are LOVELY... (but many mosquitos in some spots).
Take repellent!

You are lucky your parents were positive. Mine hated my abilities as a child and made me buy my own supplies. I never took art in school, as a result, but I
drew alot on my own (I had an abusive childhood, so was alone alot).

I didn't get training until I was in my late 20's. I went to University as a post degree student and took many courses. Being self taught I skipped some basic ones, but did like the design ones very much. I took both of those with relish.
I fell into printmaking when I found it was sort of chemical and I had lots of
experience with chemistry. The color intaglio was the first one in many years done there, since most people won't attempt a one pass print with multi-layered inks of difference viscosities. (it is also called a viscosity print).
I also studied on my own, on the side--- I found the psychology of visual perception, and the creativity books out then very helpful for strengthening composition for me. I also learned self hypnosis which has come in handy now for my pain issues! (I think the weakest thing about being self taught is that you don't get critiques from teachers or mentors...and these critiques are really valuable!) So going to workshops will give you that input.. YOu don't really need a "degree" -- I have more than enough for a BFA, but I refused to take the freshman lit courses AGAIN, since I had them already...so I just amassed credits! (220- on the quarter's system).