Watkins Has Strep/Last Few Days

Sorry I haven't posted about:
-Rome
-Granada
-Paris
-Barcelona
-Grazalema

Life got real crazy, real fast.  They'll go up eventually; I really want to save those memories, and a couple of them are already written in my little notebook.

For a while there I was travelling every weekend, and between turning in blogs for API and school I really didn't have time. Then, during this last week, I got strep. It was finals, and my last week in Sevilla with my friends, and I was trapped at home: miserable, unable to talk, with a fever of 101. I wasn't functioning, let alone studying or blogging.

But my experience going to the hospital with strep was actually a really nice one. Funny how those things work out! The most wonderful cabbie of all time picked me up, and when he noticed that I was nervous to go into the hospital (I HATE hospitals), he came in with me. And the receptionist was too sweet, she went into the appointment with me in case I needed help translating the doctor (I didn't! +10 Spanish points! :D) and then at the end of the appointment the same taxi man was there to take me home, by way of a pharmacy. The whole time we talked about religion, and music, and studies and all kinds of things, I almost forgot I was ill. So even though I feel absolutely rotten, I've had worse mornings. And then he didn't charge me when we got back to my house. SO appreciated! Thank the Lord for Angels in disguise!!

 And then it was packing up and leaving Sevilla :(( It was so sad! We had this going away mixer in the upper level of a bakery/bar thing. It could have been really fun (free drinks flowing, tapas circulating) but I felt so awful I couldn't really enjoy myself.  We got to say goodbye to our friends from school, our professors, the program directors, and our program friends. At the end, a bunch of my friends and I went for pizza and afterwards to this great bar for saying goodbye. It was awesome to have time together reminicing and closing the experience we had all shared. When the bar closed, we still weren't ready to go home, but didn't want to go out, so we sat by the river chatting and appreciating Triana by night. Still no tears.

my street

Front door of the apt

abundant awkward portraits of her grandkids

But the next day, when I was running around doing my last minute shopping, I saw a random guy with a suitcase and I lost it. I started crying right there in the middle of San Bernardo. And once I started, it was on and off all day.I'm pretty sure crying is a disease; contaigous, and incurable. Sometimes it goes into remission, but it always comes back until it has run its course. That night I said until later (not goodbye) to some of my favorite people, and the next morning I took my bags to see my friend Aida. She took me home by way of my friend Maria's street so I could say hasta luego to her too, and then it was time to say goodbye to my host family and race to the bus, since I had already missed the one I had meant to take. (But as I explained it to Aida: people are more important than buses.)

helmeted and jacketed, ready for the moto!

And after a delay and much metro-ing, I made it to the hostel in Paris. Exhausted, sick, hungry, and cried-out. But I was so, so excited to see Jessie in the lobby waiting for me that I forgot all about it the second I saw her. The rest of our night is in ¨Watkins is in Paris with Jessie¨.

To keep updated, visit my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/katiewatkins

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Hasta luego!

Watkins is in Paris with Jessie!! (Days 1-3)

Katie Anne and Jessie Mae are finally back together again, this time in Paris!! Jessie is my first and oldest friend- literally. She was in the delivery room when I was born. We haven't seen each other nearly enough since I moved away from Virginia, so the fact that we get to spend 20 days in a row together exploring Europe together is absolutely surreal!

Day 1 (In Sevilla & Paris)
My flight got delayed, and it took forever for me to get to the hostel, so by the time I finally arrived we really only had time and energy to go grab some Vietnamese food on the way to bed. It was so nice to see her after all this time!! It´s been a year since I last saw her, and it was at least 6 years before that. ALL THE HUGS.

Day 2 (In Paris)

Front gate of Versailles

Starting early, starting strong! We made our first morning a day trip to Versailles , which is quite a bit outside the city. We wandered all over the grounds and in and out of the buildings for about 5 hours! And that was in the winter, when the gardens are bare and the sculptures covered (kind of a let down. Even though there were still trees and paths, you could only see the skeleton of the landscaping. I can't imagine the kind of splendor they must be in during spring and summer!).

