I'm on my way...

Well folks, it's that time. Unfortunately my stay in London is almost over and I'm packing up to head back home. I can't tell you how much I've learned and things that I've seen, it's been incredible. I don't even want to talk about it because they've been such great memories and I know they're coming to an end now. There's been so much I've learned, things I'm embarrassed that I didn't know but thought I should have! Let's recap on that, shall we?

1. Martin Luther was the founder of a church.
2. Morocco is in Africa.
3. New Zealand is south of Australia
4. People in South Africa speak Afrikaan.
5. United Kingdom consists of Scotland, Northern Ireland, England & Wales.
6. The United Kingdom flag is a combination of England, Scotland & N. Ireland. And it's referred to as the Union Jack flag sometimes.
7. The Welsh language doesn't have very many vowels.
8. People from New Zealand are called Kiwis.
9. There are close to 7000 different languages spoken in the world.
10. The music and fashion that comes out of the United Kingdom (& Europe) is awesome as where the United States is way ahead when it comes to cinema productions.

I know there is more than this, but it's escaping me at this very moment. I can't get over everything I have learned. I do know one thing for sure: I AM LIVING HERE (one day, near future hopefully). I am living in Europe or somewhere else. I don't intend on staying in the States for long. This isn't a permanent move I suppose, but I am too young to not see what life has to offer. I can rebound, that's evident, so why not. I'm sure I will end up making my way back to the States to settle down one day. I would love to work for the American embassy in New Zealand or South Africa though for a short time. Even coming back here to London. Although, London is very, VERY expensive...

There are some other things I've learned, although these are more on a personal level:

1. I can go to a restaurant and eat on my own, I don't need an entourage.
2. Again, I can travel on my own. It's easier this way, less hassle.
3. As long as you have a really good book, your not alone.
4. Each situation is what you make of it.
5. Family is one of the most priceless relationships you can have.
6. It's not quantity of friendships you have, it's the quality.
7. There are people out there that care about you, you just may not realize it.
8. I never learned how to pack light, it's an impossible feat I'm convinced.
9. Since going to other countries and not speaking their language, I'll be a little more helpful when others don't speak English in my own country.
10. There are really good people out there.

I feel like I've grown so much as a person while I've been here. Life is too short and the world is so enormous, that how can one not want to explore it? I remember getting chills when first seeing the coast of Cinque Terre, or seeing the ruins in Rome. Those are things you only see in pictures - and I was there. (On the ground and in the sea as well, that's only because I'm a clutz though!) And how about me jumping off of a 25 ft cliff? That's something I could have never done. I couldn't jump off of a pontoon boat in the middle of lake Erie. I can't believe it's coming to an end... Oh My.

I am officially out of here on Sunday at 1130, my time. That is 0630 your time. I will be arriving back into Erie at approx 1720 (No surprise parties ;) please!) I actually have a paper to finish this week - my professor is letting me turn it in when the rest of the universities work is due. Haven't mentioned that to the Study Abroad office though, I will let Dr. Simon Moore (ahemm, ahemm - Erin, Kristy) take care of that. He deserves that much, and if it's a problem, he'd be the one to take the heat.

I am going to the airport tomorrow to see off Karen & Kristen, then I am off to a hotel to stay with a friend for the night. Like I was going to pay the £12 for the night here. Instead, I will be relaxing in luxary at a posh hotel by the airport. This way I can have a stress free day of flying on Sunday. No rush, just a shuttle bus ride away!!

So, I guess this is it for a while...

To everyone who has followed me through my adventures, staying tuned for 'what will happen to Boyd next...' and keeping me encouraged throughout the whole trip - Thank You.

To the kind people I've met along the way: Rome, Paris & the stag group from Wales - Thank You.

And to the people I've grown to call "friends" here in London... Words can't describe how each of you has touched my life. Listening to me when I needed to vent. Picking me up when I've fallen down :) Knowing that you could call me if you needed something and me knowing the same. I will never forget you guys - Thank You.

Finally, to my family & my friends (you know exactly who you are) who have supported me throughout this entire whorlwind of a trip. If I needed something, you were there. I know that this has put a stress on my family, not having me around, worrying about the financial situation when I return, but I can reassure you - it was well worth it. Being so far away from you guys makes me love you all the more. I appreciate what I have in my life and being so far away, hopefully, I've learned never to take it for granted. And so for being my backbone and my strength - Thank You.

Cheers!

:)