Why I Built Mel in Motion
I’m moving to Spain for a Master’s in Gastronomic Sciences. Mel in Motion is my honest record of food, culture, and slow courage.
A beginning in motion
In a few days, I’ll pack up my life in Florida and cross the ocean to Spain to begin a Master’s in Gastronomic Sciences at the Basque Culinary Center. That sentence still feels unreal. And it’s exactly why I created Mel in Motion.
This space is my record of a turning point: leaving the familiar, choosing curiosity over certainty, and building a life that feels aligned with who I am.
Motion, not hurry
The name Mel in Motion isn’t about speed. It’s about intention. It’s the rhythm of walking through a new market, learning a language one phrase at a time, and making room for both joy and grief as I say goodbye to home. Motion is how I practice courage. Quietly, consistently, and on my terms.
Why now
I’ve always carried multiple callings: tech, food, activism, storytelling, and healing. For a long time I tried to keep them in separate boxes. This program is the bridge. Gastronomic sciences sits where culture, sustainability, research, and flavor meet. It lets me bring my whole self to the table.
What you’ll find here
This site is part travel journal, part study notebook, and part reflection space. Expect a mix of practical guides and personal essays:
Moving to Spain: visas, packing, housing, and the real logistics behind a big move.
Gastronomy & Grad School: what I’m learning, from sensory analysis to food systems.
Outdoor Adventures: small adventures that keep me grounded.
Language Diaries: Spanish (and a little Basque), one imperfect step at a time.
Food & Justice: because food is community, history, labor, and power. Not just what’s on the plate.
Some posts will be checklists you can use. Others will be short reflections from the middle of the mess. Together they trace what it looks like to start over with care.
Who this is for
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s “too late” to change, or if you can design a life that protects your energy while honoring your values, this is for you. If you love food, culture, learning, or honest storytelling…also for you. And it’s for me, too. To remember that I was brave enough to do this.
An invitation
Thank you for being here at the start. I’ll be sharing the countdown, the travel, and the quiet in‑between moments as I settle into San Sebastián and begin this new chapter.
Follow along on TikTok and Instagram: @itsmelinmotion
Want to support the journey? I’ll share links to Buy Me a Coffee / GoFundMe / wishlist on my site and socials as they go live.
Here’s to motion. Steady, intentional, and ours.
