Bliss

Thoughts spiraling: Education, jobs, love, & loss. Just a couple months left until I’m out in the ‘real world.’ The unhinged thoughts drain me. Should I follow the rules to get ahead or play by my own to be happy? Travel the world living on a few dollars enjoying what I truly love or be comfortable in business from the same place I’ve always been in? I don’t want to follow the crowd; I want to be successful in my own way, not what society deems to be as successful. Money is meaningless if you don’t have a purpose for the money other than materialism. I don’t know how to get to that place. I don’t know how to get to a place where I don’t get tied down to a person or place, where I don’t need a highfalutin education to be someone that I don’t want to be other than wealthy or financially comfortable. Nothing in this society is ever enough & no one is ever happy with what they are given. I don’t want this for myself & I don’t want this for the future generations that come after me. In the minuscule amount of years that I have lived, I have learned to educate myself through experiences I have gained, become wiser in the mistakes that I have made, & the challenges I have faced, & I try to not dwell on them & move on. I have learned to become stronger from the people I have met that have lifted me up & that have pulled me down. I have learned to never change my beliefs for someone else & to always know that I have control of my own destiny. What I have learned & what I will continue to learn is to be myself, follow what I want, & I will get to where I need to be in the end. Bliss.

Until next time... ciao 💗

Follow me on Instagram: @arielview13

Getting a college degree in the US-An expensive social class status

The more I hear about college abroad, the sadder it makes me feel. Although I love Pace University dearly for its location, professors, & students, the cost of a Pace education is unbelievably expensive & students graduate paying off debt for decades. Pace isn't even in the top tier of schools & yet students pay $50k per year to attend (without financial aid, that is).

Then I hear stories about schools abroad where public university education is free, fully paid by the government. Another story to consider: CEO of Family Dollar, Michael Bloom, recently on the show, Undercover Boss, has an associate's degree from a community college. He didn't need an expensive US university degree to be the success he is today, but even millionaire, Mike Bloom feels lesser than those with a 4-year degree. So why are people trained to think that spending tens of thousands of dollars will get them ahead for sure? Why is an American 4-year degree the absolute way to go to "make it"? I am not saying that a US education isn't worth anything; education in the US is great. The US has amazingly intelligent professors who have so much knowledge & experience.

However, for the price students pay, professors do not see nearly enough of the benefits, nor do the students. Students who graduate college with enormous debt & in this economy are faced with this horrible job market. Also, why is there such a stigma against community college? Community college is a great way to save money & earn prerequisite credits that students need to take in any college they're in. Unfortunately, many students learn early that community college is seen as "a low education" & "not the best education to get." But if you are undecided in what major to pursue (like I was) or trying to save money (like I wanted to do), then community college is a great option. So my purpose in this post is to say that the most expensive way isn't always the best way, regardless if it's Harvard or any of those big names. Nothing is worth the stress of debt after graduation. Yes, education is important, but get it the smart way, not the easiest. You don't want to be spending your first paycheck on paying back loans.

Until next time... ciao 💗

Follow me on Instagram: @arielview13

"She's a 'Good Girl'"

This story is so overplayed, but I thought I'd comment on it after seeing this Upworthy video: http://www.upworthy.com/a-comedians-take-on-the-miley-cyrus-debacle-completely-changed-what-i-thought-of-it?g=2&c=ufb1. I think this song parody is absolutely right in saying that the public is upset because when they envision Miley Cyrus, they see a little Disney star, not this in-your-face girl with provocative moves. But when we see Ciara & Justin Timberlake's music video, "Love Sex Magic", there are comments like, "I love this song!" or "Great video!" I admit, Miley is not in the best of taste, but neither is Robin Thicke. So why is Miley getting so much heat for something that Thicke was also involved in as a MARRIED MAN? The pop industry is messed up if you ask me for it is about sex & the objectification of women; They continually reiterate gender roles that society is trying to break. I think Miley is just doing her own thing & isn't letting the industry objectify her; She is making a broad, crazy, & weird statement to say she's here & she's going to do what she wants. I am not a Miley fan & am really not crazy about her music, but maybe she's onto something. Or maybe we all just over think everything in the media & should stop watching the VMAs, MTV, & all this junk; Now there's a brilliant solution.

