Salamanca-the city that changed my life. The summer of 2010, I did a month long study abroad course through the University of Rhode Island to Salamanca and my life has never been the same. After that trip, I was determined to come back to Spain and live for at least a year and it sparked me finding the program I am currently enrolled in today. I know that what made that program so special were the amazing people I met during it - Jen Crowly, Morfia Efthimiou, Missy Karen, Blair Flynn, Emily Villa, Casey Aubin, and Jacklyn made that experience so memorable and I am thankful that we all still keep in touch today.
Another person who made that trip so amazing was the Madre I lived with during my time there. Even though my Spanish was so awful I could never understand what she was saying, I knew that she had such a warm heart and we had a very close bond.
This past weekend, Jacklyn and I decided to go to Salamanca for a night to visit our roots. It was so surreal walking around a town we never thought we’d visit again! During our walks we strolled by my Madre’s house. Jacklyn was like ‘Sarah, ring the doorbell.’ I was unsure because I wasn’t sure if she’d remember me or not…After all, I was only there for a month! Jacklyn gave me the push and I rang the doorbell. All of a sudden I heard Nacho’s voice and he remembered me immediately and let me up! He told me that Madre wasn’t home but that she would be home around 10 if I wanted to come back. So of course, we went back on our way for our fiesta and when I buzzed the doorbell my Madre said ‘SUBE SARAH!’. When I saw her, we had such a warm embrace. It was like we both new how special we were to each other and how memorable that moment was. Jacklyn and I sat with her drinking wine and chatting for about two hours just catching up on everything. One of my favorite experiences in Spain so far, hands down.
After that, we met up with Jacklyn's friend Marcos and went to all of the usual bars we hit up when we were in Salamanca. El Sabor, Vagalume, Peter’s—It honestly felt like a twilight zone!! We stayed out dancing until about 6:30am (typical Salamanca night J )
The next day we went on a long paseo all through Salamanca—literally. It was about 2-3 hours long. We hit up some cafes and then hung out with Jacklyn's friend Marcos again!
Overall, it was just such a fun and wonderful way to go back and see our roots J I am so thankful that I had that opportunity and to all my Salamanca girls – I was definitely thinking about you all!! J MISS YOU
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