The palace itself was massive! room after room of ceiling to floor silk damask, statues, portraits, and mirrors. Truly incredible. I can see why the people were ticked off at the luxury of the throne! We bared the cold to wander the gardens a bit, but soon we gave up on the wrapped up statues and turned our attention to the Petit Trianon. It is better known as Marie Antoinette's estate, although it was built for Madame de Pompadour and inhabited by Madame du Barry. The ceilings were so low! I thought I was going to smack my head the whole time. I got to learn a lot about their young, last queen, which was super interesting. Apperently, she liked to put on plays in her opera house. Yeah, she had her own opera house.

From there we went to Grand Trianon, which was the same story, but a touch smaller. At that point we were so worn out that we weren't even paying attention, so we decided to call it a day and get back on the metro. We hadn't eaten yet and it was already 3! But we were so out of it that we missed our stop and ended up at Notre Dame. We ran and got a sandwich (SO. HUNGRY.)  and then caught our second wind. We used it to wander around the Latin Quarter, my favorite bookstore, and the Christmas market outside Notre Dame. Notre Dame was closed at that point, so we didn't go in, but the outside was stunning as usual. I love Shakespere and Co more every time I go in, it's just magical! All the books and words and literary people create this lovely safety bubble in the middle of the city hustle & bustle. It's magnificent. There are poems on the walls from hundreds of authors and dreamers, typewritters, and reading areas to love their collection of dusty, leather-bound books.

Then we hit the grocery store, enjoyed some mulled wine (that´s a lie I really didn´t like it. Jessie did, but to me it tasted like warm sangria. I much prefer our wintery spiced wines.) and finally, ended the long day with crepes at the cafe Amelie was filmed at. :)

Day 3 (In Paris)
This morning we started at Les Catacombs! It was a really creepy way to start the day. The Catacombs are a tunnel system that got turned into an ostuary back in the day. It starts as a cool geologic lesson before getting eerie- there are thousands and thousand of skeletons that are stacked to create walls underground! They're lined up in patterns ranging from crosses to hearts and stripes of skulls. The skulls were in great condition for the most part, although of course there were a number that had been smashed. It's so creepy to think about all the people that ended up piled in this mass grave as a tourist attraction! There was no flash photography, and the whole thing was darky and gloomy, but I got a couple close to the sporadic lamps. It was so fascinating!

The exit of the tunnel dumped us in a random street, so we wandered along it eating our sandwiches and taking in the scenary. After lunch we decided to split ways so Jessie could hit a couple of the museums I had already been to and I could explore something new. I chose to visit Musee Marmottan Monet, a wonderful sanctuary of Monet amongst the throngs of Paris tourists. There wasn´t a soul in line; all I had to do was walk in and show my visa to get in. It was full of Parisians looking at the temporary exhibit detailing the lives of Napoleon and the Bonapartes using a variety of beautiful portaits and household artifacts.

After learning about their familiy ties (twisted.) I moved on to their floor full of illustrated manuscripts from the middle ages. They were covered in gold leaf in winding patterns and swirls of color- truly beautiful representations of the bible that I could understand even though the script was illegible. There was also a decor collection full of furnature, mirrors and silk screens. I didn´t stay in this section for long though, because I was so excited to see what had attracted me to the Marmottan in the first place: their permanant collection of early Monet. It was magical. There was the painting¨Ïmpression, Sunset¨ which lent its name to the impressionism movement, room upon room of soothing lillies, his early sketches, and so much more. I was there until closing, just sitting and appreciating. I´m so glad I live in a day and age where I´m able to travel to see works by one of my favorite artists in person. And because it´s not one of the big tourist draws, everything was so tranquil and clean! No grubby fingerprints on glass cases, no overflowing bins or noisy tour guides. Just me, Monet, and a few other art lovers. It was perfect.

When they finally shut it down, I walked home through some gardens and did some blogging while waiting for Jessie. Turns out she had been upstairs the whole time, so by the time we realized we were both home and waiting for dinner, it was already like 9pm. So we quickly cooked up some pasta and chatted with our fellow hostelers downstairs before heading off to bed.