Until next time... ciao 💗

Follow me on Instagram: @arielview13

The real truth about the brassiere and how it's affecting your "Titzlings"

Get this: I just read this article, and research has shown that bras do not help support women's breasts! Mind-blowing, I know. In fact, bras ruin the muscle in women's breasts for the muscles deplete from constant support. So who's genius idea was it to make bras such a trend and a mandatory article of women's everyday clothing? Leave it to Otto Titzling (yes, you read right. I said TITZling) to invent the bra in the 1930's so women look more sexually appealing to men. The lesson here, go braless. If you're at home all day, sleeping, or whenever you feel comfortable not wearing a bra, don't! It's better for you and your appearance and your breasts will thank you. FREE THE TATAS!

Until next time... ciao 💗

Follow me on Instagram: @arielview13

American Equality

Before reading, watch this video from Upworthy: http://www.upworthy.com/know-an-american-who-thinks-were-equal-show-them-what-this-guy-does-when-hes-stopped-by-a-cop?c=ufb1 Now that you've watched the video, what did you think? I completely agree with what the speakers were saying. People with skin of color, brown or black, are normally one's who are targeted as far as police officers are concerned. In reference to the word, "Nigger," as they said in the video, I do not think anyone should be saying that word, not just white people. Why is it okay for Black people to be derogatory toward their own kind, but others are forbidden? Moreover, why is it okay for any race to call white people, "Crackers"? Is that not a derogatory term? If you notice in the headline, they only say "N-word," but write out "cracker." Who made one term okay, but not the other? As an Indian American, a girl born with a brown father & a white mother, I do not think that any of these derogatory terms are acceptable, regardless of what race uses them. Every race faces hardships because we are people of different financial standings, educational ranks, & cultural backgrounds. What we have to remember is that we are all people who contain the same 5.5 liters of blood & we are all people living together on this Earth whether we like it or not. Using words like "Nigger" & "Cracker" isn't helping anyone. So watch your mouths & your expand your minds. Educate yourself.

Until next time... ciao 💗

Follow me on Instagram: @arielview13

One more year until my life begins...

There are so many issues in this world that are far worse than mine: poverty, starvation, homelessness... However, my problems are still problems & need to be addressed right here & now for my own sanity. I have one year until I graduate college. ONE. That means one year until I start my life on my own. Not that my parents are kicking me out; It’s quite the opposite actually. Nevertheless, I’ve been dying to get out on my own in the world & support myself. I just don’t know what I want to do with such newfound freedom & responsibility.


 Here’s my most recent Facebook status that may clear up (or confuse) what I am trying to say: “So many options to choose from & only 1 year to decide. What the heck am I going to do with my life!? Live in Warwick/get my masters while working at West Point, teach English in India, work in NYC/live in Queens with Dad, live in Italy with Mom & get my masters? Can someone just assign me an awesome job that has lots of vacay time to travel, make loads of $, & involves my major? K, thanks.” As you may have gathered, I am conflicted with staying close to home (Warwick), the place that has sent me off the grid (emotionally) & grounded me all at the same time, or elsewhere where I may not feel as connected but may have a better chance at a career. I am also conflicted because money in my family is very important because we work hard for it. Nevertheless, I am not striving to be filthy rich. I want to be surrounded by people that I enjoy being around, eat good food, & travel as much as I can. As long as I have those 3 things fulfilled, I’ll be happy. & maybe a puppy too. I love puppies. On top of all this confusion, I have one problem that is at the forefront of all of my problems-my relationship. Am I stable enough to be in a relationship right now? How can I let Sam go when he is the best person I have ever met in my entire life? Morals, ideals, beliefs, & my future are completely scrambled, but I am now realizing that this blogging thing is a great way to figure this stuff out (even if no one reads it). Thanks, Blogger/Google+, for saving the day. =)

Until next time... ciao 💗

Follow me on Instagram: @arielview13

Reverse Culture Shock

I had a hunch that coming back to NY would be different than when I left. Not that anything had physically changed, but I certainly had. It wasn't the same city that I remembered or that I had fantasized about coming back to & it made me want to turn around & go back to Europe. My mom is in Italy, my home in Warwick, NY where I grew up is rented out, & many of my close friends remain upstate while I'm in Queens. Along with the empty feeling of not having friends in Queens, I also feel an emptiness of not having Sam around after our falling out. So many questions run through my head of whether or not being together is the right thing. It is so difficult to determine where we stand being 5 hours apart from each other. But for right now, the best thing for me is to stay busy, travel to stay with my friends in Warwick, & I joined the gym at Lucille Roberts. While in Europe, it felt like I lived there, but when I returned back to NY, I realized it was just one long vacation. I landed at JFK exhausted & jet-lagged, & all of the bullshit hit me at once: Relationship problems, Pace University admin already screwing up everything... I really don't want to deal with it right now. People keep telling me to take things one step at a time, but I can't stop myself from thinking ahead. What the heck am I going to do 1 year from now when I graduate college? Should I go right into getting an MBA or start working? Should I live with my mom in Europe or will I still be with Sam & want to stay here with him? Everything is up in the air & completely confusing & the only thing I can say right now is that I am finally 21. So who cares about any of this stuff right now? I can't think about it all because there are no answers right now so why overthink it or think about it all? Going out with my friends seems to be the best solution to my problems & only time will tell where everything & everyone in my life stands.

Until next time... ciao 💗

Follow me on Instagram: @arielview13

Interracial relationships are still an issue?

Has anyone seen the new Cheerios commercial with the white mother, black father, & the adorable daughter? If not, here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbWeH9cztHw. It is amazing to me that this commercial caused controversy for I thought people would be used to our global culture by now. When I saw this commercial, I immediately thought of a strong family, one that loves & cares for each other. However, many viewers complained that this commercial made them sick & was offended that Cheerios supported the production of an inferior race. Well, I would like to say that children with more than one race are amazing & just as smart or sometimes more intelligent than other children. I am 1/2 Indian & 1/2 American (my American side goes back to the 1700s & prior to that goes back to Europe [English, French, Irish]). For those who have a problem with this commercial, grow up & take your head out of the ignorant hole you live in. It is the 21st century people! Why are we still dealing with this??????????

Until next time... ciao 💗

Follow me on Instagram: @arielview13

Chania, Crete, Greece

On a whim, I decided I wanted to go to Greece. I looked up RyanAir flights from my mom's apartment in Vicenza, Italy to Greece & found one flight that went to the island of Crete. I was set. I told my mom & she found a bed & breakfast. I booked the hotel & flight & we were off. We left on a Thursday. We arrived a little after midnight in Crete & waited over a 1/2 hour for the car to pick us up, which was set up by our B&B, but it never came. We then asked a cab driver to take us there, but he was unsure of where it was so he called the number that was listed in the email that was sent to me. The owner of the B&B made a mistake & thought we were to arrive the next day at midnight-honest mistake. So my mom & I arrive at the B&B & the owner, Vicky, couldn't have been more apologetic & nice about the whole situation. The next morning, we had breakfast, & it was just me & my mom in the entire room since you can call to have breakfast made at any time of the day. Breakfast was served every day of our trip & we ate outside by the pool, which was decorated to look like paradise, hence the name, Paradise Hotel.

 Mom & I explored the Old Town since we decided to rent a car. The rental was cheap & quite necessary since the B&B is in the middle of nowhere. The next day we visited 2 monasteries (one of them is pictured above), which had amazing views of the ocean & old historic paintings & writings. Mom & I also picked some beans at the monastery off the tree & kept calling them "holy beans." Come to find out, the beans smell like garbage when they ripen & are fed to pigs HAHA. 

We connected so well with the Paradise Hotel staff that we felt like a part of their family. The staff consisted of Vicky, her son, & 2 stepsons, & her husband. What a friendly & welcoming bunch of people to say the least. They told us so much about the Greek culture as well as recommend great restaurants & even sent us to Vicky's husband's mother's restaurant where they gave us free dessert. Everyone on the island of Crete was so warm, welcoming, & are willing to speak English to anyone & find out a bit about the person. Also, even the tourist trap restaurants have amazing food & I am not one for tourist traps. If you ever have a chance, visit Crete & stay at the Paradise Hotel in Stavros on the island of Crete!

