So far the study abroad experience has been nothing less than the expectations and hype that it was put up against. As a whole we have had some pretty incredible excursions. From witnessing the history or the University of Salamanca/Cathedrals, to riding horses in the rural areas of Spain. Fortunately there are plenty of topics for me to write about, so I’m just going to focus on the best ;). Personally, my favorite excursions have been the “Jardin de Salamanca,” “Montar la Caballos,” and “Universidad de Salamanca.”

Starting with the garden in Salamanca; lets just say it was beyond beautiful. In addition to the flowers and the low hanging trees that overlook the cathedral from the ancient wall that is around 50ft tall, there was also the story of el Huerto de Calixto y Melibea.  Which is similar to Romeo and Juliet, and was acted out by fellow classmates that turned into a TERRIBLY funny romantic comedy.

Yesterday was the day that we went horseback riding, and what an experience that was lol. Riding horses was never something that was on my bucket list. Now that I’ve done it once, I would certainly recommend that you do it in Spain. At first it is a little intimidating being on an animal twice your size, but after the Spaniards show you what to do it becomes an experience that you won’t forget. Starting with practice circles in a secluded area, you eventually move on to a trail that leads into the woods and surprisingly enough you frequently pass through a river that is high enough to get your feet wet. Finally after passing through woods and wading through rivers you eventually make it back to the ranch where they are waiting to take you to the beach. This beach is not like Clearwater beach. By that I mean that we were the only tourists, and the existence of sugar sand is long behind you. Don’t get me wrong, the beach was still incredible! And the majority of the group was back and forth from being in the water skipping rocks and talking to the natives, to laying out in the sand soaking up the sun.

Lastly we went to the University of Salamanca, and before we entered the University our guide told us about the engravings on the building. For instance, she said that on the one pillar there is a frog that represents virtue over vices, and they said that they would make the new students search for the frog and those who found it were destined to be successful in their studies. Well I’m not bragging or anything, but you’ll never guess who found that dang frog :p.

All in all, if you are thinking about studying in Salamanca I say, DO IT! Don’t hesitate, and don’t think twice. There is nothing like studying abroad, exploring new cultures, and all of the worldly knowledge that comes with it. All you need is your plane ticket, your clothes, and a little extra Euros! Everything else is taken care of by either Estudio Sampere, or SPC, which has also been excellent throughout this entire time leading up to the trip and while we’ve been here.