Cheers, Bye Bye London

Hey Friends and Family!

So I am sitting here on my last night in London before I try and grab some shuteye for my big flight home tomorrow. It is hard to believe it has all come to an end so fast and I am ending this chapter in my life of studying abroad. I only imagined this day...that I would be sitting in a perfectly clean living room (only time the whole semester...hallelujah!) with my bags all packed in a corner about to go to bed. And now that reality has come to manifest itself. It's weird to think I will be in America this time tomorrow...a bit surreal. In order to finish off my last entry while here, I believe it is most appropriate to say my top 10 favorite memories while being abroad. (Items are not in any particular order)

1.Mom's visit... "SheNANigans" and having high tea, which was perfection.

2.Morroco...all of it! Especially the locals we met and our Ouzoud Waterfall trip/riding camels.

3.London shows...I have loved experiencing theatre again-especially all of the musicals. HAIRSPRAY ranks at the top for me!

4.Wonderful London Markets...it is amazing all the things you will find in these markets. SO much fun!

5. France with the flatmates...so many fun memories and funny phrases learned. This was our first trip when we all started to really bond.

6. Late nights with the flatmates...watching movies, playing 'Phase 10' or Bananagrams, laughing at everything, deep talks. SO FUN.

7. London adventures...there is so much to see and do! I loved adventuring on my own and seeing new sites every time.

8. Italy adventure with Kirsten...this is the trip that stretched me the most and made me grow as a traveler. Many lessons learned on how to plan and travel in future trips!

9. Flamenco dancing in Spain...this was such a great cultural experience and I loved watching the fancy footwork.

10. Riding on public transportation...this was something I have never done before and I loved learning how to use the maps and navigate on my own without having to call dad every other minute!

*11. Sorry I had to add one more...tonight was perfect. Kirsten, Jess, Sam, and I ventured around London to see the major sites one last time all lit up and heard Big Ben chime. This was the perfect closing to a wonderful semester.

So with that, I will say "Cheers Bye, Cheers Bye Bye" and see you soon. This was a life-changing experience that I am so grateful to have apart of my life story. Out of all the lessons learned and the adventures I went on, I am walking away as a changed person. Thanks for all of the thoughts and prayers and for reading my thoughts...it is greatly appreciated :) It's not my last goodbye to London...more like a "See you Later." Alrighty, goodnight ya'll and I'll see ya when I get back!