Until next time... ciao 💗

Follow me on Instagram: @arielview13

Adventures with Dad & my Italia Exploration with my 2nd Family

In my final weeks of study abroad, my dad & his girlfriend came to visit me in Barcelona. We ate at great restaurants, visited a lot of the tourist sites, & the two of them went to Tarragona for a day trip. I was really glad they came & it was a great way to end my study abroad program. On April 27th, Sam & I had to fully move out of the apartment & we were on our way to my mom's apartment in Vicenza, Italy. Sam stayed for a week. We toured Vicenza & Rome. Rome was not what I thought it would be: The crowds are insane & the food was not what I expected (it was terrible quality).

Where my mom lives in Vicenza, however, has great food & the best gelato. I have had so much gelato since being in Italy. After Sam left, I went to work with my mom a couple days. Then my best friend Alexis, & her mother & sister came to visit. They spent one night in Vicenza & then we went to Venice & Florence. I did not expect Venice to be all water & to have water taxis & ferries to get around the town. It is a beautiful city & I cannot believe it is so close to where my mom lives.

We took a very nice tour where the tour guide told us the ins & outs of Italy & how the locals really live. Florence was amazing as well. We toured the city as well as took a food tour. That was the most amazing part of the whole trip. Cheese with jelly? Who would think that would have been good. We made 15 different stops on the tour to local restaurants & markets. It was absolutely amazing & I would recommend everyone take a food tour. I left Alexis & her family & took the train back to Vicenza & they continued to travel to Rome. It was so nice that they traveled so far so we could take this amazing trip together & I am so happy I got to further explore Italy!

Until next time... ciao 💗

Follow me on Instagram: @arielview13

Mom came to visit & Spring Break!

I am officially finished with my study abroad program in Barcelona! I am sorry that I haven't kept up with my blogs, but things have been a bit crazy. But let's start where I left off. After I traveled to Budapest, my mom came to visit me in Barcelona for the weekend. We went to Parc Güell & ate the usual paella. Then I ended up getting really sick & my mom took care of me, which was certainly a nice change of pace from taking care of myself all semester. After my mom left, it was time to board the MSC Cruise ship for my Mediterranean cruise. 30 CEA students boarded the ship, which included 9 of my friends. 

We cruised to Casablanca, Morocco first where we were culturally shocked at how different it was from what we were used to. Some of the children we saw were blind, there was a lot of poverty, & there were not many sites to see other than the mosque. We did not want to pay the tour fee for the mosque so this guy said he could give us a tour for cheap so we went with him. We get to the back entrance of the mosque where there are spiral stairs leading down to a pitch-black basement. Fortunately, they were not out to kill us as it may sound. In the end we paid the guy 5€ & made it out alive. We also ate at Rick's Cafe in reference to the cafe in the movie Casablanca. 

 We then sailed to Cadiz, Spain, which didn't have anything other than a beach. Next, we went to Lisbon, Portugal. It was raining that day so we took a tourist bus around so we could see the sites. I really enjoyed the structure of the town & would love to go back there on a nicer day. Lastly, we went to Genoa where we walked around the town, ate authentic Italian food (& pesto!), & had a wonderful time being with each other. 

 The cruise itself was okay considering the food was not what I'd expect since I've sailed before. But for the price & how many countries I got to travel to with my friends, it was well worth it. It was definitely the best spring break I ever had.

Until next time... ciao 💗

Follow me on Instagram: @arielview13

Budapest, Hungary

We got to Budapest, where Sam’s ancestors are from, and it was so cold and windy. For the majority of our weekend, it snowed heavily, which we are not used to since being in Barcelona since January. We got to see the castles, where the queen used to live, and we tried the traditional goulash and other stews that were pretty good. We first explored the Buda side, which is mostly residential and where our friend from Pace University was staying for his study abroad semester. Then we took the bus to the Pest side where a lot of the tourist sites are. Although their currency, the Forint, is weaker, it is very confusing and it is easy to spend a lot of money for 200 Forint is equal to 1 USD, but prices for lets say a bottle of soda could be 800 Forint or $4.

