Maya in AustinTX

    “You think this trip would be only about Austin?!” Well, it could be—but TTI is giving us the chance to explore even more. Besides weekly local excursions and cultural events, we also had the opportunity to visit two other amazing places: San Antonio and Houston.      Our first day trip was to San Antonio. I was really excited to get to know the city because former TTI attendees had mentioned how special it is—and they were absolutely right. Our first stop was a place called The Pearl , where there was a farmers’ market going on. That was my “princess dream,” as we say in Brazil, coming true: I LOVE street markets (especially the crafts and food!), and the whole area was so welcoming and beautiful. I really wish we had had more time to enjoy the shops, food spots, and everything the market had to offer—it was all so lovely.       Next, we headed to the River Walk, a very unique area where you can take a boat ride and learn about t...

One of the highlights of my experience here in Austin was the opportunity to attend a Beyoncé show. Actually, it took place in Houston, but if I hadn’t been in Austin, I’m sure I wouldn’t have had the chance to see Queen B. Despite the tiring adventure of going to Houston, watching the show, and coming back to Austin right after, I kicked off my journey in Texas in style – hehe. Well, what made this experience so awesome? I’ll tell you: Houston is Beyoncé’s hometown. So we expected the performance to be extra special. On top of that, it was her birthday week, and I believe we were still riding the Juneteenth vibe. The NRG Stadium was massive. It had been a long time since I last attended a concert in the U.S., so that was quite impressive to me. THE PEOPLE! Beyoncé usually attracts a very interesting crowd. Nevertheless, in Houston, this was taken to the next level. The audience was mostly Black. Actually, let me rephrase that: beautiful, authentic, bedazzled, energetic, e...

These first couple of weeks have been crazy intense—but in a good way. Ever since I sent my application back in November 2024, it’s been a whirlwind of bureaucracy with my school, Fulbright, IIE, and all the visa stuff. Not to mention, all the tension, anxiety and excitement that comes with it. Now that I’m finally in Austin, I’m getting used to a new routine, a new environment, new people—basically a whole new life. I’m exhausted, but honestly, it’s the good kind of exhaustion.