The Maya and Aztec roots in Mexico flow so deeply through everyday life, and it felt so beautiful to be in a land that was so proud of its roots. I most definitely need to return and explore more! Mexico is a huge country with vast landscapes, and I only saw a small crumb of it when going to Cancun. I want to visit the less touristy places and see this remarkable country in a more raw and authentic way. I found out about study abroad programs as a Junior in High School. It seemed like something I was not able to do, so I brushed it away, but it lingered in my mind. A year and a half later, I met a friend who was in the process of studying abroad in North Korea. After many conversations, I knew that this was something I needed to do. Her enthusiasm motivated me to turn this dream into a reality. Going to Europe has always been a dream. I had always heard about the stark differences in culture between North America and Europe. I was so intrigued about how others lived 5,000 miles away. The Italians with their pasta and ancient cities, the French with their Baguettes and fashion, and the Spanish with their flamenco culture and paella. European summers, fresh fruit, and countless stories of a slower life, and I wanted to experience it all. When it came time to choose my study abroad destination, I was certain in which region it would take place, but I still needed to decide on a country. After much research, I chose Madrid, Spain. I speak the language, am interested in the culture, and am the great-great-grandson of a Spaniard. So from Miami, Florida, to Madrid, Spain it was! I absolutely love it here and can’t wait to share more of my experiences with you guys!
