Abroad Travelogue

This past Winter I spent four amazing months abroad in Seville, Spain where I focused on learning the Spanish language and interning at a bilingual school. When I wasn’t exploring the quaint city of Seville I was touring the rest of Europe, checking destinations off my bucket list left and right. I was lucky enough to visit six different countries and eight different cities within Spain; all of which taught me the importance of delving into different cultures and the positive impact that traveling can have on your awareness of the world around you. I am so excited to share some of my favorite photos and locations from my trips and a little “must do” for each place!

Santorini, Greece. Must do: The hike from Thira to Oia (or vice versa). I am a BIG scenery/landscape nut and the views on this hike were unlike anything I have ever seen before.

Paris, France. Must do: visit the Louvre Museum. While the museum’s main attraction is the Mona Lisa make sure to visit the Napoleon III Apartments-- they’re absolutely breathtaking.

Ireland. Must do: before visiting the Cliffs of Moher (which is an obvious must do) stop in Galway. Here, you’ll find the cutest sidewalk fair where artisans sell their awesome work that ranges from jewelry to lawn gnomes.

Granada, Spain. Must do: The Alhambra, not only is the entire palace/fortress beautiful but the view of the Sierra Nevada is a sight to see.

Aracena, Spain. Must do: Gruta de las Maravillas aka the Cave of Wonders. I mean these caves are just incredible and definitely live up to their name. Pictures do not do it justice.

Last but definitely not least, Seville! Here are just a couple of the pictures I have from my time there that show how genuine and culture filled the city is.

There is no way I could give you just one “must do” for Seville soooo, here are a couple!

El Paseo de Arte is an artisan and artist market open every Saturday that borders the Guadalquivir River. Here you can find the best handcrafted souvenirs and gifts that Seville has to offer.

La Catedral is located in the city center of Seville and offers one of the best views of the city. The inside boasts beautiful architecture and stained glass windows. It truly is an architectural masterpiece.

El Real Alcazar is an enthralling palace located just across from La Catedral. If you’re a big Game of Thrones fan you may already know that various episodes were filmed within the palace’s walls.

Finally, perhaps my favorite ritual of Seville, La Feria. It is a once a year, week long fair where women dress up in traditional spanish flamenco dresses and men put on their best blazers for days and nights filled with great good, flamenco dancing, and carnival rides. If you’re looking to really indulge in the culture of Seville, la Feria is the place to go.

My time abroad taught me so much and I cannot believe I was fortunate enough to get to experience the world in such an educational and mind-opening way. Living with a host family and in a foreign city taught me how different life all around the world is. I finally got to leave the bubble that I had created for myself in the United States and see culture, work, education, and everyday life from a different perspective. I am so happy that I was able to share this experience with all of you!