My Most Significant Interests: Sports, Horses And Cooking

I have always found the idea of learning and reading about everything fascinating. This general enthusiasm and spirit of constant self-challenge allows me to enjoy a wide variety of interests and encourages me to seek out new life experiences. That does not mean I succeed in everything I try. These days, for instance, I have been struggling with my online guitar lessons. However, the feeling of failure stimulates me to keep trying until I improve. If I have to choose the most significant interests I would say sports, horses and cooking deserve to be mentioned.

Horseback riding is one of my favorite free time activities. While growing in the countryside I developed a strong affective bond with many different animals, but especially with horses. It was on horseback that my sister and I made our daily journey to school. Now that I live in the city I miss my horse a lot, but it continues playing an important role in my life since it represents a bond between my present and my roots. I am a member of a horse youth association from the countryside. We participate in traditional events and parades where we represent our ancestors’ customs. We take part in traditional competitions like “pruebas de riendas”, “la carreradel dormido” and “concurso del rancho” where we display some of the “gauchos” most common strengths. Being in contact with my community and keeping traditional customs alive make me extremely happy.

Apart from that, I have also participated in numerous sports, including surfing, skiing, football, handball, tennis, volleyball, rollerblading, running and so on. I love all the life lessons that can be learnt from them. However, there is a sport which has given me the most pleasure of all and which has no comparison: cycling. I love cycling. In many ways my bike represents in the city what my horse meant to me in the countryside. It is not only my everyday means of transport, but also a way of living. Thanks to my bike I save money, I keep fit and healthy; I free my mind and relieve stress. Although, it is sometimes dangerous to go around Montevideo due tithe lack of cycle lanes, the feelings of immense pleasure and freedom I feel while being on the move are definitely worth the risk.

I am also into cooking and growing my own food. I love trying new recipes and creating ones of my own. I am delighted when entertaining guests at home and cooking homemade food. I feel inspired while cooking and tasting new flavors especially when the ingredients were grown in my house. I am keen on cultivating my own vegetables. Living in a flat has not been an impediment, since I brought some soil from the countryside and have my own vegetable pots on the balcony. Homemade food is, to me, a way of showing love and affection to the people I cook it for.

In short, horseback riding, cycling and cooking make my life brighter and happier. I hope once I get older, I can continue pursuing new interests. There is an endless variety of experiences, knowledge and skills I look forward to learning.