 After a while, I just stopped spending money for the first night I was there I spent $98! But Sam and I had a great time. I think Sam really enjoyed it once he got there because that is where half of his family is from. We found a bottle of wine with Sam’s family name on it. We also found a street name with Sam’s family name. Overall it was a great trip and I’d definitely like to go back there when the weather is warmer.

Until next time... ciao 💗

Follow me on Instagram: @arielview13

Madrid trip with CEA

 

 I went to Madrid this past weekend with my study abroad program. We took a high-speed train called Renfe, which took only 3 hours from Barcelona. We got there & it was raining & our hotel was uphill; We were not very happy travelers. When we finally got to the hotel, we were called one by one to be checked into our room. It was definitely worth the wait since I got Sam as my roommate! We dropped our bags in the room & then we went on a tour of Madrid with our program. The tour was half walking & half bus tour. I decided to only do the bus tour since it was raining, but Sam did both. That day, we met new people who I actually clicked with. Me & nine others spent the weekend together eating our way through the city. We had a great time together but came to the conclusion that we liked Valencia better than Madrid. However, I advise everyone to visit!

Until next time... ciao 💗

Follow me on Instagram: @arielview13

Valencia trip with CEA

Valencia is the home of paella & horchata, which is a drink made of ground almonds, sesame seeds, rice, & tiger nuts. With all the hype around these two traditional eats, I had to try them. The paella had chicken, snails, & bean,s & the horchata tasted like carrot juice to me. Both were an interestingly tasty experience that I was glad I was able to try. & a great addition was that we ate paella on the beach. After eating paella (which is shown in the picture above), we went for a walk on the beach, & stumbled upon a dead cat that had washed up on the shore. It looked like it had been floating for days since it was skinned & bloated. It was so disgusting & sad. That was the only downside to the weekend. As I’ve written in previous blogs, I love Europe but have not been loving my program all that much because of the students in my program.

Well, this weekend I had the best time with a group of 11 people that I met. We went sightseeing, clubbing, barhopping, & experiencing all of Valencia we could in one weekend. The people I hung out with were so nice & easy to talk to. Maybe it wasn’t me after all; I was starting to think I was socially inept. I guess I wasn’t finding the right people. & the best part is that we are all going to Madrid together this coming weekend so we get to experience another city together & have just as good of a time like this weekend.

 The hotel we stayed in was quite nice: four stars. The best part about our hotel was that it was right next to the firecracker show at 2pm & the fireworks at 8pm. These festivities go on the entire month of March every single day in every town of Valencia. It is called Las Fallas- The Festival of Fire. It was amazing to get to experience Las Fallas, especially on the first weekend. Since the beginning of the weekend, I have become less homesick & have really enjoyed hanging out with the people from CEA (my study abroad program.) If you ever get the chance, definitely try to make it to Valencia. It’s about 4-5 hours from Barcelona. & make sure you try the paella & horchata!

Until next time... ciao 💗

Follow me on Instagram: @arielview13

The good & the bad, but who cares? I'm in Barcelona.

The weeks since arriving in Barcelona have flown by. I can’t believe that it is already the end of February; I am really enjoying Barcelona & Europe overall. This past week, I went to the Catalonian museum for a class, which explained the struggles & victories the Catalonian people have gone through. I also skipped a couple classes this week since I needed to catch up on sleep & because I stepped on a piece of glass, but thankfully we are granted 4 absences per class this semester.

So about stepping on glass, I am still trying to figure out what is wrong with my foot. I was unaware that my roommate dropped a glass on the floor so I was walking around barefoot & I assume a small piece of glass went into my foot or punctured it badly. Either way, two days later I am still having trouble putting full weight on my right foot. I went to the medical center & they said they didn’t think any glass was in my foot, but they scheduled a sonogram on Tuesday to check just in case. I found this interesting considering they didn’t automatically jump to open up my foot or prescribe me antibiotics.

Normally in the states, they’d resort to surgery rather than expensive testing that is more work & money for the healthcare providers. Moreover, I went to Camp Nou this morning with Sam & my sports marketing class to check out the soccer stadium & what we would change about it to make it more attractive to fans & consumers. It was really cool because we got to go down to the field where the players play & in the box seats. The stadium is very nice but does need major upgrades. After Camp Nou, I met with my Spanish peer contact who I needed to interview for my class. She was so nice & spoke English very well. Other than that, I haven’t really been doing much other than class 4 days a week.

