Where I was, Where I am, and Where I'm going

3.5 years ago...my first time at a University

I was afraid to even step foot on this campus...I researched this school my second time in community college, my first time in high school. I didn't believe I would even make it here, let alone, be given permission to come here from my parents. 4 years ago, I took the Discover Western tour here, by MYSELF. I visited the school by MYSELF. I lied to my parents that I was coming here with a friend and rode the Amtrak by MYSELF....

I hated it here for the few first years. Although I was in organizations and very involved on campus, I didn't feel like this was completely my home. I thought the town was so boring. I didn't fit in, and I didn't have true friends. And the 'true friends' I thought I had weren't who I thought they were to be. I learned quickly, this was going to be tough. But surely, I wasn't a quitter...

2 years ago...

I started to finally like it here...I would spend weekends in the Square, getting coffee...going to the Vitamin Lady Store, Bargain Box, and random shops I found in the Macomb Square. I felt lonely at first but these weekend trips made me feel comfortable being alone. I started to love the square, but I still didn't feel at home I felt like I didn't fit in with the towns people. Towards to the end of my junior year, I started meeting more new people..through my ceramics class...and through the rec center classes I was taking. I got closer with these new friends and they have stuck with me till this day. I never thought I would have friends to rely on, like backbones. I never had that before. 

3 weeks till Graduation...

December 15th is my graduation. A month ago I was crying, wanting to ball my eyes out that I was leaving from here. I don't know why but I know it's not the typical feeling that most of the graduating seniors are having right now. Most of my friends are ecstatic to leave...but me, no, no I am DEFINITEly not ready to leave. 

I LOVE this town. I love everything about it. The CAMPUS panorama itself, was what drew me to this school and till this day I love the scenery. The little cute shops in the SQUARE are my favorite. My knitting group I go to every Wednesday in the Square(Hooked on U)...I have met a few of the nicest people there. My psychology professors who I deeply admire. I really feel like they have helped me keep going day in and day out through all the strenous work we go through in the department. They have helped me with recommendations for grad school and even supported my efforts for Study Abroad. I can't tell you one thing I won't miss about this place.

I use to think this college was horrible, a shit hole actually, it was behind on everything, academics, the little "city" of Macomb was hardly a city, but recently actually JUST this semester, I learned that it's completely the opposite. Macomb...WIU...means SO much to me. I grew up here. I made mistakes...I LEARNED from them. I took RISKS...I grew up....I flew across the whole world...to ANOTHER country....by MYSELF...something I would have NEVER done before...

The old me...would never have taken a risk as big as traveling across seas, and taking weekend trips ALONE..but I DID. The old, timid Afsha would not have said "hey, today I'm going to be Treasurer or even President of an organization", but I DID. The old me wouldn't have spoke out in Take Back the Night as a survivor...but I DID. All of these points of my life have completely defined me as a different person than I was just yesterday, or just last year, or more so,  4 years ago.

They have made me who I am today...they have made me this strong, goal achieving, never-stopping, outgoing, crazy, happy, goofy, dedicated, intelligent Afsha. I'm so proud of myself...and so happy and grateful for my opportunity here.

In high school I received bad grades. Luckily, in college with the help of great mentors, I finally learned to believe in myself and got on the Deans list. I still to this day...cannot believe this is all real.

I'm graduating soon and CANNOT believe it. Is this REALLY happening? Am I, REALLY going to walk across that stage and get a BACHELORS Degree? Who would of thought...honestly. 

But here I am, still worried, stressed, trying to figure out my life after college, what I want to do after college, where I want to live. I finally took the first step though...which is ACCEPTANCE, accepting that its going to happen. I even opened up a graduate school application and started on it. I'm so nervous and anxious I wont get in, but I'm still trying and I think that's all that matters. I'm applying for jobs too, I'm getting recommendations, I'm doing all that it takes to get there, and thats all that matters...TRYING. 

A month ago, I was too scared to even apply for grad schools, saying "what if I don't get in", and then I realized, why am I putting a crutch on my own self? Why not take the advice I give to everyone else and take the risk(s). So I'm doing it....and I'm not stopping and I'm going to sit back afterwards, and let God do his magic...and I will Insha'allah, end up where I am meant to be...and that to me is a great feeling.

Wish me good luck on this crazy-wild journey!  

Coming up in the Skokie Newspaper!!!

