Catch a Ride, Reduce Pollutants

Skyrocketing gas prices burn more than imaginable, especially with the Texas heat. First goes the gas evaporating away with the hot sun. Next is the hole in every driver’s pocket. Finally, and most importantly, is the ozone layer, making the hole larger every year. While traveling in Spain, I saw many things we can do here, in the States, which would make a worldly impact.

The fix for this growing concern breaks down into two simple words; public transportation. The problem is figuring out why so many turn down such a beneficial alternative method of getting around. Once this gets solved, we can put our energy into preserving our ozone layer.

“The only time I see a full bus is around Fiesta or when other events are going on downtown,” said Ramiro Ramos, a VIA bus driver. “The bus is safe, and for the most part, we are on schedule.”
Part of the problem is that public transportation is not encouraged or advertised enough. VIA Metropolitan Transit displays discount information, bus routes and transfer information on their official website. Anyone wishing to access this information can go to www.viainfo.net.

According to www.viainfo.net, regular fare is $1. Reduced fare is 50 cents. In order to qualify for reduced fare, a person must be a senior citizen, student or have certain disabilities. Those also qualifying are people who receive Medicare. Veterans who hold a disability rating for aid and attendance (housebound or permanent) and total disability rating at the 100 percent level can also receive a reduced rate. Also children ages five to 11 are eligible also. In order to receive the reduced rate, a card indicating this must be shown when boarding the bus. This card is available at VIA information centers, but it is not available at the Randolph and Ingram centers.

According to the US Census Bureau, 1.3 million people resided in San Antonio as of last year. Station foreman Don Riley estimates 3,000 to 4,000 people ride the bus each day. When doing the math, the bus breaks down to be the cheaper method of transportation. Although it’s cheaper, there aren’t a lot of riders.

What this city needs is something new, something just as advanced as all the citizens of this city. We need a subway system. What is taking the city so long to generate this idea? It will reduce many pollutants people take into their bodies everyday. I hope that in the future people can stand anywhere in the city, take a deep breath, take in real fresh air and never have to wear what looks like surgical masks over their noses and mouths.

While in Spain for three weeks, the subway routes were easy to learn, and the metro was fast. It was a cheap and effective way of getting around. It cost one Euro per ride, or could break down to .60 Euros per ride if you bought a 10 ride ticket. Security was always on guard and honestly, I felt safe. I felt safer in the metro than I do driving in my own car. I am a victim of a hit and run accident. I had my car totaled and was left in pain over a week. Everyone driving is responsible for his or her own actions, however it is hard to predict what another driver might do. This didn’t cross my mind once in the metro, but it does in cars. I didn’t have one fearful thought as I boarded the metro, the only thing I had on my mind was all the fun I was going to have as soon as I reached my destination. It was like a dark cloud was removed from above my head.

In Spain, the air is different. My nasal passages opened and I could breathe. The air was fresh and crisp. It felt like I had never really smelled anything before. The air wasn’t clouded with fumes coming from vehicles. The sky was even a different shade of blue. The color of the sky looked pure, like it never encountered smog before. It saddened me inside because in the back of my mind I knew that my loved ones, or anyone back in the United States wouldn’t have the opportunity to see something like this every day unless we made immediate changes.

The main contributor of Spain’s clear skies and fresh air was the subway system. The subway is a way of life. Many relied on it and took it everywhere, like we do our cars. Each time I took the train, I wished more and more we had something like it back in San Antonio. “If the city would open up a subway system, more people would work because there would be more affordable transportation. They wouldn’t be limited to just the bus,” Ramos said. An increase in the employment rate would be a huge plus, as would cleaner air.

According to the Texas Committee on Environmental Quality, people who suffer from lung diseases and colds have even more trouble breathing when the air is polluted. The effects are worse for those who work, exercise or spend a considerable amount of time outdoors. When exercising, the air intake for some increases as much as 10 times compared to the level when resting. With air pollution, children are at increased risk for developing respiratory problems because they breathe more rapidly and inhale more pollutants per pound. The elderly also have increased health risks.

“When I was in elementary school, I had to use a breathing machine. It was hard to breathe and I was always sick,” said Sara Dehoyos, a high school student. “I take a lot of medicine and it only bothers me once in a while.”

