And So It Is Almost Adieu
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday.
I have three more days left in Bath, before I leave for good. This exchange term at the University of Bath is really, at last, coming to an end. These kinds of things end suddenly, like a slap in the face, y'know what I'm sayin'? Before you know it, it's over, and you're left reeling from its quick and abrupt end.
You wonder, what happened to all that time? Where'd it go?
I wanted to write a concluding entry that sums up this entire experience - perhaps to remind myself of all that I have accomplished and learned and growed since I first set foot on European soil. It has been such a whirlwind road of memories and experiences and ups and downs, I don't really know where to begin.
Chronologically speaking then, the two weeks spent traveling from London, to Barcelona, to Paris, to Venice and Rome will always remain in my mind a great adventure. And I will always remember the beautiful lapping canals of Venice, the 11pm lightshow at the Tour Eiffel where we took stupid photographs and videos, the grandeur (amidst the blistering heat) of the Roman Forum, and the delicious Italian gelato and pizza we consumed along the way.
The experience of travelling with Marc is also something I cherish very much. The times spent exploring castles along the Rhine, soaking in the 38-degree Budapest Szechenyi baths in 6-degree weather, walking hand in hand talking about everything and nothing... It was priceless. And for all our quarrels and frustrating moments, I still am glad and proud that we made it through these five months. I hope you are too.
Hanging out with my sister and her friends is very meaningful to me too. I got to see her life in London, the friends she hangs out with, the things they do. Previously we spent two years living apart, and I could only imagine what it was like leading her life; it is so hard being distant. And what different lives we were (and still are) leading but at least now I can comprehend better what she tells me about her day. And her friends were such absolute gems, I am so glad to have gotten to know each and every one of them. Warm, friendly, open-hearted. They are right up there on my list of "People I Am Glad to Have Gotten To Know on Exchange".
Last but not least, the experience of living overseas - cooking for myself, doing my own laundry, managing my own spending (on Excel sheets no less!), and often being there for myself when no one else could be. I've learnt that I am more gung-ho than I thought I was. Travelling alone for twelve-hour stretches (first by bus/train, then train again, then plane, then train...) to meet Marc in some foreign airport or train station; carrying tons of luggage up and down tube stairs; fielding a foreign city with a badly drawn map and absolutely no idea where you are going or how to get there - yeah, I've done it, and survived. Emotionally too, I'd like to think I've grown in many ways. Ways I won't state here, but keep close to my heart.
What a trip this has been, really. And even then, I don't think I will fully comprehend how this impacts me until I get home. I just hope I won't be depressed at being back home (with the problems that come with it), and instead face it with renewed strength, peace and positivity.
I have three more days left in Bath, before I leave for good. This exchange term at the University of Bath is really, at last, coming to an end. These kinds of things end suddenly, like a slap in the face, y'know what I'm sayin'? Before you know it, it's over, and you're left reeling from its quick and abrupt end.
You wonder, what happened to all that time? Where'd it go?
I wanted to write a concluding entry that sums up this entire experience - perhaps to remind myself of all that I have accomplished and learned and growed since I first set foot on European soil. It has been such a whirlwind road of memories and experiences and ups and downs, I don't really know where to begin.
Chronologically speaking then, the two weeks spent traveling from London, to Barcelona, to Paris, to Venice and Rome will always remain in my mind a great adventure. And I will always remember the beautiful lapping canals of Venice, the 11pm lightshow at the Tour Eiffel where we took stupid photographs and videos, the grandeur (amidst the blistering heat) of the Roman Forum, and the delicious Italian gelato and pizza we consumed along the way.
The experience of travelling with Marc is also something I cherish very much. The times spent exploring castles along the Rhine, soaking in the 38-degree Budapest Szechenyi baths in 6-degree weather, walking hand in hand talking about everything and nothing... It was priceless. And for all our quarrels and frustrating moments, I still am glad and proud that we made it through these five months. I hope you are too.
Hanging out with my sister and her friends is very meaningful to me too. I got to see her life in London, the friends she hangs out with, the things they do. Previously we spent two years living apart, and I could only imagine what it was like leading her life; it is so hard being distant. And what different lives we were (and still are) leading but at least now I can comprehend better what she tells me about her day. And her friends were such absolute gems, I am so glad to have gotten to know each and every one of them. Warm, friendly, open-hearted. They are right up there on my list of "People I Am Glad to Have Gotten To Know on Exchange".
Last but not least, the experience of living overseas - cooking for myself, doing my own laundry, managing my own spending (on Excel sheets no less!), and often being there for myself when no one else could be. I've learnt that I am more gung-ho than I thought I was. Travelling alone for twelve-hour stretches (first by bus/train, then train again, then plane, then train...) to meet Marc in some foreign airport or train station; carrying tons of luggage up and down tube stairs; fielding a foreign city with a badly drawn map and absolutely no idea where you are going or how to get there - yeah, I've done it, and survived. Emotionally too, I'd like to think I've grown in many ways. Ways I won't state here, but keep close to my heart.
What a trip this has been, really. And even then, I don't think I will fully comprehend how this impacts me until I get home. I just hope I won't be depressed at being back home (with the problems that come with it), and instead face it with renewed strength, peace and positivity.
posted by the zee at 1:44 AM
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