(#10) A World of Opportunity: Gracias, Valencia

To people around the world America is known as the "Land of Opportunity." Many Europeans, Spaniards in particular, leave their country after receiving their diplomas from university to pursue a career in America, because of the poor economic situations in their country. And while this is generally true for the outsiders looking in, I have to say that the experience has been much different for me. As only a Freshman undergrad, of course, I can't speak based on too much back home. However, my experiences here in Valencia and traveling around the world have led me to believe that anybody can make their own opportunities.

In life, opportunities, at least the really good ones, have to be made, not served to you on a silver platter. And I feel like that's where a lot of Americans get lost in the dying American Dream. We're not all born with the privilege to get into university, receive a higher education, support families, and get a second chance if we screw up. It's up to us to seize the little opportunities or create new ones for ourselves and others in the future. This idea didn't just come to me in the middle of the night. It's something that is learned. And I am very fortunate and thankful to say that I've had honor of being taught by the city of Valencia.

With that, I'd like to share with you, my faithful readers, about my personal tips to Carpe Diem. (What? Did you think I'd forget to make a Dead Poets Society reference?):

1. Think in "why not's?"
To do things you never thought you would do and learn new things from new experiences is to travel successfully. But how often will we allow ourselves to do that. My advice is that when you're conflicted with whether or not to do something–be it because of financial pressures, safety, or a feeling of uncomfortableness– examine your confidence, take in a deep, deep breath, and let out a big "why the hell not?"

During one of the TED talks I heard, the speaker said that people grow in times of uncomfortableness. If we grow complacent, we never grow as people and as allow ourselves to stay underdeveloped. Another speaker said that imperfection is the new perfect. While his context might have been tailored to food (as he was a chef), I tailor my interpretation to opportunities. The "perfect" moment is never going to come, unless you create that moment. Take each step in a new place with the idea that your trail is one that you are creating for yourself, and not for anyone else. And if some one asks you why you're doing it the way you're doing it. Turn to them and kindly say:

... Why not?

2. Let Wanderlust get the best of you and go where you please.

I think we’re all born with it. It took a brochure in the mail about a study abroad program at Florida State to tap into mine. Wanderlust brought me to over twenty different cities in seven different countries. It has brought me choose to attend university on the East Coast in Tallahassee, Florida in the Fall. And it brought me to Valencia, Spain, a city that forever holds a special place in my heart, right next to the people and the memories we’ve made. 

3. Last, but not least, don't forget to stop and look around once in a while.

Ferris Bueller said it best: "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." Some people travel to the most beautiful places on Earth and all they can think about is the long day that they've had, all the money that they've spent, and how "this is nice, but too bad I'm leaving it anyway." Yes, life and traveling are fleeting things. But it's important to take a moment realize that we only get these moments once in our lifetimes. Stop. Slow down time, even for that one moment. Breathe it all in. And never let it leave your memory.

Traveling can be such a beautiful thing when it's done in an appreciative way. Especially when you know that you're the one in control of your own journey. So once you've done the things you never imagined you would have, once you've gone to the places you've always wanted to go to, and once you've kept them forever in your heart and soul, then you've made it down the road less traveled by. Thank you, Valencia.

'Til our roads meet,
Christian Camacho

The Traveling 'Nole

(#9) I'm So ExciTED: Volunteering at TEDxBerkleeValencia 2016

You can imagine my reaction when I first discovered the amazingness that are TEDtalks during High school. Hearing people give some of the most inspirational speeches I've ever heard in my life was life changing. And it was all on one internet YouTube page! I must have sat on my bed watching those videos for hours, from science talks to talks about the struggles that some have endured, from music to the arts, and so on. TED's subject diversity and educational message has always held a special place in my heart. 

So, now, you can imagine my reaction when I found out that I was going to be volunteering for them in Valencia...

Around mid-February, English professor, the wonderful Prof Kay, mentioned to our class that Valencia would be hosting another annual TED talk in the City of Arts and Sciences, hosted by Berklee school of music. The words "TED" came out of her mouth I knew that I would be buying a ticket as soon as possible! (I'm glad I didn't..)

Weeks passed and I forgot about the event completely. I was reminded here and there, but never remembered to buy a ticket. It wasn't until the ride home from Barcelona during a lunch on the beach in Peñiscola that I learned I still had a way to get in.

"The application was super easy. A few yes or no questions and a profession of my love for TED later, they emailed me saying that I could volunteer with them!" Said Chloe enthusiastically. Brittney immediately lit up with excitement, as she said that she had signed up to be a volunteer also.

