Hi y'all,
My time here in Oviedo has been absolutely wonderful. It's a city that both gets bigger every day and yet if feels intimate and small. I could stay in Asturias another month, truly. The food, especially fabada (a traditional Asturian stew), is incredibly good, and I'm just so happy here. I've been inspired to write more, not just because of the program, but because of the sheer interest that this city provokes from me.
Recently, a friend from the program and I went to a train museum in the nearby town of Gijón, and it was so amazing. Seeing the history of transportation develop and being able to literally look inside some of the early passenger trains was so fascinating.
With regard to my identities, Spain has been wonderful. The only time being Black has had any affect on my experience here has been when talking to or seeing another Black person. Usually, it's a nod of understanding or a quick hello, but it's still been pretty cool. The connection is real between all of the African diaspora it seems.
In addition, being queer hasn't been too much of an issue either. I've regularly seen queer couples of all ages out in public showing affection in various ways, which has been extremely wonderful to see. And due to a friend who's more plugged into the scene than I am, I will be going to a drag brunch on Sunday! The community is alive and well in Oviedo, and I couldn't be happier to find my way to it.
Something I've been thinking about as I've been here is what makes me curious. I've stumbled across some incredible restaurants and beautiful churches all because I thought to myself "what would happen if...", and usually my "if" was "If I walk down that street?" Recently, I've tried to push myself to think more boldly, like "what would happen if I ask what festival is going on?" or "if I ask the bookshop for book recommendations?" I've really started to hit my stride with using my Spanish, and I think being more bold in my curiosity stems from this. Being in Oviedo has simply put me in a state of curiosity, and I want to carry it back home with me as much as I can.
See you later <3,
Jayden Taylor, Creative Writing in Oviedo