In some ways, I feel like I only just got here yesterday. There's no way I've been living here almost 4 months! There is still so much about the culture and the city I haven't gotten used to; I feel like I've only glimpsed the tip of the iceberg.
Then...
And in other ways, I feel like it's been years since I've been home. I found this picture of Mom and I that was taken at the airport right before I left. Looking at the picture, I feel like I have changed so much, both inside and out. The one thing I'm not sure about is to what degree I have actually grown; I feel as if I have changed, but how much of it is the influence of my environment? I guess the true test will be when I get home and return to normal life. Will there really be any difference?
Four months ago I had never traveled by myself or left the US. Now I can say I've been to 4 new countries, traveled thousands of miles on my own, and experienced life in so many new ways I never thought possible.
I am so sad to be leaving. There were a lot of things I wanted to see but never got to, so I know I'll be back. I'm going to miss just being able hop on the tube and jump off anywhere. I'll miss packaged sandwiches from Tesco. I'll miss walking through the street markets on weekends and watching the street performers in Covent Garden. I'll miss crumpets and tea, black cabs, double-decker buses, cross-country train rides, endless stairwells, ginormous museums, castles and cathedrals, fish and chips, and yes, even cold rainy weather.
And at the same time, I cannot wait to go home. This is the longest I've ever been away and I miss the family so much. I'm coming home with a completely new appreciation for my own country and sense of place in the world and I look forward to experiencing everything in a new light. This is certainly not the end the blog, or my own travels, but rather just the beginning.
I'm homeward bound tomorrow, and I can't wait to see what the future holds in store. Until next time!
...and now.
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