I stared at them dumbfounded. There was a slight drop in my appetite at the notion that it might be too late for me. "HAS THE DEADLINE PASSED?? IS IT TOO LATE, DO YOU THINK?" Although they weren't sure, I made sure that one of the first things I did when I got home was check to see if I still had a chance to get in. And sure enough..... A few yes or no questions and a profession of my love for TED later, I got an email the very next day saying that I was on the volunteer team. I tried my hardest to maintain my composure when I looked at the email. From that moment, I knew it was going to be something to remember.

The Tuesday before the show, we went to the Berklee School of Music campus in Valencia to meet the team and go over our roles for Friday's dress rehearsal. We got our free tee-shirts (which I was a little too excited about getting, I'll admit), learned the speakers and our roles, and looked forward to Friday.

Friday came as soon I hoped it would. It was the day to set up the even itself. With shirts worn proudly, Brittney, Chloe, Coryn, and I were ready to start the day. 

When we first arrived, we saw Jeremy, a Berklee student and volunteer, with a cart that had four large, red letters on them. I analyzed them, and then it occurred to me what I was looking at...

"Guys... Those are the TED letters..." I tried my hardest to contain my excitement and act cool. But I'm probably one of the most expressive people you'll ever meet, so you know how well that went. We rushed to the main auditorium at the Oceanogràphic, and were able to help set the actual letters for TEDxBerkleeValencia. (Insert fangirl noise here.)

On that Friday, I was given the honor of escorting Mike Muse, one the TED speakers, from the hotel and watching him practice (more like deliver) his TED talk. He is an amazing, enthusiastic man, whose humility, intelligence, and friendliness has helped get him to where he is today. In total I saw about three TED talks being rehearsed before they were given at the actual event. Aside from Mike's talk, I also saw Zoe Schneider's beautiful spoken word about the ability of millennials to step up and create change in our world despite what older generations might think of us, and Jonathon Iwry's talk about the role of human intuition in our lives and its personal impact on his career as a freestyle rapper. 

Then came the day of the actual event. Saturday. I was excited to get to witness this. And plus, there was an after party to look forward to. Most of my day was spent ticketing, but during the later part, I got to see the remainder of the TED talks. People from Tatiana Oliveira Simonian (a Marketing and Business Development Executive) to Will Lydgate (a masters student @ Berklee, VLC and a chocolate educator) spoke and delivered various powerful and informative messages. It was a surreal experience to be able to watch something that I spent the last few years admiring on YouTube unfold in front of my vary eyes. 

After the event, I was able to help clean up and learn a little about the Berklee-TED production team and what they do to get the show going. Our evening came to an all time hight when attended the TEDx After Party at the roof of the Barcelò hotel next to the Berklee campus. Here we met the majority of the speakers and got to see the more personal side to those behind the TED talks. We even got to meet the guys who won the Hyperloop-SpaceX competition! There was an aroma of sophistication in the air that chilled my bones. This was awesome.

I have to say, one of the coolest parts for me during this whole experience was getting to meet and make friends with Berklee students and to explore the Berklee Campus a little bit. While I was looking at universities as a Senior in high school, I highly considered applying to Berklee school of music, Boston. But the price tag was a little too high, and I figured I should give scholastic university the old college try. So it was truly an honor to get to do that.

The connections that I have made during this TED experience, be it with volunteers, speakers, or the production team, I know that most of them will produce life long friendships. And I have this amazing city to thank for that.

'Til our roads meet,

Christian Camacho

The Traveling 'Nole

(#8) Radio City: Where It All Begins

When a hush falls on the crowd, the burn from the celestial stage lights sets in, and the adrenaline pumps through my veins, that's when I know that performing music is what I was born to do. I came to Valencia with a travel-sized Mitchell guitar. It's not the best of guitars, especially when performing to an audience, but it allows me to do what I love to do most in this world, and for that reason, it's all that I need.

If there's one regret I have about my time here in Valencia, it's that I didn't take advantage of the music opportunities around the city. If I had an excuse, I'd attribute it to the fact that school comes first and I spent my extra time with friends and exploring the city. Playing guitar was a bedroom activity. Jam sessions would take place in the apartments of different friends, and we'd sing the night away. However, it never really left the four walls of the FSU study center.

I remember hearing about this open mic at a bar called Radio City last semester. (Sarcasm alert!) Of course, the name reminded me of this small theater/performance area in New York City, so it peaked my interest. However, I fell into the trap of extended stay-complacency. The typical case of I-have-all-semester-to-do-it-I'll-get-to-it-later-itis struck me hard. (Same goes with climbing the Torres de Serrano right outside our door, but that's another story–yes, I've done that too by now.) But as the old saying goes, "but late than never, amirite?"

With the approaching end of the program, I started to look at my bucket list of things to do here in Valencia. And sure enough, performing music somewhere was at the top of that list. I remembered Radio City, and after some encouragement from friend, I decided to test the Spanish waters. And damn, it was one of the greatest experiences ever.

