Introduction 

My name is Danna Lituma. I am currently a student at Umass Lowell majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and Management. Out of all the places I could have possibly chosen to go on my first study abroad trip, I chose San Sebastián. When looking for a study abroad program I knew I wanted to go to Spain, I wanted to visit somewhere different but near the coast. San Sebastián to me seemed to be the most ideal place. After my three weeks here I can definitely say it was worth it.

Farewell Dinner

The farewell dinner will be a night to remember. The farewell dinner was the night we were all looking forward to because we knew we were all going to create one last memory together. For dinner we were given bread, ham, a tomato salad, steak with peppers, and even snail! I had never tried snail before and as strange as it is for me to say, it actually tasted really good. All these foods one way or another were new things we each were trying for the first time. One thing we had told each other constantly as a group was that we needed to try everything we were given even if it didn’t seem too appetizing. I’m glad I did because if I hadn’t I don’t think I would’ve had any food the entire three weeks. A lot of foods were new to me. After the main course, we were given desert! It was cheesecake and pantxineta. Not the biggest fan of cheesecake but I loved the pantxineta. 

Long Lasting Friendships

Over food the whole group was able to talk about special moments we experienced together in the last three weeks. Moments that we experienced together as well as in our seperate groups. We couldn’t believe how fast we were able to adjust as well as how fast time had gone. What was special about our group was how close we were able to get with each other in such a short amount of time. It amazes me how we all go to the same university, some of us in the same majors but never really ever crossed paths with each other.

One of the first things we were told is that time goes by really fast. But now I am a night away from leaving San Sebastián. The place that became home for us in such a short period of time. We will no longer be waking each other up in the mornings to make sure no one missed class, won’t be across the hall from each other, we will no longer be able to make quick plans to the beach or go for a quick midnight snack. But what we do have is long lasting friendships. When time started counting down it was scary to think about how we only had a week left in the city that had become our home. Three weeks may seem like a lot but once you experience it, the last day will feel like the first day was just yesterday. San Sebastián had become home to all of us. 

Nightly Walks

After dinner we took a walk along the road near the restaurant and reflected over our last few weeks. We talked about how we all felt the first day we arrived versus our thoughts about the place now. This was one of the very last walks we took together as a whole group with Professor Julian. This experience has been the one to help me begin my independent traveling. During our walk we talked to the professor about how we’ve gotten so used to the way of life in San Sebastián and he reminded us that once we go back home it may lead us to a state of confusion as to why so many things have to be different in the United States compared to Spain. 

Conclusion 

This trip has involved a lot of firsts for many of us. I am thankful I was able to experience them with the ones I did. I will never be in San Sebastián with the same group of people as a twenty year old again. The memories I’ve created and the friendships I’ve made will last beyond San Sebastián. Knowing I will never be able to experience this again is heartbreaking but it will forever live in my memories as one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. One piece of advice I will for sure take with me is to say yes to everything, every opportunity, you never know where it will lead you to and who you will meet. I am forever grateful to have been able to go through this experience. I hope I am able to come back in the future. 

Home Away From Home

My three-week journey in San Sebastián has ended and I could not be more grateful for the life-long memories and friends I have made here. While writing this, I find it challenging to find the words to describe how transformative this journey has been for me. Although I am embarking on my own trip after this (I will be backpacking across Europe for another month), living in Spain for three weeks and being completely immersed in the culture has broadened my horizons and introduced me into a multiverse of worlds that would have otherwise remained unknown to me. 

When I arrived on the first day, I immediately felt a sense of comfortability that I have not felt in any place I have been to abroad. I think San Sebastián has a way of embracing their new friends, whether it’s their coastal waters caressing the light sand, the rays of the sun that feels like a warm hug, or their vibrant and bustling streets filled with locals who greet you like old friends.

Each day I ventured out into the city–becoming more aware of the beauty of San Sebastián and what makes it so unique to all that visit. I spent my breaks during my Spanish classes at nearby cafes or bakeries, breathing in the aroma of fresh coffee and discussing my story with other international students from around the world. My afternoons would be spent at the beach soaking up the sand and swimming in the ocean or hiking and reaching heights of the city that offered breathtaking panoramic views. Evenings were magical, filled with the laughter of my new friends, us exploring the diverse range of pintxos offered, and sometimes ended with us watching the sunset.

