Spain Day 8 – Goodbye Gredos I’m returning to Madrid

*Please note I wrote this while traveling a few weeks ago on February 22nd, 2013

I woke up this morning, showered and am feeling tired from all of last nights festivities. I finished packing my items and went down to check out and get some breakfast. After breakfast at 10am we had the last scheduled one-on-ones with the Spaniards. I was happy to see Maria Jose’s name next to mine again for the hour. We had a wonderful conversation and spent a bit of time reviewing some of the English sayings she had learned throughout the week. It was incredible how much more confidence she has now then when I first met her earlier in the week.

At 11am I had free time and hung out with Georgie in reception. We spent our time adding each other to Facebook, looking at each others wedding photos and sending a few emails. Georgie is so much fun and I’m really happy to have met people like her in this program.

At noon we all met in the presentation room where our Vaughan Town reps presented us with certificates. I had originally thought that the certificates were only for the Spaniards to congratulate them on their course completion, but the Anglos also received a certificate to represent their volunteer effort, which was unnecessary but much appreciated. The Anglos were also given a cute set of soaps made from olives as a little token of Spain for a souvenir. The Spaniards and Anglos both had to give speeches when they received their certificate, something short about their experiences over the week. I found it really moving to be told by the Spaniards how much of an impact I had on their English and their lives in such a short time. I was also really happy to hear that I wasn’t the only volunteer to feel like they learned more about themselves then they had anticipated they would with this program.

Afterwards we had lunch, only this time all of the tables were put into a long row and kind of looked like a wedding reception. This is our last meal as a group, as travelers, as students and most importantly as friends.

I’m on the bus right now and we are on our way back to Madrid. Most people are sleeping, a few are chatting. I am sitting here reflecting on this incredible experience. I’m not sure I will ever be able to put this experience and what it has meant to me into the right words, maybe because I’ve spoken so much this week that words seem to elude me now. But anyway I think that anyone looking to give back or help improve another human beings life in a big way… then they should apply to Vaughan Town and come to Gredos in Spain. As a volunteer you will learn a lot more about yourself than you can imagine, and you will make some fantastic and priceless friendships along the way.

What an incredible journey! I feel lucky to be living this life of mine and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I’ll be in Madrid in an hour and can’t wait to see what other experiences are waiting for me on this spectacular journey in this beautiful country of Spain.

Think I might try to find a Spaniard who’s not sleeping and teach them to play Othello. I’d love to get more one-on-one time for the rest of the bus ride!

Here is a photograph of the full group of Anglos and Spaniards! What a good looking bunch!

There was a beautiful rainbow as we were boarding the bus back to Madrid.