I feel like most people here, including Sam, want to go out & party all the time, but I rarely feel like it. I think I am a lot different from most people my age because I don’t smoke weed or any of that crap, & I am not one to drink to get drunk-a glass or two of wine with dinner or at home & that’s enough for me. I do enjoy interacting with people at bars because it is a great way to get to know the local people. As for clubs, I hate them for they attract a certain crowd that I am not too fond of. Plus, I don’t like going with just Sam since he doesn’t like to dance & I don’t like drinking & you can’t even hear the other person talk.

I also refuse to go out during the week even if I have late class the next morning, but people here go out on Monday nights after class, which I think is crazy. I’d much rather do things during the day: tour different parts of Barcelona, go to festivals, eat new foods, & wine & cheese tastings. Why do I need to be drunk all the time to enjoy myself? Isn’t the purpose of studying abroad to remember it? Maybe I think like an old person, but I have never thought that I’ve clicked very much with age group. Oh well. Life goes on, especially in Europe. =)

Until next time... ciao 💗

Follow me on Instagram: @arielview13

A bit about my study abroad experience

I am in love with Barcelona. The people are friendly, the streets & the metro are cleaner than NY, the architecture is gorgeous, & I get to practice my Spanish & learn a bit of Catalan at the same time. My professors at CEA Global Education, the third party program I went through, are fantastic & are really dedicated teachers. The best part is that they are working in the field that they teach classes in so they are able to show first hand what life in that field is like. For instance, in my international journalism class, my professor is an international journalist & has reported wars & huge stories. He gives real life scenarios like where you should sit if you’re in a jeep with other people in a dangerous area (always try to drive. People normally won’t shoot the driver because they are normally hired locals). My professors are also from different countries: Mexico, the Netherlands, England, Germany, & Lebanon, which makes all the classes taught from a global perspective. Nevertheless, there are major downsides to my study abroad program. First, I should not have studied through CEA. The program is full of fraternity & sorority people, which is fine, but I cannot seem to fit in with these people. I wish I would have either studied abroad through a Pace program or through an international university where I could meet international students. I find the people in my program to be very shallow & culturally & globally unaware. For instance, I was in a coffee shop near campus, & this group of students walked in, ordered & said, “These stupid people can’t speak any English. What the hell is wrong with this place? Catalonians are so f**king stupid.” Uh...DUH We are in Spain, morons. So just little things like this scenario that really create a strain on making friends here. However, Sam & I are having a great time. He seems to be adjusting better to the people here than I am. I’m really not into partying, smoking, drinking & all that crap. I’d much rather spend my money on travel, awesome food, & meeting new people. It makes me grateful that I didn’t go to a party school for college; Pace University was definitely a great decision. I miss Pace a lot, but am having so much fun experiencing new cultures, food, & meeting new people from other countries. I hope that I adjust better & meet other people, hopefully some local Catalonians. Until next time, ArielViewers.

Paris: The City of Love

My second trip to Paris was by far better than the first & was certainly an unforgettable trip. I fulfilled most of the Paris cliches & stereotypes such as eating escargot, crepes, & fondue, going to the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysses, & the Arc de Triomphe, & I heard a guy do the stereotypical French laugh. All I needed was a guy with a thin mustache & I would have been complete. Along with the fulfillment of stereotypes, I learned more about French culture. Sam & I stayed at our friend, Alex’s flat right next to the Arc de Triomf. We did not expect such a fantastic apartment with our own room facing the streets of Paris. Alex’s great-grandmother bought the apartment in the 1930’s, so the house looks very old French like you’d see in the movies. Along with it being Valentine’s weekend & being with Sam, which was great in itself, Alex gave us a thorough tour around Paris, we tried some amazing food as I mentioned, & we met some great people at the house party Alex threw. Most of them spoke English, which gave me more motivation to learn a second language. It is amazing how knowing more than one language in Europe is the norm. Alex’s friends knew a minimum of 3 languages; It was very intimidating! So next on my to do list is to learn Spanish & then if my brain has enough space, French. One step at a time.

