Whatever station I get off within Tokyo subway system, I will expect to find a totally different environment and mood around me everytime. Feels like every part of the city is unlike any other part of the city. It also feels I'm traveling while traveling but not actually. Kind of confusing, isn't it? But one thing I can't deny is that Tokyo is a worthwhile place to experience. I personally dislike crowded cities aka New York, however with Tokyo, that didn't seem to be the case.

The first seven weeks of the program are up and my time in Brazil has officially come to an end. When I first decided to join this specific program, I wasn’t really sure of what to expect from Rio. I knew Brazilians spoke Portuguese and I just focused on trying to learn as much as I could before leaving. Now I’m two days out of Brazil and currently writing in Peru - another post for another time – and I can say with absolute certainty I’m homesick for Brazil. Studying in Rio de Janeiro was one of the most unforgettable experiences!

Early on in the semester, the rest of the IES Abroad group was embarking on their trip to the Galapagos islands. Originally I was sad that I wasn't able to go with the rest of them, but after the weekend of adventures that I had instead, I don't feel so bad. I went with two girls from my program that also didn't go to the Galapagos, and another U.S. exchange student that was enrolled in the local university where some IES people take classes, USFQ.

I’m back in Spain after Semana Santa! I’ve been traveling since last Thursday and have been to Budapest, Prague, and back to Copenhagen. It seems to me that all of Spain gets a vacation week for Easter, as in all three of the cities I visited, I’ve seen massive Spanish tour groups (and slyly listened to pick up some info from their tour guides along the way). My trip brought me first to Budapest for four nights, then Prague for three, and then Copenhagen for another four nights before returning to Madrid yesterday.

I am incredibly excited to for my journey this coming week. I’m still having a hard time believing that I get a chance to travel, jump out of my country, and land right into one of the hearts of another. Since I was younger, I’ve been enamored with visual arts as well as the art of storytelling. American comics and cartoons being equal as inspiring to me as Japanese anime and manga and videogames. My own drawing style stems from aspects of both cultures mixed together with my own storybook-like flair. 

As I count down the days until I leave London (currently 8 days left, help), I figured it may be a good idea to compile some of my favorite things that I've done so far into a list to share with people who are thinking about visiting or studying in London. I also just want to procrastinate on writing my papers. So here you go! A very brief guide to London through my eyes. A couple of classic touristy things because I really enjoyed them with a few personal favorites tossed in. 

I have always been a big fan of the TV show “Modern Family.” It gives a voice to many generations and many different walks of life. It’s funny while vulnerable, honest and very human. The writers and actors make it very easy to relate to the characters. However, there are a few characters that I have found it harder to relate to, one of which is Gloria. I have always had a deep appreciation for her part on the show. For those that are unfamiliar, Gloria is a young Colombian woman married to the grandfather of the show.

I had a nice, relaxing time in Amsterdam for Easter weekend. My friends and I went with the mindset of having an easy-going holiday. So instead of planning an itinerary for all the things we wanted to do, we just went with the flow and immersed ourselves in the city. It felt good to spend the day walking around, admiring the buildings and canals, and not worry about staying on a schedule to make sure we see everything. And I think Amsterdam was the perfect place to do this.