Rizal showed talent as a student, artist, lover, and traveler. As a student, he excelled in schools like Ateneo de Manila University and the University of Santo Tomas, and later studied medicine in Europe. As an artist, he was skilled in painting, sculpture, poetry and writing. He had several romantic relationships but his true love was Leonor Rivera. As a traveler, he extensively explored Europe, Asia and America, staying in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, and Heidelberg while furthering his medical education.