Canyoning!

My Roomates convinced me to sign up for Canyoning! For those of you who know me I'm a bit of a princess and getting muddy, hiking and jumping off cliff isn't typically on my to-do list. To be honest since I've been traveling I have wanted to fully embrace all that I can in my time here in Spain. We woke up early Saturday morning to meet at the port with the excision company to head off an hour away into the mountains.The 8 of us USAC girls had no idea what we had signed up for.  We paid our 40 euros for our crazy excursion and headed off! The drive was great, we drive through the city of Benidorm and the mountains were gorgeous. I was nervous about canyoning because honestly I didn't know what the hell it was... At first I thought it was canoeing! I had a great conversation with the instructor on the way about the city of alicante, history of the festivals and canyoning. We arrived at the meeting point where we joined with the rest of the group who was also canyoning.

Putting on the wetsuit was an absolute mess! The girls and I were most definitely struggling with sliding on a skin tight suit, needless to say I have some battle scars from the struggle! 

Only took 45 minutes! Lol

After a 45 minute struggle with wetsuits, helmets and harnesses we were ready to go!  We began the journey with a mile hike up to the top of the cliffs in the 85 degree heat. As we reached the top the instructor began his do's and dont's and how to not die basically. The cliffs were amazing, it was great to be in the nature and really appreciate its beauty. We hiking up and down, over and upset through rapids of water and it felt so great to be in the water after hiking in the heat! We approached the first jump and I was first to go.... I watched the instructor and he looked at me and said in spanish ok let's go. And I looked at him and said ummm down there?! He was like well there isn't any other way down. Oo great Melanie! So, I jumped! It was awesome adrenaline rush.... I had a great time jumping, repelling off cliffs and hiking in the mud. We had a great group on the trip which made everything so much more fun, some pilots from France, Americans and some Spanish couples. 

My instructor Francis before i repelled! Sliding through the water! 

Such an amazing feeling! 

I cannot thank my roomates Stephanie and Sadie enough for convincing me to go! I had the time of my life and can't wait to add some more adventure into my life. This trip has already changed the way I think about life and I can't wait to embrace and experience so much more. I want to explore the world and see life!  Life is all about take chances. You never know what will come after that first leap of faith but I can't wait to see !

 I can still be a princess just need to take of the tiara ever once in awhile! Take a leap of faith and don't worry about the outcome!

Besos! 

Melo

Goodbye Morocco, Hello Fiestas

Well my trip to Morocco has officially come to an end! It has been an absolute pleasure to be welcomed as a guest of this gorgeous country. Our last day was by far the most adventureous! We packed up all of our things, had some breakfast then headed to the city of Assliahs! On the way we group stopped at a beautiful sight to view the exact location where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean ! 

Alejandra and I! 

It was a gorgeous view and it was incredible to be at that location, being two places at once! We then headed to the main attraction Camel rides on the beach and visited the caves of Hercules! 

His name was jimmy Hendrix!

I was heart broken to leave morocco! My experience over just a few days has changed my life. Morocco/Africa is truly a sight to see and will change your entire perspective of the world. Being away from home only makes you appreciate the life you have,the people you love and the things that truly matter. We take for granted the importance of our health, happiness, and love in our lives until we see those who cherish and embrace with what little they have. Children spending the day selling homemade bracelets to help support the family while we complain about waking up and going to a class truly broke my heart. We are blessed beyond belief and need to take full advantage of the opportunities The Lord blesses us with.

Out in the city. 

Now we are back in Spain ready to celebrate Fogures de San Juan! Biggest 5 day festival in Alicante! 

Traveling helps the blind see again.

Besos ❤

Melo

Morocco Day 2: Arab princess for a day 👑

Today will go down as one of the most memorable days in life. Morocco has stolen my heart and I am loving every part of my adventure. My day started out with breakfast... We had a fantastic breakfast selection at the hotel with some great authentic Arabic coffee. I almost forgot how much middle easterns love pita but have embraced my weekend of carbs! Once breakfast was complete we hopped onto the bus and headed for an hour trip to the city of Chefchouan. And how appropriate the movie playing on the bus was Aladdin! I knew my day was going in the right direction from that moment on..... We stopped at a local store for a 20 minute restroom break and the view was breathtaking. I have not witnessed a bad looking area yet. As we headed off the bus we were greeted by a bus full of local school children on their way to school... They were so adorable screaming Ahola. Surprisingly enough in Africa some think aloha is what Americans say for hello.....

