To start, a little of my past and a little of the future:
I’ve traveled internationally before, in various groups and alone, but never for an extended amount of time in a single location. I tend to do well with short-term engagements, longevity being a greater challenge for me (not in terms of commitments, but more so in that I really like change). But, over for the next 11 months I’m changing my typical travel game and sticking to one place at a time, for a long time. Beginning in Geneva, Switzerland from February to May, I am studying abroad with SIT’s program Switzerland: Global Health and Development Policy (you can check them out here). From there my summer becomes one of optimistic uncertainty, in which my gut will decide when and where I go (with a set arrangement to go home/to the music festival Sasquatch at the end of May, and a loose plan to spend 4-weeks volunteering/learning about Traditional Medicine throughout India, program info here). For the last 4 or so months I’ll likely find myself in Accra, Ghana, with a University of Oregon study abroad program (learn more here). All of these plans are subject to change, but this is the general itinerary goal.
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I chose to arrive in Europe a week and a half early, consequently departing on President Trump’s first day in office (21.1.2017) to enjoy a girl-power vacation in Paris with my mom, Mama Mahin (that’s my grandma), my mom’s childhood friend and her daughter (who are practically family). We journeyed to Geneva, Switzerland, and from there went our separate ways. Today is now my 3rd full day on my own in Geneva, Switzerland, and it really hasn’t been going as expected. Traditionally, this would be the time to break out and explore on my own, formally flexible, independent, and for the time being, free of obligations. But, having grown increasingly feverish over the past week, I’ve spent these days in self-chosen solitary confinement. I’m normally not the type to mope and lounge, but here I am, dropping 70 swiss francs on a private room and sweating myself silly. Yet, as subtly stressed and depressed as I feel soaking in my lonely sickness, I’m deeply happy about it. I think there’s an expectation that when one studies abroad it’s an adventure from the start and it never stops rolling, but it’s been extremely liberating allowing myself to have a period to struggle and be okay with it. My days have amounted to mini-excursions to the grocery store 600 meters down the street, with walks gradually gaining distance up to a couple miles away, and even a couple of bus trips (one was to find an permanence (urgent care facility), with success!). I’m clapping my hands in delight, because life can feel really hard at times, even in the midst of our greatest adventures, and I’m so okay with that. Tomorrow I meet up with my program and that’s when it all really begins. If you have an interest in my story, I’ll be doing my best to update this blog with observations, reflections, and thoughts through a more academic lens than my writings in the past. I hope you join me as I trot around the globe, and that my perspective can help shape yours.
With all the love that I can muster,
Wishing well,
Mitra
P.s, if you want a clearer understanding of the intention behind this blog, check out my About page.
Bridge Over Distance 
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