Although this was pre-recorded before I left to explore more of Europe, I wanted to document how thankful I am for having been able to come to Rome and acquire the experiences I have been blessed with. It is a reminder for me that even though my reality may not align with my plans, there is always a better timing and reason for everything. 

Going on this trip knowing that it would be one of the last in Italy during this program, there was a gloomy aura that surrounded it. Nevertheless, Sicily was wonderful, and I don't think I will be able to forget the delicious granita. It was absolutely exquisite. I am able to understand the hype around Italian ice now. 

I am a fashion lover and always have been and that’s my truth. Flash back to 11-year-old me and I’d be sporting a hound’s tooth sweater vest and a hat from Nordstrom—not a fedora, Brenda, don’t try to come for me. When I knew I was coming abroad for an entire year I didn’t want to overpack because I didn’t want to be that American showing up to my homestay and take up half the itty-bitty apartment. Plus, I knew I would come back home for Christmas, so I just kept reminding myself not to go crazy.

Dear Host Family,

If you ask someone what a typical Spanish dessert is, they might recommend you churros, especially those from the famous San Gines. However, if you guys love a tasty cold treat as much as I do, then listen up chicos. Madrid’s also home to some amazing ice cream shops, and I’ve had the pleasure of going to these two spots a few times.

A Ferris wheel that seemed to be going just a hair too fast, mountains of cotton candy wherever you turned your head, and a fireworks display for the ages.  What the heck am I on about? All will be explained in this brief snapshot of my time at Las Fiestas de San Isidro.

Reality has hit. The semester has come to a close. We must return to our lives back home. It feels so weird to think that I will no longer be a 15-minute bus ride away from the Colosseum and Roman Forum. This particular week was particularly surreal as my roommates and I packed all our belongings and emptied out the apartment. We all said our goodbyes to our friends and professors. A couple of tears were shed. Not a lot. Just a couple. 

Hey everyone!

I attended a Latinx festival in Nagoya! I was so surprised that this was the festival’s 10th anniversary! It is held in Sakae which is about a thirty-minute train ride from Nanzan University. This year it was held on May 11th and 12th. It would start at 11 a.m. and end around 8:30 p.m. It is a rather small festival, but it did fill up as the day progressed.