The things I take with me.

How my routine is changing and what has stayed the same.

Two weeks down in Montevideo and it already feels like home. School started last Monday and along with my location and university, the contents of my backpack have changed. While in Manhattan, you could have found me with anywhere from 1-3 notebooks, my laptop, my planner, an extra notebook for meetings, a pair of blue light glasses, an over-decorated Hydroflask, and any other random things I might need on a given day. Oh, and when it’s cold I carry all the extra winter clothing items that are necessary to endure the freezing Kansas weather. “That’s terrible for your back, Reed” you say…yes, I know.

Now, much to my (and my back’s) excitement, I’ve swapped out the computer and notebooks for an iPad, the meeting notebook for a beach towel & sunscreen, blue light glasses for sunglasses, and the extra layers for a swimsuit. Sometimes I pick up a bunch of sand along the way. I still carry a water bottle and my planner.

Other things I’ve been found with in the past 2 weeks are a small sling bag carrying my wallet, house key, phone, and bus card for trips to a museum, the mall, or to the beach to play sand volleyball or football (soccer ;) ) with friends.

You may have also found me with these items on a day trip to Piriápolis & Cerro San Antonio, Punta del Este, and an animal reserve at Cerro Pan de Azúcar.

I‘ve carried a ticket to the Uruguay v. Venezuela football match held in the first stadium to host the World Cup, Estadio Centenario.

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Still, with the change of location, school essentials, and attire, much has stayed the same.

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I still enjoy cooking…so I added a Latin American Cuisine course to my schedule.

I still enjoy walks…which is good because I walk everywhere. To school, to the beach, to the beach from school, along La Rambla, around my neighborhood, with my class, to coffee shops and restaurants, home. You name it, I walk there.

I still love sunsets, rain, and thunderstorms.

I still love making new friends.

And maybe most importantly, I still love catching up with my people in The States. Know that I am thinking of you and sending lots of love your direction <3. ¡Hasta luego!