“The first place I went to by myself was Venice, Italy. It was kind of weird, like I was on a roller coaster by myself; frightening and exciting at the same time,” freshman psychology major, Breyana Hobson, said explaining her travels.
Hobson, who has traveled all over the world in her 18 years of life, speaks both Spanish and Portuguese fluently. She has also picked up bits of French and a hint of Italian, although it is rusty.
Hobson has been to just about 30 countries. Some places include Australia, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Russia and China. “It gets to you at first; you get nervous and scared, homesick too. But once you get the hang of it, it gets easier.” Hobson explained when describing what it’s like adjusting to a new place for the first time.
The first country Hobson visited was London, England. She picked up things about the country while she was there, “I learned hugely about their cultures, like how they say water cooler instead of bathroom, and that they have a scheduled tea time.”
Being born in the United States, Hobson began traveling at the age of just 4 years old. She’s traveled the world with her siblings, grandmother, cousins, best friends and her mom. Her boyfriend may even be joining her when she goes to France this spring.
When asked about what it was like having to adjust to the customs and regulations in the other countries, Hobson explained that every country has their own system for running their country and even though it may be different than the way we run ours, we must respect them for it. “The rules and regulations are a pain, in few places they can be overly paranoid but with good reason. They are just trying to keep their country safe and healthy.”
What is Hobson’s favorite place she’s visited? Barcelona, Spain! “It’s so beautiful, and the culture is incredible. I love going to Venice, as well.”
Hobson recently went on another venture last summer. She went to Venezuela to visit her older brother.
“My most valued and treasured experience was traveling with my brother back to his home in Venice. I got to meet his husband, who is Italian and their adopted baby, my nephew, and it was precious. I got to watch the sunset up close and ride a gondola. It was so much fun.”
Hobson has many more travels planned in her future. “Personally, I haven’t hit the continent of Africa yet, and I’m dying to go to Egypt and learn more about them. And I haven’t hit Greece yet. So that will be a huge adventure.”
