Merida, Mexico will be my temporary home from January to March as I study abroad in the Language; Culture Program. Senior year of high school I was able to take a day trip into a small town in Mexico across the Texas border and I fell in love; the colors, the people and the overall environment were completely invigorating. An avid traveler for all of my life, I’m looking forward to actually putting down roots in a location for an extended period of time. My hometown has a large presence of Hispanic citizens so I’ve grown accustom to the culture, but while in Mexico I believe the hardest obstacle for me to overcome will be to trust and reach out to those I meet. However, I know my independent and curious personality will open many doors while in Merida. By the end of the trip I hope to have eaten tons of fried ice cream, swam in cenotes, and embroidered my own dress.

I’ll be studying abroad in Spain this winter, and I chose the program because I want to immerse myself in a foreign culture and develop a stronger grasp on the Spanish language. While my majors pertain to journalism and communications, taking a quarter off from that to explore different culture and language is important to me. I hope to someday work with international clients in the magazine or communications industry. I have never been abroad before, so I am anticipating anxiety and excitement.

For students studying abroad, understanding and experiencing holidays, or “días festivos,” is a fantastic introduction to the community you are about to live in and provides you with a great representation of their culture. Almost all holidays will have some history behind its meaning and significance (think about Thanksgiving or the Fourth of July), so it’s a great way to not only learn the culture, but also learn a bit of history as well.

The city of Mérida wasn’t only celebrating the end of the Christmas season, but also the foundation of the city. I got to learn about when the city was founded, (1542!) and visited buildings and churches that are as old as the city! One can also understand architecture and the style of the city better when they know their history: for Merida, their foundation year was when the Spaniards first arrived to Mexico and conquered the Mayans that were living there. Many of the buildings are beautiful and colonial-designed due to the Spanish influence. Religion and Catholicism was huge during that time in the Spanish social realm, so there are several monumental churches “en el centro,” the main downtown area of Merida.

Enough about the history, you’re probably wondering how the city celebrates this double-holiday. “Rosca de Reyes” is a traditional cake that is baked for this holiday that in every cake, there is a figurine hidden inside. If you have the figurine (who is supposed to represent Baby Jesus), then you are supposed to throw a party for all the people you celebrated the holiday with before the second of February. My roommate had the figurine in her cake that she ate from work, so I will be inviting myself to that party! In the downtown area of Merida, they close down some of the main roads and have a huge party in the street. Hundreds of people swarm closed down streets to see and taste the biggest rosca de reyes in all of Mexico, stretching 1.5 kilometers, which in Gringo measurements, makes it about 4,821 feet long. It is HUGE. And yes, this cake is in the Guinness book of world records!!

Aside from getting a huge piece of cake and soda or hot chocolate for 25 pesos (less than 2 dollars), there is a huge dance party going on at the end of the huge cake, with a live band performing and signing nonstop for a few hours. It is quite a spectacle and very fun to be a part of. They invited a bunch of the ladies in the front dancing on stage, so I got to dance with the band!

I think its important to remember that events like these are not required parts of our excursions or the programs, so you must talk to locals or your host family in order to get the inside scoop of when these awesome cultural events go down.

Hop on Google or ask your local friend when the next holiday or fiesta is going down in the town you are studying abroad in. Make sure you go, bring a camera, and have an unforgettable time!

When traveling the world, you are confronted with many issues such as what to pack. When staring at your suitcase, have no fear.  I know all of us fashion lover’s dread one thing when going to the airport: the weight limit for suitcases. I can say for myself that I had to repack my suitcase three times just to get it a pound and a half under the weight limit. Here are some tips to make your packing stress free but still look fabulous while abroad.

Scarves: Scarves are one thing that can jazz up any outfit plus keep you warm during those unexpected cold days and nights. Many scarves are lightweight and pack easily while taking up little space. Also many stores in other countries sell scarves abroad, so if you get tired of the ones you pack, you can always shop for new ones.

