The other (me)

I left the US to go to Spain. I was spoken to in Castellano and I replied in Mexican Spanish. I asked for a menu in Spanish and they gave it to me in English. Then, I left Spain to go to France. I was spoken to in French/English and I replied in Castellano. I ask for a menu in French and they give it to me in Spanish.  During my time in Madrid, my stomach came to love chocolate and churros and my ears, flamenco music. Unconsciously, when reading signs even in French, I say them in my head in Castellano.  In French class, I attempt to speak with a French accent, but it just comes out in Castellano. I have been in Paris with 10 other American girls, struggling to explain my newfound Spanish identity. While the other girls in the group are going out to bars to meet other Americans who they can identify with in this foreign land, I’m here connecting with Espagnoles who also love chocolate and churros and flamenco. (Funny how in Spain I had a hard time meeting Spanish friends, yet in France, it’s like I can’t get away from them- Since Spain is so close to France, France receives beaucoup Spanish exchange students.) 

They (the logic gods) say that you are able to really understand where you are from when you leave your country. By seeing all the things that are not characteristic of your country, you can identify with what is your country –and further, what is it that you are.  However, for me ironically, simply staying in Spain for two months has created this additional part of me where I have another history and personality, and different friends. I don't consider myself like the other American girls, but a mixture of things. 

This definitely makes some kind of confusing sense. Vale!