I never thought I would meet friends that would last a lifetime in a foreign country on a study abroad trip. No matter what plans we have or what goes wrong we still have the best time because the only thing that matters is the people with whom you are with.

When we arrived in San Sebastián, we had no idea how to use public transit but soon after we learned together and were confident about getting on buses and knowing that we would arrive at our destination. We gained an independence that we did not have before arriving and this was a liberating experience.

One thing about San Sebastián is that you will need a siesta. Siestas were the best thing to ever happen to us. After a long day of class or after a big lunch, either way, it is going to be renewing and prepare you for the long night ahead. If you have any plans of going out at night like us then a siesta is definitely a necessity.

The city of of San Sebastián is beautiful but the surrounding cities which people may not know much of can be just as beautiful if not more. Pamplona, the city where the fiesta of San Fermín happens every year. This beautiful city is where the infamous running of the bulls and week long party happens. During fiesta time the city is filled with people partying all day and night but during the off season it is quiet and peaceful. Many people visit the city during fiesta but miss the peacefulness of the city during other months of the year. There are beautiful parks, kind people, and lots to do here. Although it may not be as busy or well known as other cities surrounding it, it is a place where people should visit sometime in their life.

During our short time in Pamplona, we walked through the city, admiring the beautiful landscape and architecture. We decided to save a few dollars and buy ingredients for pasta in the supermarket. Then we arrived at the airbnb which was the perfect little room for the number of people in our group. After arriving, we decided to make pasta because we were all pretty hungry from our travels and cooking together was a blast. Then we went off on our journey through the night with even more pasta after we got back which was the highlight of our weekend. The next day we had a delicious bowl of ramen which was the cherry on top to our amazing weekend. 

After leaving the beautiful city of Pamplona, we returned to San Sebastián and, of course, went straight to the beach. It was the perfect beach day of many here in this beautiful city. We soaked up the sun and enjoyed an afternoon siesta to end the weekend.

During our free weekend we learned so much about the people of Spain and about ourselves. We also grew closer to the other students in our group and gained valuable life skills to be more independent adults.