Our Last Day

On the early morning of our last day, our bus to the airport arrived at our hotel at 6:30am. After spending a night in the city reminiscing about the memories we made here and finding comfort in each other’s presence, that bus ride was quiet, as many of us were dreading going back home–away from this place we had settled in and had built routines around. Once we reached the airport, I waited with my classmates until it was time for their flight back to the United States. Once it was time for them to leave, I embraced all of them (held them a little too long and a little too tight) and I felt an empty and devastating feeling in my chest as I waved at them until I couldn’t see them anymore. Despite many of us going back to the same place and living in the same area, it felt as though we were all going our separate ways. 

This is because we were not the same people who had left home. We were not the same people three weeks ago as we embarked on a physical and emotional journey which changed our lives and urged us to grow in ways we couldn’t even begin to imagine. Returning home, we now all have personal and shared experiences which allow us to reflect on ourselves–shaping and transforming our perspectives on life, ourselves, and the world that we thought we once knew.

Traveling has become such an integral part of our lives and we all yearn for more as a piece of all of our hearts remain in San Sebastián. We yearn for the sunsets which paint pink, yellow, and orange over San Sebastián’s many beautiful beaches. We yearn for the delicious pintxos we savored in Old Town and the locals who were excited to see us try their foods. We yearn for the friends we made in our Spanish classes as their story and journey were also just beginning. We yearn for endless adventure and jumping in the water on a hot day with our hands clasped together and feeling the breeze in our faces and hair as we rode our bikes in the morning to school. We yearn for everything and so much more. 

“What Was it Like?”

A question that I have had great difficulty answering and perhaps can never really provide an answer to completely is: “What was it like?” Words simply cannot convey the beauty of the place which had become my second home and it could not describe the extensive world of traveling and the journey of self-discovery that it sets you on.

My favorite part about San Sebastián were the breathtaking sunsets and watching it on the beach with my friends (unfortunately I will not be providing a photo of one because I don’t think any photo can capture how beautiful the sunsets truly are here). The first day that I had arrived here, we immediately went to the beach, jumping with joy and embracing the uncertainty of studying abroad. When I reached the beach, I remember breathing in the salt from the ocean and feeling the cool sand under my toes as the sky was painted with golden and amber hues. Its colors danced on the horizon and its glow radiated and embraced the buildings around us. As I stood there, I saw locals walking along the promenade, their silhouettes dancing behind them and their gentle laughs blending with the sound of the waves. The ding of bicycle bells chimed through the air behind us as cyclists rode past. This symphony of smells and sounds and experiences is only a small part of what it was like to be in this beautiful city. And to experience this every single day with people who were discovering life just like me was just a beautiful thing. 

I cherished all of these sunsets because of the moments of stillness it offered. The world seemed to stop as it provided us with a moment of escape and we would share stories, dreams, ambitions, and reflect on our day. While my journey continues across Europe, and I prepare to embark on my next adventure, San Sebastián has left a profound mark on my soul which I will carry with me forever. It will serve as a reminder of the connections and life-long friendships I made there and it is now part of a chapter I will treasure in my life’s journey. To any of my new friends reading this: I love you all dearly and I’m so incredibly grateful to have met all of you. You guys made this journey unforgettable and I can’t wait until we’re all back there again.

In the end–each of our lives have been intertwined by a coastal city in the north of Spain–a city that has become our own little piece of heaven.

First Impressions 

Before heading over to the French Basque city of Biarritz, the only place I had seen in France was Paris. I visited Paris the weekend prior and stayed for four nights with some classmates. The city gave the same feeling as New York City: loud, busy, and full of life. After taking note of this, it was really interesting to see the shift in culture from a big city to the coastal city of Biarritz. 

Biarritz at first glance gave some similar vibes to San Sebastián. It seemed small and tight-knit, with many little places to eat and shop. I quickly learned that they also have a similar system to San Sebastián in terms of eating times when I went to a restaurant and was told food was not being served until 7 pm. After this, we went to a bakery to get some desserts and then arrived at a panini place. It was very convenient to get around the area and super helpful that there are not only sit-down meals, but tons of walk-up food that you can grab when you’re in a time crunch. That being said, the views were what captivated me. The beautiful water and rock formations all around were breathtaking. I realized that compared to Paris this is more my speed. The quality of life in this area and the amazing sense of comfort was something that I enjoyed. On top of this, the city itself wasn’t extremely packed. I am usually not a big fan of places where you can’t take two steps without walking into someone. Here, I felt like it was relatively quiet and calm, and it made it much easier to take in everything and not get overwhelmed exploring a new place.

Macarons 

Before visiting Biarritz I already had an obsession with macarons. When visiting Paris I tried the best macarons of my life and ate way more than I should have. 

Due to this, I had high expectations for Biarritz, and I was not disappointed. 