According to the Alamo Area Council of Government, there is an Alamo Clean Air Partnership whose mission is set at improving quality of life and economic growth through federal air standards. Next year the federal government will again determine if our region violates the ozone standard based on air quality data during the summers of 2005, 2006 and 2007.

“Our air quality hasn’t increased or decreased,” said Heather Wilden, AACOG commute pollutants assistant. “We are doing better this year with all the rain, it keeps the air clean.” In order to keep within federal standards, our region must remain below 82 parts per billion for this year’s ozone value. “August and September are going to be critical months,” said Wilden.

The pollutants in the air contribute to the hole in the ozone layer. The carbon monoxide coming from cars, trucks and utility vehicles go up the ozone layer and only help the hole become larger. Everyone’s contribution of pollutants only makes it worse for generations to come.

In an effort to increase awareness, MTV often puts on public service announcements showing small ways viewers can make a difference. Whether a viewer acts on it or not is uncertain but the opportunity is there. They even have large concerts and events urging viewers to make the world a better place.

Come to think of it, public transportation is there. Why not try it? Although we may not have a much needed subway system, we do have city buses. It is a great starting point to better the environment and save serious cash. One difference (or bus ride!) is not too small to go unnoticed. Maybe one day our future generations would be able to smell the fresh clean air and see real blue skies, like the one I saw and smelled in Spain. It made such a strong impact on me. I experienced it once and I’ll work as hard as I can to see again. Only this time, I want to see it here in San Antonio.

June 7- Missing blog

The Goths boasted at one time to have the largest and strongest kingdom in all of Western Europe. In their first attempt to become a unified nation, they achieved a shaky unity. This was considered pretty good being that Spain was new to unity in general. The greatest impact the Goths had on Spain was moving the capital on the Meseta at Toledo. This made the coastal regions look at the inside as a source of political power.

Spain was different more than once throughout our textbook. As explained in the chapter, Spain was being “different again” because they had a new religion, language and culture stamped on the land by Moors. Many natives willingly became Muslim because of this. The Goths were weak and the Moors pretty much trampled them. The Moors were fearless, they were ready to take what was not theirs and make it their own.

One of the most notable accomplishments of the Moors was the mosque they created. It stands as meaning so much more now. It is forever apart of their history. If only the walls could talk, you could whispers of this difficult time in Spain. At this time, three religions ruled this area, so you can only imagine the hardships everyone endured all together. In a way it was a sanctuary for some because at this time religion tore many people apart. Religion had ties with the social ladder. What was a battle for many people was picking their true beliefs or wanting a better life and saying otherwise.

July 4- San Antonio

We are finally home and I am still not adjusted back to the American lifestyle. Our flight came in Monday night and ever since then I have not been able to hold down any food. I've been home drinking Gatorade... It is getting old but at this point I have no choice. In three weeks I completely changed the limitations of my stomach. The only thing is, I don't know how to get my old stomach back :(

Studying abroad was a great experience. It is different when you see things in person opposed to pictures in books. Personally, I skim over pictures. In person you get to see every angle, impressions of other people, and most of all the urge to ask what you want to know and understand. For some reason when I see something very unique or beautiful, I can't focus until I physically touch it. It is the same with statues, walls, flowers, animals, you name it! You can imagine I had an extremely hard time in museums, especially when seeing Picasso and Van Gogh.

Personally, I don't think the study abroad experience changed me much. If anything, it made me more aware of how strong and independent I am. Not once did I get home sick or feel the urge to call my family every two days. That sounds pretty cold hearted, but I'm not. (I did miss my cat!) I took advantage of our free time in Madrid and found something to do every day rather than sleep in. I even tried to adapt to their lifestyle. Siesta is a very beautiful thing once you get a hang of waking back up.

The world doesn't seem so big anymore. Everyone has their own way of doing things, sets of values and laws just like we do here in the States. There are beggers, hustlers and successful people here, there and everywhere. It comes down to the same general thing but its just different everywhere. You can't expect to find the same thing in every place. You just adapt to the set lifestyle. Once you do that, you already won half the battle (you can win the whole battle if there isn't a language barrier).

Then before you know it, you are back on a plane heading home awaiting the whole "adjustment" period. It's exactly what happened to me. I'm just waiting for it all to be over...

This was an experience I will never forget!

