Exploring and Adjusting!

Once we landed in Granada, Bree, Kelly, Jennifer and I relaxed in our room a bit prior to exploring!  It is so strange being in such a different time zone!  However, I'm getting much more adjusted to the timing though, and actually didn't feel any jet lag when I woke up this morning!

This is Hostal Atenas, where we are staying for the first three nights!

Here are some photos from when we were walking around Granada and exploring!  I have no idea what anything is!  We walked a lot, and I love how the streets are all stone!  We only really got lost once, although we figured it out quickly after checking the map!

I had fun with this panoramic shot!

I love this architecture!

More details to come as Orientation is Thursday through Sunday!

Traveling!!

Today my adventure to Granada, Spain begins!  It is amazing that with today’s technology it only takes eight hours to cross an ocean and entire an entirely new continent!  Thus far, I am about halfway into my eight hour flight, and have already had a great time!  Our tickets were randomly assigned, but I was lucky enough to sit next to two very cool people, Ellie and Kelly!  We have a lot in common and have been chatting about a lot of random things!  It is also really exciting that Kelly lives on the same street as me, Calle Fontiveros!

It has been quite fun meeting everyone.  We are essentially a huge group of girls and two guys!  Many people are starting to fall asleep, but unfortunately my energy levels are going strong, even though it is technically almost four in the morning in Spain!  The airplane has definitely been our first taste of speaking Spanish, since the flight attendants are all speaking fluent Spanish.  The reality is definitely setting in!  I am feeling a lot more calm though, especially now that our group is all together!  This will be such an exciting adventure!

The plane is so big!!  Definitely the largest plane I have ever traveled on!

Airplane food… woot woot!  I am already feeling a little touristy taking these random pictures!

later….

We just landed in Madrid!  I didn’t really sleep, but the ride was very smooth!  They gave us breakfast (including a KitKat bar… now that’s how you start a day!) and there was a beautiful sunrise!  As we got closer to Madrid, some of us were frantically (and a bit comically) looking over vocabulary words, almost in an attempt to “cram” for Spain!  Ahhhh!

The Madrid Airport was so beautiful!!  One of the coolest, most high-tech airports I have ever been in!

We had a three-hour layover in Madrid, so it was cool to walk around and bond with other students!

On the short flight from Madrid to Granada, I got a window seat!  So, the entire flight I had my face nearly pressed up against the window as we flew over Spain.  It really is such a gorgeous country!

This photo is from the very beginning of the flight shortly after we left Madrid.

Here we are about to touch down in Granada!!

More updates to come!  Hope you are having a wonderful day!!

Post-fusion: Environmental Quotes!

It has certainly been a long time since I posted quotes or an environmental post, so I thought I would share a few of my favorites environmental quotes and images!

When I see this image, it makes me think about how taking care of the environment will not only provide a richer quality of life for us today, but will ensure a better world for future generations!

*Cree Indian Proverb

This one is definitely my favorite!  I don't know much about astronomy, but I really love stargazing, especially on warm, summer nights.  It is truly amazing how something as simple as looking at the sky can put things into perspective!

Have a beautiful day!!

Going to Granada!

I am really amazed that I am leaving for Granada, Spain in a little over 48 hours.  I clearly remember when I applied to the program in January, and now my dream of traveling abroad is finally going to come true!  I am definitely experiencing something along the lines of a frantic peace, as in I am deciding what to pack and researching as much as I possibly can about Spain, and thinking about all of the "what if" questions.  At the same time however, I feel very relaxed about the experience, and can't wait to really dive into the Spanish language and culture!  I am so excited to meet my Señora and the other students in the program!

This experience will certainly be unlike any other I have encountered thus far.  I have never been out of the United States, traveled for seven weeks, or had a language besides English spoken as the dominant language.  My goal is to make the absolute most of the entire journey, and really challenge myself to "live" the Spanish culture!  I plan to blog updates whenever I get the chance, both as a way of documenting my experience, and also updating family and friends at home!  I hope to share pictures, experiences, stories, and other interesting things I learn!  Therefore, from now until mid-July, I will not be posting anything regarding my other "passions", unless it is in relation to Spain, since I will be posting my travel logs!  However, following my Spain journey, I will return to other topics!

Bring on the Yoga Pants!

For those who know me, they know I absolutely love yoga pants!  While I by no means do yoga, I find these pants to be so comfortable and when I wear them I always feel my best!

I love this video clip from the film Miss Representation.

Like what you see?  If you have a little more time, this is the extended trailer from Miss Representation!  One of my friends first made me aware of this film, and I literally want to share it with every person I know!

Have a wonderful day!

Mother's Day

Personally, I believe that there are many holidays with principles that really should be celebrated every day, not just one day each year.  How wonderful would it be if everyone was more thankful every day, and not just on Thanksgiving?  Or if everyone told each other that they love each other every day?  Sure, it doesn't make sense to prepare a large feast or have romantic candlelight dinners every day, but aren't these holidays more about the emotions behind the grandiose actions in themselves?

Anyway, I feel that Mother's Day should really happen every day.  Think for a moment about how many times a mother or a close, motherly figure in your life has helped you, guided you, made you laugh, cared for you, and loved you.  Think about the times you felt overwhelmed, lonely, nervous, or sad, and just wanted some reassurance.  Think about all of the sacrifices your mom or motherly figure has made for you to help you achieve your goals as you venture through life.

This world is full of amazing people, and I feel so lucky to know one of them!  My mother is such an amazing woman, and someone I look up to every single day.  She always knows how to cheer me up and reassure me if I am nervous.  Even if she is frustrated with me or we disagree about something, her support is still unwavering.  Every time something exciting happens, I can't wait to tell her about it.  I love listening to stories about her life, and am amazed by her strength and commitment to my sister and I.  I feel so privileged to be so close to her, and I look forward to every single day I get to talk to her, see her, and hug her.  She means the world to me. I love you, Mom!

Gala Darling

Hello!  Sorry I have been gone for so long!  I hope you are having a wonderful month of May so far!  Crazy how fast the time flies...  Anyway, a friend of mine recently made me aware of Gala Darling, who is this wonderful woman and blogger that promotes the concept of radical self love!  If you have a few minutes or feel in need of some positive encouragement, I would strongly suggest watching this video from a TED talk she gave recently!

 Also, here is a copy of her Radical Self Love Manifesto.  I love this!

Have an amazing day!  Even if everything feels really hard, remember that you are loved!