What I woke up to... I love donkeys 

View 😍

My Arabic babies 😍😍😍

As we entered Chefchouan, locals and venders filled the streets. The group was introduced to our tour guide, I named him Mo ( I really have no idea what his name is) and he welcomed us to the city. Mo lead the group on a walking tour of the city explaining the history of its people, religion and traditions. He explained the rich Muslim culture and how everyday life is for the locals. The group learned quickly that you are NOT to take pictures without permission because you will offend someone and at one point were even yelled at by the locals. Mo explained the reasons for the colors of the homes and the significance they have to the religion and practical reasons. The city is filled with beautiful blue house which is why it is nick named the blue city. The color blue prevents bugs, Mosquitos and flies from entering the home and keeps it cool. Throughout the day the doors in the homes are kept open and the city actually has no police system during the day... Treat  and trust thy neighbor well.

Rocky loves Morocco! 

My Alicante girls 😁😁

Throughout the entire tour I felt as if I were in a movie. I could not grasp the fact that I was able to experience all of this. We then headed over to the washing river. No explained that each and everyday the women take the rugs of the home and wash in the river. Many women were carrying huge carpets all through the city in the horrible heat. The site of the river was beautiful and the people mingling with friends and neighbors. I asked Mo a little more about the culture, I was really intrigued about daily life and poverty levels. He said that the people live day by day and live with by their means he said " you should only worry about having enough money to eat today, never worry about another day". I really liked that. Too many of us are constantly concerned about tomorrow, about the future when really life is just too short. 

Mo! 

Washing river

Washing areas 

LUNCH TIME! 

 After a straining walking tour in the scorching African heat I was really to refuel. We went to a traditional Moroccan restaurant filled with pillows and lanterns. I was in heaven. Lunch consisted of a DELICIOUS salad, chicken and rice and fruit as dessert. After lunch we were dismissed for Shopping!

 

The bartering Queen! 

After my many trips to Chinatown in NYC , I knew I was ready for the challenge of bartering in Morocco! They didn't even know what hit them! The Moroccan Dirham is the local currency which converts to 10 dirham = 1 Euro 8dirham = 1 USD. Keep that in mind and NEVER pay full price. The streets were lined with shops and shops of just about anything I could have ever imagined, rugs, bags, clothes, and jewelry. As I walked through town I could feel eyes following me. Men were stopping me left and right calling me beautiful, an Arab princess and some even gave me free things. I was beyond flattered but always kept my eye out for any funny business! Alejandra was very amused at the fact that I was literally being chased after. Men were offering things left and right and two offered "special massages" and assured i would be pleased... then it was time to go! I told you all I was really a princess 👑. 

 

My new Moroccan friends who argued over who would be my boyfriend.. Lol 

My new goodies:

2 tobacco pipes

Slippers

2 woven cover ups

Key chains

Earrings

Post cards 

Moroccan knife

Camel toys

Bracelets

Wallet 

And more! 

For future morocco travelers you will see the "Hand of Fatima" very often. I absolutely fell in love with this symbol and its meaning. The symbol is beautiful and is a popular symbol for Christians and Muslims. The hand represents protection from all harm and jealousy of the world and a sign of good luck, blessings, and strength.

Hand of Fatima

After a long day it was time to head back to the hotel and then dinner later that night! The group rested for awhile and headed to dinner and a traditional dance show which were both fantastic! I had a great day filled with history, culture and amazing memories! I have fallen head over heels with the culture, generosity and warmth of Morocco! More to come tomorrow!! 

Besos! 😘😘

Princess Melanie 👑 

Morocco Day 1: Speechless

I've finally made it to morocco!! I am literally speechless of how amazing this country is. I do not regret my decision one bit! Crossing the Gibraltar into morocco was beautiful. Who could have imagined that with a 1 hour ferry ride I would be entering an entirely different world? As we arrived and departed ferry the culture shock immediately set in. Every man in a sight was staring us down like we were for sale and they were eager customers. It was slightly uncomfortable when even the law enforcement were staring at the group of American girls and undressing us with their eyes. One man even joked about buying a girl for 5 camels?! Don't know if that was a proper deal or not... Hahaha! But as we rode through the city I was literally in awe of how amazing the scene was that I was viewing. I just thought to myself, Melanie you are actually in African... oh my God! Words cannot describe how my heart melted. On the drive to the hotel there were mountains and camels on the beach, another postcard image. Living in a fantasy. i wish my loved ones were here to experience this magnificent country. We made it to our beautiful  4 star hotel that looks like a palace. Dinner was served! We had amazing Moroccan soup, cous cous, fruit and of course PITA! 

Sunset! 

Fountain at the hotel

As beautiful as morocco is the poverty broke my heart. I feel guilty laying on my pillow top bed and there are children outside of these walls in poverty without shoes. Definitely a reality check.Being in Europe in general has changed so many of my previous perceptions of life but morocco is changing my heart. 

