Adventures Across Spain & Morocco
- Kanchanalaya Bartholomew
- Apr 22
- 3 min read
As the semester progresses, so does the list of unforgettable experiences. From historic cities to sun-soaked islands, and even the golden sands of the Sahara, my study abroad journey has been nothing short of magical.
So first we started with cultural visits right here in Seville. Visiting the Alcázar of Seville, a former royal palace known for its intricate architecture, truly felt like stepping into a fairy tale. Then we had our second cooking class, where we made traditional tortilla de patata and homemade sangria.
Another highlight was finally going inside Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. Its towering structure and intricate chapels are truly a sight to behold.
When we had a free weekend, my friends and I planned a short trip to Majorca, the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands. With its crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages like Valldemossa and Sóller, Majorca was a relaxing island getaway that felt like a dream, and also reminded me of home back in Hawai‘i. The island has a fascinating history, shaped by Roman, Moorish, and Catalan influences, and you can still see traces of that in its architecture and local culture. One fun fact: Majorca is also the hometown of tennis legend Rafael Nadal. We even went to play pickleball at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor, a world-class training center where young athletes from around the world come to train.
Finally, the real adventure kicked off with not one, but two trips to Morocco.
Our first trip, organized by our school and We Love Spain, brought us to the northern coast of Morocco. We explored Tangier, a buzzing port city with sweeping views of the Strait of Gibraltar, and wandered through the famously photogenic Chefchaouen, also known as the Blue City. Its vibrant blue-washed buildings and winding streets felt like something out of a dream. While there, we even rode dromedaries (one-humped camels) along the beach, something I’d never imagined doing, especially since I hadn’t even ridden a horse before!
The second trip, during Semana Santa (Holy Week), took us deep into the Sahara Desert on We Love Spain’s “Sahara Desert Adventure.” After exploring the ancient city of Fes, we made our way into the desert. Our second night was spent camping under the stars, sipping mint tea, listening to live music, and warming up beside a bonfire. The peace and vastness of the desert were unforgettable, and was easily my favorite part of the entire journey.
Now I have some tips for navigating Morocco (especially for first timers):
Pack warm layers for the desert: Even if the days are hot, the nights can get very cold. Bring thermals, extra socks, and a hoodie and jacket if you’re camping.
Avoid drinking tap water: Stick to bottled water to avoid any stomach issues.
Learn to bargain: Haggling is part of the culture, especially in markets. Don’t be shy, it’s expected and can be fun!
Bring small bills and coins: Many places accept euros, but you’ll often get change in Moroccan dirhams. It helps to carry smaller change especially when bargaining!
Respect local customs: Morocco is a Muslim-majority country, so be mindful of cultural norms, especially in religious settings and interactions with locals.
Every place we’ve visited has offered something different, from the Gothic beauty of Spanish cathedrals to the starry skies over the Sahara Desert, each destination has brought its own kind of magic. Whether it was getting lost in the winding alleys of an ancient Medina, trying a dish I couldn’t pronounce, or riding a dromedary along the Moroccan coast, these moments have all become part of a much bigger story. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s to say yes to new experiences, especially the ones that push you outside your comfort zone, because those are often the ones that surprise you the most and become the most unforgettable memories you take home.
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