I remember arriving to venue right at 11:25 pm, 5 minutes before the show was supposed to start. There, my friend Annachiara was waiting for me. I approached a man who seemed to be in charge of organizing the open mic. He told me his name was Karlos. His presence smelled like alcohol and sweat, but his way of speaking was very show business-like. I felt like I was living my own version of Rock of Ages. Except I made sure to let him know that I was feeling pretty anxious beforehand. He was badgered with questions about how many songs should be played, whether or not the performance was recorded, and when I should go up. In the same way, I was badgering myself with questions: what do I say? Should I speak in Spanish? Is my zipper undone? (Nope, I made myself look.)

Before I had much time to think, I heard Karlos come on the mic. 

"This is perhaps the most international open mic in all of Valencia. Our next performer comes from across the Atlantic Ocean, and even across the United States. All the way from California, a round of applause for Christian Camacho!"

Normally, one's stomach would drop at that sentence. To be faced with the fact that it was time to confront a whole new audience in a whole new country would be difficult to most. But for some reason, it had no affect on me. That's the beauty of having a lot of performance experience before.

When I heard my name, the adrenaline kicked in. Intuition took over me. I knew exactly what I had to do. Never mind the language barrier. I'll speak whatever comes out first (which happened to be Spanish, y lo maté! and I killed it!) My heart raced with joy and familiarity. I jumped on stage, smiling from cheek to cheek before I strummed a single note and I ascended to cloud nine. 

After my first song, Karlos looked at me and approached me saying, "would you like to play a guitar that's as beautiful as your voice? You don't need to be playing that little toy." (I kid you not, that's what he said.) I have to admit the tinsel-sound of my acoustic was rather, tiny. Normally, I would have defended my guitar, but my adrenaline was high and was directed towards the stage. So I agreed. The remaining songs sounded amazing, and the energy from the crowd was fantastic. When I walked off stage, I was greeted with handshakes and high fives from audience members. One man even came up to me and offered me his business card for an online European Talent agency. It was a surreal moment.

I couldn't believe that I had done it. And couldn't be happier that I was able to live my dream, even for a moment, in Spain.

'Til our roads meet,

Christian Camacho

The Traveling 'Nole

(#7) A Beautiful Escape through Nature: Anna

When we came back from Barcelona, there was nobody left in our apartment other than Colin and I. In total there might have been 10-15 people out of a program of 120 students that came home. After a loud weekend in Barça, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little excited to see some quiet in our apartment. 

This was the plan:

• Homework
• Plan out the rest of my life
• Appreciate Valencia before leaving

That seems simple enough, right? Well, I didn't have too much luck with the first two at the start of the weekend. I had a full weekend to do homework (don't worry mom, I did it) and I couldn't plan out the entirety of my life just yet, so I started with my schedule for classes in the Fall. But, as Valencia has them, an opportunity came up to do the third.

"Hey, we're checking out new places to take students to for future day trips. There's a seat open. It's yours if you want it," said Colin.

... Why not?

One day and one friendly invitation later, I was in a car with two FSU administrators, Colin (our PA), and my friend, Brittney, headed towards the small town of Anna. Anna is about a 45 minute drive Southwest of Valencia. It's a town that isn't very well known, but those who have stumbled upon it are NOT disappointed by what they find.

When we arrived, we drove around for about 10-15 minutes looking for the tourist information building. In all honesty, I was surprised to hear that one even existed in such a tiny own. In the 10-15 minutes it took to find the building, we must have seen the majority of the city. We found it by the roundabout where we first entered, hidden beneath the shade of a large tree. 

From there, we figured out our game plan:

• Lake and Campgrounds
• Two different springs 
• A natural pool

And in between each, came a new adventure.

First, we had a brunch at the lake and campground. Alicia was kind enough to bring bocadillos con jamón o atun (Spansh sandwiches with ham or tuna), salchichas de pascua (Easter sausages), and beverages for everyone. While we enjoyed the scenery and our food, some rather aggressive ducks wanted to get a taste of what we were eating. I have never seen a more persistent (and, admittedly, intimidating) group of park ducks. Despite the ducks, we enjoyed our meal with a nice cup of Cafe con leche (Coffee with milk. Valley girl translation: Cafè latte) at the end: a very Spanish way to conclude lunch.

We made our way to the first spring, as seen in the picture of the lake with the red and blue water. Never before had I seen two different hues in a body of water. I felt like I could have taken a hardboiled egg, dipped it in, and, when I removed it, revealed a beautifully painted Easter egg. The water looked great, and cold; well, at least that's what Colin told us.