More pictures and stories tomorrow!

Besos ❤

My Moroccan Adventure!

The has finally arrived! I am beyond thrilled that I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel to morocco! Another check off of the bucket list , visit an Arab country. I encourage you all to create a bucket list, a list of goals you hope to accomplish, places you would like to visit and things you want to make happen in your life time. My goals are my motivation. 

My journey to Morocco begins with a lengthy train ride from Alicante to Madrid, Madrid to Sevilla then a bus ride from Sevilla to the border and a ferry ride over the Gibraltar into Africa. And even with my day full of transfers, trains and busses I am still anticipating my arrival to Morocco! On the trip are my friends from my USAC study abroad program Sadie, Stephanie, Alejandra and Amanda. My interest in the Arabic culture began in high school from an old high school boyfriend and by just getting a glimpse into their culture I was instantly intrigued. Family values, culture and pride were all aspects of my own culture that are similar to those of Arab descent. I'm excited to experience the rich culture first hand on my weekend adventure! Stay posted for pictures and posts!! 

Besos !😘😘😘

Day 24

You would think by day 24 I would be used to the routine of waking up early, catching the bus, and getting to the university in time for class... WRONG ! I think I get more and more tired as the days go by. Campus is packed today because of finals and placement testing for high school students. Apparently with Spain's education system they test the students with an entrance exam similar to an ACT or SAT. The students are tested on Math, science, reading and Comprehension and language, yes you are required to know another language in order to enter into a University.  

Having class 5 days a week has been an adjustment since I literally have not had a 5 day week since my very first semester. My professor Cristina always makes the day a little better by making a joke or tell us stories about living in Spain. 

Cristina "yelling " at us.... Lol

Favorite Spanish professor ever 😁😁

Today is the last day of class for me before I am off to Morocco for the weekend! I am so excited to visit an Arabic country. I am absolutely fascinated with their culture, customs and values. And did I mention I'm going Camel Riding!! 

Besos!!! 😘😘😘

Week 3- Stuggles

Traveling across the world is an absolute blast and its easy to forget the problems you left over the Atlantic but when bad new reaches you it can really put a damper on your day. My peers and I have all had our fair share of culture shock but many of us are currently suffering from the phase of losing control. A few of them are going through some hard times and my heart goes out to them. Being abroad is not only a culture experience but an eye opener as well.Coming to the realization that you have no control over what is happening back home is hard to cope with. Weather your having family issues, money issues, friendships or relationships being on the other side of the world intensifies the situation so much more.When living abroad its really hard to deal with the fact that you cannot do anything about the issues back home, getting in your car and rushing over to resolve the issue is not the reality. Many of my peers and I have been dealing with this exact feeling. Time and Distance are two factors that can change an entire relationship or friendship, and can make you question someone's place in your life. Its very important to have faith and confidence. You can't wonder or dwell on those who are not making an effort to support your experience abroad. And as for loved ones on the other side. Text messages, phone calls and constant reminders of missing us back home... really does make all the difference. The worst feeling someone can feel when being tousands of miles away is feeling that you have been forgotten... luckily I've come to the conclusion that whoever is going to be there or not when I get back is not in my control. I know who my true friends are and those who love me. Your efforts are not going unseen.  Tell your loved ones how you feel....

Just some food for thought! 
Besos :)

Week 2: Living in a Post Card

As each day passes I am falling more and more in love with Spain. Everyone says that the first week is the worst as far as homesickness, and its true. It gets much better when you start to appreciate the moment and realize this is an opportunity of a lifetime.I guess the biggest adjustment was more of a lifestyle shock rather than a culture shock. I am the definition of a WORKAHOLIC if I am not in a meeting or in class, I am working and most of the type by choice. Since I was about 15 years old I've been apart of the workforce and can proudly say I have never been without a job. So you can say that I am going insane not having a set time to clock in and out, not getting a pay check but most of all this freaky thing called "free time"! Being a full time student, working two jobs, participating in student organizations and maintaining my sanity I rarely have this.

My daily routine includes a bus ride to campus, two classes, a bus ride home, making lunch then heading to the beach with my friend Alejandra. Rough life I know! But as wonderful as all this seems it can get old very fast for a workaholic as myself and it truly took some time to get used to my new freedom I call life. For the first time in my life I'm not worried about deadlines, clocking in, or heading to meetings, I am getting the opportunity to stop and smell the roses. Making this change in my life has really made me reflect a little on how I've been living my life and as great as it is to be a workaholic or career driven it leaves little room for the most important things in life. Once I get home, I've decided  need to "take a chill pill" and start making more of an effort in having a life then just maintaining one.