This is pretty cool...from last year..I hope it happens again even though I was in Spain last semester! Campus - Skokie Review

Back in the States

Its been more a month since I've been back and I can't tell you how time flies! I had a rough transition when I first arrived back here, as I was missing Spain and Europe immensely. I couldn't believe I wasn't going to be back there in just a week or two of vacationing, like our usual vacation weeks we had abroad. It was unbelievable how the reverse culture shock had hit me.

I actually MISSED Spain! I missed its culture, the fashion especially, and my dear friends I made across seas  and those that live in America but in far away states. For the first few weeks at home, I stayed home mostly...went for walks to get myself out of my depressive state of being back, and tried to keep myself busy. I joined a gym, actually and started walking there (as I didn't have a car at the time) and back.

It was really hard adjusting to the life without my friends I made abroad. Life here felt completely different. I couldn't go to my best friend Drea's room every morning and say "hey sunshine! what you up to?" nor could I swing into Ashley's room and say "hey, can I borrow your blow dry brushes?". I felt so out of place...life felt so boring here! I missed being able to go outside and face a new adventure everyday. I missed smelling the bird poop in Plaza de Trinidad (sarcasm)...not really, but you know I missed those things that I was so use to there and at the time I may have seen some aspects negatively and was now seeing them more positively.

I missed passing by random stores on the way to and from my walk to school. I missed random cat calls in the streets by cute old men... "hola guapa!!". I missed seeing the icecream vendors and their "Granadina" slushies. And I especially missed TAPAS!!! All day and everyday!

But later, I came to the realization that I can either miss these things so much that I dwell on them or I can find/discover a new beautiful land right outside my window. Once I decided this, I started to notice the beauties around me...though they weren't the same...there were a lot of positives about America. I felt thankful for being back here, my second home as well as first.

So this summer I've been trying to make time for "living" my life here at home...exploring the city and the hidden wonders within it...meeting new people...studying a bit for the GRE...working at my part time job...and especially spending time with family. Summer has gone by so fast already, I'm stunned! It's sad to see it coming closer to an end but I'm enjoying every moment that I can.

And forever will I hold in my heart the memories and experiences I had in Spain...forever will the changes effect my life and my heart...and forever it will never be the same! :)

-Afsha

La Alhambra and El Albaycín

As you walk through the Albaiycín,

Down by the river

Past Plaza Nueva

And the and the surplus of little artisan shops

You can smell the nature

And feel the breath of refreshing air

As you trickle down on the cobbled roads

And play close attention to the tiny waterfalls

You will notice a group of cats down there below the bridge

Feel and live the tranquility

And as the sun shines bright

Take a moment to sit across the Alhambra

Reminiscing about your days here

Pay special attention to this wonderful palace

that you have been so blessed to see.

Eat several tapas and take endless amounts of pictures

'Toma el sol' as the spaniards call it or Sun-bathe

How fortunate you are to be here

Now as you get ready to leave say 'hasta luego' to the Chilean lady in the owl-bag shop,

And a definite see you later to this city of Granada and and to your wonderful friends you have made here

Attempt to remember each aspect of this place and the beauty of it all

And remember to thank God for this wonderful opportunity and everything it has given you

A Month Left

I cant believe time flew by this fast....over the past four months...I learned so much about myself...made a handful of best friends...traveled to many different countries...and made a life for myself here that I never could have imagined before. 

Within the next month, I'm attempting to do as much as possible...going to London, England this weekend...then to Lagos, Portugal the next weekend...then hopefully to Malaga the following weekend... to celebrate my 22nd birthday! I can't wait!! I dont want this vacation to end...its gone by so fast...seems like...I'm just became completely comfortable...and got rid of my homesickness...and its almost time to go!

But, I'm going to make the best of whats left of this trip and carry on! After this trip the countries and cities I will have visited on this trip are Asilah, Tetuan,  Chefchaouen (شفشاون), Meknes, Fes- Morocco; Rome, Naples, and Pompei- Italy; Rhonda, Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada, Barcelona, Madrid, and Malaga- Spain; London, Brighton- Great Britain; Lagos, Portugal. Holy cow!! That's alot of places! So proud of myself for embarking on this trip...no matter the ups and downs...I will never forget this unforgettable experience.


Thank you to everyone that helped make it happen: Mom, Dad, Sra. Ranft, Jan Wilda, Mike Houlahan, Sra. Landis, Sra. Jacobson, Sra. Obregon, Sra. Guadalupe-Timmons, Ehren Kuzekov  and many more!!

