. . . just a little sentimental

It's all in the wrist.  At least that's what they say about skipping stones but I was still struggling to even get one little hop out of a single rock and I swear I was flinging my wrist every which way.  Despite my inability to toss a rock with a little more finesse than a big ole plunk, I was laughing, joking, and smiling so much my cheeks hurt. I was in good company.  Traveling with friends - especially Melody, Tyler, and Patrick -  is a priceless experience.  When you travel with friends, you end up standing on the bank of a river in Basel, Switzerland trying to learn to skip rocks and having more fun than you ever thought you could doing so.

My failure in "eating" a 3 minute egg that
Melody couldn't help but laugh at!

Beautiful Basel!

The churches, the views, and the museums are all amazing - but it's these little moments when I'm so thankful for the opportunity to study abroad. It's not always about the place you go; sometimes it's truly all about the people you meet. Snacking on local foods at Switzerland's smallest brewery wouldn't have been a special time if Melody, Tyler, and Patrick hadn't been there. The same goes for the ferry ride across the river and the beers we had at that bar we found in a beautiful church.  The jokes, the teasing, and even the explaining of cultural nuances among friends - that's what I love first and foremost about being over here. To all my friends and family back home - don't worry I still miss you guys!

Couldn't resist a selfie on the ferry!

The bliss that is the choco kebab . . .
aka the best time for a candid pic.

Toasting the stunning stained glass!

The challenges I've faced and the unforgettable memories I've made have all been shaped by the people I've met.  Study abroad isn't just a story about self-discovery.  That would almost be oversimplifying it.  It's a journey made of thousands of precious moments, choices, and mistakes that end up making a more brilliant you.  For me, study abroad has already been life changing.

It's the time I spent this past Saturday night with my friends Sean, Eliah, and Ashleigh when we talked about the advantages and disadvantages about various forms of government that makes this the experience of a lifetime.  It's Diana who is helping me improve my Spanish while I help her with English. It's Melody and my quest to find a classic New York style bagel to get a little taste of home especially in the face of accepting that brunch is not a thing in Europe.  And I really really love brunch. It's discussing the Australians' love for vegemite with Joe and Josh (both Australian) during a break in our International Development class.

It's laughing, learning, and loving all while thousands of miles from home.  It may be cliche and cheesy but it's the truth.  I'm sure everyone who has studied abroad before will tell you the same.




*Shout out to Ashleigh for being awesome and spelling her name the way she does.  Much love to you from a fellow "leigh"-er.