It’s been a busy few weeks in Ecuador. Schoolwork is picking up, but we still manage to find time to do some traveling. Our trip to the market in Otavalo was one of my favorite excursions so far. Hiking and SCUBA diving also top the list. We saw manta rays, sea turtles, and eels while underwater! We also went to a professional soccer game in Quito, which was crazy with all the fans chanting in Spanish!

Whenever I travel, I always try to visit the local food markets for the following reasons. First, it’s a place where you encounter an explosion of colors, smell, shapes and taste that makes it such a sensual experience. Second, you get to see what locals  eat and how they buy their food, as well as how they interact with one another between customer and the shop owners. Third, it’s a great place to find fresh food, and cheap eats. Luckily, in Barcelona there are many many food markets.

So we’ve finally started classes! You may think “Hey Katie! But you arrived in France over a week ago!?!?” Well yes…the program started with a 2-day orientation for all BIA students about Paris, culture, and our future lives here for the next four months or so. Then we eased into the semester with intensive french classes that prepped us for using a different language in daily life. It was during one of these intensive classes that we discussed something that is often remarked upon when travelling or adapting to a new culture: stereotypes.

One of the biggest differences I’ve noticed between Italy and the United States is the difference in how time is viewed. As I expected, Milan moves at the pace of a metropolis (thrilling for someone who has lived their entire life in the suburbs), with people pushing on and off of public transportation and speeding taxis weaving among the traffic. However, there are certain aspects of life that move at a more leisurely pace; punctuality is not viewed as an integral part of your character.

It’s finally starting to feel real! My plane leaves tomorrow morning, and soon I’ll be in Málaga, Spain on my way to my final destination, Granada. My bags are packed (well, stuffed) with only the essentials… Seventy pounds of “only the essentials.”  I made a final trip to Bowdoin last week, and found it harder than I had anticipated to say goodbye.  Although I’m excited for Spain, I can’t help feeling as though I’m leaving something very special behind. It’s definitely bittersweet, but I can’t wait to explore a new place with new people.

Any Anastasia fans out there?

Anyway. This past weekend I went to Paris with three friends from IES. I love the fact that I can just take casual weekend trips to Paris and talk about it like it’s normal. This is certainly not something I’m used to, but it is one of the many reasons I adore Europe.

I’ve had a severe hard nut allergy (walnuts, almonds, etc.) since I was two years old; it’s always been a part of my life and likely always will be.