June 25- Madrid

I stepped off the green tourist bus and was nearly blinded by the bright sun. I immediately brought my hand up to my head to shield the sun from eyes. I looked around the empty parking lot and then back to the others stepping off the bus. I took another look around and thought of the weather in Rio Grande. It was bright outside, dry and hot. There were a few clouds in the sky but nothing large enough to block the sun. I took my sunglasses out of my tan messenger bag and put them on. I hoped I didn’t have to walk too far.

When everyone stepped off the bus, our tour guide Gary gave us directions where to find a bathroom. I began walking and saw very old fashioned business establishments where they sold souvenirs. The entrance of the square where everything was located looked like a white and red barn with flowers hanging off the sides. It was clean and quiet. I heard the buzz of a fly’s wings as it flew in and out of place as if they were checking out who was there. There was absolutely nobody else in sight besides our large group. It felt like a ghost town. No wonder, it was siesta!

Before I started my mission of looking at the signs to figure out where the bathroom is, I thought of a horror film. It played out perfectly in mind. I thought of the bus not being able to start after our bathroom break was over. Everyone in the group walked back into the square to find shade and wait for further direction. After some time has passed, siesta was over and night fell not too long after. Since it was time for the town’s people to be social, they revealed their real identities.... They were all zombies!

By this point I realized I watch too many horror flicks. I just wanted to go to the bathroom and get back on the bus. I turned to the left wall and walked along it hoping to find the restroom. ¨Señoras!¨ This is the place. The sign was a faded tile with a woman in a flamenco dress. Right underneath the picture you can faintly see the letters that spelled out señora.

Everyone got on the bus on time with the exception on Steve, an older tall and slender man. When we waited for him to jump on board, I took one last look out the window, and the place was still empty. Even in Madrid, I can’t shake off the weird feeling. I’m sure glad we didn’t stay too long there!

June 22- Costa Del Sol

After a long day of walking, a cool breeze gently blows and I turn in the direction it is coming from. My body is almost immediately cooled and I finally feel it is my time to relax.

I walk down the steps onto brown colored sand. It has broken sea shells in it, making it looking like grains of salt. It is different from other colors of sand I have seen. The water was different, too. It was clear until a certain distance and then all you could see was a hue of blue.

People were laid out on the sand tanning. Others were flying kites or playing games on the shore. Some people walked on the sand just where the water hit. They walked with grins, because the water was colder than they thought. They didn’t move from that spot because that is where the sand was the softest and no broken shells in it.

While laying out facing the water, I could see white sails from boats, people swimming and two people at a time in a brightly colored parachute above them sitting comfortably in seats high above the water. These people were being pulled by boat all over the sea, with the ability of having a complete view of the beach and part of the city. When sitting up from my towel, I could hear the gentle blow of the wind. It was very soothing and much deserved after all the traveling we had been doing.


Well today was our day, and the beach was the spot to be at. Sarah and I woke up around noon and went to eat Chinese food. After that, we went gift shopping and laid out in the sand. We occasionally went into the water. After a few times of going in just half way, we decided to take stop being scared and fully submerge ourselves in the Mediterranean. Boy was it cold! It felt refreshing after lying out in the hot sun. The breeze came at all the right times, so it was hot but not too hot. Over all, it was a fun filled relaxing day.

June 21- Costa Del Sol

I saw blue waters, sand and families on the beach when I looked out the window. I had been on the bus for two hours. I was asleep most of the way over here from Granada. I didn´t have a chance to rub my eyes yet, and I was visually floored by all the hotels, bars and resturants. I have looked forward to Costa Del Sol the whole trip.

When I walked through the Alhambra Gardens in Granada earlier in the day, I couldn´t stop thinking about the beach. I saw flowers, unique architecture and large bushes with large doorway cutouts. Throughout the garden we had a view of the whole city. It was amazing!

For today's assignment, we are covering the reconquest of Spain. The Moors controlled two thirds of the peninsula. They had the most powerful ¨taifas¨ based in Sevilla, Granada, Cordoba, Almeria, Zaragoza, Badajoz and Toledo. Religion isn´t what controlled the political map; it was kingdoms who kept turning their back on one another and formed alliances.

One Sevillan ruler named Motadid used human skulls as flowerpots around his place and kept heads of defeated rivals in leather cases. He would take them out once in a while to admire his fine work.

Sancho III, or refered to as ¨the Great¨married the sister of a Castillan ruler, killed his brother in law and gained control of Castilla. He then put his own son in charge. Ferdinand I occupied Leon and assumed the title of ¨Emperor of the Spains.¨

Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, also known as ¨El Cid¨ was a young knight who became one of the main figures in Spanish history. El Cid was exhiled by Alfonso VI and fought in service of the Moores. El Cid was adopted by Christain Spain as a national hero.

The Christians were responsible for the Moors expulsion. Jews were also expelled because they were blamed for the outbeak of the Black Death, econimic crises, refused to accept Christianity as their new religion and other various troubles. The Christians believed if the Jews were gone, all troubles would go with them.

June 20- Granada

Today we had a seven-hour journey to Granada. It is not really as long as it seems. I´ve gotten used to sleeping on the bus. My body goes into shutdown mode, and I grab my Curious George pillow buddy and fall asleep.

We had the best dinner today at our hotel! I ate ham, plenty of olives, salad, pineapple and other desserts. I finally feel full today. I am used to eating heavy, hearty meals at home. It feels like I am constantly starving, eating at every hour. Ham and bread aren´t enough for me. All the walking we do burns off our perfectly portioned meals before you know it.

While we were in Barcelona, we had the opportunity to see some of Gaudi´s work. When we first arrived, we walked through Parque Guell. This is the most colorful and beautifully designed park I had ever seen. There were flowers of all different colors that complimented the mosaic tiles that were placed on benches and even a large lizard fountain. There were large pillars and when looking at the ceiling, it reminded me of a large container of ice cream with perfect scoop indentions.

The group walked off the park grounds and headed to Sagrada Familia, a cathedral. The cathederal had deep, cave like arches. A lot of parts on it were rounded, adding a soft edge to its gothic apperance. It looked dark, but modern. It was unfinished so we could not go in. We could only admire it from a distance.

Thinking back to the cathedral's apperance, it makes me think Gaudi let his mind go free on blue prints. When I think of the park, I see so much beauty and airy areas that enhance the whole outdoor feel. His work was different from everything else we saw that day because it had unique touches, like color and specific architecture details.

June 19- Valencia

I pushed my hair out of my face and lowered my sunglasses. Valencia is hot. It made me regret wearing dark blue. The sun´s powerful rays made me almost start sweating immediately, and I was on a mission to find shade. I made my way through the crowd with my tan messenger bag in front of me, walking as fast as I could. I had found shade and a breeze. I wasn´t too far from our group where our guide, Gary, had said to stay put as he found us maps.

I stood in the shade and was about to glance over to our group. As I was turning in that direction, I had saw a slender tall woman with shopping bags jump into a man´s arms. She had held onto him as if she hadn´t seen him in quite sometime. She smiled and he swung her around. The shopping bags she had once gripped tightly didn't matter at this point. They both were laughing and then they kissed. They carried on kissing affectionately until the man looked at his watch and spoke to her.

I am guessing at this point he was either late or on the way to an important meeting. The woman gave the man one last kiss and hug and he was on his way. As the woman smiled, she made sure all her bags were in place and walked up to the crosswalk waiting for the green signal.

Everywhere I turn I see affectionate couples all over Spain. The men really love their women! It made me think to back home when I would see men treat women badly, pull them by their wrist or cuss them out in public. This does happen everywhere but I just haven´t seen anything like that here. I know every man isn´t like that. There are plenty of great guys out there. I just wish their more affectionate side would come out.

June 18- Barcelona

Today we had a tour of Barcelona and were later released for free time. Walking through the streets I saw a bunch of shops, people and places to eat. A group of us were trying to find a pizza resturant but it didn´t turn out so well. When we asked people for help, the most common response was ¨down the street and turn to your right.¨ When we first heard this, we walked down a street for a considerably long time. It took us a while to figure out that it wasn´t always the truth.

While walking, we passed a mercado and I saw an older couple walking out together. The man was talking to the woman who appeared to be upset. She was looking away with a sour look on her face. Her arms were crossed in front her. The man spoke in a loud tone looking directly at her and occasionally glancing down as he peeled a banana.

It was hard to make out the conversation because I am not very familiar with the Spanish language. The body language was a dead give away this was a fight. Looking at them, it didnt appear to be their first. While I was looking over at them, the man got quiet and the woman unfolded her arms and spoke loudly back.

