Mentally, I’m Here
a fabrication of my travels abroad and the songs that got me through them by adie gullahorn
GRANADA
Morningtime - Pinegrove
Friends: Annie, Gabe, Jones, Kiki, Sophie
Granada was the first trip of my study abroad, and on Valentine’s day! As we walked around, we saw overwhelming lines of people at flower shops- either alone or with their significant others. Even though this made me miss mine, it was really sweet to see. My program packed as many activities in as possible. First the Alhambra and then flamenco shows and lookouts, finishing it off with a sort of pub crawl for tapas and drinks. Somehow my friends and I made time afterwards for Mae West, a huge club that Gabe’s sister had recommended from her semester abroad in Granada. It was the perfect introduction to my travels.
MOROCCO
Didn’t I - Darondo
Friends: Annie, Gabe, Jones, Kiki
This was by far the biggest culture shock I have ever experienced. My friends and I booked a private tour over our 5 day break for Dia de Andalucia. This was also where I really got to know the people I was living with. While our times alone were slightly terrifying and bordering on unsafe, our tour guide was so kind and our local guides were very hospitable. They were so excited to show us where they come from, and they reflected their towns and cultures beautifully. I will always remember spending the night in the Sahara Desert, laying out and stargazing with my friends while sharing stories. The only thing keeping us from freezing was a small bottle of wine we were sharing. Plus, I will never be able to forget the delicious tajin that I ate because the yellow stain will forever be on the sleeve of my favorite sweater.
AMSTERDAM
THE SHADE - Rex Orange County
Friends: Annie, Charlotte, Gabe, Jones, Kiki
I would go back to Amsterdam in a second. Everything about it became my favorite part. I ate some incredible food, and went to some incredible art museums. I also ran into my roommate from home who is studying in London, and just happened to be visiting at the same time. I went to a zoo (!!) and saw a capybara (!!!), and walked along a street market for hours before a boat tour. I flew back to anticipate my parents in Sevilla the next day as well, which maybe added to the dopamine.
GALICIA
Soledad y el Mar - Natalia Lafourcade
Friends: Annie, Ines, Kiki
One of the best parts of living in student housing was all the people I met through it. Ines invited us to visit her hometown near Santiago de Compostela, and stay with her family. Galicia reminded me of the beach towns in Italy and England that I had visited, as well as where my mom grew up on the East Coast. We tried some of Ines’ favorite meals at home, including boiled octopus (that tasted much better than it looked.) Her family made us a home cooked meal as well with all the seafood that Ines grew up eating, including a pot of mussels and two massive spider crabs. We finished with her mom’s homemade tortilla - something that is apparently famous in her hometown and she had been telling us was the best since we met her. She was right. I came back with a full belly and a very happy heart.
CADIZ
Losing You - Solange
Friends:
Annie, Gabe, Jones, Kiki, Sophie
Cadiz was my second and last trip with my provider program - a day trip that we extended to a weekend. While the first day was terribly rainy with not much other than a hefty wine tour, the weather opened after. We were able to enjoy a beach day with a nice dinner after. The next day we walked to an old castle, where I sat on a bench and saw some of the best people watching of my life. The biggest takeaway I had here was that my mom would have loved it. And also that I should have used more sunscreen.
TOULOUSE
Death of the Phone Call - Whatever, Dad
Friends: Annie, Kiki, Sophie
The first stop in my Southern France saga, and I think my favorite. Toulouse was so beautiful, and there was no lack of things to do. We visited a food market, explored churches and capital buildings and museums, and tried many a pastry. Everyone here was so friendly, which was not what I was expecting at all. They were so excited to show off their city, and taken back at the fact we were Americans. They rarely get American tourists apparently. One barista shared the name of a lookout for us to visit along with public transport directions, and another shop owner gave us the name of a popular local restaurant. We went that night and ate escargot, bone marrow, candied duck, and the best creme brulee of my life. Our waiter was so kind, and even stopped to say hi to us when we passed him on the street the next day. We went to a jazz club, and danced around in our Airbnb cooking breakfast. I would go back in a heartbeat.
MONTPELLIER
From - Bon Iver
Friends: Annie, Kiki, Sophie
Montpellier was so short but so enjoyable. The first thing I noticed getting off the train was that everyone was our age. It has a huge student population, and that made it the lively city I experienced. Since we only had one day here, the majority of it was spent in their massive botanical garden. I could get lost in there, and I almost did honestly. While the food was incredible, the one thing I regret is not trying all the Indian street food places we passed. They smelled so good.
MARSEILLES
On the Sea - Beach House
Friends: Annie, Kiki, Sophie
Marseilles was the perfect blend of Porto Venere in Italy and Lyme Regis in England. The city itself wasn’t a place we spent much time in, it was very crowded and overwhelming. I was very aware that we were 4 girls walking around with big backpacks by ourselves. I did have some incredible Thai food though. We took a late ferry to Frioul Island, which is where we stayed for 2 nights. The first morning was Easter, and I woke up before everyone else to watch the sunrise for something special since I wouldn’t be able to go to church with my family. It was really beautiful. We went to the beach, hiked around the ruins, and had a delicious seafood dinner before flying home the next morning.