I still haven't gotten used to Spain's schedule.  I mean, I absolutely love the siestas but it's kind of annoying when you're hella hungry or in immediate need of something and all the stores are closed because everyone is at home taking their nap break. Nonetheless, I'm still in love with Spain. Where do I even begin to catch my blog up with my trip! 

I missed the last class trip again because a couple girls and I went to Jaen to go to EtnoSur, an ethnic music festival. It was dope! It was a huge fest of hippies and rastafarians from all over jammin to some latin reggae and rock bands. The scene was a whole different world. Dreadlocks, tattoos, piercings, natural jewelry, unbathed bodies, little drum circles scattered throughout, weed brownie sellers, people drinking and smoking all over the streets...and with all of this -- NO COPS and NO FIGHTS. It was pure harmony amongst everybody. It was a good break from the historical tourism and a good insight into some real culture.

But I aint gon lie...the castle we visited yesterday, The Alhambra, was probably the most amazing thing I've seen ever in my life. It used to be a muslim palace that got taken over by the christians...but the architecture and art still remained. My God it was beautiful. The palace was HUGE and each bit of wall, ceiling, door, every bit of it all was designed with intricrate carvings of flowers, arabic writing, and beautiful designs. The outside of the palace was even more amazing. The gardens and water fountains were like being in a dream. That place is how I imagine heaven to look like. 

Today is our last night to go out in Granada so we're going to go to a gypsy cafe. We have to leave to Morocco at 4am Thursday morning. I'm excited but a little nervous to go. It is a muslim country so there are so many regulations! Women can't be out at night our else they'll think we're prostitutes! And we have to cover our shoulders and knees when we're out in public. I cant wait to experience it though! 

I've learned a lot during these past three weeks. Yea, I've learned a lot about spanish history and the muslim influence, but I've learned a lot more about people. It's almost been like a reality show here! Thirty students from all different backgrounds with a range of ages, put together to live with each other in a different country for one month. It's interesting to see what kinds of people click together, what makes them drawn to each other and what separates them from the others. It's interesting to hear what they choose to converse about, complain about, gossip about...I've learned how different people's values are and how much their background is dependent on it. 

Before this trip I was already changing, but with this experience I am learning even more about myself. Instead of telling everyone all about me, I am becoming more humble. Instead of forming opinions, I am being more open-minded. Instead of assuming, I am understanding. Instead of talking more, I am listening. Instead of following and going with the flow, I am going my own path...An incredible thing is happening to me....

I'm changing....I'm growing...I'm learning...