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Summer 2017 AdventureSummer 2017 Adventure
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May - August 2017
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  • 95footprints
  • 76days
  • 12countries
  • 18kmiles
  • 591 photos
  • 3 videos
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  • Heather Burke
    Day1

    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

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  • Heather Burke
    Day1

    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

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  • Heather Burke
    Day3

    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

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  • Heather Burke
    Day3

    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

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  • Heather Burke
    Day4

    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

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  • Heather Burke
    Day6

    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

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