Culture Shock (i.e. Chipotle Withdrawal Syndrome)

Define Culture Shock: The feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes (Google Definitions).

Define Chipotle Withdrawal Syndrome: The feeling of disorientation and disillusionment experienced by someone who is without access to a Chipotle restaurant.

While I am not sure if Culture Shock actually exists, I can attest that Chipotle Withdrawal Syndrome is alive and well. Only yesterday, I found myself daydreaming of guacamole and hot salsa. I drooled a bit, but luckily no one saw.

Any fans of mathematical proofs out there? This one’s for you:

If… Culture Shock = A Disoriented Experience

And… A Disoriented Experience = Chipotle Withdrawal Syndrome

Then… Culture Shock = Chipotle Withdrawal Syndrome

In all seriousness, Culture Shock (like Chipotle Withdrawal Syndrome) is an unpleasant experience, but it’s fleeting.  Simply realize that Chipotle will still be around when you get back to the states. Until then, hello Bo de B (best Barcelona sandwich place, ever).

Barcelona and Beyond

Classes and travel have picked up, and I am totally aware I've neglected my Barca blog. I find myself torn on what to share: my trip to Paris (cold but incredible and filled with a copious amount of crepes), culture (Barcelona is a people watchers paradise), or food (imagine a chocolate croissant with chocolate marmalade filling).

Barcelona- Montjuïc

Paris

Tarragona

Instead, let's talk language. Correction let's talk languages (Catalan and Spanish). Even people who speak the same language have miss-communications. Now imagine you're making your way around a new city with a limited (but expanding) vocabulary trying to satisfy your basic needs and form meaningful connections with others. Naturally, the communication barrier gets wider. You are frustrated: you really want to communicate like a local. The native speakers appear frustrated, and a sense of alienation ensues. What to do?

1. Start to laugh at yourself. You are going to "slaughter" the language at times.

2. Focus on the basics. Once you've mastered these, challenge yourself to express personal opinions.

3. Enjoy the experience of feeling uncomfortable. Being uncomfortable reminds us of our resilient nature.

4. And the most important, keep trying and enjoy learning!

And, realize while languages differ the desire to communicate with one another does not. We want to understand others and vice versa. A lesson that is applicable to language and beyond.

Hasta pronto!

Bon Dia Barcelona

Bon dia (good morning) Bloomington, Bon dia Chicago… Bon dia! Aside from acquiring a new favorite phrase (bon dia… incase you missed it), I am falling head over heels in love with Barcelona. A little over a week and I can already tell Barcelona will be difficult to leave. For now, I’m using my senses to soak it all up…

Hear: Take a moment, imagine a quiet town.

You good? What you imagined probably sounds nothing like Barcelona. Barcelona (like my beloved Chicago) is a city with a soundtrack all its own. Buses, cars, and mopeds fill the streets. Subways consume the underground. Clinking of glasses at cafes. American music blasting from stereos. Hard-soled boots hitting the pavement.

Barcelona’s sound in one word: movement.

Smell: There are many. My favorite smell will not surprise most of you: fresh bread. It is almost a guarantee to find a bakery on each block. A place that smells like bread, now that’s my kind of city.

Taste: Hey ma’- check out the cupcake picture I uploaded; I promise I’m not starving. For any foodie (like myself), Barcelona is a haven of flavors. Ham, potatoes, and seafood are staples here. Everything is fresh, prepared with olive oil, and delisosos (i.e. delicious, but I’m sure you got it)! 

Touch: On Three Kings Day (Spain’s final Christmas celebration), I met my new best friend, “Om.” Take a seat, cross your legs, and repeat after me… Ommmm. Cute name, right?! He’s everything a yellow lab should be (i.e. soft and cuddly) with an added Spanish flair.

See: And by see, I mean people watching! Let’s talk about love. Affection is openly displayed in Barcelona (and it’s not just romantic). If Spain was Mount Olympus, Barcelona would be Aphrodite’s catwalk (although I’ve yet to visit Paris). Couples walk hand-in-hand, displaying what I can only define as confident vulnerability.

Until next time, hasta!

Bye Bye Bloomington, Hello Limbo.

With the fury of finals gone paired with bidding Bloomington farewell, I am a jumble of emotions. Everything is a bit surreal. The next time I visit Bloomington, I won’t be a student. I’ll miss the lively conversations with Kelley building operations at 2am. My calendar looks so empty without the group meetings: bonding over PB&J’s from the SPEA café (the most economical option on the menu may I add). Next year and for years to come, there will be new Women in Business members I won’t have the pleasure of welcoming.

And, all of this is OK. I’ll be back (please repeat with Arnold’s accent) wearing my ripped jeans , TOMs, and WIB sweatshirts eating a Laughing Planet burrito. 

What’s next? Well, I’m spending time with family and friends, searching for opportunities in advertising when I graduate, and oh ya, preparing to spend next semester in Barcelona. I’m in transition: a blissful limbo.

Until Spain… Hasta luego.