The question every college senior asks themselves...

What the hell do I want to do next year?!

I am nearing the end of my undergraduate studies at UIC and it's time to figure out what the hell I want to do next year. I have a couple of ideas/options in my mind. However, they all come with major pros and cons.

Option 1: Graduate school. I could go back to school and get my masters. Seems like a pretty good plan but I was just in school for 4 years, I think I want to give my brain a rest. Also if I find a good job maybe they would help pay for grad school. Which leads me to option 2...

2. A job. Now I have set VERY high goals for the kind of job I want. I could teach at private schools, which wouldn't be too bad. I loved going to a private school, you really receive a great education there. But also I want a job that will pay me a good amount of money. Legally and in the eyes of my parents I am an "adult." In my opinion, I don't feel like one. I have been so blessed and so very grateful for the opportunity to live at home, be rent free, utilities free, no meal plan necessary, no saving of quarters for washers and dryers. If I get a well paying job I think I will have more the opportunity to actually become an adult. I hope to move out and live in an apartment. I want to be an actual adult and have to budget myself with bills and learn how to fix things. I want all these challenges because then I know I will actually be an adult. Also not to mention having a well paying job will allow me to take care of my student loans and give back to my parents. I have this idea in my head that my apartment will be a lot like Holly Golightly's in Breakfast At Tiffany's. Beautiful vintage building, small, modern, minimum furniture, no television, book shelves and a fire escape to climb out of, and a window sill to sit on and read. But I'd like a puppy instead of a cat, a bigger kitchen and art prints and photographs all over the walls. And perhaps it could be in New York too which leads me to option 3...

3. Teach for America. Like the peace corps but instead you teach in low income neighborhood schools. There's schools all across the US. Chicago and New York are the two cities I'd like to look into. It seems like an amazing opportunity and you really have the chance to make a difference and help these kids in their school. But like everything else there's cons. One very good con is the issue of safety. Will my immediate safety be in danger every time I leave my apartment and head to school? How is the security? But if it was that dangerous, they wouldn't have the programs? So many questions to ponder and research and find answers too. But option 4 is the biggest one that has really been weighing on my mind.

4. My name is Eileen Kelly and I was bitten by a small travel bug in April of 2006. I recovered quickly but this past summer I was infected again. But this time it was by a HUGE one. Maybe all those mosquito bites I had were really travel bugs coming into my room, hoping to infect me, whispering in my ear "come back, don't leave us!" Well congratulations, you guys succeeded. I have been looking into being certified online in 2 months which gives you the proper degrees and certification to teach abroad. And if there's one place I'm going to teach it's going to be in...you guessed it...SPAIN! You can pick where and I would most definitely go back to Granada. Granada is in Southern Spain and it is absolutely amazing. Small city, rich with culture and pura vida (pure life). I would love to travel to France and all over Europe on the weekends. It would be the ideal for me. However, there's those pesky cons again. This time they are much bigger than just personal safety. I love my family with all my heart and I couldn't imagine being away from them for longer than 3 months. And there's Chris, my most amazing boyfriend in the world. Being away from him last summer was hard enough and I don't know if I could do it again. After I came home, we said that the next time we wouldn't leave with out each other next time. And I wouldn't want to risk ruining a perfect relationship and potentially losing the love of my life. The "bummed out" feeling of not being able to go out drinking with all my friends in Cary on a random Wednesday would just be way worse. Sometimes I feel bad for wanting to travel so much next year. I'm always afraid I make it sound like I am bored or I need to get away from everyone. That's not the case at all. I just loved having that feeling of being adventurous, seeing new sites, experiencing a different way of life and meeting people who find you so interesting and want to know everything about you and your life in the US.

With all these options there's a ton of pros and cons. In these next couple of months I plan on taking one day at a time and taking full advantage of any positive opportunity that comes my way. With the help of some great family and friends, and some good insight I'm sure I will figure out the perfect plan for me next year.

All good things must come to an end...

