With the dawning of week 3 of being in Barcelona, I’m beginning to feel that the initial alienation that separated myself from the city is starting to wane. IES Abroad classes have been in motion for a couple of weeks now, restoring some degree of order and routine to my life. The novelty of being here still flummoxes me, every morning I’m spurred out of bed by the fact that I know another day of exploration lies ahead, where anywhere I go could land me somewhere completely new.

It was that time of the year again. The high holidays were coming up. This can be a very anxiety-inducing time for many Jews, since there's a lot of big, important holidays all within a single month. Considering I'd have to celebrate them all while being in Japan, I thought it would be particularly stressful for me this year. However, this time I had a plan.

Bariloche, nestled in the Argentine Patagonia, is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. It was also the destination of choice for my recent weekend escape with friends, and the experience was amaaazing. From skiing on pristine slopes to hiking Cerro Otto and making new local friends, this trip had it all!

Day 1: Conquering the Slopes

During my first couple of days in Madrid I was struck by how inescapably pretty the city is. Even the darker and smaller side streets and alleys are endeared with that quaint European feel and aesthetic. Many parts of the center of the city have winding and sloping stone paths jutting out in any direction they please—much unlike the grid-like road patterns I’m used to in the United States. There are also many “pedestrian roads,” containing a small lane for motor vehicles, but large sidewalks for pedestrians on either side.

Well, after a solid three weeks in Berlin, there’s one thing on my mind: my feet are killing me! I’ve been so excited to explore that I’ve ended up walking ridiculous amounts every day as I check out all the amazing corners of the city. After meandering through museums, parks, and beautiful streets, I certainly feel like I am getting my bearings.

Things I’ve Learned 2 Weeks into Study Abroad:

1. Nothing ever goes perfectly to plan, and that’s okay!

It sounds cheesy I know but going into this experience I was (still am!) a major planner. I really didn’t do well when something didn’t go exactly as I had imagined it. So far, that has been my biggest lesson. Not everything that you plan or do is going to be exactly as you had imagined. In fact, it’s probably good that it doesn’t go perfectly.