I can hardly believe it, but month two in Spain is almost over. I currently have classes five days a week, and my weekends are full of plans with friends traveling to new places and trying new things. But I am so grateful for busy weekends because I have been able to check a few things off of my bucket list this month. The first weekend in February, some friends and I decided to travel to a nearby city called Elche. Elche is known for being one of the largest palm groves in the world. Elche was stunning, and I could talk about it forever, but what meant the most to me was how we traveled to Elche. We traveled by train, and the little girl inside me who had dreamed of boarding a train to travel welled up with tears. Standing on the platform, watching the train pull up, I felt like I was in a dream or movie or both. It was my first time riding on a train, and I soaked in every moment.

This month, I also spent a weekend in Madrid, the beautiful capital of Spain. Though traveling to Madrid for the first time was a big feat for me, I was more excited to visit the palace. And it did not disappoint. The Royal Palace of Madrid left me speechless. Every room, chandelier, wall detail and furniture piece was so perfectly picked, but I mean, of course, it’s the palace, so why would it be anything less than perfect? All this to say I don’t think I could turn down the job of being a princess.

Finally, we visited another cute little town called Cartagena. Rich with Roman history and ruins, this city had many beautiful museums and things to see, but my favorite was when I saw a Roman theater for the first time in person. I can only imagine the amazing actors and large crowds that filled that stage for centuries. Theater truly is a beautiful thing as it brings people together and connects people all over the globe. I hope one day I get the chance to watch something live in a theater like that one. February was full of so many fun new things, and I am excited for the plans and adventures I will have in the upcoming months.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: ALI Abroad: University of Alicante