Last Day of Class and Flight Home

Hola!
    The last day of class went well. It was still very productive even though it was in the university instead of the clinic. We got to talk to Spanish students who were learning English, and in turn, spoke to us in Spanish. We also watched videos in Spanish about the use of artificial skin for burns and the uses of aspirin. The Spanish spoken in the videos were quite fast, but I could understand some of it. At the end of the day, we all took pictures of the class together and with our Spanish teacher!
      Later Friday night, we went to dinner with our host family at a cute little restaurant called El Gordo Steak. Then my roommates and I went to Tlacquepacque to look around the little shops around the artsy town and a couple of the galleries! I have to say, Tlacquepacque was my favorite place to go because of the art and romantic feel of seeing couples walk around the town. It was a great way to end our trip on our last night there!
     The next morning came and went fast. We went to breakfast with our host family at Applebees! As soon as we arrived back to the house, we had to leave. It was sad leaving our host family, because we bonded. However, we plan to keep in touch, so we will have contact, and be able to practice our Spanish.
      Our flight was slightly delayed because of issues with the bathroom on the plane. We almost missed our connecting flight in Phoenix, but luckily we went through Customs and Security quite quick. We had just arrived as they were going to close the gate to board the plane! It was a good thing we had made it as fast as we did, because it was the last flight of the day in Phoenix because of the sand storms! We safely arrived in Las Vegas! These past two days have been fun with my family and friends. It was funny because when we went out, I almost used Spanish terms instead of English such as saying"Si" when someone asked me a question or "Yo quiero..." when I was ordering a meal. It has been quite relaxing but also taking an adjustment to back to the swing of things at home!
      So, in describing what I thought if this experience in few words, it was very life changing! I learned so much about the culture and people of Mexico! I feel much more empathy to those who come to America and try to learn our language. It isn't easy by any means, and it is easy to misinterpret was is being communicated! I also learned so much about myself!I love to blog about subjects like traveling, and it was fun to blog about this experience! I do plan on taking more classes in Spanish, since I have only scratched the surface of Spanish and know there is still so much to do. It was an amazing experience, and I am so thankful I was able to take this journey! I thank everyone who kept up with me in my blogs, and I will from mow on blog when I travel to a new area for long periods of time! I also thank those who made this whole trip possible! I am forever grateful! Guadalajara will always have a place in heart and memories, which makes me want to travel back, and learn more about Mexico!
     So in finishing this blog, I say "Hasta Luego! Muchos gracias!"
Paula

 A picture of our class on the last day of school!

 The menu of the restaurant we ate at with our host family!

 A band playing in the courtyards of Tlacquepacque. They appear to be a band of young teens, but they still played well! I enjoyed their music!

 A small duet playing string instruments, the violin and cello. They played beautifully, and reminded me of my days in orchestra back home.

    My last meal at Applebees, Chocolate chip pancakes! Very delicious!