What I've done in Barcelona so far

Barcelona has been great so far. I have visited Sagrada Familia, which has definitely been my favorite site as of yet. It was built and designed by Gaudí, which I think I mentioned in my previous post, but his work is so fantastic that it is worth mentioning again. I went on a free walking tour of Barcelona (I also did this in London, too. Most European cities have them and they are great!) I have also eaten tapas, paella, and drank Spanish wine. Additionally, I have gone to a Spanish club, Opium (a club with a ton of Americans), Shoko (a lounge), and Dow Jones (a bar where their prices fluctuate like the stock exchange). I’ve been enjoying walking around my neighborhood and throughout Barcelona. I do miss my family, friends, and New York; I miss my college and my dorm, but I would not trade this change this experience for anything. And I cannot wait to travel around Europe. Paris for Valentines Day with Sam is going to be great and so is Budapest (that’s where Sam’s ancestors are from). We are still trying to get tickets to Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day. Everyone seems to be going because either the tickets are sold out for the cheaper prices or super expensive tickets. Lastly, last night I walked all around my neighborhood looking for an authentic Spanish/Catalan run café-not Chinese or Pakistani run like all the cafés in Barcelona. I walked for about an hour and finally found a place. I sat at the bar, got a glass of cocacola (the coke is so much better than the US), and ordered a ham tapa;It was great. I sat there eating slowly, sipping my drinking-just relaxing. It was nice to take a step back and really enjoy the restaurant experience like the people here do instead of eating quickly and rushing out the door like we do in NY. Sam met me not long after my arrival and we ordered a Spanish potato tapa (potatas bravas) and a really good chicken tapa. That being said, I have a homework assignment for the people reading this back in the states: Go to a café, order something and just sit, people watch, don’t be so eager to get the check and annoyed that the service sucks. Meals are supposed to be enjoyed, not rushed. After 20 years, I have finally realized this. Adios, amigos!

Ariel View Goes International!

I know I have not posted in a long time. Let me catch you up really quick... I graduated high school, went on to college at Pace University to major in communications with a minor in women’s studies. I am now in my junior year studying abroad in Barcelona! I got here on January 8th & so far it has been an amazing experience. My boyfriend of two years is here with me & we are living it up as much as we can.

So far we have gone to London, where we stayed with a girl studying abroad who also goes to Pace. We also met up with our friend Ali (Pace University graduate) in Barcelona as well as London. We’ve gone clubbing, to bars, & have tried to immerse ourselves in the Catalonian culture as much as we can. It’s so interesting to me how different people are in other countries, but we all live in the same world. I obviously knew that we were all different, but it is crazy to be here & actually experience the differences. For instance, not knowing Spanish or Catalan is difficult, but I am also really trying to learn Spanish & pick up a bit of Catalan as well. Additionally, I am really enjoying my classes. They are very interesting & go toward my major for the most part, which is excellent for me. & to top it all off, I have managed to not have Friday classes since I started college. Furthermore, I am loving life so far since being abroad. London was beautiful, but the weather was so dark & gloomy. The friendly people, however, are so friendly & willing to help anyone. & just so you know, fish & chips are not all it is talked up to be. Mashed & bangers (mashed potatoes & sausage) are much better & better for your dollar, or maybe I should say better for your pound. Also, the most recent status of my living situation is quite crazy & has changed drastically. After graduating from high school, I lived in the dorms during the school year & Warwick during the summer.

I then started staying with my dad during the summer as of last year. After that, my mom got a job in Vicenza, Italy after being unemployed for about a year. So we put our condo up for rent & my mom got to Italy a couple of days ago & is renting her own apartment & will be still be working for the US Army. After I finish studying abroad, I plan to stay with Mom for about a month & then head back to NY. All this change is unsettling since Warwick is where I grew up & it is what I’m used to. But I am so excited to be traveling & that my mom has finally done something for herself that is really good! It also helps that we only rented out our condo. It gives me the possibility of going back to Warwick if I ever wanted to later on. I think that is enough catching up for now. I’ll be posting more now that I’m abroad. Get ready to go international! P.S. The photo is of me & Sam at Sagrada Familia- an amazing site still being built & designed by Gaudí, a Barcelona legend.

Until next time... ciao 💗

Follow me on Instagram: @arielview13