My time here in London is coming to an end in just 30 hours, and it is definitely a bittersweet moment. I am going to miss so much about my time here. My amazing friends that have made this journey so much fun, the wonderful food and interesting new things that are always there to try, the insane shopping (harrods will miss me, I'm sure), and the beautiful weather (when it's not raining) to name just a few.
This experience has taught me so much about life and different cultures and I feel like I've really grown-up a lot over these past few months. I don't even know how to describe how I've changed, all I know is it's been for the better. I think I am a much more understand person when it comes to others, I've learned to go with the flow and that not everything is in my control. I think this mostly comes from being dependent on others so much, like the public transportation for instance. It has taught me that the world will not come to an end if I'm a little bit late somewhere because of something I couldn't controls, like the tube isn't running on time or whatever it may be.
I've come to appreciate even more how amazingly fortunate I am to live in the United States and appreciate our freedoms and form of government, even though I've also become a bit afraid of what we might become if the current government gets its way with things like socialized healthcare, like they have here in the UK. I've decided that I need to start paying more attention to what is going on in the world, not just in the states. That is something I definitely noticed about Europeans - they seem to know a little bit about most countries generally form of government. Even though generally I find their opinions of the US government to be skewed (you've never seen so many people in LOVE with Barack Obama) to me it does say something that they know about our government. Seriously, how many Americans can name the British Prime Minister. Maybe this has to do with the fact that all of these smaller European Nations are joined through the EU, therefore they learn more about each other - I'm not really sure. All I am sure of is I wish I had learned more in high school about global history/politics than I did.
University here in London (which, you might remember, is the reason I came here) was a completely new and interesting learning experience, that's for sure. The teachers and students here were...interesting to say the least. Compared to college in the states it was definitely easier, which was a nice break and just added to my amazing experience abroad.
I guess the thing I will miss most about my time here in London are the people I've met. I know it seems weird, I've only known these girls since February 1st when we met in the cafe of Nido Student Living, however I've come to treasure my friendships with some of them so much. Sally left a week ago, but it seems like longer. I am so happy that we will be able to see each other back in Texas, she is such a sweet girl and I don't know what I would have don't without her while I was here to talk about the things we missed about home and go on adventures around the world together. Natalie has taught me to appreciate living alone and having my own space. Not that I didn't have fun having a roommate, and Nat and I got along really well, nothing bad ever happened, but it really makes you thankful that you don't have to worry about making too much noise or bothering someone else all the time. My closest friend during my time here has probably been Lindsey. For some reason right from the start we just kind of clicked. We're basically opposites, which is probably why we get along so well, and she reminds me SO much of Amanda and my Mom in her sweet, giving, and generous personality - another reason we became such good friends I am sure. I am going to miss being able to walk down the hall to her room, or suddenly decide to adventure off to Harrods or some other random locale in London with her SO much. I can't wait to be back in the states to go visit her and have her visit me, and of course to travel with her in the future. It's strange how much someone you've only known for such a short amount of time can impact your life so much, I know we are going to remain friends for a long time to come - for that I am so grateful.
Tomorrow I leave for Paris to meet up with my Mom and Ashley, I can't wait to see them and experience the City of Lights with my two favorite people in the world. Thanks to all of you who have read this blog, it's been so much fun writing it and I can't wait to go back and read all of my posts to reflect on the wonderful times I've had this past semester. I wouldn't have changed anything that's happened since January 25 when I arrived in Europe, I hope you've all enjoyed reading my blog and I can't wait to see you all when I'm back stateside! Love you all!
-audrey
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