Rooftop restaurants are a very popular attraction in Madrid because of the amazing views and the city landscape. I finally got to visit a rooftop restaurant this past week and can safely say it met and exceeded my expectations. After having spent the past six weeks in the city and having explored many of the neighborhoods and sights, it was a really cool experience to be able to see those things from a rooftop and to be able to identify where I was. The panoramic views of the city, with its blend of historic and modern architecture, were absolutely breathtaking. As I enjoyed my meal, I could spot landmarks I had visited and see the vibrant streets I had walked, giving me a new perspective on the city’s layout and beauty. The new vantage point provided a sense of connection and familiarity with Madrid that I hadn’t experienced before.
The ambiance of the rooftop and the stunning sunset, made it a memorable and magical evening. I can totally understand why these venues are so popular amongst both locals and tourists.
This weekend, I was able to visit Lisbon, Portugal, which was somewhere I had been wanting to see for quite a while. After being told over and over again that portuguese is very similar to spanish, I can safely say I have been lied to. One of the first experiences I had was trying to check into our hostel, and struggling A LOT to communicate. After a few days, I started to identify some more of the words and connect some cognates, but I definitely think that portuguese is a significantly different language than Spanish.
One thing that really stood out to me in Portugal, though was the influence that India had on the country. We got the opportunity to take a bike tour, which taught me a lot about the history of India and Portuguese colonization in India.
India’s influence on Portugal is profoundly rooted in their shared history, dating back to the early 16th century when Portugal established its colonial presence in India.
This exchange left a lasting mark on Portuguese culture, especially evident in their cuisine, where Indian spices like pepper, cinnamon, and cardamom transformed traditional dishes. Iconic Portuguese meals such as vindaloo and balchão were dishes that I found extremely familiar, and learned that they were direct results of this shared history. Architecturally, the Manueline period saw the integration of Indian motifs and materials, with churches and monasteries often featuring intricate Indian-inspired designs and imported stones like black basalt.
We also got to visit the tile museum, which detailed a lot of Portuguese art that was depicted in ceramic tiles, but I also did find that these often displayed Indian-inspired designs.
Internship Experiences:
Prior to this internship experience, I have had several leadership experiences, particularly with groups within my peers. I have truly enjoyed these leadership experiences, as I enjoy being able to bring together a group of people and encourage creativity and problem-solving in order to do amazing things. I honestly think that my internship experience abroad has affirmed my approach to leadership, while also adding a few helpful tools to my basket for improving my leadership skills.
During my internship, I had the opportunity to observe and participate in a diverse range of leadership styles and strategies. Working in a multicultural environment exposed me to new perspectives and approaches to problem-solving that I had not previously encountered. This experience highlighted importance of adaptability and cultural sensitivity in effective leadership, which was something I had never completely thought about during my previous experiences. I learned the value of active listening and the significance of understanding the unique strengths and motivations of each team member. Additionally, I gained practical experience in conflict resolution and decision-making under pressure, which are crucial skills for any leader.
I think this experience will make me a better leader because it will help me to better navigate diverse teams and foster a more inclusive environment. Skills of active listening and cultural sensitivity will be very useful to help me achieve these things. Overall, I think I have gained some insights from this internship that will help me be a better leader in the future.
The internship also provided me with mentorship opportunities, where I could receive feedback and guidance from experienced leaders. This mentorship was invaluable in helping me refine my leadership style and develop a more nuanced understanding of how to inspire and manage a team. Moreover, the challenges I faced during the internship taught me resilience and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude even in difficult situations.