Hi all! I’m Yui Ikegami, a student studying abroad in Miami.

I can't believe one month has already passed this year.
Talking about the weather here, since it’s famous as a cold-weather resort and also known as an "everlasting summer" destination, it's not that cold compared to winter in Japan.
But some days are hot and humid with long sleeves rolled up, while other days are chilly and windy, making it necessary to put on winter clothes.

Even though it is "everlasting summer," the weather changes every day, and this is what makes it fun for me to go outside.

“It's warm today, just like when the cherry blossoms bloom."
"It's refreshing but humid. It feels like the end of summer! I want to go to the fireworks".
"It's so cold! It's like a sunny morning on a field day in autumn.”

I feel that it is because I have lived in a culture that values the four seasons that I am able to appreciate such small differences in climate.

Now that I have rambled on, in this blog, I would like to introduce some of the "small pleasures I have found here”.

Breath-taking Sunset

There is one thing that I have fallen in love with since I came here.
It's Sunsets.

In the vast palette of the sky, the clouds are tinted in pale pastels, and the gradation spreads out from the horizon.
It is incredibly beautiful.

The clouds and sky color change even in a short period of time. You can only experience it at that moment, which makes it even more luxurious and mysterious.

On a clear day, I have made it a habit to look at the sky so as not to miss the sunset.
On days when it is too beautiful, I say, "Look at the sky! Now!" I send pictures to my fellows in Japan, regardless of the time of day, such as early morning Japan time. （I am sorry for all the trouble I have caused you.)

The sunset in the open land where there are no mountains or skyscrapers. Even the palm trees, which I am usually bored with, look exceptionally beautiful at that time.

Even after returning to Japan, I’m sure I will remember this view for a long time. I want to savor it as much as possible in my remaining days.

Another thing I would like to introduce is the peaceful time spent outside. In this blog, I am (naturally) writing related to nature.

In the summer when I first started studying abroad, it was difficult to spend long periods of time outside because of sudden thunderstorms and hot and humid weather.

Now that I am virtually free from humidity and bad weather, I get to go outside with friends for walks and meals.

Thankfully, there are few insects, and we can relax and enjoy the habitual birds and reptiles from a distance.

My favorite outside lunch is smoothies, sandwiches, and the Venezuelan dish Tequeno.

Tequeno is a fried snack wrapped in cheese that is perfect for a light meal. I am careful about how often I eat it because I know if I get addicted to it, I will end up gaining weight:(

Eating outside tastes twice as good as usual, and I really like to savor the food while enjoying the scenery and the sounds of nature.

I feel that the time I spend with the friends I have made here is more precious than anything else, and I would like to continue to cherish this environment and opportunity.

In closing
In this blog, I have talked about the small pleasures I have found in Miami.
I hope you enjoyed the beautiful sunsets and peaceful nature as much as I did.
I'd like to share more of the sights and encounters that have moved me in future blogs.
Thank you for reading! I hope you all take care of yourselves and stay well!