Emma Mendez

5/15/16

Wow! Hard to believe that a week ago our group was on our way to Spain! Little did we know that within this fast week that has quickly gone by I can personally say and behalf of my other peers that this trip is changing our lives for the better. It’s hard to believe how we have already been to three amazing cities, toured so many beautiful places, learned rich history, eaten wonderful food, and have had amazing ISA staff and Purdue Professors guiding the class in learning about Global Leadership. Not only to mention seeing hands’ on activities that have enlightened the concept of Global Leadership. 

​Meeting my host family for the first time was very exciting! Even though the weather wasn’t being very nice to us (it was pouring) when we got off the bus, our host mom was very welcoming and took us home. Once my roommate and I got home we were taken to our room to unpack and rewind from our busy day of traveling. Natalie and I had a few hours before dinner and decided to walk around the city and get a feel for what was surrounding us. After walking for about thirty minutes we saw some friends and their host brother. He then took all of us to a great tapas bar and we all had a drink and ate some delicious bacon bagels. After our small snack we decided to head home for dinner, but unfortunately got lost on the way home. After an hour of walking around, Natalie asked a nice restaurant owner where we were on the map and he nicely told us.  Eventually we made our way back home safely and sound! (Plus a little drenched). Once we got home our host mom then showed us a small tour of the apartment and then made dinner for us. We ate a ham and cheese sandwich and had a seafood pasta salad that was very delicious! After dinner, we were very tired and were ready for bed to take on the next day of adventures! 

I cannot imagine what it would be like if I didn’t go on this Study Abroad trip. It has already opened my eyes to so many new experiences and has made me ever lasting memories that I will never forget. From landing in Madrid and staying there for two days and touring the city, to traveling by bus to Toledo for one day, and then eventually making our way down by bus to Granada to meet our host family for a week. I still can’t believe it’s only been one week and I can’t wait for the next three to come!

First Picture is "Fun Pants in Toledo" Pictured from left to right, "Natalie Brooks, Stephanie Ontiveros, Laura Garcia, and Me"

Second Picture is "First Tapas bar in Granada" Pictured from left to right, " Natalie Brooke, Me, Laura Garcia, and Stephanie Ontiveros