See you soon, dearest London

Hello my wonderful loves.

I come to you both sad and overwhelmingly joyful. In just a few hours, I will be getting on a plane to go back the states, and leave London behind. I have to say this has been the most amazing 4 months of my life, and I have no regrets. I lived fully and completely, doing everything I could get my hands on, and filling every moment with life changing experiences. I saw places I'd always dreamed of visiting, had my breath taken away by sights I never dreamed existed, and found home in a place I never dreamed of living. I am head over heels in love with London, and I know it's only a matter of time before I follow my feet back here. So many incredible people were with me for this journey, both physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and I could not be more grateful for all of them.

I can't wait to share my experiences with everyone when I get home, and although I worry about the culture shock of being out of the study abroad life, I know I have the love and support of all of you to help me through. Home is sounding pretty wonderful right about now, after so many months of constant excitement and new experiences. The comfort of home never fades, and I very much look forward to cuddling up next to my fireplace with my cats and some fantastic American television.

These last few weeks in London were perhaps the best of all, as I truly got to experience London to the fullest. As I sat this morning in a quiet corner of Regent's Park and watched the native Londoners go about their morning errands, I imagined myself among them and smiled. Who knows if I'll end up in London, but I know I must come back, and thanks to the wonderful friends I've made here, that shouldn't be too difficult to arrange.

So, here are my final words of wisdom, from all I've learned through this amazing adventure. Never be afraid to jump and do something extraordinarily terrifying, because chances are it will change you forever. Be spontaneous, but have a plan to make sure you live it up right. Meet people, all people, everywhere, all the time. Friends made while traveling may last a day or a lifetime, but they will make your trip. Take long moments to just sit, breathe, smile, and say thank you for this place. Photographs have helped me learn so much about myself and the places I've visited, but once in a while it's more rewarding to put the camera down and use your real eyes to truly see. Find beauty in the smallest things - in rain, grass, the sound of leaves under your feet, children playing in the park, Burberry scarves, sunshine, chocolate creme brulee, and goodnight kisses. Wake up early once in a while, because everything looks different in the beautiful morning light. Let yourself become a whole new person and keep those you love with you for the ride. Love every single moment - there will never be another one like it.

Some words from others:
"Soulful travel is the art of finding beauty even in ruins, even in inclement weather, even in foul moods." -Phil Cosineau

"This city now doth, like a garment, wear the beauty of the morning; silent bare, ships, towers, domes, theatres and temples lie open unto the fields and to the sky; All bright and glittering in the smokeless air."
-Wordsworth, from a bridge over the Thames at dawn

"Yes, atmosphere is my style." -JMW Turner

"It's not goodbye, it's see you later" - Brooke Bergen
"Pass by that which you do not love, but always, always stop for that which you do." -Phil Cosineau (and a little me)

And, one more from me, my own little mantra to live by: Live simply, Love greatly.


That's all I've got for you. Thanks so much for sticking with me through all of this, I couldn't have done it without you. I will see you all soon! Much London love and cheers! Happy Christmas!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. <3

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

Happy December everyone!

I can't believe it's already the last month of 2009, time has flown by. It feels like yesterday that I was arriving in London bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready to see the world. Now I've traveled all across Europe and the UK, I've eaten more food than I thought possible, I've met so many incredible people from all different places, and I've made a home for myself here in wonderful Londontown. It had been quite a journey, and I'm at the same time so ready to be home among those I love and also incredibly distraught to be leaving this place I've come to love so very much. But there's still two weeks left, so let's now get too mushy just yet!

