09 Jul My first culture shock in El Malpais

Hey Everyone,

Well this is my first time posting a blog and it’s been three weeks since I’ve arrived in Grants, New Mexico. For those who don’t know, I’m a city girl. Born and raised in Los Angeles, I haven’t traveled anywhere until now. When I say it was a real culture shock for me is an understatement. Coming from a big city to a small town was a big surprise. I arrived to the Albuquerque Airport and everyone was so calm. I didn’t see a lot of people like I had expected from my experience being the LAX airport. Little did I know, I was going to a smaller city.

I got picked up at the airport and I soon realized I wasn’t going to be staying at Albuquerque but somewhere else further away. We arrived at Grants and everything was so calm. I didn’t know how to react. As much of a culture shock it is, I realized going from a big city like Los Angeles and to a small one like Grants would do me good. I need a different experience and a break from the hectic life I’ve lived my entire life.

The first day of work was not what I though it would be. I thought I was going to be staying in the office but I ended up tagging along to visit El Morro National Monument. When I arrived at El Morro, everyone I met was so nice and was congratulating me on my internship. After meeting everyone, I went with the team to go on an off trail hike to look at petroglyphs. It was amazing looking at all the history in El Morro! After learning more about the history, we headed back to Grants that day. I was exhausted from a small trail hike. I then decided this was the best time to start exercising, especially with the elevation.The first two weeks at the office consisted of learning the history and getting to know everyone I would be working with. I look forward to see what else my internship brings for me this summer!