Roam The Esplanade, Try Paella, Enjoy Your Time Away!

About a four-hour train ride from Madrid is Alicante, a coastal city that stretches along the Costa Blanca and is full of rich cultural and historical connections. Within my classes at the university, I’m the only non-Spaniard, but that hasn’t stopped my classmates from welcoming me like their own. Continue reading Roam The Esplanade, Try Paella, Enjoy Your Time Away!

The Journey, it’s what you’re going to make of it.

A few months ago, I imagined I would be soaking up on the beaches of Santa Barbara, overall just enjoying the classic American experience. But as life often goes, things didn’t go to plan. But as the weeks fly by, it is becoming clearer that the journey isn’t about getting what I expected, but rather about what I can make out of it. Continue reading The Journey, it’s what you’re going to make of it.

All of My Travels Whilst in Ottawa!

Hello again! It’s Maria here and I’m halfway through my exchange semester at the University of Ottawa. Since arriving in Canada in mid-August, I’ve travelled to Vancouver, Montreal (twice), Niagara Falls, and Toronto (twice). Here are my stories! Continue reading All of My Travels Whilst in Ottawa!

Life on Island – Student Life at UHM

One of my highlights has been joining an intramural basketball team—and even better, our team won the tournament! Outside of uni, I’ve spent most weekends exploring the island—hiking crazy trails, snorkeling in crystal clear waters, and of course, surfing (would be rude not to!!). Continue reading Life on Island – Student Life at UHM

Far From Ready to Leave

While I have been here coming up on four months, I am about half way through my semester here at University of Calgary, which began at the end of August. The weather for the most part has been amazing, other than a couple of weeks of rain. This week we had our first drop of snow, going from training in singlet to rowing in the snow only a week later sure is different to home.  Continue reading Far From Ready to Leave

From the Green Fields of Waikato to the Mountain Top of Hong Kong

In one moment, I’m walking across the University of Waikato campus, surrounded by the lush green lawns of the sports field and the quiet hum of Hamilton life. Now, I’m standing breathless – evidently from the climb but also by the view – watching as the city of Sha Tin buzzes below. Continue reading From the Green Fields of Waikato to the Mountain Top of Hong Kong