I loved my time in Europe because I got to experience the local life while immersing myself in the language and culture of the cities. During my trip, we went to multiple cities, including Madrid, Toledo, Lisbon, and Sentra. However, I enjoyed my time in Madrid because I had experienced most of what the city had to offer by the end of my stay. My favorite sites in Madrid include the Royal Palace, the Puerta del Sol, and the many tapas, bars, and restaurants scattered throughout the city. While in Madrid, I could talk to some locals and learn a lot about some of the best locations to visit and places to eat in the city’s historic section. My interactions with the locals reinforced my love of the city because the people were always lovely, inviting, and warm towards tourists, and they seemed to appreciate it when we tried to speak their language.
Furthermore, I loved the sightseeing activities we took on the trip, and I particularly loved walking through Toledo and viewing the Cathedral and many churches scattered throughout the historic city. I also loved my time in Portugal because there were many activities to do during the nighttime and many great places to eat. One restaurant, in particular, had local singers perform while the guests ate their food, and the deep-fried oxtail with cuscus was the best meal I have had in my entire life, and I am glad that we went there. I loved how easy some of the streets in Portugal were to navigate and how friendly some locals were when we approached them and tried to start conversations with them. During our time in Portugal, our class took a trip to the mountain town of Sentra, where we could tour the Pena Palace, a historical castle designed by artists. It was a magnificent palace, and we could see the surrounding area from the mountaintop. After that trip, we went to the westernmost point on the European continent. It was extremely windy there, but trying and fighting the wind and staying in one place was enjoyable. If I could return to Lisbon, I would explore much more of the city to make my way into some less touristy areas.
In sum, my time in Europe was amazing. I loved experiencing local life and diving into the languages and cultures of different cities like Madrid, Toledo, Lisbon, and Sentra. But Madrid was my favorite. I explored a lot, enjoyed the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, and the cool bars and restaurants. Talking to locals in Madrid was a highlight. They were always friendly and appreciated my attempts to speak their language, making my stay even better. Walking around Toledo and checking out the Cathedral and churches was a great historical experience. Portugal, especially Lisbon, was fantastic too. Night activities were fun, and the food was a highlight. One restaurant had local singers, and the deep-fried oxtail with cuscus was the best meal ever. Navigating the streets was easy, and locals were friendly when we chatted. In Sentra, touring the Pena Palace was amazing. The mountain town offered beautiful views. Visiting the westernmost point of Europe was windy but enjoyable. Reflecting on the trip, the warmth of the locals made it special. I’d love to go back to Lisbon and explore more off-the-beaten-path places. Europe’s mix of history, culture, and great food made it unforgettable, and these memories will always be dear to me.
TJ Lowe (BS Psychology and Finance) spent 2 weeks in December, 2023 studying abroad in Spain and Portugal with the Rollins College of Business (faculty led). TJ had the following to say about studying abroad, “Try and immerse yourself in the local food, culture, and night life.”
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