Let me start my piece about fashion trends and shopping in Amsterdam by stating that, at the end of the day, fashion “trends” are by no means something to abide by—if anything, I try to steer clear from them. Fashion is about wearing what makes you feel good, regardless of anyone or everyone else saying your outfit looks bad. You by no means have to slot yourself into the fashion trends most sported by Amsterdammers.
Returning to the USA and settling in after an extensive travel day prompts reflection on my time abroad. As I sift through my camera roll, memories flood in—fun, challenges, and unforgettable moments. The post-abroad depression sets in, but I reassure my friends considering studying abroad next semester: the four months of this experience make it all the more precious. It's the impermanence that encourages us to cherish every moment, take risks, and step out of our comfort zones.
Embarking on a journey abroad is not merely about traveling; it's an opportunity to forge connections with new people. For many of us, the prospect of not having familiar faces from home alongside us is a reality. Instead, we find ourselves sharing living spaces with assigned roommates, ushering in a unique blend of risk, discomfort, and excitement. The experience of living with someone you don't know is inherently distinct, pushing you beyond your comfort zone and imparting valuable lessons in adaptability—a hallmark of studying abroad.
As the weeks drew closer to the conclusion of my study abroad adventure, a twinge of anxiety set in, fueled by the task of packing all of my prized belongings into suitcases. Admittedly an over-packer by nature, the looming challenge of reconciling the mementos collected abroad with my luggage capacity added a layer of stress to the winding-down phase of my journey.
During my study abroad experience, the excitement of exploring foreign lands often overshadowed the potential for finding wonder in the beauty of my host country, Italy. However, I consciously decided to dedicate a weekend solely to solo exploration, a decision that would later prove to be the highlight of my time abroad.
One of the enchanting aspects of studying abroad during the fall semester is the opportunity to experience Christmas festivities in different countries. Witnessing the adorned streets, and bustling markets, and indulging in unique pastries creates a stunning holiday ambiance. The excitement escalates, and the shopping possibilities seem endless. During my final excursion abroad for Christmas, I chose to explore the magical city of Prague.
When we were initially picking classes and forming our schedules in the first week of study abroad, I decided to audit a class on Irish film—I didn’t have to do any assignments, but I could show up to class, take part in discussions, and, best of all, watch movies! I really love movies and I think film plays a huge part in shaping our understanding of themes of history, the present, the future, various communities, etc.—how life is depicted in movies matters a lot.
I returned from study abroad on December 17th, a blur of a day that I’ll describe more in another blog post to come. Needless to say, I’m still gathering the words, and I’ve always felt that music is a great way to voice the indescribable. I got “the Alchemist” on my Spotify Wrapped, which makes a ton of sense, as I love making playlists for certain moods and time periods, and naturally, I made one for my experience in Dublin. Here are some of the highlights!