Macarons are a French dessert described as a meringue-based cookie sandwich filled with ganache, buttercream, or jam since the 19th century. These cookies are also made and sold in the United States, but from this experience, I realized how much better they are when made in France. I have always loved them, and when I saw this giant raspberry-flavored one in Biarritz I couldn’t resist. 

The food in Biarritz proved to stand just as tall as the food I got when in Paris, and this dessert was better than any American macaron I have tried so far. The flavors of these desserts here are more authentic and fresh compared to those at home, and it packs a flavor punch.

Aside from this, I was also made aware that Biarritz also has a Basque version of these cookies. I was unable to try one during my time there, but from what I have heard it is a much simpler cookie that is a bit crunchier and lacks the filling and sandwich approach. The bakery named Madison Adam is where most people will try these cookies because it is their specialty, and it is situated right in 

Basqueness in Biarritz

During the bus ride to the city, I was told all about the culture of Biarritz and how they express their Basqueness. As expressed by Professor Z, the French Basque country is much less forward and expressive of its culture. The Spanish Basque country is very proud of their Basqueness and they possess a very strong idea of what it truly means. This is due to it being much more institutionalized and practiced. The Basque language is the first of 3 that are taught in school, ahead of traditional Spanish. The Spanish also had the Spanish Civil War which created a stronger morale and idea of it, which is something that the French did not experience.

In contrast to this, the French don’t have this strong idea. The French underwent World War 2 which took Basque men away from their homes and tainted the unity and strength of the culture. It is also just much less institutionalized and practiced there. With this being said, the French Basque Country developed councils and departments to attempt to evolve and institutionalize. The process has been recent and slow, but with these steps taken the French Basque Country can be recognized.

Closing Statements 

With everything that I experienced while on my day trip to Biarritz, I now understand why Professor Z recommended we visit it sooner than we were able to as a class. I was unable to make this trip before this week, but I can say without a doubt that it is one of the most beautiful places I have seen. The history and culture of the city is extremely interesting to hear about, and the atmosphere creates an amazing vibe that makes you never want to leave. Since I am planning on coming back to San Sebastián next year, I will be sure to leave a day to come back and experience this amazing city all over again.

Hello, my name is Tammy May and I am a student at University of Massachusetts Lowell. My major is nursing and the reason why I decided to take on study abroad is because I received the Riverhawk Immersive Scholars Scholarship. Out of the four opportunities given with the scholarship, I chose to study abroad. From the flier, I saw that San Sebastian was very beautiful so where’s a better place to be during the summer? It featured the blue ocean, clean beaches, a gorgeous and homey city, and I could pick up some Spanish while being there! It was unbelievable when I first arrived in Spain, I never expected it to be as mountainous and lush with vegetation. I can’t see much from my window in Olarain, the residency that we’re staying in, but a little further down, past these intricate homes is the landscape that was on the flier. 

After being here for a couple weeks, I’ve learned the way they live and I love it. They live a lifestyle that is stress free and comfortable. During my time here I’ve never seen anyone distressed besides us. This study abroad trip may be nice, but we still have a lot to get done as well as assignments. I wish we were able to stay longer and cross more off of our wishlists. But that’s why I plan to come back in the future, as it was truly enjoyable here. From the food, customer service, kindness, and experiences, everything was amazing. Besides one bus driver… Other than very few rude occurrences I’m very grateful for this opportunity. As my second time leaving New England, this experience was eye opening. I didn’t realize that we are living so miserably in the United States. Before this trip, I was eager to get a job and get started in the workforce as a healthcare worker. Then I thought that I probably won’t enjoy going back to the United States. The quality of life just is not as prioritized as it is here in San Sebastian or Europe in general. 

When we met Marty Buckley, I did not expect that experience to hit me the way that it did. Her story honestly inspired me. I was locked in when she told us about how she escaped the American lifestyle and followed her passion for Spain’s culture. I know that it took a couple years for her to get to where she is today but in the end it seems worth it. Marty Bucky attended Louisiana State University and studied abroad in Pamplona for 6 months. She fell in love with the cities and country of Spain. As her interests for basque grew, so did her passion for cooking and sharing her recipes, as well as experiences. Marty started cooking in restaurants and baking in bakeries soon after. There she recorded recipes and learned new skills. After she got accepted for a sponsorship from a big cook book company she studied how pintxos were made and how they came to be. Her books are highly informative and teach readers about the origin of pintxos and Basque culture. Marty’s first and second cookbook both took 4 years to create. When she first started both books she was pregnant and had a baby on the way. During the first book preparation Covid-19 also occurred. The world had shut down, family businesses closed, many people were ill or even died. She said she couldn’t interview all of the people she wanted to because they passed away during Covid-19. She was unable to find out how some of the best pintxos were created. As a perfectionist, she mentioned that she could’ve been done much sooner than when it was actually able to be published. 

