Belén Aguado Viguer
Belén Aguado Viguer is a protocol, diplomacy, and tourism expert. She graduated in Tourism at the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, continued with an MBA in Protocol, Event Management, and Institutional Relations at the Universidad Camilo José Cela (Madrid), and completed an MA in International Business and Diplomacy at the London Academy of Diplomacy, University of East Anglia. At present she works as a coordinator of international mobility and development at the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya.
Belén's Cultural Tip
Nothing is absolute. When travelling, we often take with us our own images about the world and place them on top of what we encounter. In the book I have attempted to add some nuance to what is being said. My tip would be to test stereotypes and not take them at face value. My challenge to you would be to go beyond them and try to understand the culture beneath the surface.
Memorable Travel Experience
The moment I set foot on La Plaza del Obradeiro. Ten days of long hikes with my belongings strapped to my back had challenged body and mind. Many times I had cursed the day I decided to begin El Camino de Santiago. If they had looked to their left, the long queue of pilgrims waiting for their Compostelas could have witnessed a small group of weary travellers sleeping on the warm rock of the square. We felt free. The blisters that would last until next winter reminded us of that wonderful time together, discovering more of our country and each other.
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