INTERVIEW FOR HUGO
Los alumnos han entrevistado a Hugo para conocer un poco más cómo ha sido su experiencia en España, su opinión acerca de nuestro modo de vida o cómo ha sido su vida fuera del IES
INTERVIEW FOR HUGO
1.- What’s your full name?
Hugo Marduk Sobrino-Romero :)
2.-What things made you think it was a good idea to spend some months in Spain?
Honestly, I just wanted to spend some time out of the country and away from my parents. Plus, it had always been a dream of mine to live in Europe for some time; my dad had described it to me as a sort of magical place where adventure and inspiration were easy to find, which, as a recent university graduate, was exactly what I was looking for????.
3.-While you were on your way to Spain, what did you expect from this experience?
I didn’t have any concrete expectations besides working and partying a little, but I did vaguely sense that I was taking a pretty big step in my life. I knew the people I would meet and the adventures I would have, both alone and with others, would change me in some sort of fundamental way. How exactly I hadn’t the slightest idea, neither then nor now.
4.-What are some cultural shocks that you had when you came to Spain?
This wasn’t my first time in Europe so I didn’t have too many European culture shocks, instead, they were to do with Spain, particularly, the language. In the U.S, Iberian Spanish is largely unknown so when I arrived I thought the people were speaking to me in a whole other language.I had to quickly learn words like Tío, Cojer, Venga, and, of course, some of the bad ones too????.
5.-What do you think it is the biggest difference between Spain and USA?
Wow, this is a hard question, but I think a good contender is the fact you can walk from one place to another. I know it sounds blase to you but in the U.S. walking home from school is mind-blowing to us.
Another pretty big difference is the safety; I can walk at any hour of the night in almost any part of the city and be assured that nothing will happen to me. In the U.S. I would never think of doing such a thing especially when you consider that weapons are common so crimes can turn
violent rather quickly.
6.-Where do you prefer living: Spain or USA?
Another tough question... hmm...if I could bring my parents, then Spain, but since I can’t at the moment, the U.S. That being said, in the future I would like to live in Europe with my family, probably Germany or even Spain. The quality of life is just much better in Europe compared to the States and plus if I lived in Spain my parents have an easy time adjusting to the language.
7.-Have you missed your family a lot?
Yes, absolutely. It was my first time living without them so I definitely missed them, especially their cooking. It’s rather hard to find some quality Mexican food here in Zaragoza ????.
8.-What was your first impression of IES Corona de Aragón?
My first thoughts... hmmm... I remember thinking that the school was so different from an American one (it was smaller, less students, not as much activity) and that many of the teachers were kind and welcoming, especially Paula and Patricia. Seriously, without them I don’t think my time at Corona would have been as easy and fun!
9.-Tell us any funny / embarrassing situation you have had in Spain.
There aren’t too many funny/ embarrassing moments, at least I don’t exactly remember them ????.
But if I thought about it, they would probably have to do with the times I went out partying. When I rewind all the moments spent in clubs and bars I know for a fact that my friends were
probably laughing at many of the foolish things I would get myself into ????.
10.-From a scale from 1 to 10, how much have you enjoyed your stay in Spain? Why?
I think I would have to say a 9. The only issues were some bureaucratic ones that I faced early on, but besides that, the whole experience has been extravagant. The people I met are definitely the biggest reason for why I loved my time here. Starting with the teachers and students and ending with all the friends I made outside of school, they have all been kind and an absolute blast.
11.-What is the best memory you have while being in Zaragoza or with us?
I think some of the best memories I have of Zaragoza were during the Pilares. It seemed like the whole city carried an energy that lasted for weeks. The parties, the music, the dancing, everything seemed so alive and charged.
When it comes to the students, I think some of my favorite moments with them were any time we laughed and had fun. From going to Madrid with Grade 4 to just some of the activities that some of the classes enjoyed, I’ll remember all of them for the rest of my life.
12.-Do you think in English or in Spanish?
I think in English completely. I could think in Spanish but I feel like my thoughts would run at half the speed. I also talk to myself in English, although this has been changing lately. I catch myself speaking in Spanish, usually after I have just spent the whole day talking to a Spanish person. When that happens, I suddenly realize that the months spent here in Zaragoza have improved my Spanish in ways I didn’t quite anticipate.
13.-What places have you visited in Spain?
I only visited Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona. I think that when I come back I’ll visit Andalusia and the Basque Country. I’ve heard so much about them and they seem to be the most popular places after Barcelona and Madrid especially for American tourists.
14.-What are you going to miss the most about Spain?
Certainly walking. I’m not that crazy about driving everywhere so these past couple of months have been amazing. Also the people I have met here! When I think about no longer seeing them I get a little sad. I just hope that many of them will be able to visit me one day.
15.-What is your favorite Spanish food?
I’m stuck between two answers. Croquetas and Tortilla de Patata. I love the fact that croquetas can be so versatile, sometimes made out of Jamon, sometimes out of Bacalao, but I also love tortilla de patata. It’s so simple yet so good and also so inexpensive. I think when I get back to the U.S. I’m gonna show my family and friends how to make it.
16.-A State issue: Spanish omelet, with or without onion?
Tough... I see the appeal of both, but if I’m being absolutely honest I think it’ll have to be without onions. It’s not that I don’t love onions (because I do!), I’ve just found that the Spanish omelets I usually like more are without onions.
17.-What is your favorite place in Zaragoza?
Obviously the Pilar is up there as one of my favorite places, but when I think about the places I spent the most time, it’s gotta be the Canal and Parque Grande. I’ve spent hours in Parque Grande’s botanical garden admiring the plants and trees and I have spent likewise hours at the canal walking, reading, and just enjoying the day.
18.-What do you think of Zaragoza?
Zaragoza is such a lovely place! They’re are so many low-key spots that are cozy and relaxed and, once they open up to you, the people can be very inviting. While the city may have been a little smaller than what I’m used to, I enjoyed seeing students and friends whenever I went out; there’s a sense of community here that in the U.S. is hard to come by.
19.-Have you made many friends?Yes! Too many in fact. They’re probably the biggest reason why I’ll come back and visit Zaragoza.
20.-What do you think of Spanish people?
Spanish people are so fun! I’ve noticed that they really enjoy taking as much advantage of life as they can. That means partying, laughing, smiling. In general, I’m very satisfied with making some Spanish friends!
21.-What is better: Clubbing in Spain or US?
I gotta say clubbing in Spain is a pretty unique experience. The clubs close at 5 or 6 AM sometimes, while in the U.S. they all close at 3 AM. The music is also very different. In Spain reggaeton is the most popular genre while in the states it’s pop and rap. So, if I had to choose solely based on hours, Spain, but based on music, the U.S.
21.-What are your plans for the summer?
Nothing too interesting. I’m thinking of visiting my family in Mexico City for my birthday. After that, I’ll return to Texas and probably spend the majority of the time trying to look for a job.
22.-Did you go to Puerto Venecia? If you haven’t gone yet, would you like to come with us? (4oC)
Yes! The first time I went to Puerto Venecia it was like I had stumbled upon a slice of America--a rather surreal experience. But, yes, I would love to go to Puerto Venecia with you all!
23.-When are you going to come back?
I’m not too sure when exactly but definitely next year. I try to come to Europe as much as I can so I would love to come as quickly as possible, hopefully before the First Bachillerato students leave Corona.
