This is my first study abroad trip and it has been amazing.  I’m sorry I didn’t participate as an exchange student or in FSU’s study abroad program when in college.  I’m a faculty member at St. Petersburg College and I was given the opportunity to continue my Spanish language studies in Spain via our summer Spanish Immersion Program and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

There are few words to describe how enriching it is to become immersed in Spain, its people and culture.  Amazing is one word that comes to mind.

I began my Spanish immersion by arriving two days early to Madrid.  I never used public transportation let alone a subway system like Madrid’s metro, so I was on a learning curve.  After missing my first stop from the airport to my hotel, it didn’t take long for me to catch on and off I went.  I purchased a 3 day pass so I could maneuver Madrid with ease and get back to the airport on Sunday.

Sunday we all met at the airport and traveled on to Salamanca.  Salamanca is a busy and beautiful city.  Once we were settled in our homes we met Prof. Levin at Plaza Mayor and when the lights came on the Plaza seemed to come to life.  I began taking photos of Salamanca at that point and I’ve not stopped.  At every turn there seems to be a photo opportunity and each day I notice something new.

My roommate Sue and I have finally mastered, using the term loosely, the streets around the Plaza even after getting lost several times on our way to school.  You have to take it in stride and just keep going.  We asked for help from the locals, and they are generally quick to point us in the right direction.

Each night Prof. Levin has a wonderful sight picked out for us to see and each one is unique and often incredible.  We’ve had several excursions, but my favorite excursions thus far, have been the horseback riding and the trip to Avila.