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Summer 2017 Adventure
  • Heather Burke
  • Heather Burke

Summer 2017 Adventure

A 76-day adventure by Heather Read more
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  • Trip start
    May 25, 2017
  • Heather BurkeSummer 2017 AdventureHeather Burke

    Somewhere over PA

    May 25, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 52 °F

    I had forgotten that JetBlue has free wifi on board, which is great because despite my exhaustion, sleep is not forthcoming.

    My adventure has begun and already it has completely changed to the unexpected from the anticipated. I have to admit, I marvel at how my life has beaten flexibility into me. It's as if I am so hyper-aware of the transience of all things that I have batted at so many curve-balls that I no longer expect a steady pitch. All I have is THIS moment, the next moment is not at all guaranteed, and it never looks the way I thought it would anyway.

    So....let's play ball!    Read more

  • Heather BurkeSummer 2017 AdventureHeather Burke

    Microstay!

    May 25, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 57 °F

    Today I feel like I totally became a member of the jet set crowd. I booked my first ever "microstay." For those who are like I was, a mere 8 hours ago, this is when you book a daytime hotel stay, usually for long layovers. Life has been particularly grueling and exhausting lately and I came down with a cold a few days before departure. So, given the cold, rainy weather in NYC today, I decided rest would be my best option.

    I got a few hours sleep, charged my electronics, and had a shower. Shortly I will head back to JFK for my flight to Paris!    Read more

  • Heather BurkeSummer 2017 AdventureHeather Burke

    CDG

    May 26, 2017 in France ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    we ended up being two hours late, so a mad rush to terminal 3 to catch my connection to Madrid. I almost got onto a bus to ORLY by mistake, thank goodness I realized in time!

  • Heather BurkeSummer 2017 AdventureHeather Burke

    Picnic in the park

    May 27, 2017 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 75 °F

    I made it to Madrid! Finding my apartment ended up being more tricky than anticipated, but I figured it out. Our apartment is awesome, the neighborhood is super cool and full of vibrance and activity. Amanda and I went exploring and must have walked 10 miles.

    We got pan de chocolate and some drinks and had a picnic in the park. I got a sim card, but it wouldn't work for Amanda so we are investigating. Then we explored the metro , though we were both so tired that we went round in circles a few times!    Read more

  • Heather BurkeSummer 2017 AdventureHeather Burke

    Day 2

    May 27, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F

    I slept well on my first night in my new apartment. (I commandeered the fan sitting unplugged in the hall which helped fight the Mack truck got flashes I still get) The window shade is one of the fabulous internal completely darkening ones so I was able to sleep late. My roommate is still sleeping at nearly 2pm! I went down to the panaderia on our block and got a baguette, and both chocolate and regular croissants for when she wakes up.
    I went to the pharmacy too, and bought some sunscreen, toothpaste and dos en Uno champu.

    Today we need to grocery shop and get some new pillows (the existing ones are not ideal) and we may head out to Toledo.    Read more

  • Heather BurkeSummer 2017 AdventureHeather Burke

    Third day!

    May 28, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F

    Today was another busy day! I made english sausage and bacon this morning, and then we went to the "orientation" which was mostly just a formality.

    Then we were thinking of going to Toledo, but we decided to wait until Tuesday. After we had gotten a snack, I left to go find a pillow. "El Corte Ingles" is the name of a giant multistory dept. store, complete with grocery store. I found out today that it has another location across the street that is nearly equally as big. I probably should have waited to go to IKEA and get a new pillow, but I went ahead and got one.

    Tomorrow is our first day of class!    Read more

  • Heather BurkeSummer 2017 AdventureHeather Burke

    Bullfight

    May 30, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F

    Last night I reluctantly attended a bull fight. I want to say that I gained a better understanding of it and why it still exists but I did not. The ceremony and cultural aspect is interesting, but the slaughter of animals which are very obviously not a threat to the Matador was heart wrenching. It's especially sad that there is absolutely no way for the bull to succeed.Read more

  • Heather BurkeSummer 2017 AdventureHeather Burke

    Toledo!

    May 30, 2017 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 75 °F

    Toledo was one of the most beautiful cities I have visited. My friend Trish and I did not have long there, but we made the most of the experience!

    Toledo is only about 40 mins from Madrid, and retains much of its original character.Read more

  • Heather BurkeSummer 2017 AdventureHeather Burke

    Infection connection

    May 31, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    Today I got to experience the Spanish health Care industry. Thankfully, I have health insurance coverage while I am travelling! The doctor was very nice, she had a small office on the first floor of an apartment building near Charmatin train station.

    Apparently, I have a sinus infection and Otitis media, which may also be infected in both ears. Unfortunately for my ears, I fly again tomorrow night. :( The doctor was not particularly happy about that fact, but not only do I not have another time to do this, the travel is not refundable. So, hopefully with antibiotics, decongestants and gum, I will survive!    Read more

  • Heather BurkeSummer 2017 AdventureHeather Burke

    At Riad Ghali

    June 2, 2017 in Morocco ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    I'm having my first Moroccan breakfast. Honestly, I have no idea how to eat it! It's funny how often that thought has crossed my mind lately, knowing that I have no idea what the custom is. I think that feeling of being forced out of my comfort zone is my favorite part of travel.Read more

  • Heather BurkeSummer 2017 AdventureHeather Burke

    Camels!

    June 3, 2017 in Morocco ⋅ ☀️ 88 °F

    Yes, we know it's totally touristy, but we had a blast!
    Apparently they filmed one of the xmen movies here and I think our guide took them for a ride!

    My camel had a 3 month old calf galloping around us during our ride.Read more

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