Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Welp, here goes my last blog. And yes, it is in blue for a reason. The last few days in Cheltenham were busy, stressful, exciting, fun and sad. I tried to cram everything into only a few days, and they were all pretty successful.
On the 23rd, the Olympic Torch came through Cheltenham. Me, Sophie and our American friends went to the park for some ice cream at the little shop. Weirdly enough, we had never been there, but it was really good! Then, we found a spot along the road and waited.. and waited.. and waited. Turns out, the Torch was running behind, so we sat, chatted and people watched. Then, it finally came through in a parade like manner. All of the major Olympic sponsors had crazy vehicles and were handing out free stuff. Then, the Torch came through - so cool! Afterwards, we walked to the racecourse for the lighting of the torch ceremony by Zara Phillips. When Soph and I were walking back home, we got to touch the Torch! Then, everybody met back up at our flat and we had our last family dinner. Sadly to say it was very emotional. We made all of our leftover food and just hung out.
The next morning I had my last exam at FCH. What a joke. I didn't understand the class in the first place, and that night I was too busy hanging out for our last time, so I never took one look over the material. But, I did end up getting a B - crazy. Then, I spent the day shopping and walking around town with Sophie.
The last weekend was a blur basically. We all just hung out, watched me attempt to pack, shopped, drank and ate. I picked up a few last minute gifts, spent all my money, then remember I had laundry to do - whoops. So, I had did some of my laundry and shared with Luis the rest.
The last night there, I gave the girls their gifts and finished up packing. It was the hardest thing in the world. First, I had WAY too much stuff to fit in only four bags. Second, I couldn't stop crying. And third, I tried EVERYTHING possible to not leave. Georgie made me a picture frame of my semester in a wrap. There was money, stamps, Olympic stuff, a map of everywhere I'd been, pictures of us and nail stuff. She also gave me a bracelet. I was bawling. Sophie Ball wrote me a letter and made me cry. Earlier that day, I was out shopping with Soph and we went into Cath Kidston. She said we needed to find something for her friend for her birthday. Basically, I ended up picking out what I thought would be her favorite. She had it gift wrapped and all. Then, we went to Starbucks for a drink and for me to spend some more of my lasting money. When we sat there, she handed me this Cath Kidston bag with a tag on it that said to Lynette. If we weren't in public, I would have lost it. I ended up spending over 6 pounds in change at Poundland - the lady loved me.
That night Soph and I just hung out in my room while I packed and stayed up all night long. She helped me take my stuff to the bus, and we were both a mess. I absolutely was NOT ready to leave. I wanted to stay for the rest of summer. But, my time in Cheltenham was amazing. In the beginning, I never would have thought it was to end like that. I am so thankful for this wonderful opportunity. I learned a lot about this side of the world, and myself. I will return very soon - promise.
This is not the end of my adventure, rather the beginning of a new me. xxx
- comments