Watkins is Fully Loaded: How I've Packed for 20 Days in 38 Liters

So here's the thing: I'm not crazy. Promise. But I have decided to go backpack-only for 20 days this December 20-January 8. Our route will take us through a very frosty Paris, travelling through the South of France, working our way down through Northern Spain, Segovia, Madrid, and finally ending back here in Sevilla. Temperatures will hover around freezing the whole time. (Which wouldn't be too awful, except for the fact that I've grown so accustomed to the Andalucian heat that I bundle up at 60 degrees.)

Even so, I've decided to do it all with my trusty backpack. To go see my reasoning read "Watkins with a Backpack": http://whereintheworldiswatkins.blogspot.com.es/2013/11/watkins-with-backpack.html

The big question: What am I bringing??

Just this. Backpack, purse, coat. (And both
the coat and purse can fit inside my pack for
flying Ryannair)

Just what I can carry, with loads of room leftover so I can pick up a few things along the way for loved ones. Here's my complete list, (more or less) decided on after dozens of trial trips and many a practice pack. I still have a bit to go before I leave, so unimportant details might change (white sweater instead of the northface??), but this is exactly the amount and type of stuff I'm bringing.

















In My Purse:

It totally fits without any stressed zippers!

-Umbrella                                 -Pen
-Passport                                 -Copy of my
-Map                                         passport
-Water bottle                           -Hair ties
-Phone                                     -Cash
-Bobby pins                             -Wallet (with built in
-Emergency contact card            coin purse)
-Hand sanitizer                         -Chapstick
-Tissues                                    -Credit Card
-Mini notebook


Bathroom Gear/First Aid Kit

For a breakdown of what's in my first aid kit (any why), read:
"Watkins is Disaster Prone: What I Keep in my First Aid Kit"

Bathroom Gear:                   Quart of Liquids:
-Comb                                   -Mini toothpaste
-Small supply of                     -BB cream
  lady products                       -Neosporin
-Face wipes                           -Eye drops
-Qtips                                    -Mascara
-Tweezers                              -Icy Hot
-Nail clippers                         -Detangler
-Razor                                   -Face wash
-Hair Clip                               -Body wash
-Toothbrush                           -Shampoo
-Retainer                                -Conditioner
-Mini sewing kit                      -Heavy duty
-Eye mask                               moisturizer
-Earplugs
-Concealer
-Sink stopper
-Powdered soap

Electronics and Other Things

-Compression bag for dirty clothes
-Collapsible cross body tote bag
-Travel cocoon
-Chargers (Ipod and Mobile)
-Portable Charger
-Ipod (to free up space on my phone for pictures)
-Under-clothes passport pouch that my mom made me (but you can similar products at REI)
-Tiny carabineers
-Headphones
-Outlet converter
-Pack towel

Clothing
-White cami

I didn't roll up the fleece or winter gear because I'll be wearing
it so often- it goes in the easy access portion of my pack! As
I wear clothes they'll be in the compression bag too- the start
of the trip is the only time everything will be clean all at once,
so that will create more room, too.

-Black fleece-lined tights
-2 Sport bras
-Pillowcase
-2 Long-sleeved shirts
-Tshirt
-Knee brace
-Insulated skater skirt
-Black leggings
-3 pairs of wool socks
-Gloves
-Hat
-Northface microfleece
-Pashmina

Not Pictured:
-3 pairs of underwear
-Winter coat

The complete list, for those that want it!

If you want to know my top 20 essentials (and where to find them!) go read "Watkins' 20 Top Travel Toys":
http://whereintheworldiswatkins.blogspot.com.es/2013/12/watkins-20-top-travel-toys.html

Happy travels!
Katie

Watkins' 20 Top Travel Toys

I'm going to do a series of posts for y'all concerning my favorite travel toys, tips and tricks. I feel like I get asked all the time where I got such-and-such, or other travelers tell me what a great idea whatever that thing is, so I thought I'd condense all my favorites into a few posts. Enjoy!

