A little over one year ago I was standing in the middle of the medina in the fabled Moroccan city of Marrakech. I was the typical tourist, swirling around snapping photos of everything in sight – the snake charmers mystifying onlookers, performers juggling lit torches, apes resting on the shoulders of their caretakers and more.

Suddenly the summer is gone and I am in an airport on my way to Amsterdam. There is no terrible anxiety like last time I studied abroad, just a calm, ready Sofia. After a summer of lots of communication, within my family, my friends, my clients at work, and myself, I feel ready for a 120 days of not living in Chicago or Northfield. I am ready for this jet lag and the discomfort that comes with being in a completely different place.

Today marks exactly one week until I start my new adventure in Milan! I am getting very excited, the suitcase is out, and everything is becoming reality. I am finalizing my packing list, saying goodbye to friends and family, and getting my affairs in order so I can pick up and leave the country for three and a half months..what?!

Why hello there ladies and gentlemen!

As I sit here, quite hungry, in the Munich airport, I can’t help but think of the delectable gastronomical feasts that await me in Istanbul.

Turkish cuisine certainly left a lasting impression on me during my first trip to Turkey last summer. Perhaps one of the most distinguishing features of Turkish food, at least in my opinion, is its contrast.

İskender kebap is a prime example (see picture below).

Before I leave for my fall semester in Nagoya, let me share with you some of my summer adventures from my home state of California.

To whom it may concern,