I did not want to gawk but I couldn´t figure it all out. Just then the man threw away his banana peel and kept looking at the banana. He said mumbled something at the woman and she turned away. Before I knew it, I saw the man grab the womans wrist and she whipped her head around. He had roughly placed the peeled banana in the womans hand. Part of the banana had smashed and by the look on her face, it was obvious she didn´t want it. I guess the man wasn´t hungry anymore and neither was she.

I couldn´t make our what else happened because the crosswalk sign had just turned green and it was a real busy street. I wonder what happened. I guess I´ll always wonder. I really need to learn Spanish. I am in the best place to start. I might as well take advantage of it.

June 16- San Sebastian

While in Madrid we got to see many places that we have read about in our class text. One of the first sites we saw the Palacio Real de Madrid. When I saw the outside, I was blown away with amazing architecture. When I walked to the center, I felt like a small ant in a huge colony. The walls were tall, strong, and the stone that I walked on were placed to where the darker stones made a pathway. It reminded me of the red carpet celebrities walk on for some reason. I am still in disbelief I actually stood there for a while and walked through a palace. While reading assigned chapters, I learned King Philip, who was of Hapsburg, got the palace in the making. The Bourbons were the ones who put final touches on it.

At the Prado, a painting by Francisco de Goya titled “The Third of May” can be found. This painting shows a Spanish citizen caught off guard and is about to get executed. This man is shown with others dead at his knees with his arms held up in the air as if he is ready to surrender. The soldiers faces can not be seen and the uniforms are detailed but not quite detailed enough to prove the executioners are French. The painting is dark and gloomy. The only thing brought to light is the soldiers boots and the man about to get executed. I saw the painting and thought war and killing others was random. I wonder, if the man in the center saw his friends getting killed, why didn’t he get away. Goya captured shock, truth and reality all in one. He contributed greatly to the art world because he made others aware of the current situation.

June 14- Burgos

Today our group left Madrid and after a bus ride of less than four hours we arrived in Burgos. The streets are made of beautiful cobblestone, the buildings have lots of character. The sidewalks take some getting used to but for the most part I noticed one thing. Here in Spain, people really care about their enviorment.

I feel like just being back home I was closed minded. I am an allergy victim. I thought the air we breathed was great, I did not care too much about seeing the wind carry trash throughout streets. I also did not mind seeing where I live slowly become real business like. In my mind trees were cut down to help business make our world go round. Our world is so different! I suffer from allergies mid summer. Here, I felt my allergies for the first time after a mini cold front hit Madrid. It wasnt so bad either. When I first got here I could finally smell. My nasal passages opened and all the sinus pressure I had was gone. It felt great!

So, as I do this assignment Im taking in fresh air. It is so pure. There are parks, trees, flowers, and not to mention the cars here do not burn petroleum like ours do. It makes me wonder... If we took care of San Antonio like we should would allergy sufferers like me no longer suffer? I certainly think so! The only problem here is change. People want to build and businesses want to expand. At what price would this be at? Money is obviously more important than health. We, or rather some of us, are just falling into the trap getting excited about new stores being built and provide them business. We are making our air and enviornment worse than what it is.

Take a deep breath and think... The air is not as clean as you think. We are making ourselves victims of our own society. This can all change. Are you ready to change it? I am.

June 12- Madrid

Today is our first offical day in Madrid! We had two long flights and a minor mishap with luggage, but it was well worth it.

Before leaving the Madrid Airport we met with a group from Alaska. They are also apart of the EF tour. We all gathered in a large charter bus and went to the hotel where we could drop off our luggage. I would have to say that I am pretty fortunate to room with all Alaskans for the next two nights. I´ll have the opportunity to learn more about that state and also meet three cool girls.

Today we got to visit the Palacio Real De Madrid. It had the most beautiful architecture I had ever seen. Inside each room was unique. They had their own color scheme, decorative chandalers, carpeting, gold and or silver trim along with furniture that matched each room. The ceilings in the rooms were beautiful paintings of angels, clouds, and Gods. I was in awe when as soon as I tilted my head back. The detail on these paintings including shadows, and stucture was perfect. If you stared at it for a while you can see the painting come to life.

One other room had a ceiling with a design of vines and flowers made of stucco. It made the vines literally pop out of the room. If that wasn´t enough to see, wait until you got a load of the view from the palace! You could see miles of trees and houses. Nothing but blue skies and clouds along with the most freshest air you could dream of.

