Instead of detailing out how stressful and difficult my packing process has been and sparing the details of saying bye to the people I've spent everyday for the past six weeks are, I thought I would do a "wrap up" post- my thoughts about the trip as a whole, or something of the sort.
Honestly, if you asked me six weeks ago what I thought of London I would have scowled and grumbled about all the ways London wasn't America, wasn't where I belonged. Asking myself that same question now, the response is completely different.
I once thought coming to London would change my life, and it did- but in ways that I'm not sure I can still process. It made me vulnerable, tired, sick and cold, but it also made me self aware, responsible, fit (I WALK EVERYWHERE!), resourceful, outgoing, independent.
I thought I would be able to see myself living here, but in reality- I don't think that's the case... and I've come to terms with that. At first, I was disappointed at the fact that I didn't fall in love from the second I stepped on to the tarmac at Heathrow, but now I realize I didn't need to be infatuated with the city to still have an amazing and unforgettable experience here. So, I won't live here. That's perfectly fine with me. I can always come back and visit- and hopefully get to do some of the things I skipped during this trip (I still want to go on a tour of Westminster Abbey! I'm disappointed I never got around to that, but I did attend a service there so I'm happy with that). I'd also like to continue to travel once I've saved up enough money to support myself- I'd love to travel more into central Europe, go to Ireland, Scotland, The Netherlands...see more of Paris (without getting my phone stolen this time...)
Overall, this trip was like nothing I've ever experienced in my life. It gave me so many new perspectives on life and even taught me how to deal with un-ideal and adverse situations. It brought me a pair of green jeans and other new accessories I can't wait to rock on the streets of East Lansing. It brought me 17 new friends and a new appreciation for literature- especially that of British writers. There's so many things I've experienced here that my blog doesn't even touch on, so many things that I'll remember for the rest of my life.
I'm leaving with a smile on my face and a promise to return soon.
Cheers, London!
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