From Montana to the Mountains of Oaxaca

Eli Cornell Start Date: Oct 14, 2015 - End Date: Jan 21, 2016
  • Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico

My Travel Story

by: Eli Cornell Start Date: Oct 14, 2015 - End Date: Jan 21, 2016
Hello
Or perhaps I should say Hola. 

My name is Eli Cornell, I am nineteen years old, and was born and raised in Kalispell Montana.

For those of you who are from out of state, or otherwise unfamiliar with the area, let me preemptively answer your first three questions…

Yes we do have running water, just like the rest of the nation.
No we are not all cowboys or right-wing gun-toting extremists.
And only some of us ride horses to school. (I am not included in this category)

Growing up in the mountains, I had the wonderful opportunity to spend the weekends skiing, rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, and enjoying the beauty of the northwest.

Two weeks before I was scheduled to leave for college in Portland I made the decision to defer my admission, and travel abroad.

During my few short years of existence I have had the good fortune to be able to travel to far and distant lands. My adventures have taken me all over the United States, Canada, The United Kingdoms, France, and even China. Despite my relatively close proximity (at least compared to Paris or Beijing) I have yet to travel to Latin America.

So, armed with four years of high school French, a few poems by Pablo Neruda, a thirst for knowledge and adventure, and a kindergarten level comprehension of Spanish, I choose Oaxaca Mexico as my travel destination.

I will be traveling with a program called Sol Abroad. (Link to their website below) Not only did they connect me with the local university and help me sign up for classes but they also placed me with a host family, and will provide much needed guidance and support.

I am not sure what I am looking for in my travels, and I definitely don’t know what I will gain. Hopefully I’ll return from this trip with a greater understanding of Hispanic culture, US-Mexican relations, Spanish as a whole, and hopefully I will learn more about myself.
 

Anything you’re willing to contribute to my travels is greatly appreciated.

All those who donate will receive a hand written thank you card, as well as travel updates and pictures from my adventures.


Want to see what I am doing?
You can follow my blog on Tumblr
Also check out my Instagram
And Friend me on Facebook
 
Thank you all for your support, love, and positive thoughts
 
En espera de su respuesta,
le saludo atentamente.

Eli

 
  • Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico

Updates

1

  • 100 Days

    Just 100 days left till I depart. 
    Honselty, its a little intimidating, I think I need to go practice more spanish now.

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