My Top Travel Toys: 20 Essentials That Make Life Easier

I included links to where you can buy these things if you wish to do so, although I was lucky enough to get a lot of stuff from friends, or on sale (REI garage sale anyone?). I've been accumulating this gear for years, all over the world, so I tried to find the most similar models I could as reference points :)

1. Packing cubes: These bags are made of nylon and Mary Poppins magic. They help keep your ish organized and easy access (nearly impossible with a pack), plus they somehow transform 5 long sleeve shirts into one tank top. Don't ask me how it works, it just does.

http://www.amazon.com/eBags-Slim-Packing-Cubes-Canary/dp/B005LXST9K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385932822&sr=8-1&keywords=packing+cubes+slim

2. Compression bag or giant Ziploc freezer bag: as far as I can tell, they do the same thing, but the real one is more durable. I carry a "small" one with me for dirty clothes because they're great at isolating your smelly or grubby stuff into the smallest space possible. If you're traveling with winter gear (and don't plan on wearing it all the time) they're perfect for compressing a puffy ski coat into a manageable and packable sheet.

http://www.rei.com/product/739705/eagle-creek-pack-it-compression-set

3. Rubber sink stopper (& powdered soap): If you're not doing laundry at least once every four days or so, you're probably over packing. And powdered soap doesn't go all over everything like liquid detergent does. You're looking for a flat style sink stopper so it can go over any drain.

http://www.amazon.com/Lewis-N-Clark-Laundry-White/dp/B00004SRAX/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1385933206&sr=8-11&keywords=rubber+sink+stopper

4. Camping towel: Hostel towels are scratchy and sketchy. Plus it's a great multitasker! I use mine as a blanket on cold trains, a pillow on airplanes, and to wring out excess water after doing laundry.

http://www.rei.com/product/830599/packtowl-personal-towel

5. Portable charger: This little gadget has saved my butt so many times! You charge it up before you travel using the usb side, and then when you're panicking in an airport because you have no idea what hostel you're staying at and your phone is at 2% battery, you plug it into your phone using the micro usb side. If you're, say, blogging on an airplane, and use up all the battery, it's a great relief to be able to charge up on the go. Especially if your phone is also your camera!

http://www.amazon.com/Tylt-MV9ZUMO-T-Portable-1500mAh-Battery/dp/B0083HAUN4/ref=sr_1_9?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1385933349&sr=1-9&keywords=portable+usb+micro+usb+charger

6. My phone: I know some people choose to travel without one, but for me, it's indispensable. I use it as my kindle (AWESOME device to get if you don't have a smartphone! I also have a kindle that I got for graduation that travels with me when I've got a bit more space. I'm a huge fan of reading, and I go through way too many books to be economical.), email, for connecting with people at home and abroad alike, my camera, and so much more. (Keep an eye out for "Watkins' Favorite Travel Apps" in the next couple weeks to see how I load mine up!)

7. Collapsible tote bag: Most of the budget European airlines only allow one bag, which means no personal item. I use this bag as my "airplane stuff" bag on the flight and then shove it into the top of my pack before boarding/deboarding. They're super light, waterproof, and mine even has a carabineer so I can take it anywhere. Another reason I love mine is that it's cross body, so I feel a bit more secure when it's got my laptop inside. My bag has been an airplane bag, beach bag, school book bag, shopping bag, and once I even stuffed a bunch of clothes in it and used it as a pillow.

http://www.amazon.com/BlueAvocado-XO-ECO-Reusable-Green-Nautical/dp/B00E59XDY2/ref=sr_1_cc_3?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1385933453&sr=1-3-catcorr&keywords=collapsible+tote+bag+crossbody

8. Packsafe purse: It sounds like one of those stupid products geared towards paranoid first time travelers, but I love it. Mine has an RFID pocket, wires woven through the straps and body, and a lock on the zipper. Petty crime is huge in Europe, and it's so nice to be able to relax and take in the sights rather than clutch my bag and worry about losing everything.

http://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Luggage-Slingsafe-Shoulder-Blue/dp/B006TJM5TK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1385933629&sr=8-3&keywords=pacsafe+purse

