In the heart of a small mountain town in rural Aragón, where less than 600 people live, our students unknowingly prepared for what was going to be a very meaningful encounter. The weather was just perfect. Not too cold. Not too warm. The area reminds you of Colorado or New Mexico, with the red rocks and beautiful lodgepole pine trees. The bright sun had everyone in a great mood and set the stage for the day’s activity. Our students were set to interview un grupo de abuelos del pueblo, a group of older grandparents, all of whom grew up or spent most of their life in this town. The other LITA group leaders and I led the students through the tiny streets of the small old quarter, absorbing the quiet of morning in a small town. Students then sat down in their small breakout groups and composed a series of thoughtful questions for the abuelos that they were going to spend the morning with. Each question aimed to unveil the rich tapestry of memories and history of the town: ¿Cómo era el pueblo antes cuando eras jóven? ¿Qué cosas han cambiado? ¿Cómo han cambiado?
Chicos, ¿estáis listos? We gathered the group in front of a small church next to the stone bridge that crossed the river that ran through town. As the abuelos made their entrance, a palpable mix of excitement and nervousness filled the air. Each group of students had been paired with un señor o señora mayor to spend the morning with and interview. Our students, still adjusting on just their third day in Spain, faced the challenge of diving deep into full conversations in Spanish with these locals they had never met before. Nearby, at a cozy bar with tables charmingly arranged under the open sky, two different generations sat down. As the students kindly offered a drink to their guest, conversations started to flow. Slowly, barriers of uneasiness melted away, replaced by bridges of understanding and shared stories. Laughter and tales spread from around the tables into the street, bringing smiles to the faces of those witnessing the whole scene. Our queridos inquisitive LITA students listened intently, trying to understand the vivid history and stories the abuelos were able to share. And sharing stories of their own. As the activity concluded and goodbyes were exchanged, there were hugs, and beautiful demonstrations of affection. “No te vayas”, I heard a student say. It truly felt as if these were our “abuelitos” in Spain. At least for this first week. The group would soon be heading to their homestay and would meet the abuelos and extended family of their host families.
In less than a week, homesickness among the students seemed distant, replaced by the genuine warmth of the people in this town. It was a day that exemplified what LITA is all about: deep connections, heartfelt immersion, and discovering the treasures and stories of rural Spain. This day was pure LITA magic. It was one of many examples from this summer as to why I am so grateful to be joining LITA full time this year as Assistant Director. LITA’s unique approach is in the carefully thought-out activities that make the language come alive, the hidden gems where we take our students, the local people who become our extended family, and those unforgettable moments that make everything come together. I look forward to connecting with many of you in our large LITA family of students, parents, educators, and friends here in the US and in Spain.
Maricela, LITA's Assistant Director
