So I thought I’d start this blog post with a couple of goofy, culture-related anecdotes!        

This weekend, my friend and I headed over to Cinque Terre to hike and explore the picturesque towns.  If you have ever wanted to visit this part of the world, in my opinion, it is an absolute must.  The hikes were challenging but incredibly rewarding, the food was amazing, the views were breathtaking, and the experience is one I will carry with me forever.

A couple weekends back I had the most spectacular weekend in Melbourne! It was my first weekend trip that I planned since arriving in Australia, so I absolutely balled out with my research to make the most epic trip plan ever. It’s kinda funny because I really had no clue how hard it was to plan a trip somewhere–it’s a lot of work. I always took for granted the trip itineraries my mom would make for our family vacations growing up...hopefully she ends up reading my blogs and realises how grateful I am now!

Here are some easy ways to really get to know a new city in a matter of few weeks and start feeling at home in a new country:

Language can tell you a great deal about a person, a culture, and even entire civilizations. In today’s evermore connected and globalized society, more and more people are being raised bilingual by their parents or learning languages in schools and universities. However, unless you’re a natural with the predominant language of the country in which you’re studying, odds are at some point you will run smack into a language barrier.

-¿Hablas español?

-Solo un poquito.

    “Wow, that’s a lot of luggage… It’ll be fun carrying it up the stairs. Good, it’s only to the second floor,” said a landlord who I and my friend met next to our apartment building in Barcelona. With those words he opened the front door and walked up the stairs, leaving us on our own with our 6 huge bags. “Wow, that’s a warm welcome. Am I already allowed to conclude that all Spanish people are rude and shameless?

It's officially week number three in the Eternal City and I have learned so much and loved every minute of it. From weekend trips, to field studies for class, to exploring the ancient streets by myself, it has all widened my view of living in Italy and Italian culture. While I haven't found my study spot quite yet, I already feel at home in Roma and can't wait to see what the next couple months bring. Here's a sneak peek into my daily life!

So it's almost been a month, and I'm pretty settled here. I've got a plant for my room, I know where the grocery stores are, and I've met all my flatmates, which is pretty darn cool.

In my one month of living in Germany, I've learned all sorts of stuff. It feels weird to think that because what's unfamiliar has become habit now. I guess that's exactly what happens when EVERYTHING is unfamiliar... you have to make it familiar. Atleast for someone like me who can't function without some kind of routine. 

¡Hola amigos, buenas! I have had the most amazing first few weeks in Granada. Everything has been moving so quickly, I can hardly believe that I’ve almost been here for an entire month! Each day has been one exciting whirlwind after another, and each day, I’ve found more and more reasons to love this incredible city. One reason is the breathtaking view of Granada from our apartment building’s rooftop terrace!