9. Tiny carabineers: Along the same lines as the Packsafe bag, I travel with tiny carabineers holding together my backpack zippers. It's impossible to watch your back at all times, and I'm like an infant on greyhound buses (asleep in minutes) so the extra insurance is necessary. It's not going to completely stop a tenacious pickpocket, but it causes enough hassle that I like to think I would notice something happening.

http://www.rei.com/product/855018/nite-ize-stainless-steel-s-biner-size-05-package-of-2

10. Earplugs: Hostels and hotels have such thin walls that if you're like me, and people always manage to come in screaming right when you've fallen asleep, you'll want earplugs. They're light and don't take up much room, so why not bring them and get a good night's sleep?

http://shop.riteaid.com/dp/B002N3D694#.UpusecRJOSo

11. Water bottle: So essential!! Finding potable water is way less painful than parting with 3euros for a tiny bottle at the airport. Mine is leftover from a bar in Barcelona that I keep around because it fits perfectly in my purse. I hate reusing a non-reusable bottle for this long, but it's so perfectly sized that I can't part with it! I wish I'd found something like this one before leaving: http://www.amazon.com/Vapur-0-5-Litres-Anti-Bottle-Purple/dp/B003A722UG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1385934019&sr=8-5&keywords=collapsible+water+bottle! Collapsible for easy transport, machine washable and bpa free.

12. Detangler: If you're a dude (or gal with short hair) pass this one up, but I love my detangler! Somehow I always end up with tons of knots in my hair, even when it's in a braid or bun, and super skinny serum saves my life. It's also great for smoothing out frizzy post-airplane hair.

http://www.amazon.com/Paul-Mitchell-Super-Skinny-Serum/dp/B001F36O7O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1385934090&sr=8-2&keywords=paul+mitchell+super+skinny+serum

13. Pashmina: Pashminas are great because they're super versatile. I typically only travel with solid, neutral colors (mix and match ftw), but with my bright, patterned pashmina I never get bored! It's a scarf, pillow, cardigan, blanket,  eye mask on bright flights, and the easiest way to dress up those jeans you've been wearing for a week in case of a fancy event. (Are we seeing a pattern of multi-functional items yet?)

http://www.amazon.com/The-scarf-shop-Paisley-Scarf/dp/B002PA6R32/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&qid=1385934387&sr=8-24&keywords=pashmina

14. Local currency in small bills: I can't stress enough how important it is to use local currency. They'll probably let you use your USD or EUR, but the exchange rate will be a joke. For example, in Morocco, you can use EUR instead of MAD, but the rate they give you is 10MAD-1EUR instead of 11.2-1. Then, since they know you use euros they won't barter with you.

15. Comfy walking shoes: When you travel, every day is a big walking day! Wear shoes appropriate for the climate where you're going, make sure they have arch support, and are broken in well. Sometimes you have to choose function over style. As painful as it seems now to wear tevas non-stop for a month, the absence of blisters will be worth it. My tevas: http://www.rei.com/product/796011/teva-tirra-sandals-womens

16. Basic first aid kit: Stuff happens, and if that stuff happens when you can't get to a farmacía, you could be in a tough spot. For specifics on what I carry in my first aid kit, click here: http://whereintheworldiswatkins.blogspot.com.es/2013/12/bare-bones-first-aid-kit.html

17. Tissues and hand sanitizer: Bathrooms here in Europe are not always equipped with toilet paper and soap like we're accustomed to in the states. Even at my uni, the girls’ bathroom is always lacking soap and frequently toilet paper as well. Be prepared, because for a girl, missing tp can ruin your day! (pro tip: prepare for travel by doing excessive amounts of squats.)

