual person. it makes it easier for us to communicate. She is SUPER patient and corrects me ALL THE TIME, which I am grateful for. YOU HAVE TO GO THE MUSEUMS in Madrid, your eyes will swell with tears when you see Guernica.
When I first arrived, all I could say was wow! Espana es muy bonita, y yo muy contento estoy aqui! I was very scared the first day. I barely spoke to my host mother and did my best to avoid her, lol. He muy nervioso, pero poquito mas contento ahora! The first day I was ready to go home. I thought, I've just allowed myself to get dropped head first into a culture that I don't quite understand. But as time went, I told myself, its only the first day, if I give it time, I will be more comfortable, and as time went, i was. My host mom corrects me when I'm wrong and does her best to understand my excuse for Spanish, lol! Ella dijo en sábado mi espanol es muy mal, en domingo vale, y lunes vale, pero martes, mucho mejora! I was so proud when she told me this! I had so much fun playing charades with my spanish teacher (who i'm sure speaks english) lol! This is so far turning out to be quite an experience. I learned more the first day of class than I learned in the first week in Chicago, and i didn't learn it in English. I asked how can we learn Spanish in Spanish, but the teachers here have figured it out! I'm very eager for school everyday, and I'm out the house every morning by 7.45 so that I can take my time and read the adverstisements every morning, and every morning after the class from the day before, I understand the advertisements more and more. I'm really having a ball out here, and making good friends, and doing my best to mingle with the natives with my broken Spanish! This place and experience is magnificent, and its an experience I feel really blessed to have received.
Brian,
I totally agree with you. I'm assuming life expectancy here is so much more longer considering the fact that these people actually enjoy life! I mean come on, American stores closing for 4 hours in the middle of the day??? Never going to happen. I do appreciate your learning about the Catholic culture during your stay here, but make sure you don't forget, a lot of these Catholic cathedrals are influenced by Moorish architecture! So you're really learning about both. Cool huh?
Alfredo
I really appreciate your honesty in speaking about your early impressions, and btw, your Spanish is not that bad. If you like to talk in Engish (which I think you do) you will start to talk in Spanish as well. Glad to hear you are enjoying the experience.
Alfredo
True moorish influence is strong in Spain, although we don't see a lot of it in Salamanca. You have to go further south. If you go to Toledo, for example, you will get a very good idea of what it meant for the Christians, Moors and Jews to live and thrive side by side in that city. The evidence is everywhere.
Much of the important architecture in Salamanca, religious and civil, is more influenced by Roman and European trends, and of course, is a product of the conquests and power of Spain in the XVI and XVII centuries.
Salamanca has already surpassed any and all prior expectations. The buildings, the cathedrals, and the architecture are absolutely stunning and breathtaking. I could take pictures all day long but there is just no way for me to capture all the beauty that is here in Salamanca.
I absolutely love love love the weather here. It is cool in the mornings and in the evenings, and during the day the sun shines and there is no humidity. There is also always a cool breeze and the skies are always blue. So far is has not rained yet (knock on wood!).
I love the people here. They are very calm and content. (Our group is usually the loudest one haha) They are very helpful. I am very happy with my host mother and my living situation. She always takes care of me and makes sure I have everything I need.
Being here has filled me with so much emotion. I am so grateful for this experience and I welcome all that Salamanca and Spain has to offer!
Gloria Scott reply to Alfredo...
I agree with your blog 100%, you couldnt have worded this trip in any other way then the way you did! I was nervious as well, which made me unassure of my capabilities as a spanish student, but like the profesora said we are more than capable to exceed here in Salamanca. And like you said if we give it time we will prevail! And also I had so much fun also playing charades with our spanish teacher(s) in which I also believe can speak english... lol.. And just like you, WE are all blessed to have this experience!
Salamanca! Salamanca! What a blessing to have the opportunity to experience such a pleasure! Up until yesturday my stay here in Salamanca has been great! I am glad that everyone who came has bonded together to make this experience all the better. I love my classes, I thought that I would not be able to cope with the culture and the classes, but up until yesturday all was well! I dont like the idea of meeting EVERYDAY after class due to the fact my funds are low and I need to use the free computers by 2. And I am upset at the fact that I didnt bring any warmer clothes, nor my computer! I was a bit angry at the fact that my face had broke out, and then cleared up and went to Portugal and got the same problem, but get this not on my face but the rest of my entire body...lol Its fine though.. I truely enjoyed myself... I dont like these internet cafe´s because the keyboards are different and I cant seem to utilize the punctuation marks all the time! lol I love where I stay, it is a beautiful house and the food is great, along with the family like setting in front of the tv talking before after and during meals! Spain has been a blast, and a wonderful experince thus far... which brings me to my final point which is all the projects... I will pray for me and kathy(and all of you) in getting them done on time, being productive in your classes, plus your excursions! Adios
My name didnt post, the one above this message is mine, GLORIA SCOTT!
Hola,
Queria escribir mi reflexion sobre la semana pasada de una manera diferenta. Despues que leí las intructiones de las prof Torres, como hacer una reflexion.
Yo no sabia que esperar cuando llegue a Salamanca. Estuve muy emcionada el tiempo antes de llegar pero la emocion cresio cuanda puse mis pies en Espna. Me preguntaba como estara mi madre de casa, como seran mis companieros de escuala, los profesores, como estaba la ciuda y mucho mas. Sabia que lo mas importante de Salamanca era la Universidad pero nunca me imagine su verdadera importancia. Me senti tan orgullosa por estar aqui y ademas estudiar espaniol. Que emocion!
