A view from the Albayzín.

One of the best and worst things about study abroad is the sometimes heightened, sometimes lowered, and always exacerbated sense of reality that it creates; Hence, why I think the phrase “living the dream” is the perfect way of summarizing the study abroad experience. To say someone is “living the dream” certainly has positive connotations. However, when interpreted in a literal way, “living the dream” is simply this: existing in a false reality.

Kia Ora!

My journey in Christchurch has finally commenced. Thanks to my IES Abroad group and trustee leader, Eunice, it wasn't at all hard to adjust. The first week we had several meetings, activities to get to know each other and the campus, a trip to the city, as well as the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens (pictured below).

As part of the World Heritage Tour set up by IES Abroad Vienna, we spent half a day in Hallstatt. Although the trip was very brief, it was one of my favorite segments of the whole five-day tour. First of all, even the drive to Hallstatt is incredible. We passed through miles and miles of Austrian countryside, which was incredibly comforting to me after spending so long without leaving the city. It was also really foggy that morning, which made the hills and homes look quite eerie and even more beautiful.

A disclaimer to my mom: you may cry while reading this.

Yesterday, my family flew home to the states after visiting me in Dublin. Unfortunately, much of the trip was spoiled because of a few my episodes featuring arrogant and exasperated behaviors. I have a tendency to get carried away in the fantasy that I am composed almost entirely of worldly wisdom, and this superiority complex prevented me from entirely reveling in the love and comfort that visits from family bring.

Why should I leave China’s capitol and go somewhere else? There’s so much that I haven’t seen! Although I have to admit, I would have loved to see the pandas in Chengdu, go to the dessert to ride a camel, see the TerraCotta Warriors, or even spend a nice day on a beach in China. Not leaving the city was partly because I was too lazy to plan something, partly because I wanted to get homework done, and also because I wanted to save money.

Osaka Castle