Episode 30: Sorry Is Not The Hardest Word. Goodbye Is.

I cannot believe today was my last day in London. It just does not feel real to me. I don't think it will feel real until I've actually landed back in Portland (and Mom is squeezing the stuffing out of me). Maybe not even then. In any case, I can't really see past getting on that plane tomorrow. Which may be why I have the Ativan in the first place.

Last day of theatre was today and we had so much fun with presentations. Mareika did this puzzle, which was a really nice metaphor. Montana did Jeopardy (which my team lost at but was still fun. Her questions were actually very challenging). Kalie and Rachael did this fun skit with the differences between a British and American audience at the theatre (and Rachael had a really good English accent). Tyler did a fun poem that had rhyming couplets. Becky and Jackie did this back and forth Who Wants To Be A Millionaire based on theatre. Allison did this cool interview with two character from Sucker Punch where all of their answers were taken (verbatim) from interviews with Roy Williams. And Julia and Kelsey did this great parody of American Pie where they changed the lyrics to fit what we'd done over the course.

And I did my monologue, which was the only thing like that. But everyone seemed to really like it, so apparently I did not totally fail at writing it. Yippee! Then of course we had the theatre quiz, which Allison won (I was close. I only had one point less). Patsy gave her this really cool book called I Didn't Know That About London. Then we took a final group shot and that was the end of my classes in London.

Which have been a blast, when I look back on them. Yes, I complained a few times about how much work I had, but they allowed me to see things I never would have gone to see on my own. Like The National Portrait Gallery. And I never would have seen all the plays I did, which I loved. Absolutely loved. They showed me so much about England and I felt like less of tourist. Some of the best parts were things most tourists don't do, like the Drury Lane Theatre tour and going to Highgate Cemetery (yes, that one is a trek. But it was a lovely place to write). And I did so much writing this quarter, so much more that I may have done on my own time (especially the poetry). Even if none of it helps get rid of my requirements, I am stoked that I had the opportunity to take these classes. And Patsy was the bomb. She made our classes so great and picked really interesting plays. Plus I learned things about theatre I never would have otherwise. The past month has been fantastic. Why can't all my classes have field trips into London?

After class I went into London really quickly because I had a ton of leftover coins (which the bank won't buy back) and I wanted the Now Panic and Freak Out book I saw in the Waterstone's at Picadilly Circus. Luckily, I didn't even have to change trains. The Bakerloo line went straight there
and straight back.

By the way, I hadn't realized this before, but I'm collecting skills for the day I go on the Amazing Race. I can drive a stick, now I can traverse the London transportation system with ease, I can memorize long numbers quickly. Someday, these skills will all come in handy. And even though mine shall not be an athletic team, we shall last using our wily ways and unique skill set.

Anyway, I got back to the dorm and I realized I still had to pack. Like hardcore packing. Which I find hard to do because focusing on just one thing can be hard for my mind to manage. I look at the desk and start clean it, but then remember stuff in the bathroom. Which leads to clothes in my closet. And then I look back at the pile on my bed and remember the desk. So I have a bit of a scattershot approach to packing.

But it is pretty much complete. The only things not packed are the things I need this evening and tomorrow morning. I also got some more pictures uploaded. I have such a back log at this point and I need to get them up quickly. I want them all posted before I land in Portland tomorrow. Ack! I'm going to be home tomorrow evening! I can drive to where I want instead of waiting twenty minutes for a bus and then taking a thirty minute train ride. This blows my mind.

Around six, Carlie, Chris, and I went to dinner at this Indian restaurant called Maya. This very fancy looking Indian restaurant. I got to wear the last dress I bought in Camden and we all looked so pretty. Unfortunately, my body hates travel and rebels about a day on either side of any major travel (and this period includes the trip itself). So I had steamed rice for dinner. Which actually was really good and filling. And I liked talking with Chris and Carlie one last time before I left. I cannot believe I lucked out with those two.

I walked back to the dorm and saw Ben and Montana and people. Said hi and they said they were going into London one last time. I decided not to go, but I plan on hanging out with them when they get back around 1. I can sleep when I'm dead (or, you know, in August). I'm going to miss doing stuff with them when I'm home.

And I'm not sure if I'm ready to be home. I mean, I love my family and I miss home and cannot wait to see them again. But at the same time, I feel like I've just gotten comfortable here. I would love to stay another week or two and just soak more of it up. I don't think I could live here (well, maybe if i had a good kitchen) but I'm not quite finished here.

I've met so so many wonderful people who've brought me out of my shell more. I can't believe how close I feel to the people I've met here. Kendra, who invited me out that first night. Stephanie, who's been a good friend and a giver of sound advice, looking after me. Stanley, who kept such a good eye on my that first night. Lyanna who makes me laugh and is my short buddy. Montana, who's easy to talk with and with Lyanna made me feel better when I was down. Carlie who went and did touristy things with me and was a great flatmate. Chris who was also a great flatmate and was fun to have on the picnic at St. James' Park. Abby, who helped me with makeup and made me laugh. Jim, who made me feel at ease when I might have been awkward out for that first time. Rachael, who has also been great to talk to and walk places with, as well as being a good friend in both of my classes. Ben, who made sure I was eating and okay that very first day in the pub. Vanessa who has her own style and makes me laugh. And there must be so many more that made this a wonderful experience, but I can't remember at this point. Thanks to everyone who made my London experience unforgettable.

Today's lesson (and this is a big one, so pay attention): study abroad will change you in ways you never thought possible. It truly is a life changing experience.

This is my last post for London. This chapter of my life is closed and I want to thank everyone who read and/or commented. I love doing this and may start another blog about something...else. Not sure what. if you have suggestions, leave them in the comments. I'm headed home baby. Ciao.