Spain: So much to see, so little time

Jaclyn Smith

Spain: So much to see, so little time

We’ve made it to Spain, and yes, it is as gorgeous as everyone makes it out to be. Today is a special day for me because I’ve found free time. During our first tour in Madrid, we walked by a park called Buen Retiro. Every inch  was covered in green, there were so many family and way too many tourists. But I instantly thought to myself, “I’m coming back here tomorrow.” and that I did. Currently I’m laying down on the beautiful grass reflecting on this amazing study abroad trip. I have to take it slow and ask myself questions like, “did I really ride a camel through the Sahara Desert and spend the night in a tent?” or “did I really swim in the Mediterranean sea?” or of course, “am I really in Spain right now?” and my answer is hell yah to all of those questions.

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Spain/Morocco: Finally Some Down Time!

Jaclyn Smith

Spain/Morocco: Finally Some Down Time!

Time, that is one thing we sure haven’t had a lot of here in Rabat. I don’t even know where to begin, I mean this is the first time I’ve had a little down time to reflect on everything that’s been going on. The best way to describe it is like a whirl wind of culture shock, jet lag and car sickness. I cant believe how much we’ve jam packed in the last 2 days, it makes me unbeleivably excited for what’s to come. Tonight is our last night in Rabat, and tomorrow we head off to Marakech. And so far what we’ve heard is Marakech has even more hustle and bustle in the street, and more traffic…which I didn’t think was possible to top Rabat. Just the bus ride from Casa Blanca to Rabat had me in complete shock. There are no road rules here except, if you can go, go. I’ve already almost been hit by a car and have never seen so many cars in my life enter one single intersection at the same time. I could go on and on about all the things I’m experiencing, but that would take all night.

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Spain/Morocco: Pre-Departure Jitters

Jaclyn Smith

Spain/Morocco: Pre-Departure Jitters

“Have you ever even been out of the country?” “Well does Mexico count?” Yup, that’s me, I’ve never been out of the country. In fact, the farthest I’ve ever travelled was to Florida. If we want to get a little further into my situation, I’ve never even flown on a plane by myself, and I believe my flight to Casa Blanca is a solid 16 hours. I’ve never been more nervous in my life, and anxiety is definitely an understatement in my case. It’s so hard to explain what’s going on in my head! First off, I’m so excited it’s almost overwhelming; I mean I get to go to Rabat, Casa Blanca, Marrakesh, Madrid, Granada and who knows where else. I finally get to apply all of my sustainability education to a real life situation.  On the other hand, my brain is so scattered with what to expect, I can barely think straight. I probably ask close to 10 questions a day (my poor teachers) and overthink every possible situation, or at least all the things that could go wrong. Luckily, this blogging opportunity came to me, a chance to get all my jitters out and focus my mind on why I’m really going on this study abroad trip.

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