From Cataño to the World: Spain Part I

Where in the World is "el Bori" from Cataño to the world: Spain Part I

At Barajas Airport.

I'm back and ready to continue writing about my wonderful travels. I apologize for not writing for so long but I'm back.

This post will be about my study abroad experience living in Spain. I studied abroad in Burgos, Spain for 6 months and it was one of the best experience of my life. This was my first trip that I ever did alone and it was the best decision I ever made. This trip is the one responsible for my traveling addiction. One thing that the study abroad program prepared you for is one, homesick and two, what to do when the unexpected happens while traveling but it doesn't prepare you for the traveling bug and the need to travel after your study abroad experience is over. Traveling abroad wasn't on my plans but my friend/brother Darren convinced me to do it and for that I thank you mi hermano. 

First meal in Spain

We departed on January 28th, 2014 from Philadelphia and arrived in Madrid, Spain the next day really early in the morning. After getting our luggage we met with a couple of the Millersville students that were doing the same program in Burgos. We decided to stay the day in Madrid and venture around. From Barajas Airport, we went to U hostels not that far from the center of Madrid. As soon as we arrived, we were super interested in the food. We wanted breakfast. I was thinking we could get a big breakfast like we get them here in the United States but I was wrong. Breakfast in Spain is pretty small and I couldn't believe it. I ended up getting a piece of tortilla española with a piece of bread and a soda because I don't drink coffee. I know, I am a horrible person for not drinking coffee. Other kinds of breakfast foods were churros with hot chocolate and when I say hot chocolate its literally melted hot chocolate.

View from U hostels in Madrid.

I was so amazed of being in Madrid that I couldn't believe it. I was in the country that for 405 years had control of my home Puerto Rico and a lot of our culture is influence by them. This was my time to really just take in everything and compare it with Puerto Rico. We then visited the Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace where we saw the change of guards, la Gran Via, la Puerta del Sol, and Plaza de cibeles. We also visited a couple of churches but I don't remember their names. It felt so surreal being in Madrid. After we wandered around Madrid and got lost in the metro system we got to the hostel and slept a bit and then went to the closest bar to get some drinks. The majority of us were 20 years old or less so that meant we could drink without getting in trouble. Let's just say that our first day in Spain was going to be one of the many awesome nights we were going to have during the semester. The next day we woke up really tired and with an incredible jet-lag we got up and left to Las Americas Bus Station. Left Madrid to go to Burgos where we all studied and lived for the whole Spring 2014 semester.

Plaza de Cibeles

Even though I walked, saw, and explored Madrid, I missed a lot of places that I hope to see in the future. Those places are :

-Buen Retiro Park
-Museo Nacional del Prado
-Temple of Debod
-Barrio de la Latina
-Puerta de Alcala
-El Escorial





Also here are some cool facts about Madrid:

-Madrid is the 3rd biggest city in Europe
-Madrid is not only a city but an autonomy of Spain
-The Royal family does not live in the Royal Palace.
-Madrid comes from the arabic word "magerit" which means "place of many streams"
-Madrid and New York City are on the same latitude 40 North.
-Madrid is the highest capital city in the EU.
-Barajas airport is physically the largest airport along with Paris airport Charles de Gaulle making it the busiest airport in the EU.

-Madrid is literally in the middle of Spain.
-Madrid was founded around 860 A. C (9th Century)
-They are the biggest Real Madrid fans for obvious reasons.

With the gitanos at Puerta del Sol

My 10 Reason of why you should Study Abroad:

1. Learn about yourself
2. Make long term friends
3. Gain independence
4. Discover a new culture
5. Expansion of network
6. See you own culture through a new lens
7. Get spontaneous and adventurous
8. You gain a greater knowledge of different cultures
9. Discover new and excited food
10. Of course you get the great International Student discount

Next post will be more about my time in Burgos I will try to condense my time there because it 7 month life experience and memories. I also went to another 10-12 cities in Spain.

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram: stevenrcamacho

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I want to leave this quote that really identify me and my love to travel:

"Viajar es imprescindible y la sed de viajar, un sintoma neto de inteligencia"

"Traveling is essential and the thirst to travel, a net sign of intelligence"

-Enrique Jardiel Poncela