Estuve muy impresionda por la architectura de los edificios, las calles y las plazas. Un lungar que me gusta y ma va gustar siempre es la Plaza Mayor. Para mi es un lugar tan sensillo pero en el mismo tiempo tan rico. Mucho roido con cantantes y personas que disfrutan de la vida, plenamente. En ese lugar que parece muy ocupado yo me re-encuntro a mi misma y puedo reflexionar sobre las cosas que pasa dentro el dia.
Otra cosa que me impresiono son las personas de Espana. Aprendi a tomar el tiempo para escuchar y tratar de entender cosas de mi arededor. Ahi todo se hace de mas despacio, sin prisa. Me gusta cuando las personas toman su tiempo para explicarme de los tradiciones, la cultura, los dichos y refranes de este paiz y mucho mas.
Este lugar me recuarda a mi paiz, Romania, que es un poco similar con el de Salamanca, aunque vivi en un citio mas grande. Me recuarda unas cosas de mi niniez y esto me hace un poco mas sensible de las cosas de mi arededor.
Para concluir mi reflexion, creo que llegar a ese paiz y empezando a entendelro de una forma mas detallada es y va hacer una de las mejores decisiones de mi vida.
Estoy de acuerdo con Kathy. La gente de Salamanca es muy amable y tiene pacientia con los extranjeros. Ellos saben que estamos estudiando espaniol y creo que esto una cosa muy orgillosa para ellos.
Traveling to Europe has always interested me. I never though of studying abroad, but once the opportunity arose I jumped on it. I never would have imagined my first experience in Europe to be a month long study abroad program in Salamanca.
The month before my departure I found myself scrambling to figure out how to put my life on hold (a month away from Chicago seemed like an eternity). Who would look after my house? What about my job? Would I enjoy Salamanca? The unknowns seemed to out way my comfortable lifestyle in Chicago. I was anxious to leave just to get it over with.
Now I find myself here in Salamanca having the time of my life. This experience seems to be flashing right before my eyes. I feel myself moving at warp speed. I find myself rushing from one event to the next, and enjoying every moment of it. Everyday is a new experience; the food, the liquor, the people, and the language, it all intoxicates me. I feel at home! I’ve become a social dragonfly, flying off of one adventure to the next. I don’t know what awaits me tomorrow or even tonight, but I do know that the time is slowly slipping through my fingers. I need to meet as many people and see as much as possible, because honestly I do not know if I will ever have this opportunity again.
Alex A.
Claudia
Me encanta que hayas comenzado a reflexionar sobre esta linda experiencia. Es bueno sentir e intentar a comprender cómo un evento tan inesperado como este pueda cambiar nuestra perspectiva ante la vida.
Bueno, Alex, si viajar y permanecer en otra cultura no estorba la cómoda rutina de nuestras vidas, pues francamente, y en mi humilde opinión, esa forma de "viajar" no vale la pena. ¡Cómo nos acostumbramos a nuestros juguetes materiales: la casa, el coche, el sueldito mensual...! Y mientras tanto, como tú bien lo dices, "time slowly slips through our fingers". ¡Aprovecha y disfruta cada momento!
Brian:
Estoy de acuerdo contigo. me parece que los españoles tienen dos dias por cada uno que hay. La siesta es el descanso entre los dos. Es mucho mas diferente que la vida en EEUU, pero me gusta mucho, y me disfruto mucho.
Sorry, forgot to put name on that Brian.
Joseph Fuller
Estoy de acuerdo con Kathy y Joe. A mí también me fascina la arquitectura. Cuando me pongo a pensar sobre la cantidad de tiempo, numero de personas, y el tremendo esfuerzo y dedicación que fue necesario para construir tan bellos edificios, logro concluir que eso es algo que a menos en este momento no puedo imaginar ni comprender. Cada pared de cada edificio y cada lugar crean vida por medio de tan hermosas figuras arquitectas.
Entiendo los sentimientos por las cuales esta pasando Claudia. Estar en un lugar nuevo suele ser muy pesado y a veces hasta logra entristecer. El tener que acostúmbranos a nuevas y diferentes situaciones termina siendo muy difícil. Pero al mismo tiempo, tenemos el apoyo de muchas personas, lo único que tenemos que hacer es pedir ese apoyo. Al igual que el apoyo de tantas personas, también esta la belleza de la ciudad, especialmente la belleza de la Plaza Mayor y su esplendor tan bello cada noche bajo la luna. Tanta belleza, a menos a mi, logra consolarme cuando me encuentro disgustada por algo.
El comentario que me gustó más lo escribió Kelly. Kelly mencionó las maneras diferentes con las cuales las personas de nuestro grupo utilizan para afrontar cosas nuevas. A menos para mi es muy interesante entender las acciones y los reacciones de otras personas y analizar que pudo llevar a cada individuo a tomar cierta manera de afrontar tal situación. Y al igual que Kelly, yo también soy independiente porque a mi también me gusta hacer y descubrir cosas por mi misma sin estar controlada o influida por otra persona.
Melissa
Muy bien escrito, Melissa. Felicitaciones! Me alegro que hayas tomado el tiempo de contemplar las ideas de vuestros compañeros. Estoy convencida que aprendemos más de nuestros amigos y colegas, sobre todo cuando todos están compartiendo las mismas experiencias. Gracias
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