Comfortable shoes: I can attest for myself that a stylish shoe will always beat out a comfortable one. But for those long days of touring cities and walking to class, a comfortable (but cute) shoe is necessary.  I recommend a boot in a neutral color such a black or brown so that it can be worn with many different outfits. Also, the clothing during the night life is very relaxed so a boot will transfer quite easily from day wear to night wear.

I also recommend Vans or a canvas style of shoe. It’s very casual and can go with many outfits as well. My gray vans are a great alternative to the boot look and are also very comfortable for long days of walking.

Hair accessories: Since  you are traveling to a different country were the voltage is probably different than the United States and you are dealing with a weight limit, you probably are not going to be able to bring the hair dryer and straightener that you cannot live without. For this reason, I recommend bringing hair accessories such as headbands (which you can buy for a steal at Forever 21), lots of bobby pins and hair ties. These tools will help you change up your style when you get bored with your everyday look and will make living without your beloved hair tools a little more manageable.  It even gives you an opportunity to try some styles that are sported by some of the locals (if you dare).

Fleece jacket:  By now, I’m sure most of you are tired of the fleece look, but for traveling, a fleece jacket is very lightweight and can add an extra layer when it may become a little chilly. A fleece jacket, such as a Northface or a Columbia, is very casual and can be purchased in a variety of colors. If you are not looking to splurge, many stores carry their own brands of fleece jackets that run very cheap.

Watch: I have recently become obsessed with watches and wear one every day. Wearing a watch abroad helps a lot and even adds style to your outfit. Many places in Spain don’t have clocks and people don’t look at their phone a lot to check the time. Plus if you wear your watch on the plane, it’s less weight you have to worry about packing. 

Happy traveling!

A quick overview of Mérida: it is the capital and the largest city (population of around 1 million)of the Mexican State of Yucatan and the Yucatan Peninsula. When you think of Mexico, Merida is in the eastern-most part of the country, a top of the tail-like end of the country. It ranges from 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit each day, but it is usually around a perfect 78 each day (well, for now, it is supposed to get hotter when “winter” ends).

The people of Mérida are as pleasant and warm as the weather. Everyone is extremely friendly, eager to make conversation, and helpful if you are lost or need directions. So far, Mérida is living up to its’ expectations and I am loving it!

I will be studying in the City of Toledo, Spain at the University of Castilla-La Mancha. This is through the Modern Language Program in Ohio University Education Abroad. Because my specialization is Spanish, I wanted some first hand experience within the culture to better my speaking skills. I am thrilled to be a part of this program and can’t wait for the opportunities that await me. Although I am nervous, there is something fascinating about being a part of a foreign culture. I have never traveled outside of the U.S., besides Canada, so this will for sure be an eye-opening encounter. Knowing I’m going to be isolated within a different culture and language is intimidating, but I look forward to meeting new people and trying new things. I couldn’t imagine a better way to end my college career.

I am studying Spanish in Toledo, Spain with determination to become fluent in Spanish and live up to my Hispanic last name. I heard Spanish guys think blondes are celebrities so I’m in luck. I’m scared that there won’t be any spicy food and I don’t think I can take a shower in less than five minutes. I plan to run a marathon one day and to have seven kids.

What a Wonder

Livingstone is home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World: Victoria Falls. Although it’s not the tallest, Victoria Falls is the world’s largest waterfall when you combine its height (354 ft) and width (5,604 ft).  March is the best month to view the Falls, but I think December gave us a pretty darn good show.

We got to the Victoria Falls park a little late and didn’t stay nearly as long as I would’ve liked.  I needed more time to comprehend the magnitude of the Falls; they seemed to never end.  Nonetheless, I spent most of my time at Victoria Falls absolutely mesmerized.