18. Lip balm: I never go anywhere without chapstick, so there's no way I'm travelling without it! Something that's been my fave for the last year or so is Maybelline's baby lips: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod3800003

19. Travel Sheet: I've heard people go both ways on this one. For me, it's a must-have. I've definitely used it in some less-than-lovely hotel/hostel situations, and it's another one of those things that's a great multitasker. Plus, it brings up the temperature of sleeping bags 10 degrees (F!), which is nice, because I'm always cold at night.

http://www.rei.com/product/695429/sea-to-summit-silk-travel-sleeping-bag-liner-traveler

And the most important of all:

20. The backpack! Go read my post "Watkins with a Backpack" to read about why I travel with a backpack, and why I'm so attached to mine in particular.

http://www.rei.com/product/809323/gregory-jade-38-pack-womens

Happy travels!

Katie

Watkins is Disaster Prone: What I Keep in my First Aid Kit

Let's be real. I get hurt A LOT. First aid kits are something that everyone I interact with should be required to carry. Most of the time, you can get to a pharmacy or something similar to buy whatever you need, but there's always the chance that it's siesta, Sunday, or after hours.

I'd also like to add that while there seem to be a lot of medicines on this list, I am not one to take pills unless it's really necessary (which is why there are only 4 each of dayquil and nyquil). This is just what I find works for me; use your judgment and pack what's right for you!

Most of these things I put in zippies to save room and weight, but I wanted the packaging to be visible for pictures :)

Here's the stuff I think is important enough to carry in my bag:

1. Icy Hot: Maybe not necessary for everyone, but definitely for me. I have bad knees, and so when I do as much walking as one does while travelling, they start to hurt. This perks me right up for another day (and night) on the town!

2. Imodium: Not a cute thing to have on the list, but super important. I've never needed it myself, but I've given it to multiple people (along with #3) this trip. It can be tough adjusting to water and food in new countries, and that shouldn't be a thing that ruins your vacation. Make sure you're checking if water is good to drink as you go along so you never need to use this!

3. Pepto Bismol: One of the weekend trips to Morocco that some people from my school went on ended in a 4 hour bus ride (minimum) with everyone puking because of bad water and food. Bet they wish they'd had pepto...

4. Moleskin: The second my shoes start to hurt even the tiniest bit, this roll of magic comes out. No blisters on my watch!

5. Anti-Motion Sickness: I get really carsick (especially on buses going up narrow, winding, mountain roads. Seriously, who could ever think that's a good idea??) so I always take one of these on days I know I'm bussing it.

6. Zzzquil: Pro for beating jet lag. Keep on the lookout for a whole post dedicated to how to power through time changes!

7. Bandaids: That little box has an assortment of sizes, ranging from hangnail to bashed against rocks in salt water. All have been used this semester.

8. Aspirin/Ibuprofen/Advil/Tylenol/Whatever floats your boat: Headaches, sore feet, and cramps happen. Recognize what your body is telling you with the pain, and then ignore it completely.

9. Dayquil: Being sick is no reason to sleep through the itinerary of the day. Get up, get going, with dayquil.

10. Nyquil: Because sometimes you're sick at night too. (Can somebody hire me to make jingles, please? I feel like these are a lot more realistic than snot monsters jumping up and down in your sinuses.)

11. Neosporin: I use good ol' neo for everything! Cuts, hangnails, blemishes, and even especially chapped lips in a pinch. Neosporin is the new Windex.

I also always carry a CPR mask, but it stays in the hip belt pocket of my backpack for immediate access. If you're certified, it never hurts to bring one along!

Stay safe!

Katie

Watkins is Very, Very Grateful

I’ve always had so many things in my life to be grateful for, but this semester I’ve realized just how blessed I actually am. It’s not something I talk about often, because it feels like bragging, but I truly am so very, very grateful for all the things happening in my life and the people that have made them happen.

I’m grateful for my new host family. They are absolutely wonderful people, and extraordinarily welcoming. They opened their family up to me right off the bat with a welcome party, which was so special. I have a real mattress, she loves cooking vegetarian food, and I get to listen to church bells as I fall asleep at night. I love that we have deep conversations about life while I’m getting ready in the morning. She’s so hospitable that she has already offered to let me stay here when I come back to Sevilla this January, which means that I don’t need to be worried about finding a hotel or hostel during the holidays here. I’m grateful that she sees me as part of the family, and that I’ll be able to see her grandkids choir concert in the big cathedral. (PS. My host mom came in while I was writing this and crying a bit, and hugged me. It was cute.)