La Playa!


Besides all of this reflection! Classes are going great but with the condensed summer schedule it is already time for MIDTERMS! What?! So, the entire week we prepared for the exam, essays and readings. sounds like a drag but with my awesome professors it helps ease the pain a bit. Tuesday has become my new favorite day of the week! Beer pong tournament at Havanna, for only 3 euros you get open bar for beer and sangria and participate in the beer pong competition. Alejandra and I decided to sign up with zero intentions of actually playing and since we were in the 40 brackets I was glad that I would not be playing. Surprisingly, I am not huge on going on during the week anymore even though it really is a great time here. I guess I'm finally getting old. The 4th floor girls and myself decided to grab a delicious Kabob from our favorite stand and head home early.

Heading out with my floor girls :)

My roommate Stephanie and neighbor Alejandra ❤❤❤

Late night Kabobs with Kream! 

The rest of the week consisted of studying for exams and finishing up the week! The time difference is really killing my ability to be able to talk to my friends and family back home but face timing my  bestie Sara always puts a smile on my face! And of course my latest updates from Maya and Claudia! I haven't heard my mom's voice in so long I'm really starting to miss her! I decided to buy Skype minutes to be able to call her more easily! FYI much easier than calling cards or using apps it's about $7 for unlimited calls to the US. 

ANYWAYS! After a rough week (sarcasm ) we decided to celebrate the end of midterms with some margaritas. I miss Mexican food so much! We found a little Mexican reasturant..... The European interpretation of Mexican food is hilarious... They put mashed papas in the tacos?! Where's my San Marcos when I need it.. 

Out for Margaritas 🇪🇸

Haha how cute! 

Mango margaritas... God I miss my Mexicans 😩

After some dinner and drinks the group decided to find some local pubs to have some fun! We found this great pub called Mulligans with American music and Spanish music.. We were welcomed with free shots! Vale! I asked for a rum and diet... Correction Rum con Coca cola light. Yes, don't ask for diet they will look at you like your an idiot. We met some guys Diego, Kevin and Gustavo local Spaniards. My roomie Sadie literally had me in tears if how funny she was being and overall was a good night. We decided to call it a night since we had to be up early for a field trip the next morning. 

Being silly with the girls! Party favors!

Free Shots at Mulligans. 

Trip to Elche y Tabarca 

 We met at Plaza Lucerios at 9:30 am , and even though I showed up with last nights mascara and a bun I was still there! Luckily Elche was only about a 20 minute drive but we arrived to the palm tree capital of Europe. There were literally palm trees everywhere. It was such a beautiful town. We went to the cathedral and climed to the very top.. it was hilarious watchig everyone in te group climb ober 150 stairs to the top. Everyone wanted to die, but the view was amazing and we got our cardio in. Next stop was Tabarca island off of the coast of Spain for some snorkeling. 

Stair cases to the top!

My roomies and I in Elche

La Dama de Elche- fertility statue of Elche... Clearly I stayed far away from her as possible! 

Tabarca

The island of Tabarca was beautiful! It is literally an island specifically for tourists with only 30 residents on the island. The USAC group headed to the restaurant for lunch. Our large group was greeted with appetizers and courses and courses of food. My favorite was the Paella con pollo! So delicious! But has nothing on my Rican food ! 

Paella

After a true definition of a smash session we departed from the group for some exploring. Alejandra had the great idea of let's walk around the entire island... (Not a great idea) little did we know Tabarca is known as the rock island.. Yes lots and lots of rocks. It literally took Sadie, Stephanie, Alejandra and I forever to get around the entire island but it was well worth t for the views. 

Rocky loved Tabarca. 

Amanda and I on the Ferry

Sunday:

After my long and adventurous day in Tabarca and Elche. I decided to take a nap not knowing it would last for 9 hours. Sunday was going to be my day of rest. God had the right idea! My Roomates and I decided to change and head to the medieval festival in town. Sometimes I forget that I'm not in the U.S. I expected knights in shining armor and a beauty and the beast type setting for the festival. And to my surprise it looked more like an Arabic festival. I was so confused ! Silly American ! The Spanish have a different interpretation of the medieval times because of the heavy influence of Arab dynasty at that time period. But I was even more excited for Arabic food! I has some Pakora and a Fanta Limon. 

Menu for food

Booths

Arab Princess 👑👑👑

My week had been exhausting and I still had my presentation in class due Monday!  Luckily it was on music of Latin America so I was we'll prepared. I could talk about Aventura all day. I prepared for my 4 day week before heading to Morocco this weekend!! So excited for camel riding on the beach! Only 5 more days! Vale!