The daily life at AASTU was comprised of two main elements: insufficient supplies and delayed meals. The examination equipment was far from adequate, and even the existing items were not organized at all. The campus cafeteria was excessively crowded, and ordered meals or coffee would not arrive even after 30 minutes. However, reflecting on those days, I find them nostalgic, especially during the three weeks after returning home. The bustling streets of Bole, the chaotic scenery of Mercato, the crammed shared buses, the persistent scams of Piazza’s hustlers, the overcooked pasta—these experiences, born out of taking the plunge, feel valuable. Yet, I can’t help but think that I might not need to go abroad for a while, at least for now.
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