Memories are timeless treasures of the heart

Memories are a huge part of everyone. They may be in the form of pictures or videos, and they can my non-physical as well.

I always love this quote and I resonate with it even more after exchange. 

 As I look back at exchange, the things that I truly remember and hope to go back to, are the tiniest moments with my friends! And definitely, the great food! 

Some of my fond memories are 

• Meeting so many new faces for the first time, everyone started of as strangers sharing where we came from and what we study. Weeks after we talk about life while drinking wine/beer together. It is really fascinating!
• Cooking together and sharing food with my corridor mates as well as cooking local delights like chicken rice and laksa for friends 
• Late night karaoke or pancake party 
• The day that it was snowing and I was ice-skating outdoors with my dear friend! (Probably one of the sweetest memories) 
• The farewell party before Christmas as everyone was leaving to go home in time for Christmas
• Moving out from my room after a lovely 5 months (it took a good 30minutes for me to calm down HAHAHA)
• Snowball fight and building snowman version of ourselves in Finland 
• Watching fireworks igniting above me and from the islands around me. This was at my favourite spot in Stockholm! Skinnarviksberget, the highest natural viewpoint! 
• Family trip, having our first white Christmas together :) where I met my brother for a week after 5 months. 
• Getting lost and chasing trains/buses in Italy with my dear friend
• Listening to Christmas carol at the local Christmas market in a small city, Linkoping
• The funny/scary encounters during exchange from the conversations with strangers in the bar, the old town, in a casino to nearly getting scammed. (I would have been robbed if not for my friends' alertness) 

These moments are those that put a smile on my face whenever I think about them. And there are many more that pop up occasionally in my mind. The emotions that are experienced then still remain deeply imprinted in me. When I recall them, it is as if I am back there again!

Memories are the best way to travel back in time! So treasure them dearly. Perhaps writing them somewhere or just recording these moments on a short snapchat/ig story.... I love how social media keeps all these memories for us - the main reason why I use them.