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.
Blog #3
One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in Spain has been meeting friends who have become like family. This past weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting Barcelona, one of my favorite cities. Fortunately, one of my travel companions has a family friend who lives in Cubelles, a charming town about a 45-minute train ride from Barcelona, and she generously offered to host us. We arrived at her apartment on Friday night and were introduced to Mojgan, originally from Iran, who moved to California for university before marrying a Spaniard and settling in Cubelles. Having lived in Spain for nearly 40 years, Mojgan has a deep understanding of the culture and history, especially in Barcelona. With her as our personal guide, we spent the weekend exploring Cubelles, Sitges, and Barcelona, while she shared incredible stories of her life and travels across Europe. Recently, she even met the King of Spain through her work. Experiences like these have become my favorite, as they offer an authentic, local perspective that is hard to come by when traveling alone. With Mojgan’s guidance, we avoided tourist traps and enjoyed genuine experiences. One of my long-standing goals was to attend a Flamenco show in Spain, and on Saturday night, I finally had the chance at Tarantos. The performance—featuring a female dancer, a male dancer, a singer, and a guitarist—exceeded my expectations. Though I couldn’t understand the lyrics, Mojgan explained that the song was about grief, which resonated through their expressions and movements. Sunday was a highlight of the trip, as we attended an F.C. Barcelona game. To our surprise, our seats were in the very front row, offering a close-up view of the players and even letting us hear their voices on the field—an experience I’d never imagined. We concluded the trip by expressing our gratitude to Mojgan and exchanging contact information, feeling that we had truly become family. Familia en España
Blog #4
As a student studying abroad, I’ve been fortunate enough to explore different cities across Europe, but one trip stood out in particular… my first solo adventure to London. Traveling alone for the first time was both exhilarating and a little daunting, but it turned out to be one of the most empowering experiences I’ve had so far. London has always been on my travel bucket list, so when the opportunity arose, I couldn’t resist. I’ve always been someone who enjoys the company of friends and family while exploring, but this solo trip allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and truly discover the city at my own pace. The freedom was unparalleled. No compromises on where to go, what to see, or how long to spend at each place. I could tailor my schedule to my own desires, whether I wanted to linger at Buckingham Palace to admire its brilliance or spend hours wandering through the National Gallery, lost in art. London was especially magical with the festive Christmas decorations Piccadilly Circus sparkled with lights, and Borough Market was filled with seasonal treats. The city felt alive, brimming with holiday cheer, which made the experience even more memorable. While I was there, I visited all the iconic spots you expect from a trip to London: the stunning Kensington Gardens, the majestic Big Ben, and the bustling streets around Piccadilly Circus. But it wasn’t just the famous landmarks that made the trip unforgettable—it was the people I met along the way. Being a solo traveler, I was naturally more open to meeting new people, and I struck up conversations with other travelers from around the world. It was surprising how many solo travelers I encountered, each with their own stories and reasons for exploring on their own. It felt like we were all part of an unspoken community, brought together by the shared joy of solo exploration. This trip taught me a lot about myself. It reinforced the value of stepping out of your comfort zone, trying new things, and embracing the freedom that comes with navigating a city on your own. I was able to reflect on the beauty of solitude and how it can bring unexpected opportunities for growth and connection. In the end, London wasn’t just a place I visited, it became a symbol of my own personal journey. A journey where I learned to trust myself, make the most of every moment, and embrace the unexpected.The Freedom of Independence
Blog #5
I recently returned to Lisbon, Portugal, a city I had visited before, but this time, something was different. It was fall, and with the crowds much thinner than during my last visit, I was able to experience the city at a slower pace, savoring the moments without the rush. There were also plenty of things I had missed on my previous trip, so this return felt like a whole new adventure. One of the highlights of the trip was a day trip to Sintra, which I had been wanting to do since my first time in Lisbon. Sintra is a fairy-tale town, with its palaces and forests offering a magical atmosphere that feels like it’s straight out of a storybook. It turned out to be one of my favorite days during my study abroad experience so far. Our guide, João, was a true gem. He’s been leading tours in Portugal for over a decade, and his deep knowledge of Sintra and the country made the experience unforgettable. He also gave us a mini Portuguese lesson, which was both fun and challenging. I’ve come to love the Portuguese language, despite some tricky pronunciations, and I adore the accents—it’s by far my favorite language. During the tour, João took us to his friend Chico’s house. Chico owns a local restaurant and cooked us a traditional Portuguese meal that was absolutely delicious. We feasted on hearty dishes paired with wine, and for dessert, we had “Camel Drool,” which, despite the name, doesn’t actually contain any camel drool. It was a sweet, sticky treat that had everyone going back for seconds. One of the things I love most about Portugal is the warmth and hospitality of its people. From João’s insightful guidance to Chico’s incredible cooking, the kindness of the locals really made this trip stand out. As much as I adore Lisbon for its beauty and history, the people of Portugal truly make it a special place. Their genuine friendliness and hospitality are something that stands out, and it’s hard not to feel welcomed the moment you arrive. Whether it was sharing stories over lunch or getting a glimpse into their culture through food, every interaction left me with a sense of belonging and appreciation for this amazing country.Rediscovering Lisbon:
