From left: Nathan McKenzie, Alberto Benito Santisteban and Armando O’Shannessey
“ It was pretty unreal going there, and really good fun experiencing a different culture with these guys. ” Nathan McKenzie
For Nathan, Spain’s very different culture and climate was a shock at first, but he quickly assimilated. “It was pretty unreal going there, and really good fun experiencing a different culture with these guys. We played a bit of rugby, which was a bit harder in the heat, as it was around 27–30 degrees most days. “Their rugby training was less structured and more fun than ours. They didn’t push us as much.” He enjoyed the contrast with New Zealand, seeing city centres full of tall apartment buildings. And he loved the food. “Olive oil – they have it with everything. For breakfast, olive oil on toast!”
Nathan said Alberto’s family was “really caring, loving and hospitable.” “They looked after us really well and took us out to some really nice restaurants where we tried all kinds of traditional Spanish foods. The seafood was really nice and different to ours. Sardines skewered and cooked were really delicious.” Nathan describes his time in Spain as an absolute highlight of his year and hopes to get back again one day. “The people are so friendly and smiling. It’s a great place.”
College Issue 38 2020
43
Made with FlippingBook Annual report