It was fascinating to hear how some of the older pintxos were produced and what they were made of. Bars typically try to create their own signature pintxos and there are a couple that have the same type. Such as the very first pintxo, which is an anchovy, pickled peppers, and a green olive. At first it looked intimidating but then when I tried it, it wasn’t that bad. I enjoyed the pickled peppers and olive but the anchovy bones were a little too prickly for my tastes. For some, I was glad that I didn’t have a chance to try. Marty mentioned that she visited many provinces to see how some traditional pintxos were made. One of them was a sheep’s head that was boiled for hours. She also mentioned that every place makes them differently, there’s always at least one thing about them that’s different. 

The book signing with Marty Buckley changed my perspective on living somewhere other than the United States and might’ve even altered my future goals. I planned to live in the United States my whole life but outside of the United States is just as amazing. So on this trip to San Sebastian not only has taught me more Spanish but also taught me much more. That I still have a lot of time for change. That I should follow my passion and be happy with the life that I lived instead of slaving away at work for the rest of my life. As Professor Z quoted, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go out and do it. Because what the world needs is the people who have come alive” (Howard Thurman).

Throughout these past two weeks in San Sebastián, I genuinely feel like I have been at home. Although two weeks does not seem like a lot of time, I feel as if I am a completely different person now, compared to before my arrival. The relationships I have made with the group from session 1 are ones that I know will last a lifetime, we are bonded for life. One of the things that I love about San Sebastián so far, strangely, has been the routine that I have picked up. Before coming on this trip, I admit, I was a little annoyed thinking of the idea that I had to wake up early for Spanish class when I am fluent in the language already, however it has turned out to become one of my favorite parts of the day. I especially appreciate how after class a lot of the times we are given the liberty to explore the city. 

Expectations vs. Reality

This past weekend we were granted a long weekend, and a group of about seven other students and I decided to go to Paris, France. I didn’t know what to expect, since people on social media would always complain about how the people there are rude and it doesn’t live up to the “hype.” In my experience, these comments could not be further from the truth. I absolutely loved Paris. From the moment I landed at the airport, I could immediately tell that there was a difference from San Sebastián, it was more modern. The train and bus system are very complex, with there being routes to places all over the city, something that was very different from San Sebastián. Along with that, many things were accessible online, something that San Sebastián lacks, most likely due to the fact that it is a small town. 

Language Barrier

Something that I was nervous about when traveling to France was the language barrier. I had never traveled somewhere where I didn’t understand the main language that was spoken. Thankfully, a lot of people there spoke English and it was fairly easy to navigate. Although, sometimes people would speak to me in French and I would just stare at them like a deer in headlights, where they would then switch to speaking to me in perfect English, which I thought was pretty funny. 

Four Days of Exploring

On the first night in Paris, we visited a restaurant called Bianca’s. It was amazing. Not only was the food incredible, but the environment was top notch as well, with good music playing and a nice lighting ambiance. The next morning we visited a Brunch spot called Kody Konopé, where I tried authentic french toast  with fruits and whipped cream on top. It’s safe to say that Paris does not lack when it comes to the food department, everything I tried was so good. After eating, we headed to the Dior Gallery, showcasing the works of Christian Dior. I think this was my favorite activity that we did that whole trip. Being a lover of fashion myself, I was amazed at all of the history of the luxury brand and how far it has come. I also enjoyed seeing the fashion pieces that were used back in the 1960-80s and being able to visually translate how the brand was able to keep up with their goal of preserving elegance to this day. After the gallery we visited the Eiffel Tower, Paris’ most notable landmark and it was beautiful. My friends and I got dressed up and took pictures with it being in the background. We also visited other notable structures such as the Arc De Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and the Parvis Notre Dame, all with beautiful detailed architecture. This is something that I definitely see an overlap when comparing it to San Sebastián. Both places offer breathtaking architecture that tells a story of its past. Kimberly and I decided to take a trip to Disneyland Paris, and it was both of our first times going to Disneyland, making the experience ten times as special. We had a great time together and were able to explore a lot of the park and get on rides like Hyperspace Mountain which is a fan favorite. 

Final Thoughts

Overall, I’m so happy that I chose to go to Paris, and it’s an experience I will remember forever. By the end of the trip, I was missing my room in Olarain, so it was a bittersweet goodbye. When I arrived back it felt so familiar and I was happy to be back,  it was as if I had made it home. I’m so thankful for UMass Lowell and the doors that have opened for me because of the Immersive Scholars program. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to say that I now have a second home, here in San Sebastián. 

