Home stay reflections continued...

Nicole and I were met with a warm welcome of hugs and kisses on both cheeks by our home stay 'mother', Mar. Mar lives close by her parish church, which appears to be common here in Spain. So it was with great delight that we only needed to walk a couple of blocks to our new home loaded with our backpacks.

Mar lives in a corner apartment, overlooking a plaza. Her home has three bedrooms and is filled with many reminders of key monuments found in the old city of Salamanca. She is also fond of writing verses from the Bible and creating mandalas to place around her home as reminders of her Catholic faith..

On arrival, Mar proudly noted that she had been attempting to learn English.. We assured her that we knew minimal Spanish...However, we soon learnt terms like 'no entiendo' (I do not understand), and 'muy bien dormer' (did you sleep well?).

Mar ensured that we experienced many of the aspects of Spanish life. Including a typical breakfast of 'cafè con leche', melon and breads. Siesta (an afternoon nap) has been a feature inextricably linked to Spain, and for many of us Aussies, is something we have been very much willing to embrace.. Siesta is a pleasant time of respite from the intense heat of the afternoon and from walking the well worn cobblestone paths of Salamanca.

For many the thought of a stay in a 'strangers' home in a foreign country would seem daunting. However, this experience has not only enhanced my understanding of Spanish culture and language...It has reinforced the universal values of old fashioned hospitality, of opening your hearts and home.
Jane Donaldson


First of all WOW! What an experience days in the diocese was for myself and everybody within our group. Not having experienced the same concept in Sydney 08 I was expecting a younger family with some Spanish at the bare minimum but boy was I wrong!
Myself and Matthew ventured off to the home of Jose and Carmina not really sure what to expect but all we found was food, lots of food and the true Christian trait of love for everybody. They went out of there way to make sure we were comfortable with HUGE meals and packed lunches and hospitality rarely seen. We experienced their family life and attempted to share ours and with the exchange of photos and gifts we were welcomed back anytime.
Festival of the nations on the final nite was very entertaining with some great presentations.
A great and interesting experience was had by all and even more so a true experience of the Spanish way of life
Ross McKeown