Close Encounters

Easily my favorite part of the weekend and the entire trip was our Mukuni Big Five Safari.  Our trip to Mukuni started with signing a waiver form for our elephant, lion, and, cheetah “activities.”  We then got to meet our “rides” for the day.  Our rides turned out to be 6 African elephants.  My ride’s name was Sondela, meaning come closer.  I rode Sondela for a cool 45 minutes, during which I learned all about Sondela and her daily routine from one of the Mukuni guides. At the end, we got to refuel our rides via mouth and trunk!

After my elephant ride, we were swiftly taken to meet our walking partners named Simba and Nellie.  Simba and Nellie just happened to be a male and female lion, respectively.  When we first met them, they had just finished their lunches and were in the middle of their post-meal snooze.  After we each got to pet them, we then woke up the sleeping beauties for a walk.  And to my amazement the lions actually walked right beside us! To top things off, at any given time one of us was walking each lion by its tail. The guides said the lions are so keen to walk beside us because they think we’re the pride; wherever we go, the lions will follow.  Although we stopped quite frequently for them to roll around and utilize trees as scratching posts, I have to say Simba and Nellie are now my new favorite walking partners!

As if an elephant ride and a lion walk weren’t enough, we then got to play with three cheetahs.  That’s right, we got to roll around in the grass, get our faces licked, and play fetch with cheetahs.  A cheetah might be a ferocious predator but these guys were nothing but really big house cats to me.  All of the cheetahs were so gentle and relaxed.  I could tell they were loving life too based on how loud they purred.  Words cannot describe how much I loved the cheetah encounter so I’ll just let the pictures speak for themselves.

Don’t Look Down

To end the weekend, we went back to the Falls to do what else but jump off a bridge!  Bungee jumping is something I’ve always wanted to do and what better place than Africa.  The bridge connects Zambia with Zimbabwe in which during your jump you literally swing on over to Zimbabwe – no passport required!  Although I was a little nervous that morning, I was very surprised at how calm I was at the jump site.  I thought I would get nervous when I stepped on to the platform but as I walked onto it all I felt was excitement.  They quickly strapped me in, said “check” about 5 times, and hastily walked me to the edge of the platform. I’m pretty sure the speedy prep is so you don’t have time to back out.  Before I knew it, the “5,4,3,2,1 bungee” countdown was over and I was plunging approximately 333 feet toward the Zambezi River.  The only word I can think of to describe my jump is euphoria.  The adrenaline of jumping mixed with the peacefulness of my surroundings was nothing but euphoric.  Unlike some people who do it once just to say they’ve done it, I’m fully planning on becoming a regular bungee jumper.

 I’m no expert on how to keep your cool, but my time in Zambia has solidified some ideas I’ve had about the art of going with the flow while abroad. 

1. Check your expectations at the door

If I’ve learned anything from studying abroad, it is that you can unconsciously write things into another country’s culture. Example: before coming to Africa, I assumed that every bug on the continent was big enough to eat me alive. With that in mind, I saw bugs everywhere I went the first few days of the trip. Why? Because I was looking for them. In reality, Africa’s insect life is likely no more active than that of Ohio in the summer, but I expected bug armies, so bug armies is what I got.

 Good or bad, previously held expectations or assumptions only get in the way of the ability to see an accurate picture of a country. Don’t dwell on previous descriptions or stories of your destination abroad, make your own.

2. Be a yes man

 When traveling abroad, I like to challenge myself by answering “why not?” to almost every challenge. Unless you honestly believe that the answer to “why not?” in a particular situation is “I will die,” go for it. If I said no every time I felt a wee bit uneasy about something, I wouldn’t be able to say that I’ve snorkeled in the South China Sea in Vietnam or ate a caterpillar and jumped off one of the world’s largest bungee jumps in between Zambia and Zimbabwe. In Zambia, the “yes” attitude left me with no regrets (and no naps) and plenty of memories I wouldn’t trade for the world.

