LILI FLORIDA

Over 20 years ago, I studied at the University of Alicante, which was one of the partner institutions. This was my first time to visit Spain. The journey started through the troubles.

I flew to Frankfurt airport from Japan, and I arrived at the second destination, Madrid.

Madrid International Airport is large. To transfer to the domestic flight, I went to the gate. But I was late. I talked to the airline staff and changed to the next flight.

The next flight departed at 11:45 PM. I arrived at Alicante airport, and I waited an additional 4 hours to get my suitcase. Finally, I met my host family. I was happy at the same time I was exhausted.

The next day, the class started. I didn’t know the campus location. I asked a bus driver in Spanish. I thought I understood his Spanish. Somehow, I got off at the wrong bus stop, and I walked a lot to the campus. I was late again.

• Universidad de Alicante

I spent most of my time in the university library. I didn’t want to stay at my host family’s apartment. My host family were good people, but very open-minded. There were no doors in their apartment. I didn’t feel comfortable, particularly when I was in the bathroom.

One month later, I moved to another apartment and lived with roommates. They were from Valencia and studied at the same university. They shared foods and took me to a nightclub.

I also had a few Asian friends. They came from Taiwan and China as exchange students. Sometimes we ate Chinese food and went on trips together.

• Living room

• My Room

I have more stories, but I stop here. Definitely, if I had money, I could enjoy my student life more…😅 I am sharing the true story.

I learned in Spain that living and traveling are different. Later, I went to Spain with my husband again. We were tourists, so we had a fun time.

We love Spain. 😊

Photos by LILI

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