Abigail McCoy- Blog Abroad
Blog #1
As I approach the end of my first month studying abroad in Spain, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the vibrant Spanish culture, one of my primary goals before moving here. Among the many facets of life in Spain, attending a fútbol match stands out as an experience that no one should miss. While fútbol isn’t exclusive to Spain, I’ve never lived in an environment where the sport is held with such reverence and passion. Here, attending a match is not just a pastime—it’s a way of life, with games easily accessible to the public depending on the team. This has allowed me to attend matches regularly, making fútbol a key part of my weekly routine while living in Spain.
The first match I attended was for Atlético Madrid at their home stadium. The atmosphere was electric, with an energy that was utterly contagious. While Atlético is a significant team, it’s not the largest or most globally renowned club in Madrid. Yet, the passion from the fans at this game was palpable, and I believe that’s because many of the attendees were local Spaniards. Of all the games I’ve attended, this one had the best energy and felt the most authentic to the local culture.
Shortly after, I had the unique opportunity to attend a Real Madrid Women’s B team match at their training center. Walking through the Real Madrid training facilities was surreal, offering a glimpse into the world-class accommodations provided to their players. The match itself had a much more intimate atmosphere, with only friends and family of the players in attendance. I went to support a friend of another UNM student who plays for the team. The experience was heartwarming, as it reminded me of home, with families offering unwavering support to the players, creating a sense of familiarity and community.
Finally, I fulfilled a long-standing dream by attending a Real Madrid match at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. No trip to Madrid would be complete without experiencing a Real Madrid game firsthand, and this was an absolute highlight of my time here. The match exceeded every expectation I had. One of the standout moments was watching the fan section, where a group of dedicated supporters waved massive flags for the entire game. Dressed in white and perfectly synchronized, their cheers and choreography made it clear that supporting Real Madrid is both a tradition and an art form.
Overall, my experiences attending fútbol matches in Madrid have been an incredible way to connect with the local culture and witness the deep passion Spaniards have for the sport. From the intimate atmosphere of a women’s team match to the grandeur of a Real Madrid game at Santiago Bernabéu, each experience has offered a unique perspective on how fútbol is woven into the fabric of life here. As my study abroad journey continues, I look forward to exploring more aspects of Spanish culture and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Blog #2
Celebrating a birthday while abroad brings both advantages and challenges. This year, I marked my 22nd birthday on October 6th in Geneva, Switzerland, followed by a trip to Morocco to reunite with two of my closest friends from home. It was undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating weeks of my life, yet I couldn't fully shake the pang of homesickness. Celebrating Abroad: Reflections on My 22nd Birthday
For as long as I can remember, I've shared my birthday with my older brother—we were born exactly two years apart. This was the first time we didn’t celebrate together, and although we used to joke about finally having "our own" birthdays, when the day arrived, we both realized we missed the shared celebration. Moreover, early October holds a special place in my heart, as it coincides with the annual Balloon Fiesta in my hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Waking up on my birthday, for the first time, without seeing the sky filled with vibrant hot air balloons was bittersweet.
While I missed the familiar traditions of my hometown, I had countless new experiences to be grateful for. Spending my birthday in one of the most stunning cities I’ve ever visited, alongside new friends, was something I’ll never forget. Soon after, I traveled to Marrakech, Morocco, a city I had visited before, but this time, I experienced it with my best friends, Kylie and Jackson. We share a love of travel and adventure, and I had previously visited them in the UK last fall when they were studying abroad, where we explored Edinburgh together. They owed me a visit, and reuniting with them in Morocco was a comforting reminder that home, along with all its traditions, will still be there when I return.
The week was full of unforgettable moments—celebrating my birthday with a boat cruise on Lake Geneva being one of the highlights. It’s unlikely I’ll ever spend another birthday this way, and though I missed the traditions of autumn back in the U.S., this experience opened my eyes to the rich customs Europe has to offer. The day before my birthday, I had the opportunity to witness the Désalpe in Semsales, Switzerland, an annual tradition marking the descent of dairy cows from the Alps to lower pastures. The cows, adorned with floral headpieces and large bells, paraded through the streets in celebration, with the highest milk-producing cows leading the way. It was incredible to see the reverence the Swiss people have for their animals and how they celebrate this connection with such care and joy.
While homesickness was inevitable, I found solace in knowing that I have many more birthdays and Balloon Fiestas to look forward to. This year, I had the unique privilege of celebrating my birthday in a way few people get to experience, and for that, I am truly grateful.