I’m grateful that I’m having all of these wonderful adventures. Every experience I have teaches me more about myself as a person, and where I want to go from here. I’m really experiencing the world, not just seeing it.

I’m grateful that my concussion was only a temporary road bump, and that my knee hasn’t acted out too badly since I've’ve been here. My health is something I really cherish, especially after experiencing what it’s like to not be able to count on it.

I’m grateful that I was able to get the loans I needed to come abroad, and that I’m in the position where travelling is a possibility for me.

But mostly, I’m grateful to be surrounded by angels. There are so many people in my life that I wouldn't be able to have done this without. I didn’t want to post the thank-yous I wrote to my parents because they felt too personal, but please know that I sent them thank-yous too.

To my friends here in Sevilla: I’m so glad I have you in my life. This experience would be impossible if I didn’t have such a strong network of people surrounding me, looking out for me, caring about me. You guys make every day better.

To Holy Cross: Thank you for starting me young. My roots are with you guys in Redmond, and I’m so glad I’ve grown up with you. You raised me, supported me through everything, and helped me form a faith that is more a part of me than my limbs are. I’m so grateful for the mission trips, pilgrimages, volunteer outings and more that taught me that there’s so much to see in the world, and so many ways to help, not only abroad, but in my backyard as well.

To the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia: Thank you so much for the HYC system, and everything that came along with it. I met my best friends there, and gained a huge support network that’s always there for me (and I’m always there for them). I have a huge family because of you, including so many incredible, strong, inspiring people to look up to and influence my decisions. I’m the person I am today because of your influence. Thank you for taking me to Israel, for really opening my eyes to other cultures and religions. That trip has influenced my outlook on life and is one of the lenses I use to make decisions and analyze new experiences.

To the lovely people at the Newman: Thank you all for inviting me to Mexico last spring and reminding me how much I love working abroad and volunteering. That trip reminded me why I study Spanish, and why it’s worth all the long hours. It reminded me how easy it is to truly connect with people if you’re just willing to listen. Thank you for welcoming me into your community and teaching me about Catholicism so patiently and without judgment. I go to mass every Sunday here, and understand (mostly;)) everything that’s happening, which is really special to me. Because of the things you taught me I’m able to connect with people more easily and gain a deeper understanding of Spanish culture.

To my high school Spanish teacher, Mrs. Shadley: Thank you for never giving up on me, even when I didn’t want to be there. Gracias por nunca me deja por imposible, aún a veces no quería estar allí.

To Profesora Carbajal: Thank you for making me love Spanish. Your love of Spanish is obvious and infectious, and the things I learned from you have been essential here in Sevilla. I mean, it’s no Carbajalandia, but most of the same rules apply. Thank you for telling me it was possible, that I could do this semester, and for your help in preparing. You’ve really influenced how I want to live my life, and I appreciate it. Gracias por me daba una pasión por Español. Tú amor por la lengua es obvio y contagioso, y las cosas que aprendí son esencial aquí en Sevilla. Pues, no es Carbajalandia, pero la mayoridad de las leyes todavía están aplicables. Gracias por me dijo que esta experiencia estaba posible y por su ayuda con las preparaciones. Ha influenciado la manera en que quiero vivir mi vida y lo aprecio mucho.

To my friends back home: You all have been so sweet, I really can’t say thank you enough. The letters, facebook messages, and snapchats, all of it makes me feel so at home. I was so worried before I left that you would forget about me, learn to get on with life without me and when I got home, there wouldn’t be a place for me anymore. It sounds stupid now, but those thoughts wiggle themselves in your head and then you can’t get rid of them. I love you all so very, very much, and can’t wait to see you in a couple of months. Start working on your arm strength now, because when I get back all of the hugging will happen. If your arms fall off, at least I warned you.

But mostly, I want to thank my family, for always supporting me and helping me follow my dreams. All my cousins, grandparents, everybody. You always have my back, and I’m so glad I got to grow up with a support network as strong as I did.

