So...I'm here! Finally, after months of feeling like I was lying to everybody around me about going to Japan, I'm finally here—no delays, no hiccups, barely any turbulence. Everything went extremely smoothly as if something was constantly reminding me that I worked to be here and should have a fun, stress-free time. And the first week was just that: fun and stress-free.

1. Bikes are truly everywhere 

The way traffic works here is the most hectic, thrilling, and dangerous thing I’ve witnessed. Both cars and bikes do not always stop for pedestrians. Bikers can also emerge without a sound, so always look both ways before you cross the street! Drivers and bikers also move pretty fast. Personally, the biker life has not chosen me (I know, it’s crazy). However, many of my friends love biking here. Just be ready to fall off a few times and acclimate to the traffic patterns. 

So, my first three weeks in Madrid have been quite the rollercoaster ride. It's been a whirlwind of travel, meeting new folks, the never-ending game of packing and unpacking, dealing with a nasty bout of illness, and feeling a little bit like a fish out of water. I think anyone who's been an exchange student can relate to that complex mix of excitement, anticipation, and uncertainty. I think being doubly displaced has aided in that.