One Week Away!!!

Background Info
After months of trying to decide on what I should do between graduation (December) and my first day in the real world (September with KPMG), I finally decided that I would continue developing my knowledge and understanding of other cultures. I had my first taste of international travel through a 9 day trip to Costa Rica with the IWU basketball team. I've also been to China and South Korea for a 1 month period of time. Both trips turned out to be eye-opening experiences that have altered my perspective on life.

What Are My Plans?
For the first month I will be living in Madrid, Spain. I have been admitted in to a language course located at one of the local universities. I'll be participating in at least 25 hours/week of Spanish language development and cultural lessons. The program has also set up living arrangements with a family who will be providing meals and other necessities...So no I will not be homeless (well for the first month). This is the only thing I have set in stone at this point. I plan on traveling throughout Europe for another 2-3 months or until I go broke lol. For the additional months that I will be abroad, I plan on backpacking across the entire continent of Europe. Like I said, there is not set plan so I'll be playing it by ear.

Why do this?
Well the best answer would be "Why not?" but if you know me then you know there is always a method to my madness. The most important reason for this trip is to continue to feed my unquenchable thirst for knowledge and intellectual growth. Other cultures have so much to offer in regards to their traditions, ideas, and lifestyles. This trip is the perfect opportunity to get hands-on experience with a new way of life. Essentially, I would like to integrate an abundance of valuable information into a single body of knowledge. Also, the corporate environment continues to dive deeper and deeper into globalization. As I begin my career at KPMG, an international accounting firm, having the ability to cross cultural barriers is extremely valuable....OK enough with all the intellectual talk. All of that is cool (and true), but what I really need is a VACATION lol! I've been studying non-stop for the last 5 months and it's time to get some R&R.

What To Expect
Throughout my experience overseas I'll be updating the blog weekly. I will be posting:

• Various polls to get your opinion on different topics
• Videos and pictures of the trip. That way you don't have to read a page of information.
• Updates on what I have learned. I like to get real intellectual sometimes so we'll just call that the "IntellectualDarius" moments
  
• Comments on all of the trouble I get myself into throughout the trip. I promise I'll keep it PG though lol. I need to keep my job!
• Any suggestions that you have?
  

I guarantee that this will be a trip to remember for so many reasons (for me at least)!!! I'd love for you to follow along as "InternationalDarius" is on the move. Feel free to comment on the blog as much as you would like.

I'd also love to hear and thoughts or opinions you may have. You can post them or shoot me and Email.

Email: internationaldarius@yahoo.com