Introduction

      I had the privilege of visiting Lisbon, Portugal for my long weekend. The best way that I can describe Lisbon is “lively.” The streets are full of life, as are the people, the architecture, and the food. 

        While it is clearly not a direct comparison to compare the small seaside city of San Sebastián to the capital city of a country, Lisbon is still unique to any capital city I have visited in my life. Never have I seen a city so full of life, from Madrid, to Rome, to Dublin, to cities in the US. 

        Firstly, San Sebastián is very gentle, from its climate, to its geography, to its language. Lisbon, however, is a bit harsher of a city, which makes sense seeing as it is the capital of its country. The language of Portuguese is not as soft as Spanish, and the steep hills upon which the city is built are certainly not as forgiving as the flat stretches of San Sebastián. The wind gusts of Lisbon are much stronger than the sea breezes in San Sebastián, and the temperature is not as mild and steady.

Community

         Lisbon has a sense of community that I can only envy. Every person that I encountered was so kind to me. I was someone who was clearly a tourist who could hardly say 15 phrases/words in their language, yet every local I encountered was so generous to me. One lady sitting across from me on the train took my empty cup to put in her bag of trash because she saw me falling asleep holding it. Additionally, in the neighborhood of Príncipe Real, where we were staying, there are many pracas, or squares where people gather all throughout the day and night. During the day, people sit on benches and read, have conversations with the neighbors, and sit around the square in restaurants to eat incredible food owned by families. At night, everyone from the whole neighborhood gathers to stand and sit in the park and talk and laugh with one another over drinks that are sold right there in the square. It was so amazing to be part of such a welcome and lively community.

              Lisbon is also an incredibly safe city. While in San Sebastián, I cannot even begin to count the amount of times that I have been catcalled by big groups of men. While I rarely feel truly unsafe here in San Sebastián, I do frequently feel uncomfortable. The entire weekend (Thursday-Sunday) spent in Lisbon, I did not get catcalled once, nor did I feel unsafe whatsoever, even when walking in just a duo of two girls. The second we stepped back into San Sebastián off the bus from the airport, however, carry-on bags in hand, there were whistles to greet us. 

Public transport

One thing that San Sebastián definitely does much better than Lisbon, however, is their public transport. The buses in Lisbon were always late, more expensive than San Sebastián even though the city as a whole is less expensive, and so crowded. The trams, cars, and buses all share the street which leads to quite a bit of traffic. We rode the iconic Tram 28 through the city, and it was extremely packed as promised. At each stop, the driver would yell for everyone to push back further into the tram to make more room in an already packed car. Evellyn overheard some lady, in Portuguese, say “I will need an emotional support animal after this,” which truly epitomizes that experience. It was, however, nice to see the city without having to trudge up the dreaded hills by foot.

Language

         I was lucky enough to get to travel with my best friend Evellyn to visit her sister who lives in Lisbon. They both grew up in Brazil, so naturally, speak fluent Portuguese. I have had a few Brazilian friends and coworkers throughout my life so I knew a couple phrases in Portuguese, and she had taught me a few things going into the trip. I also listen to Evellyn speak with her mother all the time in Portuguese and can usually understand the context if I listen carefully for words similar to Spanish. However, “obrigada,” “tudo bem,” and “bom dia” could only get me so far. 

        Immediately upon arriving at the Lisbon airport from the Madrid airport I felt immensely incompetent. This is the first country that I have been to that I couldn’t at least order food in the spoken language. I felt like a burden to everyone around me having to ask them to translate or order food for me. This has definitely been an experience that has inspired me to work on my Portuguese. Over the weekend, though, Evellyn and her sister taught me many more phrases to add to my vernacular and I got much better at being able to follow a conversation between other people. When I understood the context, I could usually follow the conversations to an extent if I really focused and people were talking slowly.

Conclusion

          Evellyn’s sister warned us that three days was not going to be enough time for Lisbon, and while this is true, I do not think even an entire lifetime would be enough time.

 Hello,

 My name is Luis and I am going into my second year of classes at Umass Lowell. Whenever I was allowed to study abroad, I jumped at the opportunity. I have been enjoying San Sebastian, and after the first couple of days, it has not felt like I am in a foreign country. San Sebastian feels like somewhere where I have been before, although I have never been to Europe before coming here. For a couple of weeks before coming to Spain, we knew that there would be a long weekend given to us to explore other nearby cities and towns. A small group of us wanted that we wanted to explore and go to Paris, during that long weekend. Although we knew where we wanted to go, it took us until the week of the long weekend to book everything and plan everything out. 