This week will be my last week of classes, then I have finals next Monday through Wednesday, then a few days left to enjoy the city, and then I'll be journeying home to Columbus on Sunday, December 13th. I'm done with my European travels, having ended with Italy this past weekend. The trip was amazing, full of classic Italian food and new found friends. Venice was very different than I expected, but no less beautiful. After hearing my mother's stories of the city she loved more than any other, I was ready to love Venezia just much. It was hazy and gray while we visited, with some cold and rain mixed in. Luckily, we were used to the weather coming from London, so it didn't phase us a bit. Sarah and I spent our time wandering the tiny narrow streets, eating pizza, pasta, and drinking plenty of wine. We met some nice people, wet out to Murano to see the incredible glass blowing that has made Venice famous the world over, and even made it to the top of the bell tower in St. Mark's square, where we could see all of Venice in a glimpse. I felt my mother there with my all along the way, and I imagined us walking down the same streets and feeling so incredibly lucky to be in such a beautiful place. Cruising down the canals was just like I imagined, and I couldn't help but smile as I recognized landmarks from my favorite movie set in the city, Only You. We stayed in a cozy inn with a helpful Italian owner, Carlo, who made sure we had everything we needed to enjoy Venice completely. I even got to skype with my whole family on Thanksgiving, a treat I hadn't planned, but totally needed. It was wonderful to hear their voices and know that they were thinking of me on this special day. I love all of you!

From Venice, we took a long train ride down to Roma, passing through beautiful wine country along the way. We arrived in the late afternoon, and stepped off the train to a welcome surprise: beautiful, warm weather. We found our hotel, another small inn with a sweet owner called Giuliana, then put on our flip flops and wandered the city. We ended up meeting with a younger brother of a friend of my mom's (you do the math there) called Ross, who was studying in Rome and was gracious enough to show us around the city. We ended up at my favorite gelato place (which I've aptly named Gelato Heaven, but is actually called Palma), then wandered over to the Pantheon. Again, I thought of my mom who I had shared much time and gelato with in this same spot just a short time before. We spent the rest of the evening drinking fine Italian wine and wandering about, ending up at a hole in the wall pizza place for some pizza primavera - delizioso!

Our final day in Roma, we went first to the Trevi Fountain, where we made wishes by throwing the coin from our left hand over our right shoulder. Apparently this ensures that you will make it back to Rome someday - which was actually part of my wish! I again made wishes for others, throwing a 1 cent coin for Brooke and a 2 cent coin for my mother and father, who I had promised wishes to earlier. From there, we walked to the Spanish Steps, and all the way up to enjoy the beautiful view of Rome. Then we met up with Ross again at the Pantheon and went to a famous pizza place recommended by both our friends and his. It was called Da Buffeto, and we sat outside and ate huge pizzas (mine was topped with prosciutto, an extremely popular ingredient in much Italian food). After stuffing ourselves full of some of the best pizza we'd ever had, we walked through the Pantheon. The inside was so beautiful, especially the famous oculous in the center, which let little rain droplets in while we watched. From there, we said goodbye to Ross at Piazza Navona, where he's lucky enough to live, then walked over the Tiber toward the Vatican.

From the bridge we saw a merry-go-round, and decided to drop a euro to take a ride. Then we walked over past Castel St. Angelo toward St. Peter's, ending up in the giant square. We took a short walk through the basilica, admiring the Michelangelo sculpture and fantastic architecture. Since it was Sunday, there was a service in session, so we listened to the quiet songs and chants as we walked around, and even took some holy water as we walked out. At this point the sun was setting and I had a plane to catch, so we took the metro back over to the Trevi, where we got some more gelato from San Crispino, a famous gelato place featured in Eat, Pray, Love. It was delicious!! I got honey and cinnamon-ginger. YUM! After one last longing glance at the Trevi, I ran back to the hotel, grabbed my bags, and began my long journey home. There was a lot of running, a delayed flight, and a rainy bus ride/walk home, but I made it back to my warm bed and settled in for a long night's rest.

A truly wonderful weekend, with some great new experiences and some wonderful revisits to favorite places. It's almost comforting to know that this was my last trip, because I've seen so much and I'm ready to just lie low for a while. London is as beautiful as ever, even if it's freezing cold. I've still got some things on my list to do: London Eye, Tate Britain, Tower Bridge, ice skating, St. Paul's, and a few more restaurants. Other than that, it will be a whole lot of studying and just being in this amazing city. It's Christmastime officially, and where better to enjoy the holiday season than jolly old London?

Lots of love to you all, and see you soon!