My “spring break” abroad started in a BlaBlaCar with my Andaluz roommate and two strangers seated in front of us. I remember their conversation being simple such as asking where they were from and what they were doing for work/school. After some time went by, the man in the passenger seat turned around and asked me why I was so quiet. My roommate immediately shouted that I am “estadounidense” and the expression on the men’s faces was one I will never forget. Throughout the rest of the ride from Madrid, my roommate and I played cards over the rear center console. At this moment, I had a feeling my roommate was regretting bringing me because I learned that the translation for “ace” is “as.” I couldn’t stop laughing. 

Our first stop on our Semana Santa getaway was Jaén, Spain. I was obsessed with this small city and all of the locals thought I was “graciosa” for my admiration.