3. Being particular is a luxury

I understand having preferences, especially when it comes to food. My dad shakes his head every time I order at a restaurant and ask for a number four, hold this, add that, light on this. If I have choices, I am going to ask for what I want, but this really is a luxury. In another country, not only might a communication barrier deter you from getting something just as you like it, but also, other options may not be available.

We visited a compound last week where widows and orphans of AIDS victims go to learn profit-producing skills and seek shelter. Once a day, the compound provides the group with a meal of nshima (a corn meal compound) and a mixture similar to canned chicken. With this is mind, a little mayo or a lumpy pillow doesn’t seem like such a tragedy.

4. If they can do it, so can you

When in Rome! No toilet paper in the bathroom? They get along just fine without it and so will you. Dipping your hands in a bowl of water after eating rather than using a napkin? Maybe not what you’re use to, but it gets the job done for them just fine. You visit another country to experience life different from your own. It is overwhelming at times, but I find comfort in knowing that the locals do [insert common foreign practice] frequently and live to tell the tale.

5. You’re not in Kansas anymore

The quicker you realize that your destination abroad is not, in fact, the United States, the better. It’s normal to compare aspects of another country to those of the US – it’s human nature to size things up based on what we’re use to – but don’t get caught up in the idea that other countries are doing everything the “wrong” way. Expect the unexpected and embrace it. I’m not saying you’ll come home and start using chopsticks, but you might just pick up a new habit, skill or favorite food.

I’ve already spent my first week with MUVI and it’s been one helluva ride. On my first day, MUVI was covering one of the biggest government scandals to hit Zambia.  Former Labor and Social Services Minister Austin Liato apparently buried 2.1 billion kwacha (approx. 410,000 USD) in concrete underneath his house.  Someone tipped the police off and the Zambian media (including me!) waited the ENTIRE day for Liato to turn himself in.  And when I say the entire day, I mean I sat inside of a car from 9 am until 5 pm outside of Liato’s house. Liato was suppose to show up to his house to be interrogated by police between 9 and 10 o’clock but kept us all waiting…on the side of the road…in the hot African sun…for eight hours.  The media weren’t allowed inside his gated house and the only thing happening was Liato turning himself in – no interviews or anything.  So what exactly were we the media waiting eight hours for? Just a shot of him walking into and out of the house.

Needless to say, my first internship day wasn’t the most exciting but I found it fascinating that the media waited that long just for a shot of Liato walking into his home.  And every news organization had multiple people there – whereas in the U.S. a station might send one cameraman, if any, for that two-second shot. I also found it interesting how nice and cooperative the reporters were towards each other.  It’s a dog eat dog world between news outlets in the U.S. but in Zambia reporters actually help each other out.  If a reporter from The Daily Mail gets a tip, he or she will call a friend at MUVI to let them know.  And as we were waiting throughout the day for Liato, the reporters joked around with one another (many of them are close friends just working for different stations) and someone would go on a food/drink run for the whole media gang.  It’s anything but the hostile environment you might find at a press gathering in the States.

My second day at MUVI delivered a little more action.  I rode out in the field with two reporters and two cameramen who alternated each story we covered.  We went from a press conference at the United States embassy to Zambian government workers protesting wages to a dump site being shut down to a man whose son took his home away from him.  It was a lot of driving time but I probably saw more of Lusaka in those 6 hours than I will see the rest of this trip.  I went from standing on U.S. soil in an air-conditioned building to being engulfed in flies, garbage, and the odor of a dumping wasteland.  I saw every aspect of life there was to see in Lusaka from privileged government officials to people picking through trash to survive.

I feel extremely lucky to be doing what I’m doing in Zambia – how many people can say they’ve walked the neighborhoods of an African city and actually talked to the people and really listened to their stories? And if that weren’t enough, MUVI TV has already aired one of my stories on its evening news.

I can’t wait to see what the next few weeks will bring and I know as long as I’m with MUVI that I’m bound to uncover a part of Africa I didn’t know existed.