Barcelona and Madrid

Hey yall, I'm back! I know its been forever since I've posted  on my blog but I've been really busy traveling the world from Madrid to Barcelona to Morocco to Madrid again...and now back to Granada. Believe it or not I didn't LOVE Barcelona as many are accustomed to say/think they will be....it wasn't the great beautiful place as I imagined. The building weren't as ancient and old as I thought it would be...and I know Barcelona is the land for Modernisma art and architecture but since many of the building were built so long ago, I thought it would be a different experience...unfortunately many of the buildings were redone and renovated..so they lost their ancient flare...that I really had been expecting. I loved Madrid though...we met an amazing amount of people from Australians, to Germans, Czech Republicans?, Polish, and many more. Madrid also had a great amount of beautiful architecture and art, which is why I had to go there for a second time...I enjoyed seeing the Reina Sophia Museum the most...and also loved Parque Buen Retiro...where we paddle boated the day away... Carry on for a gist of the past weeks. 

Fideua Paella served with Garlic Mayo... this had the normal seafood as regular Paella..such as shrimp, scallops, mussels, but instead of rice it had the Fideua noodles...a "Catalunyan" delicacy

Living Barcelona 1825-

 A restaurant based on the Jazz Age..having pictures of Caberet dancers...really reminded me of Chicago :)

Casa Batllo

Txapela
This place had menu of 60 tapas to choose from...all cooked fresh right there for you...though they were little...after you ate five or so...you were stuffed

Inside of Casa Batllo

Inside of the Mercat Boqueria in Las Ramblas
Barcelona, Spain

Fresh Hand-Dipped Chocolate..Yum

Park Guell

Park Guell....

....

NO CAPTION NEEDED
aka La Sagrada Familia

First Meal in Barcelona..and yes thats squid with its head on...and I actually tried it... not recommended if you dont like a sandy taste in your mouth...haha but a first time for everything is definitely worth the story!

More of the Sagrada Familia..under construction

Inside of the Sagrada Familia

...

....

First fancy meal in Barcelona...Istanbul food...best Middle Eastern food I have tried so far :)

On the Bus to Madrid

Puerta del Sol

Tapas at Mercado De San Miguel

Madrid, Spain

Puerta del Sol

Some of the best deserts I have tried in Spain by far...

On the right--->chocolate moose and whip cream in the middle :)

2nd day in Morocco

We just left asilah... Today we're going to fes and Meknes. Morrocco so far is nice.. Clearly very different from Spain...not many women in the streets...but there are some and even some without headdress which is very different than probably other Arab countries. Yest we got to asilah from tangier around 5 or 6 pm. We got to our hotel...were greeted with pastries and moroccan treats and we took a tour of the city later...exchanged a bit of our money for dhirams. I exchanged 30 euros into 331 dhirams. Every euro is worth 11 dhirams...wierd I know. I also was a bit carsick yest because of the cruise ship and the bus we took but I am better today and getting use to being in vehicles and forms of transportation for long periods of time. Haha Oh ya the cruise ship was so cool...they called it ferry but it's actually called the 'tarifa to tangier jet'.I thought 'ferry' meant a type of bus so when I saw it wasn't , I was soooo excited...my first jet/ship ride( well except prom....that was when we were floating in the middle of the lake instead of cruising in the ocean)! It was awesome..:great seating..like really classy spacious seating...they also had a bar and a restaurant within it...pretty chulo! Also we got to go on the deck and see the waves or the water pressure from the boat due to the engine moving...it was awesome! I really wnt to come back to morocco again...I wnt to do some volunteering here... I think I want to help in la CD...something 'darna' which is a women's shelter for women who were mistreated.. By domestic violence and what not that live there and get to live somewhat better lives. We went to one yest and they served us couscous couscous...not a fan of it :/ Ok carsick again...more later

Granada, Spain

So today I went to go open up a bank account and ended up in the prettiest place I've seen yet in the city. I went straight up my street...left on calle duquesa (means 'duchess' I think)...right on calle gran capitan...and ended up on the magnificent Calle Doctor Averero Ochoa. This street and the side street took me by surprise and really made me happier than ever! It was gorgeous! Each building along the side street was so beautiful though they were only different facultades...which is a school that differentiates depending on your major. I passed by the facultad de politicas and la facultad de sociológica and more. It was so cool!!! I felt for the first time that I was a student in Spain...being surrounded with tons of students going to and from classes was such an awesome experience. Such a simple yet amazing experience. Finally, after asking a bunch a Spanish people where I was...and after getting help from some kind and helpful old Spanish men, I found my way to the Facultad de Ciencias Fuentanueva. It was increible! I cannot lie...the campus...the outdoor scenery of trees, sun, and students made it a beautiful view, none the least. I didn't take any pictures but I took in the sol (sun), the beautiful scenery, and a breath of FRESH air on this beautiful spring day (60 degrees and sunny today). On my way back home I bought a media kilo of strawberries....yum! Great end to a simple excursion. After today I made up my mind that I'm going see Granada for real...it's sad I've only seen so little after a month and half. I'm here for a reason so I'm going to explore the city. And again...finalmente I can say I fell in love with this city otra vez ( another time) :)

A Review of the Past Weeks

Hi Guys,

So its almost the end of my third week here in Spain and so much has happened! I love it here! The food, the people, everyone is so nice! The weather here is in its 50's and 60's everyday! There is something to do all the time, whether its to get Churros con Chocolate (Churros with Chocolate) or going to Plaza for some shopping, the day is never ending here. There is siesta every day from 2-5 pm, the time of the day when all the stores are closed and people eat lunch with their families at home, relax, and take a short nap. Then the stores open back up at 5 till 9. Life here is so much more tranquil, not always rushed like in America. It's really different. At first, I wasn't use to this, but I'm getting use to it now. Below are some pictures...they are definitely not all. I am really bad at blogging, just so you guys know...lol because there is just too much to say and show that I cannot possibly put it all in one blog. I am going to the gym now so I will talk to you guys much later! Hasta Luego!

-Afsha

Roscon De Reyes

This is called the "Roscon de Reyes" - A special cake eating on January 6th, the day of the three "Wise-Men". It's the most important day of Christmas for the Spaniards, more-so than December 25th. This festival is celebrated with a parade, presents, dulces (sweet pastries), christmas lights and much more...the festival was miraculous. This "pastel" is more of a bread than a cake and there is a game to it as well. There are little toy kings and queens placed inside it and if you find them in your piece, you're are crowned the "king" or "queen" of the party and if you find a bean, you have to pay for next year's "Roscon de Reyes" 

The Burger King here is very popular...I've only been there once but when I was there the line was always all the way back to the door and there are alot of Spaniards there. The food tasted pretty much the same..except the onion rings...yuck! they were dry and breaded differently...but everything else was pretty good. :)

Recojidas

This street is always busy and going and is always filled with people. It has the most stores  than any other part of the city...I believe there are even more stores than what Michigan Avenue in Chicago has.

Plaza Nueva

On our way to the Albaycin, the moorish/Islamic quarters...where there is a lot of Arab shops, teterias (scroll down), and a good view of the Alhambra. 

View of the Alhambra

And Again... ( we're on the way to the Albaycin)

The Marvelous Alhambra!

I thought these kids were so cute! They were playing some sort of game I think and I captured a photo of them in action! :)

the famous star! It is shown in many pieces of architecture in Granada and is very important symbol in the Islam ...I'm not so sure why its so important...but when I find out through my "Islam in Spain" class...I will let you know.

They even have beautiful pavement in Granada! The cobblestoned pathways are everywhere and even sometimes painful to walk on...lol but I love the artistry!

There's tons of Islamic calligraphy and Muslim influence all throughout the city but the Albaycin was my first glimpse of it all coming together.

 View of the Alhambra from the Albaycin at night

Graffiti-ed walls...this is a form of art in Spain...a way to express one self. There are beautiful paintings done all over the city...this is hardly one of the best....I will have to show you guys more later :) 

We went to a "Teteria"...which means "Tea House". It was located in the Albaycin and it was my first tea house... I loved seeing hints of Arab Culture throughout the trip through the Albaycin, it made me feel at home. The teterias are mostly owned by Morrocan muslims, so their food and tea is not the same, but is very similar.

 This is a form of Moroccan Pastries (similar to Baklava), but they had peanuts so I couldn't eat them. :/ I was so sad! But they brought me out an almond pastry instead...

 Moroccan Tea...It was sO good!!

 Frankie and I

 El Cafe (Coffee) The coffee is much smaller in Spain...there is no sizes...just a small and usually consists of an expresso shot and alot of milk. Its really good though...but fattening because I many places don't use nonfat milk.

 La Alhambra up close...This was during our trip to the Alhambra...it was gorgeous...marvilloso and I had no words to describe. This man made wonder...is so perfect, so beautiful, and more so perfect as if God made it himself and left it here on Earth for us.

 More of the Alhambra. This took 200 years for the Muslims to build...they left such a beautiful blessing

 Parts of the Alhambra and its Palaces