I've had the time of my life!

This trip has been an amazing experience!!! It's also been a very difficult one! Haha. Wow. I can't believe that it's already drawing to a close... As I get ready to say goodbye to the place that I called home for 7 weeks, I'd like to focus on all the good travelling abroad has done for me. Ready? Let's dive in!

(Aliah and I at the temple in Southall)

First good thing: exposure to all kinds of culture. From our trip to Southall to being in ethnically diverse wards, I got to get in touch with different religions, food, and some really cool individuals. Southall is home to many people whose families immigrated from countries like India and Pakistan. We went to a Sikh Temple, and it was amazing to see the similarities between my own beliefs and theirs! We had to wear the appropriate head covering and then we were taught about their beliefs. Sikhs are vegetarian because they believe that harming animals in this world brings you bad karma in your next reincarnation. Did that stop me from eating fish and chips? Nope! But I did gain a greater appreciation for their religion. Another cool cultural encounter was this random guy on the tube who was eating something I didn't recognize. We started talking, and he explained that it was a kola nut and medicinal. He's from Africa and believes that western medicine doesn't use enough natural remedies and that the earth provides all you need. He may have a point, because he's middle-aged but only looked about mid 30s! Am I gonna eat kola nuts? Probably not. But it's cool that I know about that now. I've also been able to learn somewhat about the Anglican church. We went to evensong in York, and it was... pretty long. But also really interesting. Seeing all the cathedrals and churches, from Rome to Paris to the UK, has given me a different perspective on what places of worship can be.

(a bridge in Fountain Abbey)

Second good thing! Seeing all the nature. When you've lived in a desert 90% of your life and then see something like the moors and Puzzlewood... it's just sort of shocking. So much green, so much expanse. I've learnt that so many people have been inspired to create based off of the natural landscapes in Wales and England; from Romantic painters and poets to filmmakers in modern times. I have this urge to paint from all the photos I've taken of the ruins, lakes, and fields. It's so amazing! Immersing myself in nature wasn't totally possible, as we were on a pretty tight schedule most of the time (thanks, Barry and Kerry). I did get to steal away to Hyde Park multiple times for walks and runs. I think I'm going to miss that area the most. It's super super grassy, there are trees scattered around, flowers, and kensignton gardens has a PALACE in it... it's pretty idyllic. Not to mention all of the dogs. They're so well-behaved here. They just frolicked among the grass, catching balls and rolling around. Amazing. I too love rolling around in the grass, and that's not a figure of speech. Nature is super calming to me and I've loved being around it so much. There are so many pretty areas, large and small, to be found in this country and I've fallen in love with that aspect of it.

(A view from the back of 27 Palace Court... creeping on the neighbors...)

(Looking at the London Eye across the Thames)

Number three! Seeing the sights. I don't know if being to so many iconic places has really changed me for the better, but it's definitely something I can check off the bucket list. I think that it can also help me connect with others who have been to some of the same places that I have. If anyone mentions somewhere like Versailles, or Paris, or Abbey Road, I can say "Oh yeah, here's what I thought about those places when I went there," and that's pretty cool. Having an informed opinion about travel is a valuable asset. Experiencing the Louvre in person, I now have an actual mental image of what it's like. I also know that I never want to go there again. I can advise other people thinking about taking trips, and I now know what I like and what I don't in case I ever come back to Europe. I've been able to tour famous locations and decide for myself whether or not they've lived up to their hype. I'm really grateful for the ability to have done that.

(I think this explains itself...)

(An arcade game at cereal killer)

Number four! Spontaneity. So much good things came about this study abroad because I was willing to try new things. People would say that they were going to see something cool, and I'd tag along. This way, I got to see Windsor Castle, and go to some great restaurants like Taza's and Cereal Killer. I've learned that not having a plan can be pretty fun and relaxing. It lets me appreciate the little things, like when two chip bags get stuck in a vending machine consecutively. Or the cool street performers, or that time when I drew with chalk on Trafalgar Square. Not every experience was super great or fun, but by taking some chances and just sort of going with the flow I was able to kind of immerse myself in the experience. When Emily and I went to the Tate Britain, I found that I DON'T hate art museums per se, just running around them trying to find paintings (sorry Dr. Kramer). I grew to appreciate the ways beauty sprung up in everyday life. I think I've become more open to new experiences by coming on this trip.

LASTLY!!!!!

(My buds, Emily, Ashli, Emma, Sarah, and Kylie at a pizza place in Rome)

Friendship. The most important thing I've gained here. I think most of us will concur that we've gained some super dope friends on this study abroad. When I left, I was super nervous that nobody would like me, I'd be super lonely and just sad for the entire trip. Instead, I've found that I have the ability to make friends. That people like me for who I am. That may sound super cheesy, but it's not something I really believed before I left for this study abroad. I'm so so so sooooooo happy that I've met the people I have here and that they're a part of my life now. I'll never forget them or how they helped me through some very hard times. I love the students and the faculty for being there for me and for just being kind, beautiful, selfless people. I'm gonna miss you guys a lot!!!