Ola! Meu nome é Vinayak. I’m a communication major at The University of Massachusetts at Amherst. From the tropical beaches of Southern India to the colonial expanses of Northeastern Massachusetts, I’ve called several places my home. Traveling holds a special place in my heart. Having parents that have been across the globe and having family that lives across an equally wide expanse has taught just how large, diverse and beautiful this planet is. This is why I’m studying abroad. I want to begin experiencing what my parents have and I want to have stories of my own to pass on. Every bit of culture I can absorb will make me a better person, and in my time in Floripa, I hope to learn as much as I can. From an anxious tourist I hope to become a native well versed in the local culture, and through this blog you’ll get to see my transition as I make Florianopolis one of my homes.