I wrote in my journal on September 10, “I’m scared I made a huge mistake regarding my spring break plans…I know I’ll have to quit either from hunger, exhaustion, or the cold.”

We struggle to understand each other even when he puts all of his efforts into sharing English with me, and especially when I stand there, too embarrassed to test out anything I’ve learned in German class. My landlord is kind and his English is increasingly sufficient, but sometimes a space finds itself between us when he cannot remember a word in English and I am not certain what word he is searching for.

One of the great joys that comes with studying abroad is being able to explore and travel your new country. This month our IES group was lucky enough to be able to go to Chiloé, a magical, picturesque, quaint, collection of islands of the coast of Chile. Our trip was defined by delicious homegrown food, breathtaking views, and an unique integration into the culture of the people. Let's just say I am now hoping and praying I somehow fall in love with a fisherman from Chiloé and live in this little fairytale land forever.

What gorgeous, gorgeous weather Dublin can have, and I say that for two reasons. One, because the usual clouds and rain Dublin tends to have were away for the day. Two, because today a couple of us went on an excursion over to Pheonix Park!

There is no denying that there is tons to do in Cape Town, and in the beginning of a semester abroad, it might feel like you have weeks to do everything you want to do. When it comes to your South African bucket list, you might have things like climbing Table Mountain, hitting up the Waterfront, partying on Long Street, going on a safari, and about a billion other things.

If you had to ask me what I liked most about living in Vienna, I wouldn't be able to pick one thing out. Where would I even begin?? Luckily, I can say with much confidence that the Wiener Kaffeehaus is definitely very high on my list.

To live in a city where I am surrounded by so many opportunities to see amazing live performances is still astounding to me! This past week, I took advantage of this opportunity by experiencing the standing room line at the Wiener Staatsoper, or the Vienna State Opera House.

I could write a post about how great my program is, but frankly it is not great. Many people in this program come from white upper-middle class to upperclass backgrounds. Although I know this coming in, because that's what transitiong to college was, it's as if I am a first year in college again. Many of the people in my program are incredibly insensitive to issues of low-income people of color.  I do not blame them for not being exposed to people who challenged them, and pushed them to think outside of themselves and their communities.

One weekend we decided to take advantage of Rome's proximity to Capri. It is easily accessible via train to Naples, from where a ferry can take you directly to Capri. Once in Capri, we enjoyed the beautiful view of the beach and the small houses situated closely to the tiny streets curving through the hills of the island. There are many small stores in Capri, Anacapri, and Marina Grande that sell wonderful, handmade sandals, as well as jewelry and souvenirs.