May 25, 2019 - Nikita Miller


Today is our last full day here in Spain. This morning started pretty late for the most of us, because we had no class or activities for the morning. I think we all got some much-needed rest. Most of the students have been doing their own thing, such as finishing up shopping and doing some last-minute sightseeing. For Ty and me, we accomplished one of our goals of climbing up the Micalet Tower. It was a total of 207 steps to get to the top, but the beautiful view made it all worth it. It was amazing to see all the landmarks that we remember such as Serrano towers and the City of Art and Science. Being able to understand where we were in the city from the landmarks around us made me realize how well we have gotten to know the city of Valencia. We headed home afterwards for our very last meal in our homestay. We had the classic soup, salad and bread lunch and for dessert the best watermelon I have ever had. A part of me wishes I could bring back a whole fruit market back to the states, because I know it just won’t be the same.
Top of Micalet tower.

After lunch, we gave our homestay mom our gifts such as a wax warmer, flowers and a Purdue mug. We soon realized that she didn’t know what the wax warmer was, and we did not know how to describe it in Spanish. By showing her how to use it and pointing to our noses she finally understood what it did. She was so happy and said that her house will smell good because of it. She thanked us for the gifts, and we told her that we had a great time staying in her house. Afterwards, I adventured out doing some shopping and stopped at the cutest vegan coffee shop I have ever been to. The place was called Jardin Urbano. It was honestly a magical place with art everywhere, plants growing up the walls, and a beautiful fountain right in the middle of the shop. I got a cappuccino and a chocolate croissant. I was so proud of myself because I can finally order and pay talking in Spanish no problem. I felt really accomplished because of that.
Inside the vegan coffee shop, Jardin Urbano.

The night ended with our farewell dinner. We went to a restaurant called Polo 55. We were served multiple courses of appetizer type food such as bread, salad, soups, and wings. The dinner ended with goodbye speeches that warmed all of our hearts. I think it’s safe to say that we’re all a little sad to leave. This trip has impacted us all in such a positive way. In a few hours we’ll start the long dreadful  journey back to Indiana.
Our final dinner group photo.

 

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