But.

I also want to drive my little Honda Civic wherever I want, rather than depending on a not-always-accurate, sparse on the weekends, bus schedule. I want to know the weather a few days in advance, and leave my apartment for a full day without the threat of rain. I want to shop at my favorite stores, my usual comfort foods, and as much fresh fruit as I can get my hands on. I miss seeing the little dancers while working at my old ballet school. Surprisingly, sometimes I even wish I had my usual coursework from home- frequent papers and professors' expectations that we participate in class discussions may be stressful, but it's what I know, what I've learned to expect, and I feel like I know what I'm doing- not always the case here.

Whenever I feel this longing for the little things, part of my mind is annoyed with myself. You get to spend five months living in Europe, explore a beautiful country, do a bit of traveling, and write fewer papers, and you complain because you're missing home a bit? All because you can't drive, see your dog whenever you want, eat Panera, and shop at J Crew Factory and Target? Really??? Really? Get over yourself, check your privilege for a second, I tell myself. Thousands of students jump at the chance to study abroad, and I'm lucky enough to have it built into my undergraduate degree.

But I remind myself; living in a new country is tough, but I'm supposed to feel like this- that's why my department sends us abroad to so many different places- to really jump into university life in a completely new place, without the security of our classmates from home. And when my semester is up, I'm sure I'll be both happy and sad- but also more prepared for wherever my career may take me!

So for now, I'm soaking up as much of this still new, crazy in the best way city, and reminding myself that it's okay to love this...



....while also missing a bit of this

Until next time,
XOXO,
Emily