This January, I was given the opportunity to do a 3-week study tour in Madrid, Spain. Since I began studying Spanish throughout high school, I always had a yearning to visit this beautiful country. When Endicott offered the trip, I immediately filled out the application in hopes that I would be able to go, especially as a first-semester freshman.

On the trip, I met nine incredible Endicott students who shared the same eagerness to travel and experience foreign cultures as I do. We explored the city, visited historical sites and museums, and appreciated the madrileño lifestyle. Over the 17 days abroad, friendships of a lifetime were created.

In addition to the "Introduction to Spanish Culture" course, we traveled to Segovia, Toledo and Seville on the two weekends there. In Segovia, we visited Ferdinand and Isabella's Alcazar, or castle. In Toledo, we saw beautiful Gothic-styled cathedrals. Finally, in Seville, we visited the bullfighting museum, saw a Flamenco show, and explored a mosque-cathedral and the Reales Alcázares de Sevilla, the royal castle that is still occasionally used today. Of the places we saw on the weekend trips, my favorite was watching the Flamenco show. I've danced since the age of 3, so seeing a foreign dance style, as well as something that is considered intangible world heritage by UNESCO was absolutely mesmerizing.

Reales Alcázares de Sevilla

Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba

Flamenco Show

In Madrid, my favorite places to visit were the Temple of Debod, the Chocolatería San Gins, the Sorolla Museum, Plaza del Sol, Botin, and the Royal Palace. The temple was a beautiful monument with sights of the royal palace and an overlook of the city. We went here on January 6th when the city celebrated the 3 Kings Day, their version of Christmas. For the world's best, and I mean absolute best, hot chocolate and churros, we went to the Chocolateria. The Sorolla Museum housed the incredible works of Joaquín Sorolla. They reminded me of the beaches in my hometown and I simply wanted to buy them all...If I had a million dollars and the ability to ship them home. So it was a less commercialized mini-version of Time Square. Since we went after their holidays, the sales were unreal, so naturally, I bought an insane amount of clothes. The Royal Palace was overwhelmingly beautiful to walk through. My favorite room to visit was the dining hall because the table was set for over 100 guests with the finest china that I've ever seen. The guide also shared that only half the table was set! The energy that the palace gave off was incredible and if I could, I would move right into it.

Temple of Debod

Churros and Hot Chocolate at the Chocolatería San Gins

The Royal Palace

On the last night of the trip, which was also my birthday, we ate at Botin, the world's oldest operating restaurant (we were told that Fransisco Goya worked there as a waiter before his painting career took off). We had to make reservations in advance, so when we arrived, a beautifully set, white linen table was waiting for us. I had roast chicken with potatoes. The chicken melted off of the bone and was the best I had ever had. After we ate, I heard some commotion and wasn't sure what it was all about, but seconds later, I heard "Happy Birthday" booming from the table with a piece of cake being placed in front of me. I was so touched by this gesture and it made me extremely thankful that I was in a foreign country with amazing people.

Botin

I gained so much from this trip and am so thankful I had this opportunity. Flying across the Atlantic ocean with nine complete strangers scared me, but in the end, I gained more than just friends. The experience has forever altered my perspective on life and I now know that I am capable of conquering anything I set my mind to.

So, thank you, Spain, you will forever hold a piece of my heart.