If you’re reading this blog post, it means that one of my biggest wishes finally came true. It has always been a dream of mine to travel abroad and experience the joys of the world in a setting unlike anything I’ve ever known. I am fortunate enough to have visited Spain during the summer of 2015. This trip was special because I was able to explore the areas my sister had known to call “home” that entire semester of college. From the beautiful, historic cobblestone stone streets of Granada to the turquoise blue waters of Nerja, the South of Spain was a sight to behold.
Since that adventure in 2015, it has been a goal of mine to return to Spain and call it “home,” even if just for a few months. The leadership opportunities I was granted throughout college were a blessing, but these commitments meant one thing over the years: studying abroad as an undergraduate would be unlikely (as my presence was required elsewhere). However, I always knew that I could and would find a way to achieve my dream of living abroad, even if it meant doing so after graduation. Then, a pandemic hit. I could have never imagined that this small scale idea in quarantine would turn into a true opportunity during one of the most challenging and unpredictable years. Between the unfamiliarity and distanced feel of 2020, I was somehow still able to build a connection with a lovely family all the way across the world. This connection turned into a confirmed “Au-Pair” agreement, and now flashing-forward to February 2021, I made it. I have successfully traveled across the world to embark on this new chapter of life.
Home to stunning natural landscapes and popular coasts, “pintxos” and one of the oldest languages in the world, the Basque Country has a unique and one-of-a-kind culture that I cannot wait to explore. This region of Europe takes pride in its long-standing history, noting it is neither France nor Spain. I feel very lucky to have stumbled across an opportunity that is so very different and rare than anything I could have ever anticipated. Today marks one week living here, and so far, I couldn’t be more in love. More to update soon!
XO, B