For a lot of my life I’ve occupied the spaces in-between—in between different places, time zones, cultural norms, languages. In this past year alone, I boarded 22 flights, spent over 145 hours on planes or in airports, and slept in over 40 different dorm rooms, hotels, hostels and homes across the world. Yet despite the amount of time I’ve spent travelling, truth be told, I really dread the whole ordeal.

"Adventure is out there!" Exclaimed two young explorers, in what can be considered one of the best Disney Pixar movies to date.

Indeed, adventure is waiting for us anywhere.  As a young explorer about to venture on a semester long journey to New Zealand, I thought I would share some lessons I've learned from previous travels to other countries.  This advice comes from a photographer's perspective, but can be applicable to many situations, behind a lens or not.

So no one told you Granada was going to be this way…*clap, clap, clap, clap*

Orientation week is in full swing! New students are adjusting to the city, their homestays, the tapas culture, and simply speaking in Spanish todo el día. For me and my other friends staying for the year, it's refreshing to see their excitement - and to appeal to their boundless curiousity by answering all their questions. 

Being born and raised in Southern California has its perks: sun kisses, the beach only a bus ride away, being part of a vibrant and resilient Latinx community, In-n-Out, and tacos. I grew up a five-minute walk from In-n-Out, so I know I’m home once I see those red and yellow neon lights. However, besides a nice, long sleep in my bed, I’m never truly home until my family and I eat at our favorite taco truck in the city.

At just three weeks in, I have decided to compile my favorite things so far about studying in Nice, France. In retrospect, it truly hasn’t been very long, but I think it’s important to take a step back and appreciate the little things.

1. The rocks by the sea

I must admit, I felt a bit cliché when deciding to study abroad in Europe. 

My second "vlog" is up !

I have a detailed run down of my first (and a half) week in Freiburg,Germany. I had orientation, classes, and some free time to explore the city and get to know the people in my program. As well as the oppurtunity to go on a very beatiful hiking trip to the Black Forest. Finished with a traditional German "Kaffee und Kuchen." If you want to see how my first week in Freiburg was then watch the video down below.

The moment you open your closet and begin to start packing can be extremely overwhelming. Especially if you've never been to the country you are about to spend 4 months in such as my self.

I have come up with a list of items that I wish someone had told me to pack in order to save myself a few trips to the store as well as a little money when first arriving. If you have the extra room in your suitcase, I would definitely recommend throwing in these items: