Alexandra, a participant in the cultural exchange program with Spain, is writing us from sunny Mallorca. Read her impressions below:
“As a person who loves challenges and to try and see new things, I saw this program as one of them. It was a challenge for me to go to another country alone, to a family I don’t know, and neither did they to me. And why did I choose Spain? It is one of the countries I have always wanted to go and stay for a longer period of time, to see and feel the way of life of the people who live there. And they are not much different from what I imagined them to be. People are relaxed, always smiling and in a good mood, as well as ready to help at any time. The only thing that surprised me was that they were kind of lazy in some way. Everything they can do today, they leave for tomorrow. They lead an easy life without too much nervousness and stress. It takes getting used to their pace and constant delays in everything. One of the things I particularly liked was their socializing. Dinners are very, very late for them and they usually spend them in a circle of friends. And yes, these are the real dinners we see in series and movies, where everyone hangs out with really good food and a glass of wine sincerely enjoying it all.
I am in a family on the island of Mallorca. The island is beautiful, as most people imagine, but for me it is a little different than expected. Not everything is as green as many people think. The interior of the island is a bit reminiscent of the desert, because there are not many trees or greenery. But that’s why the beaches are perfect. Just when you think there is nothing more beautiful, someone else appears who convinces you. Apart from the beautiful beaches, I especially liked the city of Palma. All the architecture of the city and the various styles that prevail in it, as well as tourists from all over Europe, made me fall in love with this city.
As for my stay, here, I was a little bored at first, until I made new friends, and now I don’t want to go home. And who would want to be by the sea, beaches, sun, discovering new interesting places, meeting new people… Also, I became very close to the little girl I keep here and I think I will really miss her when I get home.