Kia ora! My first month in New Zealand has absolutely flown by, but it also feels like I’ve been here forever. I’m finally settled into a semi-routine, with classes, my internship, and study during the week, and trips out of Christchurch (or at least a short tramp) during the weekend. As much as I’ve started to feel at home here though, there are still things that continue to trip me up and remind me that I’m in a different country. Those instances have gradually gotten fewer and farther in between, but the first few weeks were full of them as I learned to navigate the culture here.

I wrote my first draft of this post when there was 80 days left until my departure... we are now at a mere 15 days. (Publishing now while i'm at the airport....)

Strangely, I am suffering with the same exact qualms which I started this journey with. Instead of my various lists offering any solace, they instill a burning pit of dread in my stomach. The longer I wait the more I believe my belongings will become sentient and find their way to my empty suitcase.

80 days to go and I had not bought my shoes, jeans, electronics, and toiletries.

One of my goals for study abroad was to gain independence and experience living on my own. I’ve been in Vienna for over six weeks now, which means I’ve been cooking for myself for over six weeks now. In the two years I’ve been at college, I was on a meal plan. The moment of the reality of having to be an actual adult sinking in will forever be ingrained in my memory. It was after I had made my first “real” meal here in my apartment. In this post, I share some of my go-to recipes and meal ideas while studying abroad, as well as a few recommendations and tips.