To Commence

Madrid de los Austrias viewed from el Parque del Cerro del Tío Pío.
Photo taken 27th January, 2010, by Michael Bruce Berendzen.

Reflecting upon my last 4 years here I think of all of the great things I have learned here.  When I say "here" I am talking about Madrid, Spain.  To be broader I should just say the Spain.  I have had so many great experiences here.  These experiences have changed me and are molding me into what I am and what I will become, a process I like to call "spainicise."  

Yes, I have invented a word.  The act of “spainicising” is having your life changed by the country of Spain.  In this 4 year “university of life” Spain has taught me to:

1.  Live without fear.

2.  Be more confident.

3.  Challenge myself.

4.  Eat well.

5.  Do sport. 

6.  Lose weight.

7.  Grow up physically and mentally, but still feel like I am 23 years old.

8.  Fight and work hard for what I want.

9.  Make sacrifices.

10.Learn about life, languages, and laughter.

11. Sing loud and proud.

12. Love and fall in love.

13. Share and be less selfish.

14. Listen and not talk so much.

15. Cook, cook, and cook some more.   

16. Be more diplomatic.

17. Read more.

18. Be more optimistic.

19. Not believe everything.

20. Have dreams and believe they come true.

21. Travel near or far and get the most out of it.

22. Write to express myself and feel better.

23. Smile to make people happy.

24. To teach, and not only in the classroom.

25. To run for many reasons.

In this blog I will explain how I’ve been “spainicised” and what you can learn from my experiences.