Hey Mom. Hi Dad.

First of all, I have to thank you for this amazing opportunity you granted me. Studying abroad in Europe for six weeks has truly been the best experience of my life. All the financial worries I had before departing for the trip are nothing but a past thought. Every second of being in these amazing countries was worth every penny.

Please know that when I come home, I'm going to have countless stories to tell about my travels abroad, the amazing cities I visited, the people that became my best friends, and the things I learned (after all, it was a STUDY abroad). But I learned so much more outside of the classroom than in it.

I learned that you need to pack your groceries quickly in the market, otherwise the people behind you will get mad.

I learned that public transportation is complicated but extremely useful.

I figured out that cell phone data is precious and that it should only be used in dire emergencies.

I learned how to say some things in Hungarian, like köszönöm (thank you) and szia (hello).

Moving around Europe taught me some basic things, but I never thought in my wildest imagination that it would allow me to learn about myself.

I became more open and extroverted to my now-best friends over late night horror movies, tram rides in the city, and pad thai at our favorite restaurant.

I became more aware of my surroundings in new situations and how my reaction may be seen to others.

I learned to become a better photographer and writer, looking out for the unique things that I couldn't find anywhere else in the world.

I learned to be a more thoughtful listener, taking the time to listen to people's stories and the town's history.

I literally turned older on the trip, but I feel like I grew up a lot. I managed to book my own flights, create itineraries, navigate through the city, and buy my own groceries. Learning how to adult abroad is very different from how I learned in the United States. And it was incredible.

When I get home, I'm going to be depressed. I have gotten used to a life where I wake up in the morning thinking about what tram to take to get to class, what amazing cafe to eat at for lunch, and what world-class sights I should visit. In just a few weeks, I jetted off to Prague, landed in Budapest, flew to Munich, took a train to Gimmelwald, and rode on a bus to Vienna. I'm going to be bored when I get home, but I will manage to make my life somewhat as exciting as it was abroad.

I missed you guys. Like a lot. I wish I could show you this corner of the world I now consider my second home. I want to introduce you to the amazing people I've met, take you the cafe where I became a regular, and whisk you around Budapest in the famous tram no.2.

Know that I am sad to be leaving Europe, but I am more than ready to come home. I can't wait to tell you about the best time of my life.

With all my love,

Your favorite world traveler