What really struck me was the beauty of the path that we were walking. Looking out into the distance, the mountains looked like a humongous, painted backdrop to movie set. There was no way the those mountains were real. The sun shone down on us, and its foil character, the breeze, made the weather seem like the perfect temperature. 

Next on the list, we were headed to another spring at the bottom of a huge set of stairs. The woman at the tourist info office told us there were about 136 steps between the top and bottom of the staircase. So what does every snarky student do when they something like that? We counted each step.

At the bottom, we found more beautiful clear springs. Only this time, further down the spring was a huge drop off for a water fall. 

Don't let the picture fool you: there's a reason my back is against the wall. Heights and I haven't always gotten along, but I decided to be a little more adventurous today. The view was incredible and well worth the edge. (And hey, I don't think it's a bad profile picture either.)

After finding an awesome natural pool (and a quite hysterical encounter with a herd of sheep), we made it to our last stop...

A beautiful Oasis that we almost didn't even bother going to. But, as I've said, when an opportunity arises, take advantage, do it, and never look back.

'Til our roads meet,

Christian Camacho

The Traveling 'Nole

(#6) Barcelona: the City and the Dream

I don't think I slept that night. If there's one thing that college can mess up, other than the checking amount in your bank account, it's your sleep schedule. My friends and I had finished a really late night poker game, that finished at a time that wasn't even worth batting an eyelash for. But these are the college nights, right? All I knew was that in the next few hours, I'd be on a bus bound for Barcelona, the city by the sea. In comparative conversations, I had often heard that Barcelona's sights and streets were even better than the ones in Madrid (we're talking about better than the capital of Spain here, people). Expectations were high, but energy levels were low. By the time 9:30 am sluggishly crawled up, our trip to Barcelona was underway.

Within the first few minutes on the highway, as John Mayer's Born and Raised album played through my earbuds, my heavy eyelids finally fell fast asleep as Valencia's coastal scenery faded to black.

When I woke up, I could have sworn the sequence of sceneries that I woke up to was still part of my dream. The bus glided down the cornerless streets, where the buildings stood back to back, decorated with mosaic tiles. People walked on the center dividers of every street which were big enough to fit vendor stands and plenty of walking space. It was a short drive to our hotel, where I long awaited to get acquainted with the bed.

After a well needed nap, we got to exploring. Our first stop was Park Guell, which was built by Antoni Gaudi, a famous architect in Barcelona. Being in an elevated area of the city, brisk breezes caressed our faces and gently tugged our hair as we took in Gaudi's architectural playground. The benches, walls, buildings and statues were, of course, decorated and animated by his signature mosaic motif– the same ones that I had seen around the city on the way in. That's when the thought came to me: Barcelona belonged to Gaudi, and Gaudi belonged to Barcelona.

There's a general truth that not many people will openly admit to others: after seeing 8 months' worth of European cathedrals, basilicas, and churches, their differences start to fade in homogeneity. In other words, they all start to look the same. However, what we saw in the Sagrada Familia was unlike anything I have ever seen in my life.

When I walked through the whimsical willows of the cathedral entrance, I was immediately taken aback. Was I still dreaming? The inside of the Sagrada Familia was a room of natural light created by stain-glass windows that danced on the forest of tree-like columns. It was a scene of pastoral, man-made beauty. The soft blues hues cooled the left side of the church while the bright, warm reds and oranges gave a celestial glow to the right half. Symbols infiltrated every crevice of the gargantuan structure, and through the windows, its austerity gleamed through the sun rays of the Barcelona sun.

It had been a long, but worthwhile tour, after which I came home to sleep a little while longer.

After waking up and changing some plans, I decided that being in the city of one of the world's best soccer teams, I should go see check out their battlefield. Being from Los Angeles, I knew that public transportation was the way to go. However, Barça's system was a little more confusing (and longer) than I expected. Connecting platforms took 5 to 10 minutes to get through, instead of a short 2 minute walk. But I digress.

When we got to Camp Nou, I was breath taken by its sheer size and design. Unfortunately by the time we got there, we had just missed the last stadium tour.  But I wasn't about to let that stop me from seeing the stadium up close. We walked up to the stadium, where a beautiful ceremony commemorating Johan Cruyff (a late Barcelona football player) was being held. Colorful bouquets spelled his names and many fans were there to pay their respects. This is the way that Soccer is in Spain. The sport is revered and honored, and the players are respected and cherished. Though we didn't know who he was, we grabbed a drink right outside the stadium entrance and toasted to Johan's career and life. For life is like a dream: we were are placed under the illusion that years have passed, but in reality, when we wake up, we're only wishing for the few extra minutes of peace and tranquility.

'Til our roads meet,
Christian Camacho
The Traveling 'Nole

P.S. I helped my friend Nahee with a Cheetah Girls video that she wanted to do while we were in Barcelona. Click here to see the video!