Kathleen George ’16 spent Fall Term studying literature, art, politics, and urban life in Madrid, Spain. In case you aren’t already jealous enough, here are some questions she answered about her experiences with the Carleton Spanish Studies Seminar.
1. What did you like most about Madrid?
Other than the Sangria? There’s this abandoned ex-tobacco factory called La Tabacalera. It’s completely covered in art murals and graffiti. I played the drums and jammed out with a lot of Spaniards every evening after class until my host mother got worried because I was late for dinner. Then I would get up the next day and do it all over again.
2. What other cities/countries did you visit while you were abroad?
Grenada, Galicia, Toledo, Barcelona, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam! You know, it’s chill. It’s whatever.
3. Did you have a favorite book, essay, poem, etc. you read during the term?
A girl I met abroad gave me a copy of The Little Prince and I’ve been in love with it since.
Also I memorized “Having a Coke with You” by Frank O’Hara while in Barcelona. I thought it was fitting.
4. If you could choose one Spanish-language author that every English major should read, who would it be?
In the case of poetry, I adore Pablo Neruda. Authors I love include Julia Alvarez, Isabel Allende, Junot Diaz.
5. Where would you most like to travel next?
La República Dominicana!