Coming to an End, Or the Beginning?

     My time in London is coming to a close. It is bittersweet, but I know this is not farewell. When I came to London I didn't have a plan, all I had was an opportunity and possibility. It was my choice whether to venture out and make my own endeavors. I have to say I am proud of how much I have accomplished. 

Scotland

I planned the whole trip, and I did it SOLO! ( booked a flight and had to sleep in an airport, not my first time doing that)  I even managed to attend a lecture for the Masters program I wanted. I got to see lots of Edinburgh. I hiked up Arthur's Seat! I made a companion. I ate delicious food and watched the sunset paint glorious colors on the old historical castle. I went on an Outlander tour! I still can't believe I did that, spontaneous road trip! Then I somehow managed to learn the transportation system so well, that I allowed my brave self, to go to Glasgow, Edinburgh, and St.Andrews in one day, all the while still managing to get to my flight on time. I saw palaces. I ate haggis. I sang with the locals in a pub!

Girls Night Out London Edition

The night when I wanted to go out, but not by myself. I went on Facebook and found a group of gals that wanted a night out. Made a friend from the group (KATIE). Ended up going to two bars, finding a very cute English Lad, dancing, and drinking. Got lost in London with said boy, and had a great adventure.

HOPE

    I got to see Hope and stay with her for a weekend. Her family was absolutely fabulous, and boy can her dad cook! Loved his chicken pasta! Also her pups, great cuddles, and so much cuteness. Hope was kind, considerate, and generous. We went out with her friends to a bar and sang karaoke. We visited Cambridge which was magical and historical. We even went punting! Highly recommend doing this. We somehow stumbled onto the campus, which wasn't allowed for visitors, but we definitely met the criteria of a scholarly Cambridge student. On the last day, we went for a walk by the water and a pint. I even got the chance to have a traditional English Sunday roast. Hope made me feel like a part of the family.

    She came to the city so I could have a taste of Fish and chips at Poppies (historical)! Spitalfields Market was also a nice little activity with so much color and food. 

 I hope to see her again someday. 

Portugal 

Beautiful! From the seaside and salt air to the fresh fish. Portugal was breathtaking. I have to say I did enjoy fresh orange juice that definitely was a bonus to the air B&B. Comporta and the surfers, delectable cocktails. To the old church bells in Melides. Also definitely check out the bakeries. 

Sweden

    Getting to see JON! After 7 years, it felt like no time apart! It was the best trip. To share and create memories that will last for a lifetime. The best feeling ever is being reunited with a friend. 

London

    Portobello Market with Lola, The Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Camden Lock with Katie, Hampstead Heath, Richmond, The cute little pubs, and meeting some amazing people. Getting to know the English Slang and vibrant vocabulary. Learning new delicious recipes from Pearse and Eddie. Baking with Otto and Roro, I have learned how to make a pretty remarkable seasonal sugar cookie. Learning how to dry clothes without a dryer ;) THANKSGIVING WITH THE LYNCH FAM! 

These are just a handful of memories... But the real venture was finding myself again. I got clarity. I became the voice I always wanted. Unapologetically and authentically creative ME! I am proud of the yes, I am proud of the going with my gut! I made a blog, and I even made a TikTok. I allowed myself to be creative again, to have an imagination again, to not hold back. Europe is the place to find oneself :)

xoxo

-London Gal Alyssa