The End of an Adventure

I know, I know, this final post was a long time coming. I actually had friends and relatives (and you know who you are) call me up and ask me where my last post was. I was busy readjusting to American life! :)

I've been home for about ten days now, and I can safely say I am back in the swing of old, well-known routines. There were a few days when I was disoriented by everything, including driving, local television programs, and seeing people I haven't seen in months. Providence even opened up a massive, new section of highway, and this made me feel as if I had been away forever, when in reality it was only a few months. After a few days I got used to being back in Rhode Island again, even though in my dreams I was still wandering around London and hanging out with my flatmates.

People keep asking my about London, and I am brimming with a thousand ridiculous stories (only the highlights were presented on this blog), but it is difficult to describe my experiences over there. No matter how articulate I am, no one can fully understand what it was like for me during those few exciting months living abroad. It was an amazing experience, and I think it had changed me for the better. I much more independent than I was before, and much more open to trying new things, even if they launch me outside my comfort zone. I also feel like I really got to know a different culture than my own, which is a very humbling experience. It makes you realize how big the world is.

On my last day in London I was leaving the Institute of Archaeology for the final time, and I breathed deeply, cold city air filling my lungs. I felt an enormous feeling of satisfaction wash over me, and I could only think of one thing: I had done it. I had traveled alone, across an ocean, with absolutely no idea what to expect, and I had survived. Not only had I survived, but I had a blast. It was quite an adventure. Sure, there were rocky moments, moments when I wanted to give up and go home back to comfort and familiarity, but I stuck it out. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to experience this, and I have to say I am proud of myself for taking the plunge.

I have been in touch with my roommates, and I know that we're going to visit each other and stay connected. We shared an experience that no one can fully understand except us. I am also grateful that they were such great kids; each of them came from different areas of the US and each of them taught me alot.

I can't believe my months in London are already over. Back here at home, where virtually nothing has changed, I alternately feel like I have been away forever, or never left in the first place. I know it will be even stranger when I get back to Fordham.

Speaking of good old FU, next semester is my final semester. The next year will be full of even more change and uncertainty; I will embark into the real world. I am both excited and frightened of this idea, but I know I am ready for whatever comes my way. I am determined to live it up at school for my final semester and wring every ounce of fun from the next few months. Who knows what will happen after that? I have been throwing around the idea of making a new blog about all my adventures at school and otherwise...let me know what you think.

So this concludes Annie's British blog. It has been quite a ride, and I hope you've enjoyed reading about my adventures. I want to give a shout out to my most loyal readers: Nana and Poppy (whose comments were always thoroughly enjoyable), Elizabeth (always ready to give me boy-advice), and my parents (who were with my every step of the way and supported this entire adventure). Thank you for visiting this blog and supporting my trips over in London, and I send you my love.

Signing off....
Annie xoxoxo