Whenever we got to Paris, just being at the airport felt so different than it did in Spain, and incredibly different when compared to the US. I was kind of blown away by how big Paris is as soon as I exited the airport. Whenever I placed the directions from the airport to my hotel, It said 2 hours away taking multiple trains, and that blew my mind. San Sebastian in comparison is a very small town that you can go from anywhere in the city to the other side in probably half an hour or less using public transportation. Due to the topic of the Olympics, and everything presented in the media being presented about people from France not liking tourists at the moment, I was unsure of what to expect. My first impression of the people was how professional a lot of people are. This professionalism is expressed by how they speak, and how they dress. A lot of people were wearing suits and professional clothing, which impressed me.

Since we arrived late in the afternoon, the first day was not very eventful. As a group, we went to dinner and called it a day. Since I do not speak or understand anything past Bonjour, reading the signs and trying to understand how the metros work was where I struggled the most. That first night I probably spent twice what I was supposed to during my commute to the city, due to how many times I was lost and unaware of where to go. I eventually figured it out and got to the middle of the city, and reunited with the rest of the group.

Our first stop on the second day was the La Galerie Dior, where we saw a lot of pieces and history about the brand Dior. During the Gallery, there are multiple purses, Dresses, and accessories about the brand that have contributed to the success of the brand, and it has elevated it to the level that it is today. The Gallery is beautifully designed, and it was really informative. Our next stop was the reason why we came on this trip, the Eiffel Tower. I was so excited because of how famous it is, and how special it was to be able to see it in person. The tower felt a little smaller than I thought it was going to be, but it was still spectacular to witness. Our next stop was Arc de Triomphe. Although unaware of this popular place, it was spectacular to see. One of the things that I have loved the most about France, is the architecture and infrastructure. It is so unique from other parts of the world, and seeing it in person was truly a dream come true. After this, we ended the day by getting some food from places in the city.

The third and last day consisted of doing some shopping at some of the stores and getting some coffee in the morning to kickstart our day. The first stop was the Louvre Museum, where we observed the historic museum from the outside. Unfortunately due to the amount of people that visited during that day, we were not able to get tickets as they had sold out before we got there. We observed the amazing architecture around the Museum, and then we headed to the Jardin des Tuileries. Unfortunately, we went when the Olympics were almost taking place, which meant that a lot of places were blocked off and there was construction happening, so the garden was closed. The same happened at the Parvis Notre Dame, the access to it was also restricted due to preparations for the upcoming Olympics. We stayed close and bought souvenirs to bring for those back home. It started to rain, and we went to eat at a restaurant close to home, and eventually, the night came, and we stopped exploring. I left Paris that same night and got to San Sebastian in the morning. 

Overall I enjoyed Paris and all the historic places that it has. What surprised me the most was the design of the city, and how different it is from the United States, and even the parts of Spain that I have visited. I would go back again with a little more time to explore if I had the chance. I definitely expect to be back in Europe and to visit Paris once again.

My name is Meghan Dearing and I am here with the UML Honors College in San Sebastián, Spain. This weekend a small group of us went to Paris, France. It was an incredible experience. We have become familiar with the San Sebastián area over the past 2 weeks. Taking a short weekend trip to France for only 4 days has been a whirlwind. After our Paris trip, we will return to San Sebastián for our final week of classes.

Our day began with breakfast in Kozy Cafe. We were very excited to see various forms of iced coffee, cold brew, lattes, and matcha. Before coming to Europe, I only ordered iced vanilla lattes with oat milk (of course, that is what I ordered yesterday), but I have grown a taste for café con leche in Spain. Although the cafe was not authentic to France, we had a feast of Belgium waffles, Eggs Benedict, and French toast. 

Our first stop was La Galerie Dior. The building had grand displays of seashells that created beautiful murals showcasing hand bags, dresses, coats, and hats. In the entrance there was a beautiful spiral staircase with a gradient wall of Dior accessories and attire reaching 3 floors. As someone who loves fashion history, I would absolutely recommend this gallery. Christin Dior was a great inspiration to many designers and fashion lovers. The scent of Miss Dior perfume lingered throughout the gallery. We saw iconic pieces worn by supermodels and fashion icons. A navy blue dress worn by Princess Diana was on display in the red carpet room. My favorite piece from the collection was the 18th century Marie Antionette inspired gown. There was a beautiful room with a blue sky background that looked like a renaissance painting.