So I am a short 48 hours from starting my travels toward home. I miss my family, my friends, Chris and a couple other aspects of home. But currently, I am a little sad. I wish they could all just pack up and come to me, instead of me packing up and going back home. I really love it here. I love the culture, and the way of life. It's so awesome. I love being able to speak Spanish and being understood. I have had no problem with language barriers since I have been here and have been told by many natives that I speak Spanish really well. Which makes me really proud of myself, because I have worked really hard on my Spanish for the past 10 years. But like I said I wish my parents and everyone could just come and live in Spain with me but instead I will be traveling back to Chicago. I am taking a 5 hour bus ride from Bilbao to Madrid airport. Then a flight from Madrid to Dublin which is two hours and a flight Dublin to Chicago which is 8 hours. I will be literally traveling all day but it's worth it to see my family and Chris. I've had a great time here in Bilbao. I did exactly what I came to do and that was to keep improving my Spanish and work hard in school. I did just those things and had a lot of fun a long the way. Finals went really well today and tonight I will be receiving my grades and transcripts where we will be having a little ceremony then drinks after. Then it's time to get ready and fly home. After these past 5 weeks, I would really like to come back to Spain. Maybe go to other parts that I haven't visited yet but I do know that matter what I want to come back. It's just been an amazing trip and a wonderful experience. I only have but happy memories for these past 5 weeks. But Bilbao was great, it's not goodbye it's just see you later.

Spain update

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile. I've just been preoccupied with school and adjusting a little bit more. But now that I am completely adjusted it's almost time for me to go. Spain has been really good to me or more like Bilbao. I am really glad I chose Bilbao instead of a bigger city like Madrid. It's really safe and quaint and like I have said absolutely beautiful. School has been going extremely well. I really like going to school, I've never had an issue. I love going to school at UIC and attending class there. I find myself feeling really comfortable at the University of Deusto. I have great professors and I've learned a lot. I really like my Culture and Politics class. I've learned so much about Spain and it's history and it's made me enjoy it and appreciate it even more. I've loved having the opportunity to speak Spanish and become more comfortable with it. I've gotten the chance to speak with native speakers and it's been a blast. They are so curious about American life and I am so curious about the Spanish life. Aside from school I've been keeping myself busy with home work but also exploring a little bit. There's the old quarters named Casco Viejo. There's a ton of shops, ice cream shops, bars, restaurants, and so much more. We really like to go there on Friday's after class and pick up souvenirs for family at home and we go to this one bar where they have pinxto's or tapas or little appetizers for about one euro a piece. I've had amazing calamri and other interesting foods but it's been an awesome experience. Last Saturday my roomate and I went on a funicular that takes you to the top of a mountain and you can see a complete over view of Bilbao. It was one of the most amazing sites I have ever seen, after that we ended our adventure with a pitcher of sangria, yum! Then that night one of the program directors has a cousin who lives in Santurtzi and was having a party for us. It was a strict guest list and we had to RSVP but we got on it right away. Santurtzi is very popular and crazy this time because of the Fiestas del Carmen. A little side fact a lot of the festivals they have here are religious and they celebrate them by eating lots of food, live music, and of course drinking. But this apartment where the party was amazing!!! It was beautiful and when you step outside onto the balcony you get an over view of Saturtzi at night with the stars and all the lights from the stage and the festival. And there was also food and drinks at the party. So we all ate and drank and watched the concert then they had a DJ. It's seriously one of my best memories I've had here, just dancing all night over looking Santurtzi, it was so great. This weekend is our last weekend here, it's already coming. I think on Saturday myself and acouple other friends are going to climb a mountain called Santera. It's a 45 minute climb up and you can see all of Bilbao and then the ocean on the other. Then beach on Sunday. I am going to miss the beach the most. Laying on a towel with the sand and the sun. Then having a whisp of the ocean float in the air so you get a nice mist to cool you down and with a good playlist on your Ipod is complete heaven. Then classes and finals next Wednesday then I will be home Friday. It's gone by so fast and I had a thought the other day that what if this was my last chance to be here, what if I never come back? Then I realized that I love it so much here, and I know that I will do everything I can to come back. I would really like to bring my family here and whoever would want to come along. It's a great place to be. Such an amazing place enriched with culture and tradition. Spain has fought a lot for their independence. They didn't have a democratic constitution until 1978! They had a socialist president until 1975! You can see that the Spainards are so so proud from where they come from and from their culture and it's so great to see that sense of pride of who they are. This truly has been one of the best experiences of my life and I can only hope to have another or at least come visit. Dear Spain, this isn't over yet! I will be back!

