Take Off

Big Ben, London Eye, and a double decker bus taken from Parliament Square. 

This summer, I am lucky enough to have an internship in one of the most metropolitan and international cities in the world: London.  About a weak ago I was choking down tears in the security line at the San Francisco International Airport as I said goodbye to my family.  I won't be able to see them until they make the long jump across the pond in August. 

For the first time, I am really on my own.  Yes I went away to college to have spread my wings and all that jazz, but the school that I fell in love with happens to be a short forty-five minute drive away from my hometown.  I've never been this far away from my people.  While I miss my family more than you could imagine, I'm also thriving.  I really have to figure things out on my own for myself.  

A shot of Queen's Gate Terrace, South Kensington.

I couldn't do it without the help of the other students on my program with me.  We all sort of struggle through culture shock and adjustment together and with laughter.  For example, we got so lost on the way to find out flat when we first arrived.  We are staying in a beautiful area of London where all of the buildings are ornate and white with black accents.  While this is extremely aesthetically pleasing, it made finding our exact white flat very very difficult for three Americans with no cell phone reception.  When we finally found our building and climbed all 87 stairs with our luggage in hand, there was nothing to do but laugh.  What had we just got ourselves in to?  So far, I think we got ourselves in to the best summer of our lives...

Only time will truly tell what adventures unfold.  I hope that you join me in my attempt to explore a new country and live out all of the adventures along the way and beyond!  

Cheers!