Our next destination was the Eiffel Tower! Seeing one of the greatest landmarks in the world was a dream come true. It is a sight you can see from all over the city, but was beautiful to see up close. Of course we got many group photos. The area was busy, many tourists fluttered around the area getting photos. Unfortunately we will be leaving on the morning of Bastille day and will not see the sparking lights. 

The Arc de Triomphe is a beautiful memorial site honoring fallen soldiers during the French Revolution and both World Wars. Fallen soldiers’ names are carved into the glorious architecture. There is a tour that takes you to the top of the monument, overlooking the city. It was beautiful to see the the heights of Paris. 

After the Arc de Triomphe we had to stop for French macarons, these may be my favorite dessert on this trip! These were a bit pricey, it was €26 for a box of 8, but definitely worth the price. My favorite ones were the orange flavor.

Sacre Coeur Basilica has a beautiful view of the Paris skyline. In this part of the city there were many hills to walk up and down. We got a bit lost in this area and it was busy with tourists. All down the streets are cafes and souvenir shops. For anyone interested in traveling down here they must take caution of pickpocketing and scammers. Be aware of surroundings and stay with the group. There are scammers who will tie bracelets to tourists’ arms and demand money. Other than the scammers and busy streets the view was amazing and the walk was tiring but very rewarding. 

Our final stop of the day was Moulin Rouge. We walked about an hour from Sacre Coeur Basilica. On our way to the theater we saw many vendors, restaurants, and street performers. This is a very old theater and birthplace of the iconic Can-Can dance. Moulin Rouge is known for its eccentric dances and loud costumes. The red windmill can be seen all over French souvenirs. Unfortunately we did not get to see a performance here. If I were to come back to Paris I would love to see a Moulin Rouge show.

This trip has been an incredible experience. Originally my plan for studying abroad was to stay in Spain for as long as I could. Staying in a beach town like San Sebastián feels like the complete opposite of a busy city like Paris. Our group only gets to enjoy the weekend here. This is a city that has so much to see and we have such little time. My advice to students who are interested in studying abroad is to see as much as you can. There is no need to stay in the city of your school. Europe has so much to offer, you can see entirely different cultures just an hour away. A week ago today I did not think I would be in Paris, but this program has lead me onto an exciting adventure! 

My name is Kimberly Mauricio pursuing a civil engineering career. I am a student that is currently in San Sebastián, Spain. This is my first time traveling to Spain, and this will definitely not be the last. This is the first time I travel internationally other than Guatemala which is my parents home country. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to come on this once in a lifetime experience to San Sebastián with my peers. We are now about 10 days in, which is around the halfway mark. We have done so much, both on our own and with our profesor.

Past 10 Days in a Nutshell

Getting to know San Sebastián was a little difficult at first. For most of us this is the first or one of the first few times traveling on our own. It is good to know that we have Professor Zabalbeascoa, Associate Director of Honors Experiential Learning Opportunities and Communication, around. This experience so far has made the group get better at communication and has created a bond where we can’t help but watch out for each other although it wasn’t necessarily like this at first. We now learned how to use public transportation and learned more about the food we like. I have enjoyed the food, there are many tasty places that I have been able to try. We got here considering each other strangers and leaving with friendships created in San Sebastián that will expand into a lifetime of adventures. 

Santa Clara Island

On Wednesday July 10th the group got the chance to visit Santa Clara Island. We took off to the Island at around 6:00 p.m. It was about a 10 minute ride from the dock in San Sebastián. At the island we got a chance to self reflect and share with each other our experience so far. We noticed that people in San Sebastián live more freely than we do back in the United States. Through out the week they do more than just work. They find themselves going out for a drink or having a couple hours at the beach. They live life as stress free as possible. I learned that being stressed is a valid reason to take a sick day at work. Because of this, they have a longer life span. We also acknowledged the moderation that they have. One big example is their relationship with alcohol, especially beer. Everyone has a beer regularly, and because of this their addiction or overconsumption of alcohol isn’t a problem here. We also noticed that the use of cigarettes is much higher than we are used to back at home. Almost everyone smokes. I have noticed that they eat a lot of bread here. A lot of it. Almost every dish includes bread. They also often give you bread before having your meal at a restaurant. This is something that most of us haven’t gotten completely used too. We also talked about the locals. Some of us have had better experiences than others. Personally, I haven’t had a hard time communicating with the locals because I have spoken Spanish since I was a little girl. It was in fact my first language. I noticed that our Spanish is different. We have a completely different accent and that causes trouble for me sometimes. I also don’t understand a couple of words because I would use a different word instead. I have learned a couple of new words at Lacunza Academy.