El Encierro!!! Or The Running of the Bulls!!!

Today we went to Pamplona to the San Fermin festival where they have the running of the bulls. Basically everyone wears red, and white, gets completely drunk, and runs with the bulls and get their butt's torn up! But I'll explain a little bit more into detail. First of all we left our dorms at 4:50am this morning! Mind you that's only 11:50pm back home, so I was up at 4am! Yikes! On the drive to Pamplona we all basically slept while freezing from the AC but I woke up to the sunrise coming up over the mountains. It was the most amazing thing I have seen since I have been here. Then we are informed that we must sign a contract saying no drinking, no running with the bulls, no picking fights etc. Which makes total sense. We arrived in Pamplona at about 7am where we got off the bus and were introduced into a large mass of people. We totally stuck out, and we were being taunted by other Spaniards, calling us "toury's." But it was interesting. Imagine the day after the Taste of Chicago, or after a music festival. There were glasses, broken wine bottles, the smell of puke and urine. Not a good first impression of Pamplona. All the bars were rocking out, serving beer and wine, and at 7am! We weren't allowed to watch the running from the streets, so we went to the bull ring and that's where they bring the bulls in after they run through the calles or streets. They had screens so we could watch. Then all of the sudden a large mass of people come running in, and then they appeared the bulls! It was quite entertaining, and sort of exciting. These people are really nuts to be doing this. So after the bulls run through the ring, they go into the pen. Then people kneel down and sort of form a pyramid where the bull comes out of. When they release the bull they pretty much get stepped on while he rams out of the pen. Then the people who are in the ring, taunt the bull by patting him on the butt. He does not like this! We saw so many people get rammed by the bull. He was literally scooping them up by the horns and throwing them. One guy lost his shirt and it got stuck on the bulls horns! Later we saw him walking around with two large gashes on his back from the horns. They repeat this process several times, then it is over. After the bull ring, my friends and I walked around, bought some souvenirs and took some pictures. We ran into a lot of characters! People were completely wasted, coming up and talking to you. People in their white clothes covered in wine, and sangria. It was quite the sight to see. Then we had the most amazing breakfast, churros con chocolate! Probably not the best thing to eat for breakfast but when in Spain... All in all it was pretty cool to experience. I really wish my brother and dad could have been there. They would have loved it! Maybe one day we'll go as a family.

Bilbao update!

For the past few days I've really gotten a taste of what it is like to live in a foreign country. You start to learn what stores are open at what time, how the metro works, and different customs that they have. This is also my first time living in a dorm and it's been a pretty good experience so far. I have a room mate, and her name is Sarah. She's my age and from Michigan. I met her in Madrid and she has been so great. We really get a long, and see eye to eye on a lot of things. And she knows how I'm feeling at times because she is really close to her family and has a fiance back home so she knows how it feels to miss the people you love so much. The food isn't always best but lucky there is a super market across the street ran by "los chinos" or the chinese. They're always open when you need them, and they don't take long siestas, and are open on Sundays unlike the other ones.

