Walking through puddles

After a restful fourteen hours of beauty sleep and an English breakfast (which included baked beans! Not something I would generally consider a morning food, however, still tasty) we set off on a walking tour of London, led by myself. :)

 I must say that all in all, I am am quite the fantastic tour guide. In nine hours we walked 8 miles, visited one museum (The Tate Britain), saw four four nation monuments ( Westminster Abby, Big Ben, Parliament, Buckingham Palace), strolled through two parks (St. James and Hyde Park), ate lunch at a pub (a traditional meal of fish and chips), went shopping on Oxford Street (H&M, Zaza, Top Shop and Hamleys toy shop) and took numerous pictures!

As the day drew to a close, we emerged from Top Shop to find that it was pouring down rain. As a Washingtonian, I feel that I have definitely seen my fair share of wet weather, and as such, I would normally be outraged at the site of such muck on my vacation. However, somehow in London, with my bestfriend by my side, I could not find a single thing to sneer at. We put up our hoods and soldier on with smile. Even the giant puddles pooling the road way just add to the adventure of walking London. We choose the path through Hyde Park, walking arm in arm. Stopping every 200 years or so to shake the gathering water that seems to be collecting on the top of the very  cheap umbrella Havilah bought.

Landing in London

Of all the simple pleasures in life, I must say that Landing in London is on my top five.

Packing-Up at Home

 It finally occurred to me late this afternoon that perhaps I should begin packing. I have been graciously rolling my eyes as my friends and family lovely remind me that since I will be abroad for an entire year, it would be a good idea to not leave my packing until the night before I depart. Which is exactly what I did. However, I must add that I did a magnificent job organizing, wash, folding and rolling  all of my items into the ONE suitcase that I will be bring, as well as my additional carryon backpack! Ta Da!

With now only mere thirteen hours left until departure, I am completely confident that I am totally numb to the fact that I will be away from home for nearly nine months. Having only ever lived in Vancouver I welcome the blessed opportunity to live and study Italy as GU student.

Please enjoy this blog with me as I experience the next chapter in my life.

"My two favorite words are linked, departure and time." -Frances Mayes
This quote is dear to me heart and is found in Mayes book, A Year in the World. I'm always reminded of it when I travel. I know that tomorrow, my heart will be skipping through that airport in Seattle and all I will see is the sign that reads DEPARTURES.