After conversing, the group was anxious to get in the water. There was a very small beach and a dock that we could jump off. It was one of the hottest days of the week at around 80 degrees fahrenheit. Because of this there was a good amount of people there. Once we were ready we got in and the water was very refreshing. We were dying of heat and jumping in the water is exactly what we all needed. I haven noticed the significant change of temperature at the beach here compared to the one close to home. The water here is much warmer.

Conclusion

I haven’t regretted a second coming to San Sebastián. Although we have had rainy days and have felt overwhelmed at times, I would come back again. I have loved the experience so far and hope to come back in the future. I love the environment that San Sebastián has to offer. I like how safe and environment friendly it is. Thank you San Sebastián for the experience!

Walk to Mount Urgull –  Dia 8

Shaun Fitzpatrick 

The Basque country seems to amaze me every day a little more. Although it has only been 9 days since we arrived, I have felt like I have been here forever. I have gotten used to the food, the day-to-day life, and most importantly the culture. I had never traveled to somewhere like San Sebastian. I had always been in the same or close to the same culture, and there was not much new. Now that I am in San Sebastian, it is life-changing to see how other people live compared to our culture. This is a strange situation because I do not speak either of the two languages that are most commonly spoken here, but I have found a way every time to still connect with the locals whether it is with restaurant servers, people at the beach, or my new friends that I made at Lacunza. This was probably one of the most beautiful days that we have had in San Sebastian. During this day I enjoyed the weather as much as I could. I went to the beach after class, got food, climbed Mount Urgull, and went back to the beach after dinner. 

Although it was a steep and sweaty climb, the views when we were up there made every step worth it. Prof. Julian always said that San Sebastian was unique from the rest of Spain, and I always just thought that it was because it taxes itself differently and performs almost all the federal duties to its province without interference with the rest of Spain. The history of San Sebastian and the Basque Country might be the most fascinating part of San Sebastian. Prof. Julian explained that the Basque Language was almost lost until a group of collegiate students started teaching each other again in the 1960s, which explains why it is still very used among locals currently. The Professor went on to explain how there was a dictator named Francisco Franco and how he ruled for almost 40 years and eventually died of old age. During Franco’s dictatorship, there was a civil war that came to an end in 1939. After a few decades of Franco’s dictatorship started, there was a terrorist group formed named ETA. Professor Z mentioned that the group was abolished recently in either 2017 or 2018. From what I remember the group started because they did not want a dictatorship, so they started murdering people to make their voices heard. In the end, a lot of people died. In the end, Franco passed and Spain became more of a democracy. Professor Z also mentioned how much different the prison system is here. He mentioned that they believe in reforms and they believe in Rehabilitation for their inmates, which for me was a shocker since the U.S. is different. I started to question how many people would escape if the U.S. had the same system. The professor then mentioned that there was a famous prisoner who escaped prison since he got released on the weekend and never went back. This man escaped prison over 10 times after being convicted . This is extremely impressive because he was in his 60s, so to have that courage at that age is impressive. I believe that for certain cases inmates shouldn’t be given permission since they killed someone. Although this was involuntary, he still harmed someone.

We were told by Professor Z throughout this trip that the Basque Region separates themself from the rest of Spain; moreover, after today’s history lesson we now can put two and two together. The Basque region’s history of violence with the rest of Spain furthers the reasoning of isolation from the capital of Spain. Today on July 9th, France will be playing Spain in the Euro cup de futbol creating curiosity for my classmates and I for who the Basque will support. 

It is very fascinating how the Spanish culture idolizes the rehabilitation method versus the United States performing retribution, meaning they believe in an eye for eye. This is a topic that I discuss a lot at the university, and as Profesor Z mentioned the United States has the highest incarceration rate per capita in the world. The US also has a high rate of recidivism meaning that the criminals often reoffend after their first conviction. Deeming the United States to have an ineffective method of incarceration. Although Spain has some flaws with the leniency of incarcerating citizens, they prove to be superior overall with their process. 

The U.S. incarcerates about 639 people per 100,000, much higher than Spain’s 114 per 100,000. Recidivism rates also differ significantly: in the U.S., 76.6% of released prisoners are rearrested within five years, compared to Spain’s 30-40%. This shows the stark contrast in their criminal justice systems. These drastic statistics are very interesting to me as a Criminal Justice major. I intend to make a change when I am older and potentially help improve the United States corrections and law enforcement systems.  It is very eye-opening to see how other nations and cultures address such important aspects of society.

Another angle of the Playa de Ondarreta