The metro system in Bilbao is actually really awesome, and Daley could learn a thing or two from them. They come very often, even late at night. And they tell you how long until the next one comes. As far as customs I have seen and learned a lot. For instance, when you meet some one, or even greet someone first time or not you always give each other a kiss on each cheek and hug. Always, no matter what! Another custom is that you eat late, and bars really don't start hopping until 1am! And here, you're allowed to smoke in restaurants and bars. Which sucks because you come out smelling like an ash tray and it can definitely ruin an appetite.

There is no air conditioning! In the stores yes, but in the dorms, classroom, restaurants no air conditioning. But everyone has cell phones, and internet every where. Which I don't understand, but oh well!

The locals that we have met have been pretty friendly. They accept our misusage of Spanish grammar and always ask where we are from. If you need directions, they will help. Other locals like to cut you in line while shopping, and stare at you like you have an eye in the middle of your head while you walk down the street.

But tomorrow starts classes. I have a culture class for a hour in the morning, and then a Spanish language class for 3 hours, with a 20 minute break. The classes I think will be intense because they have 3 weeks to jam a semesters worth of information. But I came here to study and expand my education. The chairs are so uncomfortable! But I suppose I will begin to get used to them. The days go by so fast here. One hour you're waking up and then before you know you're getting ready for bed. And I'm sure once class starts the days will go by faster and faster! But I am having a great time. I've got to visit so many places, and walking in Bilbao is great because you get a constant view of mountains, and the city. It is absolutely beautiful! Also Bilbao is great because there are so many beaches. I've been to two, and have fallen in love. The salt water burns if you have just shaved your legs, and sand gets every where, but it's a wonderful place. To me the view and the fun time in the sun is worth the sunburn. I am looking forward to going to Pamplona this week, which we will be seeing the "The Running of the Bulls!" Which should be interesting, funny, and a bit scary!

Madrid/Segovia/Bilbao

So I went on Sunday to meet up with all my other classmates and professors and so far it is going pretty well. I have met so many new people from all over the US and it's been pretty awesome. These people are just so fun and have their own stories and backgrounds. I meet new people every day and it's been so much fun.

On Monday we toured a providence of Madrid named Segovia. We toured a castle there, and we even climbed up the tower to go to the top and see an over view of the city! I think someone counted like 200 steps but the view was absolutely amazing. It was well worth it. Today we went to the Museo del Prado. I got to see so many original paintings of Goya and Velazquez including my favorite "Las Meninas." It's a beautiful museum and I am so glad I got to see it. Then it was time for a 5 hour bus ride to Bilbao! Yes 5 hours! I slept, journaled, read, and listened to music. Then we finally arrived. They took us on a mini tour of our university and it is quite beautiful! Tomorrow is another busy day of touring this city I will be living in. And I'm living in a dorm for the very first time ever! Everyone gets their own room with bathroom but for right now some people are doubled up. I'll probably have my own room Thursday. I wish it could be sooner because I really just want to unpack completely but I guess one more day won't kill me! Then Friday I start classes! I'm really excited to get the ball rolling on class and continue to meet friends, and explore the city of Bilbao. Being away from home by myself has become quite the experience and I have learned that you can't be shy. If you're shy you won't make friends. I know I will be experiencing a lot these next couple of weeks, and I honestly can't wait. And there will be lots of stories to tell with pictures :0).

Madrid!

Hey guys!

So I am in Madrid. I went out an explored a little bit. My hostal is really close to Plaza Mayor which is pretty famous in Madrid. I started off my day as a traditional "madrileno" and went to a panderia or bread shop and had a glazed croissant and oj. So good! And then I continued my walk to Plaza Mayor. It is really cute there. There's lots of outdoor cafes and booths so there was some sort of festival I think. Then there are other streets that lead off that have tons and tons of other cute shops and restaurants. I'm in Madrid by myself until Sunday and that is when I have to go to another part of Madrid to meet up with other students and professors who will be in Bilbao with me. I'm in Madrid til Tuesday and then we arrive in Bilbao and then I will be there for 5 weeks! It's been kind of lonely being by myself but it's been a short amount of time so it is not so bad. I'm really excited to keep updating and exploring more.