After the museum we loaded the bus for more siteseeing and later headed to a resturant where we all had dinner. I can sit here and tell you how great the dishes were, but the one thing I have to get out is how delicious the ice cream is! It feels so creamy and smooth as soon as it hits your tongue. It taste sweet and milky. I must find great ice cream again like that tomorrow. There is just too much to put into words after just one serving.

As for now I am in this great internet cafe located near the resturant where I just had dinner. Let me tell you, this is the place to be. It is packed, warm and friendly. I have a feeling I´ll be back a lot sooner than I think

I am now off to exploring and must meet up with my group shortly. I just hope I´ll be able to catch the Spurs game tonight...Go Spurs Go!

June 6- San Antonio

Iberians were the first to live in Spain, thus naming the Iberian Peninsula. The Iberians were important because they brought agriculture and were able to work with metals, making weapons, shields and jewelry. Also influencing the peninsula were the Greeks, Phoenicians and the Romans.

The Greeks are credited for developing olive and vine cultures and getting the first coins. They influenced art and had a short lived commercial expansion

The Phoenicians brought Mediterranean culture to the Iberians. They built towns, mined silver, working iron and bronze, and drank wine. The also shared their alphabet so Iberian language could have a written form.

The Romans brought laws, the Latin language and also Christianity over the course of two centuries. They made beautiful structures and built amazing architecture. They built to impress. Take for instance the Roman Aqueduct. It is one the most beautiful, "must see" structures in all of Spain. It is one of those sturctures you can look at and just imagine the Roman's conquest and try to visualize a Roman's strength, mentally and physically.

The Romans saw Hispania as a vital component of power. Hispania was a place where civil wars could be decided and large fortunes can be easily made. There were plenty of metals to be mined here, and there was also agriculture.

The Romans did not have an easy time conquering Spain because there was more than a round of revolt and they fought savagely. Caesar intended to fight for victory, but ended up fighting for his life. The conquest lasted about two centuries. It is safe to say they went back to the drawing board quite a few times!

June 5- San Antonio

In my lifetime, I would like to write stories that show the impossible is possible. I want to write about people from poor family backgrounds becoming successful in their life. I want to report on a three legged dog saving a man from a fire (God forbid anyone gets into that situation). In doing so, I want to let people know it is normal to dream and work hard for what they want to be because it can come true one day.

On the subject of truth, the south side of town has a negative image from the media. This part of town is not so bad. The people living here are disadvantaged with book stores and learning centers. I can’t help but question why it took so long to get Best Buy over here? Were they scared and considered this side of town a big risk? Everyone here feels it.

Simple things like those mentioned don’t keep people down. What makes things special around here are families and parental involvement. In my neighborhood there are boys who play football at a nearby pond. The coaches are fathers or uncles and the mothers teach cheerleading routines to young girls in shaded areas. Parents sit on the bleachers, making run to the stores for Gatorade and snacks. They are ready to help with anything needed. Families come together and sell barbecue plates to buy team uniforms. That is something I would like to write about one day. The south side community grows in positive directions and receives no attention for it.

June 4-San Antonio

Today felt like a refreshing mist of cold water on a hot summer’s day. I found myself back in school for a summer session awaiting a trip to Spain.

The number of students in the class is a fairly good number. It’s enough to be in the crowd, but not lost in it. We read two stories today at a large table where we all sat and later discussed them. I hadn't taken any classes journalism related the last two semesters. The hand outs and the stories we discussed reminded me of how long I have sat on the bench. Not because any coach, or ahem, professor put me there but how I put myself there. I haven't written any stories since my last journalism class and have only done camera work this past semester. I have ideas and want to write, but sometimes I am not motivated. Reading those stories today made me want to get a move on it.

I have already set my decision in stone on my major, but as for now I am at the fork in the road. To the left is print, and to the right is broadcast. News can be fun, informative and educate people. That is what I want to do but I can't decide which the best decision for me is. I hope that while I am away in Spain the clouds will clear and the answer will be as bright as sunlight. I hope that this trip can inspire me to do more and be successful in whatever field I choose.

I see Spain as the place for inspiration, somewhere I can write freely until my hand falls off (not literally of course!) It is a place where I can get to know people, making life long friends. It'll be somewhere I'll be able to learn about myself and my culture... I'm ready to jet!