¡Soy "Rrrrrrubia!"

Es difícil estar aquí, cuando yo ha vivido en Salt Lake Ciudad usualmente. Pero, yo tengo mucha suerte que yo estudiare en este país. Me gusta mis otro estudiantes mucho. ¡Nosotros tuvieron interesante aventuras juntos! Ya, yo ha hecho nuevo bien, bien amigos.
Mi familia es muy excelente también. ¡Mi madre y padre dar mucha, mucha comido para mi! Especialmente en la mañana. Mi favorita comida aquí es la plátanos fritas y piña coladas. La casa tranquila, y mi dormitorio es cómodo.
!Yo no puedo entender porque las personas de Santo Domingo le quita pantalones! Es demasiado color llevar. Para mi, yo llevare solamente vestidos todo de tiempo.
Mi experiencia será mucho mejor con mas tiempo aquí, y estoy emocional. Estoy feliz que yo vendido mi auto antes de mi viaje de Spanish.
Antes de yo alto escribiendo; yo debo decir uno mas detalle: ¡las guaguas son MUCHA peligrosa! Uno casi matado me y Patrick hoy. !Estoy feliz que estamos todavía viviendo!

En la abajo foto, estuvimos cerca de mar. Estoy triste porque yo no puedo surf. El agua es muy, muy sucio. Yo espero que el agua fuera limpia así podemos nadar.

Madrid has Stolen My Heart

The start of this trip was a bit rough (to say the least). I felt like an alien of foreign soil, culturally shocked and isolated. To escape such a psychologically depressed state, I signed up for Tours. Yes, that's all it took. A free tour and a Tapas tour, which introduced me to people I'll never, ever forget.

Although of friendships are timed and physically brief, I appreciate their kindness and shared openness. Together, we made memories I'll never forget.

Madrid has introduced me to a prideful culture, one with immense historical background, beautiful language and people. With breathtaking landscapes and intricate stories to match them, I'd recommend this city to everyone, even if they were to say for just a week (like myself).

I hope to continue to learn and grow in the DR just like I have here. Oh, and of course; surf like a badass. My Spanish is getting better and my relationships broader.

The traveling life is the best life.

Taking a small detour... Oh, Barcelona.. I've waited so long to see you!

I jumped off the ledge of a 35 foot waterfall in an Indian reservation located in northern Arizona; Havasupai, without so much of a glance at the bottom until I was falling towards it. I leaped without looking because if I had, it would have taken longer to jump or I may not have jumped at all. It was exhilarating as it was frightening, but I landed correctly and my body floated effortlessly down the spiraling, turquoise river as if I were a mermaid. The ambiance I felt remains in my thoughts distinctly, like a taste of a favorite pastry or wine. Everything was simply okay, blissful.

I sold my beloved Subaru on Friday (the 4th). Surely, it will be missed, but the regret of staying home; abstaining from a trip that will surely shape my future and guide me towards realistic career aspirations became an intolerable thought. With the addition of funds and yet another buddy pass, I'm making a small trip to Barcelona, Spain before heading to the DR. A tad bit out of the way, yes. Worth it?-Perhaps more than anyone knows.

I had to sell my car, because I couldn't stand to see my opportunity go rushing past me.

I can't (and won't) wait any longer. The stress and anxiety of planning this trip has revealed how strong my ambition can be. I'm doing something irregular from most, and like I've said before: the unfamiliar can be very frightening.

My fear is accompanied by pride; I'm proud of myself for making it happen, despite of people insisting that I "wait to go another time" or that I'm "crazy." I understand that if I decided to stay, graduate, go to PA school, get married, have kids, etc.. That it would be much easier for my friends and family to accept, but what is it worth if it's easier to obtain? Do not confuse my decisions as being the best... Everyone is doing the best they can. The decisions each of us make are what distinguishes us to be different and concurrently, inclusively good, no matter what paths are traveled.

As long as there is a goal to be achieved or a dream to be followed, life will be lush and tolerable. And at the most fearful times, where uncertainty hangs in the back of the head or heart, leaping into the unknown; jumping off of the edge of a waterfall, stepping into a plane and onto foreign soil, or learning another language is necessary for the soul, to capture it at the finest, weakest, and strongest moments in which it becomes individualistically revealed. Regardless of what it reveals, character is uncovered and one learns a little more about themselves, one unstable/uncertain step at a time.

Can we leave yet?

Hello All!

My name is Randee and I'm a student at the University of Utah. I've been waiting about three years for the opportune time to study abroad, and finally; through hard work and dedication, I'm lucky enough to leave next month on a six week educational voyage. I also work full time (I have been since I was 18) at the University Hospital, so as you can imagine, it was difficult to obtain unpaid leave away from work. Not to mention, I have to sell my car so that I'm able to fully financially support my experience. Not only will I learn Spanish and be humbled by my experience in the Dominican Republic, but I'll gain a sense of empirical knowledge irreplaceable in comparison to a car. That being said, I'm excited to leave my home to confront situations and cultures I've never seen before. My hopes are that it will expand my outlook on life, ultimately helping me decide what every college student fears that they won't; a career path.

I leave around May 23rd(ish), depending on when my standby ticket allows me to leave. First, I'll be laid over in New York City (excited to see some friends), then I'll fly into Santo Domingo where I'll have about a week to do whatever I wish before my classes start. I'm not exactly sure what I'll do once I'm there, and to be honest, I'm not sure where I'll end up... But that’s why I'm so excited. The fear of not knowing is as inspiring and exhilarating as it is scary.

Speaking of fears, I don't have many. Except for cockroaches, those things really creep me out. I know that I'll feel worried and frightening because of the introduction of the new and unrecognizable, but at those times, assuring myself that everything will be okay is important. Not all goes as planned sometimes, but that's part of life, part of my study abroad experience.