New Years in Kenya

The past week was spent in Pittsburgh with family and friends. Although cliché, I will say that it was great to be with loved ones for the holiday season. Grateful is a feeling that I continually strived to keep nearby.

Before I became too comfortable, however, it was back to the airport—a place that is beginning to feel like a second home to me. For as much as I love to travel, I really do not enjoy the process of flying (worth it, however).

My mom dropped me off on Wednesday afternoon, where I met my friend and pharmacy classmate, Ryan. Though I often prefer traveling solo, this is one adventure that I am thankful to have a companion for (both from a company and safety perspective). Ryan and I sailed through check-in and security, equally excited to reach our final destination: Lilongwe, Malawi. There was no knowing what the small south-African country would hold in store for us.

In contrast to my previous Spanish voyage, this journey will count as one of my fourth-year pharmacy rotations. The night before, Ryan and I accompanied our professor (and official preceptor) at the house of a Pitt-affiliated UPMC physician and her husband, Gerry. The couple has a house in Malawi, which is where Ryan and I will stay on the weekends. The pre-departure meeting was informative with regards to our role and responsibilities as pharmacy exchange students. In addition, we were briefed with the local norms.

Out of all of my previous travels, I expect this venture to bid the most culture shock. Aside from a brief tour through Morocco during my semester in Spain, this will be my first time on the vast African continent. Malawi, referred to as the “warm heart of Africa,” is one of the poorest nations in the world. This truth should offer an eye-opening experience in itself. Since the beginning of pharmacy school, I sought out the selfless reward that stems from working with underserved populations. Accordingly, it is the key rationale behind my decision to pursue this unique rotation. I am curious to see what influences this month-long experience will have on my personal and professional life.

So, what do the next 48+ hours look like? A grueling itinerary, indeed. Ryan and I will first fly from Pittsburgh to Detroit. We will then take an overnight 7-hour flight to Amsterdam, followed by an 8-hour flight to Nairobi, Kenya, on Thursday. There we will spend the night in a hotel as we ring in 2016. Finally, we will arrive in Lilongwe around 1 pm on Friday—New Year’s Day. A truly fascinating way to begin a new year.

"A Pomegranate in the Hand of God"

As I embarked on the journey back to Pittsburgh, I reflected on my two-week vacation in Granada. I was asked by several people if and how my initial impressions of Granada changed over the years. As Javier put it, the surface of the city may have experienced change, but la esencia remains the same. It's true that stores and fashions have come and gone; even the culture has evolved and adapted. However, the essence of Granada is strong and here to stay.

How can I best explain Granada? It is not the perfect city, but rather it is perfectly wonderful for me. It is a place where everyone takes to the street, yet no one's in a hurry. A place with free tapas, hippies and gypsies, thick accents and pomegranates. A place where a long and dark history has crafted a profoundly passionate culture. A place where I still hope to plant roots someday.



So what's next for me, then? Four years have given me a more mature perspective, which made my return transition easier. Unlike last time, I understand that I am not meant to stay in Granada (for now, anyway). I made a commitment to finish pharmacy school in Pittsburgh, and I intend to see it through. After a few short months, I will finally be free to spread my wings and see what's in store. And so, for the moment, it's hasta luego, Granada--never adiós. In the meantime, I am exited and grateful to spend a week in Pittsburgh with family and friends for the holidays.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone reading a very special holiday season.

Stay tuned: up next, a pharmacy rotation in a Malawian hospital!

El Último Día

And just like that, my last day in Granada had come. Just as I had done four years ago, I spent the day visiting my favorite places, trying to soak in as much as I possibly could.

La terraza:

El mirador de San Nicolás:

El Albaycín:

San Miguel Bajo:

San Miguel Alto:

El mirador de San Cristóbal:

It was a day of goodbyes to my favorite places, but also to my dear friends. In the morning, I met Javier for coffee. Later in the day, I said farewell to Lotfi. Both genuine people that I am sure to see again.

 

My final sunset was viewed atop Sabika Hill at Carmen de los Mártires and la Alhambra.

Later that evening, Trini and I went to the bohemian jazz café where we met four years previously. I felt so lucky to have spent so much time with her and her family and friends during this trip. Without doubt, a lifelong friend.

Finally, it was back to Plaza Bib-Rambla to spend my final hours in Granada with Delia and Laura. It felt strangely reminiscent of my last night in the city four years ago, as we sat in the living room together and I listened to Delia's most beautiful voice. As the hour grew late, I reluctantly said goodbye to my lovely Spanish family; less tears than last time, but just as heavy a heart. It was then off to the bus station to start the long journey back to Pittsburgh...

La Playa

I woke up on Friday, sore from my hike the day before. But I still managed to get in a long run during the beautiful morning.

For lunch, I ate a delicious “green” lasagna from a tiny Italian-owned restaurant, Viva Maria.

I then spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the town, making an effort to step outside my "comfort" zones.

Afterwards, I met Laura and Noah in Plaza Nueva for coffee. Such a treat to be able to sit outside in December!

That night, I joined Trini and her friend, Elisa, for tapas. En route to the bar, I was surprised to see a holiday-themed race taking place on Grand Vía. Per usual on a Friday night, the streets of Granada were alive with excitement.

On Saturday, Trini and her parents invited me to the beach! They recently bought a flat along Granada’s coastal beach town, Almuñécar. Just 45 minutes South of the city stretches la Costa Tropical, famous for its year-round warm climate. Neighboring costal towns include Nerja and Motril. Trini’s father explained that Almuñécar experiences minimal fluctuations in temperature throughout the day, contrary to the capital city’s warm days and chilly nights. Despite its reputation, however, the current climate change left the town warmer than usual for the time of year. I could hardly believe Christmas was just a week away.

Trini and I walked along the coast, and she taught me about the various beaches. Most were a mix of rock and sand, but all were equally beautiful. Naturally, we had to dip our feet in the water, which was actually quite warm--there were a number of sunbathers and even a few swimmers.

Eventually, we made our way to the beach flat, five stories up in a modern apartment building. It was a lovely place all around, but the highlight was the view--panoramic vistas of the golden coastline.

For lunch, Trini and I walked to the town center, and tracked down a bar recommended by her new neighbor. True of most coastal towns, Almuñécar is known for its fine seafood, followed closely by red meat. This meant that I was hard-pressed to find vegetarian options on the menu, but I happily settled for a delicious house salad and chicken and ham croquets.

Afterwards, Trini and I climbed to the top of the Peñones de San Cristóbal monument.

We continued on a bit further before stopping along the beach for a cup of coffee at un chiringuito, just in time for sunset.

Eventually, we rejoined Trini’s parents and drove back to Granada (uphill this direction). Despite feeling slightly under the weather, I was grateful and happy to spend the day with Trini and her family.

That night, my hosts invited me to have dinner with them and their friends. Andrea is from Italy, so naturally he made a variety of pizzas (from scratch). Needless to say, they were excellent--all eight of them.