Wow! I really can't believe its already over. Another prime example of the truth behind the saying "time flies when you're having fun." Although it seemed quick, the moments I experienced, friends I made, and everything in between was truly a once in a lifetime experience. This post isn't necessarily my re-entry post, it's more so just me sitting in the airport, wishing I had more time to spend in Japan. Also I figured I'd use this opportunity to feature any photos I have yet to post on this blog that I feel are worth sharing. 

I am officially back in the states after the best semester of my life… 

Saying bye to the friends I made was probably one of the saddest things I have ever had to do. I've never spent SO much time with the same people, so being away from them will be difficult. It’s pretty strange to be back home where I can take really hot showers, throw toilet paper in the toilet, and eat tofu. Not to mention, I forgot that it was December and walked out in shorts and sandals a few times…Reverse culture shock is definitely real. 

If you are reading this, it’s too late.

I have eaten my last Friday couscous.

Somehow, my semester in Morocco has become my last day in Morocco and I have just taken my last exam and tonight I will be saying my last goodbyes to the friends, and staff, and city that I have grown to love. They all have a lasting place in my heart.

I spent close to my last weekend in Austria romping around the mountains in baggy men’s pants and an unintentionally cropped (children’s) snow coat. Let me explain. IES Abroad organized a ski trip in the Austrian Alps, and being indecisive as I am, I didn’t end up putting my name on the list for the trip until it became a long waitlist. Well, December rolled around, and I was emailed that I was off the waitlist. There was no chance I was passing up a ski trip, and absolutely not one in the Austrian Alps.

Christmas in Graná - lyrics

[Verse 1] Christmas

I told mama to save me an ornament for the tree.

A Looney Toons Bugs Bunny one that I got when I was three.

Simple as that. A tradition that I’ve kept on my back.

Like listening to "Christmas with the Rat-Pack.” 

Now that I'm done with finals (!!! Just finished five minutes ago), I can write about my visit to Rome last weekend/week. As you probably don't know, the Holy Year of the Jubilee started last Tuesday. Incidentally (or not so incidentally), last Tuesday was also the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which was a holiday in Italy. There were many security concerns in Rome because the Pope would be appearing in the Vatican to open the door of St. Peter's Basilica. Thus, 700 extra troops were sent to Rome. 

16 December 2015

Table manners are something every traveler should read into when going abroad… if they plan to eat in the country they are going to (which should be everyone). More specifically, whether you are deciding to stay in homestay in Japan, dorm stay, or eat at a restaurant in Japan, here are some things that you may want to know.

There are both similar table manners that Japan has (compared to America) and very different ones.

Similar table manners: