Somehow the month is gone.  Did someone steal my January?  This week will mark my one-month-iversary in London.  I’ve explored museums, seen ancient ruins aplenty, and wandered around churches older than the United States.  You know, “cultural stuff.”  I saw Stonehenge this weekend, which is incredible.  However, I also have plenty of other memorable experiences that are a little less intellectual, you might say, but equally enjoyable.  I’m talking about food.  As promised, some words about what I’ve eaten whi

This point was originally meant to be posted on January 24th. However, due to internet issues on the part of the author it is now being re-published.

Dear Internet,

This weekend I finally got the opportunity to stay in Dublin. With nowhere to be, and nothing set to do, I had every right to shamelessly do all the touristy things I wanted. On Friday my friend and I decided to be spontaneous and go take a hike outside of the city. We got directions from a local Dubliner and then took the Luas (kind of like an aboveground subway) to the Dart (train). The Dart took us to a little town where the man had told us the mountain would be. Well, turns out there was no mountain.

This past weekend, my friends and I decided to take a trip to Florence.  We planned two nights, bought our museum passes, figured out the bus system, and headed off for a girls’ weekend.  When we arrived in Florence I was shocked by how much it reminded me of New York.  There were cars, busses, and motorcycles everywhere.  Crowds of tourists were everywhere we went.  It was strangely comforting to see a McDonald’s right across from the train station.  Of course the American girls had to go ge

Most people in America don’t enjoy their morning commute.  You are tired, in a rush, facing ridiculous amounts of traffic, and desperately need caffeine. Even when I walk to class every morning in Washington D.C. I am slightly grumpy despite being a self- proclaimed morning person.

When exposed to a new environment, with so much to see, smell, touch, feel, experience, a week can feel like a month. In a city that offers so many resources, the desire to constantly be active can be tiring. And yet, one can not help but feel rejuvenated when walking through the busy streets, the energy of passing bodies striking through you. There are street performers, contemplative smoking business men on the corner, an elderly couple leisurely strolling and holding hands, and dogs dogs dogs everywhere.

Bienvenue to my homestay!

Back in America, I have always been used to engaging in different activities unrelated to school on top of academics. During my sophomore year at Tufts, I ended up working 2 part time and 1 full time job. I don't mean to brag or anything, but I simply believe that there are so many opportunities one can take advantage and learn from, whether it would be engaging in volunteer work, working at a restaurant, joining athletic clubs, etc. Going to college doesn't equate to trapping yourself in 4 walls and studying 24/7.

I'm getting ready to leave for my study abroad. That means figuring out what kinds of things I'd like to bring with me, what kinds of things I'd like to bring with me but can't really fit inside a suitcase, what kinds of things I'd like to bring with me but don't want to have to explain to the TSA, etc. 

For example, here are my friends: