It's been almost two weeks since landing in Sydney, and I think I can speak on behalf of all of us on the program by saying that it has exceeded all of our expectations thus far.  Last weekend, about 8 of us decided to take a weekend excursion up to Cairns to get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the great barrier reef.  Sydney is absolutely tremendous, but the great barrier reef was something that we knew we needed to see while we were here.  The flight was cheap, and under 3 hours, so it wasn't a bad trip at all.

Hello from Santiago!

First things first, I'M NOT REALLY SICK ANYMORE! I’ve been so sick for so long but now I am starting to feel human again! That’s probably the most important things. Anyway, here’s what I’ve been up to recently. Enjoy!

Recently, I had the chance to go to two places that are important to the history of Chile. With IES Abroad, we toured la Palacio de la Moneda and with my host sister, I went to El Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos (Museum of Memory and Human Rights).

This weekend was a fun-filled weekend serving as a break from all the studying that I have been doing. My term papers and exams are this week, and the last week or two I have spent a lot of time writing papers and studying and did not have much time for fun stuff and traveling. The IES Abroad program is coming to an end, but I will be staying until July due to having an internship and University course but that means that most of my classes will be finished soon and half of the members of my program will be headed back to America.

While many students I came with have left weeks ago, I’m still here. I decided to stay in Dublin with the IES Abroad Irish studies program this summer. And to be frank, I am eternally grateful that I get to spend the rest of my summer in Ireland not only to avoid the 110 degree heat in L.A., but more importantly because I feel at home in Ireland, and of course, I get to celebrate Bloomsday.

I have been in Ireland for exactly 10 days and every moment has been unbelievable. My sense of direction seems to improve everyday, the weather has been unseasonably warm, and the views from my room are breathtaking.

“Life turns to dust and rain it turns to rust. Gossip is a truth and money pays for the lies we trust. Your love is a surprise, hopeless saints are in disguise. I’m just trying to find a nice place for you and I.” – The Strokes, Machu Picchu

Well hello, hello, hello! Here I am just finishing up the first full week being in Dublin. Even though it really only has been about a week, I feel like I’ve been here forever. I’m adjusting to the city and to the country very well. There are a few cultural differences that were—and still are—awkward to get used too. For example, many people here almost speak at a whisper. Or really, Americans are just very loud.

Bonjour!