Well, it’s my last day here in London. It’s 10am and I just got back from breakfast and am curled back up in bed trying to avoid packing for as long as I can. It’s strange to think I will probably never live in this cute little dorm room again even in my returning travels to London. It has become a little home-away-from-home for me. At breakfast this morning my RA’s and I reflected on this trip. I have become very close to both of them, spending many hours traveling to different countries, cities, markets, and other various places with them. We hit a point in our conversation where the mood shifted a little bit when someone mentioned going home tomorrow. Then Casey said, “Girls, this is the last breakfast we’re going to have with each other for awhile.” We all started to cry. I’m so blessed that I came across such amazing people while embarking on this adventure. We have been through a lot in these few short weeks, creating a bond that will surely not see an end for a very, very long time. Travel arrangements are already being made so that we can all see each other in  December and June and show one and other our hometowns that are all very far from each other. Okay, enough with the sappy stuff! I’ve been on some pretty amazing adventures these past few weeks. And by pretty amazing I mean experiences that I will remember for the rest of my life. I went to Dover yesterday. It’s a beach town on the English Channel. Last weekend, I went to Amsterdam, probably the strangest city imaginable. The week before, I went to Brighton, another beach town. Also, the day after Brighton I went to Bath. Probably one of my favorite experiences while being abroad.  Oh and did I mention that the Olympics are happening here right now? Talk about craziness in London!

I’ll start with Bath. For those of you that don’t know, Bath is located about an hour and a half outside of London. It’s where Romans used to bathe in a natural mineral hot spring in the beautiful countryside of England. The history behind this place blew my mind. We toured the original Baths, here’s some pictures:

This first one is of the cathedral right outside of the Roman Baths. So beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

The second photo is of the actual Roman Bath. The water looks gross, but it’s mineral water from a hot spring right below the town.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The day before this, I went to Brighton. The coolest beach town EVER! It was the polar opposite to Bath, a historic landmark. Brighton is a hip, bohemian beach town with so many cute shops and pubs. I went with a few new friends and it was such a great bonding experience. My new friend, Colin and I ended up buying swim suits on the 60 degree weather day and jumped in the English channel and swam around for awhile. It actually wasn’t too cold, until we got out and the sun was not shining anymore. Nothing a little hot soup and cider couldn’t fix!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now, for those of you who have visited Amsterdam there’s no need to re-inform you how weird that city is. For anyone looking for adventure, go there. And if you’re a girl, bring a guy friend for good measure. Aside from the sketchiness of the town, it is BEAUTIFUL. I am still trying to process it a week and a half later. The architecture was jaw dropping. We stayed in a hostel about a half a mile outside of the “ring” of the city which I’m thankful for. It was still a little weird on the inside but not like the ones located towards the red light district. We went on a bike ride around the city which was an absolute blast once I got over the crazy traffic thing. I am still convinced there are no such thing as rules in Amsterdam. The cars go wherever they want, the people walk wherever they want, the trams will run you over if you’re not paying attention, and last but not least, there are literally bikes EVERYWHERE. I thought people in Oregon rode a lot of bikes but boy was I wrong. If you don’t have a bike and live in Amsterdam… you don’t live in Amsterdam. The city is small but people have to get around fast, what better way to do that than on 2 wheels?

 

 

 

 

 

 

And last but not least, yesterday I went to Dover. This is where there’s white cliffs and black rocky beaches. It was breathtaking. Also, quite refreshing seeing as I’ve seen so much architecture. It was nice to see some natural beauty of England.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have had such an amazing experience while studying abroad. I can’t even fathom it yet… It will be nice to get home to see my family though. I miss them so much and can’t wait to share my stories with them. Also, I wouldn’t mind a little more sun and I hear Oregon has plenty of that right now. I will be returning to London without a DOUBT in these next few years. Whether it be studying abroad or backpacking with my younger sister around Europe. This is not goodbye England, just a see you later. Now, time for a little nap before I pack up and head down to the market to spend the rest of my pounds on candy and trinkets for my friends and family back home. CHEERS!!!

Rachael