I know I've only been here 9 weeks. A little more than 2 months is not enough to make someone forget 20 years of life in another country. And I haven't. But by being thrust into this culture, this lifestyle, and this country, I feel like London has physically become a part of me.
I remember dreaming about visiting Europe. Seeing the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, and Big Ben. Well, I did all of that and more on this trip. It is mind blowing to think that two months ago I had barely been out of the United States and never been out of North America. Now, I've traveled to three different countries and lived in one for an extended period of time.
This is the life I always dreamed of. I can't say it was perfect. There were certainly times where I was frustrated, exhausted, and ready to curl up in a ball and cry. But I can honestly say that I never had the phrase "I want to go home" cross my mind. There was no homesickness this time, unlike when I moved to Athens for college. I was 150% ready for this trip, there is no doubt about that.
This trip has changed me. It's not obvious to me yet, but I have a feeling that when I get back to the US I will notice subtle changes in myself. I know I already have more appreciation for my upbringing, my friends and family, and the United States of America. That is definitely clear, when comparing my home country to Italy and France I was happy to be from the USA. But on the opposite end of the spectrum, I now have a better understanding of other cultures, and a new found realization that there is more in this world than the little bubble I've been living in my entire life. Sure, you can learn about Europe in school and see pictures on the internet...but BEING here...that's a different experience all together.
I am so incredibly lucky to have been able to take this trip, meet these people, and see these places I've spent my life dreaming about. It's not something that everyone gets to do in their life, and I am so incredibly grateful.
It hit me today as we were walking back from our last class at the FSU Centre. It was the last time I was going to walk past the British Museum. Or Bloomsbury Square. Or Oxford Street. Friday morning will be my last Tube ride. My last time seeing red double-decker buses cruising up and down the streets. My last time standing on European soil.
Even though I say these are my "last times", I know deep down that I will be back. I have to come back. Somehow, and some way, I will explore more of Europe that I didn't get to see and I will make my way back to this fantastic city.
So, if you think about it, this isn't a "goodbye" London...it's more of a "see ya later" :)