Everyone, thank you for being in my life. I thank the Lord every day for you, and hope you realize how special you are to me. Every single one of you has made me who I am today, and I wanted you to know that. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, eat some cranberries for me.

Lots of love, Katie

Watkins With A Backpack

Confession: I used to be a chronic over-packer. (Hey Nate, remember that time I brought like 3 bags for 3 weeks in Israel? Thanks for carrying those around for me.) But since then I've left my suitcase days behind me, and I'm heads over heels in love with my backpack!! I honestly wish I'd made the switch earlier. Traveling with only what you can carry on your back feels so freeing, try it once and you'll be hooked!

Here's the top 5 reasons I love travelling with a backpack:

1. I've been forced into nearly neurotic levels of chaotic organization. With a backpack, there's a pocket for everything, and everything stays in its pocket. I feel a bit like one of those crazy old ladies that has a never-ending handbag!

2. The community is great! Backpackers are some of the friendliest people I've ever met. There's a sense of understanding, and I've never felt like help is far away. I always offer directions, and when I'm out of Sevilla , people do the same for me. Which is awesome, because I spend a lot of time being lost.

3. Getting places is less stressful. When you only travel with what you can carry there's less overhead to keep track of. I don't have to wait for checked bags to get unloaded, I don't accidentally take out people's ankles on the metro, I don't need to pay baggage fees. I can also run to catch planes, trains, buses, etc. You name it, I've been late for it and arrived just in time thanks to my trusty backpack.

4. Stairs, man. Stairs.

5. My priorities have changed. It's not like I used to buy a TON of stuff while traveling, but definitely more than I needed. With only 38 liters to hold everything in, my purchases mean a lot more to me. I also know what's necessary more now than I used to (I haven't used a heat appliance on my hair since August!). When I get home a lot of what I have is going to goodwill- I just don't need it.

Meet my backpack! The Gregory Jade 38

1. Floating Lid: I love having a floating lid because it means my pack is a bit expandable. It's also awesome because I can use it to strap down a bulky winter coat without having to find room for it inside by bag. This one doesn't disconnect all the way, but that just means one less thing for me to lose!

2. Easy Access Pocket: This pocket is perfect for stashing maps and travel guides. Because it's flat and square, nothing gets smooshed!

3. Rain Cover: Whoops, am I letting my PNW show again? Necessary item.

4. Shoe Compartment: I believe this is actually for a sleeping bag, but it's so convenient for keeping my shoes separate from my stuff in their own waterproof section!

5. Front AND Top Loading: This was one of my requirements when looking for a backpack. It's so much easier to find things when you don't have to pull everything out of the top to get to your hoodie jammed in the bottom!

6. Adjustable sides: When my pack is less full, I can shorten those straps so nothing is bouncing around. They're also useful for hanging particularly muddy shoes or a cardigan from. (Not at the same time, obviously.)

7. Big Water Pockets: This was another of my requirements. I'm a stickler for reusable bottles, so I needed lots of space for them! These ones are just big enough to hold the big 2L bottles that are so common here.

8. Hip pockets: This is where I store my CPR kit and Chapstick. Both vital for life and should always be within reach.

What you can't see:
9. The Suspended Back Panel: wicks sweat and keeps cool air flowing over your back. Sounds gross, but carrying a backpack can get sweaty!

10. It's The Perfect Size: It fits exactly within the Ryanair carry-on restrictions, which is the strictest airline when it comes to carry-ons. I have exactly the space I need, and no extra. It also hits my back and hips in just the right spots and isn't too tall for my torso, which was important to me.

11. Extra Padded Straps: I'm kind of a wimp, so having a little extra cushion is super nice.

12. Integrated Camel Back Pouch: I actually took out the water skin. I use this pocket to hold everything that needs keeping flat and secure against my back, such as; art, delicate souvenirs, or my laptop (when I'm travelling with it).

The short of it is: try out a backpack. Or even a smaller carry-on. It's not as scary as you might think, and you could discover a whole new flavor of travel that you really love!

Xoxo, Katie