This past weekend I went to watch the All Blacks take on France in an intense rugby match at Eden Park. The All Blacks are New Zealand’s premiere national rugby team- definitely the most largely supported sport in New Zealand.

I have a confession to make.

When I first arrived in Barcelona, it wasn’t exactly “love at first sight.” I was excited to be there, sure, but I was more overwhelmed than I expected to be. I usually adapt well to new situations, but this was a four month situation, and after one week, I questioned if I was as ready as I let myself believe.

The butterflies have officially started! In just a few minutes I will begin my 30+ hours of travel to Cape Town.  I have done quite a bit of traveling in my nineteen years, but never to anywhere as far away as South Africa, and certainly not by myself! Needless to say, I am quite nervous!

Upon hearing of my upcoming trip to Dublin, an Irish lady told me I must visit Galway.

Once I’d arrived in Ireland, several others told me the same thing.  Taking advantage of a sunny Saturday on our first weekend, my roommates and I booked bus passes for a day trip to Galway, commonly recognized as a gem of western Ireland.

This week I found myself finally settling into a routine here in Freiburg, which makes it feel more like I’m living here rather than just on some incredible extended vacation. Every day a group of us goes to the marketplace by the main church (the Munster) for lunch, and everyone gets sausages. I eat meat, but I’m not big on sausages, so I’ve become a regular at the crepe stand down the street. Sweet or savory, they’re always delicious, and the lady at the stand has started to recognize me and chuckles a little each time I come.

Ciao from Roma! I cannot believe that I have been in this incredible city for almost two weeks. Each day brings a new adventure—new areas to explore and new cites to investigate. The endless possibilities and activities are overwhelming at first. Traffic flows continuously, and people constantly stroll along the sidewalks. The size of Rome was a bit of an adjustment, for I have never lived in a city of this enormity for any extended period of time.

I am still in shock that I’m leaving for London tomorrow! As my classmates can attest, I have been doodling all sorts of countdowns for this day for months. I’ve just gotten comfortable back at home with my parents for the summer, but my biggest summer adventure is about to begin. I’ve always wanted to live in London, and these next six weeks will give me a taste of what it’s like to live in the UK.