The day has arrived. My last day of living in this fantastic city!
We all know what that means: time to drink some wine, reminisce, and shed a tear or two. I have had a life changing six months. I originally ventured to London to run away. Yes, run away. Like a six year old packing her lunchbox after a tantrum, and threatening to never return.
And thank god I did.
Sometimes running from your problems is exactly what you need to do, though usually advised against.
I gained so much perspective about myself and the world I live in. What a small part of the world I take up, and how small the world has become. I have reconnected with friends, and even family, from each corner of the globe here in London. It’s amazing to me how we have access to almost any country in the world and can arrive within a matter of hours.
Hours people, not days. Not a fort night. Not months. Hours.
I have learned about my own capabilities and discovered the person I would like to be. I have become a more efficient, patient, and open minded traveler. I limit my anxiety in moments of struggle and understand that things don’t always go to plan. In the past, I would panic and immediately break into a sweat. With practice, I’ve learned to reassess my predicament and move forward.
I have made lifelong friends that hold such a special place in my heart. I never imagined I would befriend two California girls when I moved across the pond. But I found them and now I will keep them forever. They made this trip what it was for me.
And London isn’t London without them.
As I bubble wrap my suitcase to be sent home, print out train tickets, and quadruple check my ‘to-do’ list, I am completely emotional. I have so much to look forward to for the remainder of this year. But I am leaving so much behind.
The memories I have of this beautiful country will haunt me for years to come. My friends and family will eventually drown me out when I reflect on my London days. I will begin to forget what it felt like to walk to the tube station in fifteen layers of clothing in the middle of February. I will probably miss the rain.
And I’ll never have the same experience again.
The last six months have filled my life with peace, love, and most importantly London. I got what I needed. And I’ll take that with me as I continue my travels this year.
I will be in Madrid, Spain tomorrow.
Typing those words is unbelievable to me.
During these next four months of traveling, I hope to keep the blog up to date, or at least filled with content. But if I hop off the radar, it’s because I am having the time of my life traveling with one of my best friends or the love of my life. Can’t blame a girl for that.