My trip to Chile seems like another life. I was amazed to find how quickly some parts of my life returned to normal and how others did not. I went back to my old job, my old house and my old friends. The difference is I have taken to doing touristy things around MN. I had so much fun being a tourist in Chile that I decided to get that excited about my own culture back home. What a great Idea it was. I didn’t know how much culture and history I was living in.

On Tuesday, I rode the bus to school and took lecture notes at my desk. On Wednesday, I rode the bus to school and ended up here:

Maquipucuna Reserve.

I went to New York City on Wednesday to see a friend and the city before I don’t see it for a year or more. I went to New Hampshire this weekend to see family before I don’t see them for a year or more. Because I’m going to Ireland on Thursday. Oh my god, I’m going to Ireland on Thursday.

My time in Rome flew by! Just when I felt like I had become acquainted with the city, it was time for me to return home. On our final night, IES took our program out to a farewell dinner. After we dined on multiple courses of delicious food, my friends and I set out to visit our favorite monuments one last time. After strolling around the Colosseum and making a final wish in the Trevie Fountain, I reluctantly returned to my apartment to pack for my departing flight.

One of my favorite parts of my study abroad experience was the opportunity to travel to places outside of Rome on weekends. While I loved spending my free time enjoying the Roman nightlife, leaving the city on the weekends provided a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the work week. I was lucky to be able to travel to many exciting places.