Walked a lot, saw a lot, and learned lot-Spring break 2012




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  • 2012-03-12 18:23:19
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Compared to back in the States, spring break was at a totally different level for me this year.  Most people back in New Mexico will either go to Las Vegas, South Padre, Texas, various resorts in Mexico or California; basically, destinations solely for partying and  not remembering half of you did the entire week.   During spring break at AUBG many students I know, including myself, went to a few countries throughout Europe to do something more worthy with their time and actually remember the amazing sites that were seen. Between the mesmerizing architecture, decadent cuisine and unique cultures Europe has to offer, spring break in Europe is definitely an unforgettable experience for any American exchange student.  I spent half my time in various parts of Ireland and the other half in Granada, Spain.  Both were so different yet so intriguing; I blended in Ireland with my fair skin, reddish hair and blue eyes and stuck out like a sore thumb in Spain.  I was busy the entire time, and I got a lot out of this experience in cities I had never ventured to before.  This is what I learned and some of my advice when traveling: 1. Step out of your comfort zone I couchsurfed for the very first time on my last night in Dublin.  The Shannon a year ago would never even have considered it.  For me it's sometimes hard to trust people, and to stay in a complete strangers' house seemed like a death sentence.  But I heard so much positivity about couchsurfing this semester and it got me curious.  I signed up, explored, and ended up finding a girl named Megan who lives in Dublin and is also from New Mexico! I sent her a request to stay for the night and she accepted.  Megan and her husband were so friendly and welcoming and I am so grateful for their hospitality.  I'm proud of myself for taking the initiative to try something new that seemed so ludacris before.  My parents obiviously thought I was nuts but they came around to it after checking out the website. 2. Learn something I have never been keen on the idea of spending more than I have to on a tour that gives the same information a book can.  However, the last few ones I did offered more than I expected.  In Ireland I went to the Cliffs of Moher and found a good deal to get across the island from Dublin by buying a ticket from a tour company.  On the way to the Cliffs, we stopped about a half an hour before at a small farm where a man named John greeted us.  He led us on a light hike and educated us on the agricultural, historical and even economical aspects of that part of Ireland.  Between the spectacular views of the land and sea and what he was explaining, it made the experience even more worthy because now I knew what this part of Ireland had been through.  It wasn't just about seeing what was there but knowing where it came from.  And then we had the opportunity to purchase fresh-baked apple pie and Irish coffee.  That was a plus :) In Belfast, Northern Ireland, I did a little research on my family who came from there.  I discovered who my great-aunts, great-uncles and great-great grandparents were and the town they lived in.  I wish I found more, but the 2 1/2 bus ride from Dublin to get there made that little information worth it. [caption id="attachment_1637" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The apple pie and Irish coffee"][/caption] 3. Expect the unexpected when traveling Twice I had to fly through Paris; once to Ireland and once flying back.  Both times I missed my connection.  I'm not the most patient person in the world and what had occured during that time in the airport I don't even want to explain because it will just turn into a rant.  But in all honesty, it's unnecessary.   Delays, long security lines, missed connections, over-priced food and rude staff are just a few things that can occur in airports; it just all seemed to happen in Paris. Anyway, it's always good to hope for easy travels but it's also wise to face reality and realize life isn't picture-perfect.  It's better to think about what to look forward to when it's all over and that traveling is priceless. 4. Document everything It might be fresh in your head now, but if you fast-forward ten years will you still remember the tastes, smells, names and faces you briefly ran into?  I know I won't.  The little details that don't seem important now are actually things that you'll want to remember years from now.  I will never forget how sour the orange was that I picked from a tree in Granada or how wretched the smell was at the farm in Ireland.  I squirm just thinking about both things now. [caption id="attachment_1638" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The view from our hike at the farm"][/caption] 5. Down time is completely acceptable Everyday in Ireland I was up early and keeping my days completely packed.  In Granada, I did my fair share of walking but spent a lot of time doing absolutely nothing as well; just relaxing and spending quality time with great people set the tone of Granada as a laidback, casual place.  It's called spring "break" for a reason right? 6. Eat, keep eating, and enjoy every bite Food is what helps define a culture.  I try to eat healthy, but when on vacation in a new location it's barely a thought.  It's a week to enjoy yourself and savor different flavors and dishes.  You'll probably walk off all the extra food with all the sightseeing anyway. [caption id="attachment_1642" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="My first time trying paella in Granada"][/caption] 7. Be sociable Before I can even say my spring break started, I stayed at Hostel Mostel in Sofia the night before my flight to Dublin.  I was by myself and thought it would be a good time to catch up on some reading; it ended up turning into a night of playing pool.  It seemed like every nationality was included.  There were people from Canada, Australia, Scotland, England, California, Argentina and Afghanistan.  It was amazing to see how people from all over the world act the same, act differently and act like they have been friends for years.  I'll never see them again but it was a positive start to my trip. 8. Keep a budget I know, it sucks. 9. And finally, forget about reality and enjoy the moment I'm one to stress way too easily.  I was already thinking about my mid-term after spring break before I even got to the airport.  With all that in mind, it was way too difficult to cherish the moment.  I may never go back to Ireland again.  I surely hope so but if that was my only opportunity, I don't want to remember it as a time I was thinking about something so irrelevant at that time.  It may be your only shot.  Make it worth it. I'm happy to say, I had the best spring break ever and I hope everyone else did as well :) [caption id="attachment_1643" align="aligncenter" width="720" caption="The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland"][/caption]