Memorable Notes

My last few weeks in Badajoz, I’ve been collecting notes from most people here in a journal as a yearbook of sorts. It emerged as an idea from my English teacher and I’ve really grown to enjoy the process. Reading these notes make me nostalgic even though I’m essentially still living in the moment. Although I’ve loved reading each and every single of these notes, I wanted to share some of the most memorable notes I received (in case I ever lose this book!).

This note comes from one of the English teachers at the school and my Spanish tutor who has travelled all over the world from the United States to Bangladesh:

Remember that the best of traveling are the people, the best of learning a language are the people, the best of the best are the people. You are a great person. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to meet you. Thank you being that way.

— Chema

This one comes from one of my nicest classmates, Hugo. It was one of the lighter and funnier messages that really warmed my heart.

Hi Vismaya, you are very nice and I am fond of having you as a friend. I suppose you wll think that I am the funniest of the class, because I am, but I am also quite nice. I hope you have had a good time in Spain. Enjoy your country when you go back because there are very cool and interesting things. If you ever come back to Spain, visit us without a doubt and we will be awaiting you eagerly. Hope you like it.

— Hugo

The note above is from my literature teacher Pedro. Without a doubt one of my favorite teachers here, I have really enjoyed his class and getting to know him as a person.

As a student, you are a model for your behavior in class, your knowing of how to be present in class, and for your tireless interest to learn. As a person, you are a wonder and very educated. You know how to listen to those around you, and you are always paying attention to what they say. It is an honor for me as your teacher to have met you and shared my classes with you. If you continue this way, you will have a bright and marvelous future. A big hug, not from a teacher, but from a person who appreciates you very much.

— Pedro

The note above is from Miguel, one of my classmates. Another one of the lighter notes, I thought it fit as a pair to Hugo’s note.

Hey Vismaya, I want to thank you for this time you have spent with us, joining us “rebels” in the back of the classroom as part of “El Fondo Sur”. You were well-received by the captain. You are a very nice person with a large willingness to learn. You will always be well-received in Spain, much more so in Badajoz. Continue with this spirit and enthusiasm and you will achieve everything you want. Don’t quit your blog!

— Miguel

The note above is from my music teacher Áron. Although the note itself is in English, I have provided a blurb below as well. Since Áron is from Hungary, he also wrote me a phrase in Hungarian.

Hola Vismaya! It always takes a great courage to go to a foreign country alone, especially being so young. I admire how independent, open-minded, and more importantly, how nice a person you are (also a great singer/guitarist!)! It was a huge pleasure to get to know you and to spend some time playing music together on Tuesdays. I hope to share a stage with you in the future! I also want to thank you for helping me out that day giving that lecture/speech in Brtiannia academy. You should know that whenever you come to Spain (or Hungary), you have a home here with good friends who will miss you a lot! Keep rockin’!

Hatalmas ölelés! (Look that up hehe!)

— Áron

Thank you to all these wonderful people (I mean every single person who wrote a message and not just the ones featured here). There were too many messages for me to be able to post all of them here. I am really glad to have gotten to know all of these people, and I want to thank them for taking the time to write me messages. I am most excited to return to Spain in the future to see all of you again :)