I can't even believe today is my last day in Spain. It feels like I just got here and it's time to leave. It's definitely bittersweet, as I am going to miss this place but I can't wait to go home at the same time. I am very grateful to have had this opportunity- it was amazing, indescribeable. Time of my life. I have learned so much about life and about myself I can't even put into words. Thank you Mom and Dad for letting me take this chance, this adventure...I can't wait to tell all my stories and show everyone photos! SEE YOU SOON :)

Portugal was awesome! Not as awesome as Spain, but I'm definitely glad I got to see it. It was a different kind of trip overall because we did Couchsurfing-where you stay at people's homes for free. It was a little scary but ended up being such an experience. Both places we stayed the people were SO nice. First we went to Lisboa and stayed with Luis and his cat Zombie. He cooked wonderful meals for us! We saw the city of Lisboa and also went to a place outside called Sintra and saw a lot of the amazing castles Portugal has. Then we went to Faro which is on the coast, but it was too cold to enjoy the beach. We stayed with Bruno in his beach shack, which was quite the shack, but his backyard was the beach. It was awesome. All of his friends also had couchsurfers so we got to meet people from all over. It was good but I'm glad we got back to Sevilla because it is Feria- the HUGE carnival/fiesta Sevilla has every year. All the women wear beautiful Flamenco dresses and everyone just drinks, eats and dances all day. My senora gave me pretty beads and put a flower in my hair the way they do it. There are tents that families share and some of my friend's families had them so we got to go in. We've been practicing our Sevillana (a dance) all week! It's been fun meeting random Spainards and learning more about the culture. Monday starts class again and its the final push with school. I hope finals aren't too bad. 2 weeks left! Enjoying every moment but getting excited to go home!

Morocco was great! It was soo nice to be on an organized trip for once. We didnt have to think at all, just go whereever and eat whatever they told us to. It was really different there, I suffered from a bit of culture shock. Some parts were dirty and smelly, but others were more city-like. We got to see 4 cities, all very different from each other. Although each city had markets were they would bother the americans to haggle with them. It's strange how much bargaining is a part of their culture. I'm not big on it, but I did get some cool things. We got to see a tannery and a Jewish synagoge too. Second spring break just started. Headed to Portugal with some girlfriends, it should be a lot of fun. I'm a bit tired of sight seeing but it should be a pretty relaxed trip since we only have to take a bus and what not. Glad to hear it's warming up at home! The weather is absolutely gorgeous here! I'm definitely enjoying sitting by the river and taking in the sun.

So Italy was amazing. Venice, Florence and Rome in one week. It was a lot to do but it was wonderful. Venice was my favorite just because I've never seen anything like it. It was out of this world. There was water everywhere you looked and you had to cross a bridge ever couple of steps. Florence was bigger but still easy to navigate. There was so much to see I want to go back! Rome was even bigger and also amazing. You could be just walking around and pass a huge anchient monument out of nowhere. It was crazy. We also went to the Vatican and saw the Pope! I loved it all. Italy is definitely my favorite so far. I also got to see Sirisha and Shaun in Florence and Rome which was awesome. And I got real close with the girls I traveled with which is nice. Next up is Morocco this weekend!

Paris was amazing! We saw all the main sites- the Louvre, the Eiffel tower, the Arc de Triumph, the Bastille, Norte Dame and the main shopping areas. It was so neat! The weather was rainy and cold- definitely made me miss Sevilla! Paris was so different- the architecture especially. Everyone was generally friendly, especially the waiters who had to attempt to speak english with us. It was really fun to go up the Eiffel Tower too! Kind of scary, I'll admit. But we got some great pictures. I cant believe I leave on Friday for Italy! It is finally our first Spring break. Wow does time fly. A month and a half until I come home! It's crazy how fast it is going. Finally done with midterms as of today and it feels great. Before I know it will be time for finals. I hope everything is good at home and that everyone is safe and happy. Missing you!

Hi! It has been going pretty well over here. The weather has been beautiful- low/mid 70's every day. I went to the beach twice this past weekend! It's about an hour and fifteen minutes away and you can take a bus. Friday I went with some friends and just hung out. Sunday I went horseback riding in the national park near the beach! It was so awesome, especially when we rode along the beach. Tomorrow I am headed off to Paris! When I get back I have one more stupid midterm and then I'm going to Italy. Time is flying..! I also finally got in touch with some family (?) in Ireland via facebook. Hopefully I'll be able to go visit them at their vacaction home in Portugal. Other than that nothing much is going on. Still have school and homework of course but it is much more less painful when it is so nice out. I'll be sure to update after my big trips. Sending my love...

La Mezquita in Cordoba


Carnaval in Cadiz



My two moms :)





Plaza Mayor in Madrid





Hi everyone! I have been so busy, especially with Mom here! Yep, my mom came to visit for 10 whole days! It has been fabulous. I showed her around Sevilla and she really loved it. It really is quite charming :) It was so fun just seeing the city and eating out at the lovely little cafes everywhere. Mom also got to meet Maria which was a lot of fun. She saw my home here in Sevilla and understands how wonderful Maria is. Now we are in Madrid together! It has been an adventure figuring it all out but we are having a great time. Today we went to El Prado, the famous art museum here in Madrid. We also walked around and saw Plaza Mayor which is a plaza with shops and restaurants. Tomorrow we are going to see the Palacio, where the king and queen live! It will be hard to see her leave but it will be good to get back into the swing of things. In two weeks I go to Paris with a bunch of friends and in 3 weeks I'm off to Italy! I am a bit nervous but I know it will work out. I hope to meet up with Shaun and Sirisha in Italy if possible...Carnaval in Cadiz was a blast, here is a picture of how ridiculous my friends and I looked with our wigs and masks! It was crazy, sooo many people, but it was fun to meet random people from all over Spain. I also went to Cordoba for the day with school to see the Mezquita (the famous mosque/cathedral) which was amazing. I look forward to my future trips. I also think I'm going to Portugal for our second spring break and then to Morocco with my interest group through school. Missing home but trying to keep in touch. Feel free to facebook or e-mail at any time and I promise I'll write back. Miss you all!