What January Brings

I have been back in the land of red telephone booths, black taxi cabs, royal palaces, and one pretty well known clock for over a week... and I have not written!! Why, you may ask? Well since you did (and in such a nice manner if I may say so), I have not been able to put into words exactly how I feel. So there you have it, a disclaimer. I am not sure it is possible to explain at all, but I will let you in on a bit and then just share some experiences.

First, it feels like home. The moment my eyes saw 12 Ashburn Gardens my heart jumped. This place housed so many great memories, laughs, tears, and moments that changed me forever. It was coming home in a sense, but then the ones I shared all that with were not here. They were just as important (maybe even more) to my experience here, so it is weird not having them here. Luckily, I was warned of this, so I have been preparing for this feeling prior to the trip. Once that first initial shock wore off, I just had to remind myself of the new experience that lays before. There are new friendships to be made, new growth to be sought, new adventures to be had.

So, that is what I have been doing this week: creating new friendships, seeking growth, and adventuring all around some old and some new places. I have spent my days wandering the city for my independent study (which is an analysis of a few of the London's Boroughs), and my nights are usually dinner out with the group followed by shopping, show, or some more wandering.

The highlight? NEW YEARS EVE!!

We spent about six hours on a bridge with no food or anything to drink, only each other as entertainment, and barely enough space to breath... it was the best experience of my life. A dance party was had, Don't Stop Believing was screamed at the top of our lungs, and it is safe to say we entertained a majority of those surrounding us (or at least for the group who kept recording us and playing it back right in front of us... I am sure we will all be Youtube sensations soon). The fireworks were beyond anything I have ever seen, and I am girl who loves fireworks (there's just something about them that brings out the 5 year old in me). I do have one complaint... Wide Awake by Katy Perry was played?? Confused, aren't you? ME TOO! Fireworks is the clear choice, so let's just say a quick PTL that the director of London's NYE fireworks is not in charge of a stepsing show. We spent another 4 hours making our way home and welcoming in the new years with some chicken nuggs.

It is good to call this place home again.

Here's to this opportunity and what January will bring.