Junior Kely Maloney has taken his talents overseas for the 2022 Fall Semester to study at Suffolk's Madrid campus. While stamping his academic passport, Maloney will check in with GoSuffolkRams.com from time-to-time to tell Ram Nation what he has been up to abroad.
Below is the second installment, about Maloney's first month abroad.
Almost a month into my study abroad experience and every day still has something unique to offer. Whether it’s falling asleep on a beach in Barcelona or hiking up Sierra de Guadarrama National Park on an empty stomach, new adventures await!
After the first week of classes, I hopped on a 6 a.m. train to Barcelona for a two-day trip with some friends. We checked into our hostel, which looked like a dystopian home for troubled teens, and headed straight for the beach. Having been swimming in the Atlantic for the past 20 years, the Balearic Sea was a refreshing change of pace. It felt like bath water and was so clear you could see the schools of fish swimming past you. Outside of the beach, the downtown area and Ciutadella Park were some of the highlights in Barcelona. We also went to a concert the first night and made sure to get in a second beach day before heading back to Madrid.
Last weekend I went hiking with some friends at Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. Having woken up at 7:15 a.m. with just enough time to put clothes on and head for the bus, I wasn’t able to get any breakfast. After a bus ride that managed to go over every speed bump in Spain, a hike that seemed to be uphill both ways, and admiring wild horses, I finally got my breakfast at 2 in the afternoon. After so much time in the city, it was much needed to get back in touch with nature. I just wish that my dog, Kooper, could’ve been there to enjoy it with me (although he definitely would have flipped out on the wild horses).
This weekend I took a day-trip to Segovia with some friends. After initially going to the wrong train station in Madrid, we barely made it on time for the quick 30-minute ride. Eventually we made it and I’m so glad we did. Segovia had beautiful Roman-style architecture that made me want to buy a plane ticket to Rome as soon as possible. The Aqueduct and Alcázar de Segovia were both sights to behold.
There are definitely moments of homesickness that come with all the excitement. Luckily, I have been able to find things to do that make me feel at home. I saw one of my favorite bands, Durand Jones and the Indications, play in Barcelona. I helped start a film club on campus and we’ve been able to see a few different movies so far. Although, I can’t say they butter or salt their popcorn quite as much here as they do in the states. But when I do need a taste of home, I visit one of the many Five Guys locations in downtown Madrid.
Sending love to everyone back home and I can’t wait to check up with you all again!
Fans, families, alumni and friends can check in with what Isaak and Phelan are up to over sees by following their adventures on GoSuffolkRams.com or over social media by using the hashtag #RAMsinterNATIONal.