In May, I traveled with the Honors Program to Spain. The main purpose of the trip was the Camino. The Camino is a pilgrimage that has several variations that all culminate in a walk (biking or sailing is also considered acceptable) to Santiago de Compostela. Santiago is believed to be the place where St. James the Apostle is buried. When the Muslims ruled Spain this pilgrimage became of great importance to the Christians still living in Spain. Our particular journey was the “Camino Ingles,” which takes place in the region of Galicia, in northwestern Spain. The walk on the Camino Ingles is approximately 75 miles. Yes, 75 miles.
Topics: spanish, study abroad, Spain, honors program, Kaitlyn Thomas, travel abroad in college, camino
Every day I basically have to pinch myself (multiple times in fact) that I’m actually here LIVING in Spain. For as long as I could remember, I knew I always wanted to study abroad in Spain and, to me, it always felt like a dream of the distant future or a day that would never come.
Topics: study abroad, Spain, Alcázar Gardens, cathedral, Paige Casario, Seville, Sevilla
So it has been three weeks since I've gotten home and I already miss Florence. I love being home but working every day and paying off my debts to my parents hasn't been all that much fun. However, I have really missed my family and friends and was lucky enough to see them all when I got home. It's nice knowing that everyone around me speaks English again, even though I'm not completely used to not hearing my favorite Italian word, "ciao," every five minutes.
Topics: study abroad, Italy, Michael Cerchione, Greece, Spain
So these past two weeks have been crazy. The weekend of April 4th, we stayed in Florence and went to visit Santa Croce. Santa Croce is located in Piazza di Santa Croce, which is only a three minute walk from my apartment. The Basilica is the largest Franciscan church in the world. In addition, it is the burial place of some of the most famous Italian artists, such as Rossini, Gentile, Foscolo, Machiavelli, Galileo, and even the famous Michelangelo. It is known as the Temple of the Italian Glories. Although it cost 6 euros to get in, it was definitely worth it.
Topics: study abroad, Italy, Michael Cerchione, Spain