There Are Places I Remember

It's all over. I'M HOME.

The six weeks spent at Oxford (and Liverpool, Paris, London, Manchester, Bath, Bristol...et cetera) were some of the best days ever. Looking back on the posts on this blog, it's hilarious how many describe the day as "the best day ever" or "once in a lifetime." But it really doesn't feel like an exaggeration. They were the best ever.

I'm so glad I chose this as my study abroad, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. BSAO is the way to go!



But I will say this--as much fun as the UK was...I'm so glad I'm an American. Sometimes our leaders aren't so great, but this really is the greatest country in the world. God bless America.

"Are you crying?" (Day 34)

These past few days have been STRESSFUL. Friday I had my "common exam" over our daily lectures, turned in a huge architecture project, and had a paper for my crime class due. Plus, Olympic swimming was on every night, so I didn't have as much time to work as usual. (I was not going to miss swimming!)

In fact, swimming probably outranked most of my other priorities...I skipped several dining hall dinners and grabbed falafel from a street vendor so I wouldn't miss a race. Saturday, I was not to be disturbed, unless you were watching the races with me. It was Phelps' last Olympic relay. His last Olympic race EVER (unless he pulls an MJ and comes back for Rio!)

I was screaming the whole race. I fell silent afterward. I cried during the medal ceremony. It was the end of an era, and there were so many feelings. I still can't fully believe it's over.

Outside of swimming, I have been reveling in doing NOTHING this weekend. No schoolwork, no travelling outside of Oxford, no running from one landmark to another. I did manage to go to sell some of my books and have high tea (complete with scones!) in the afternoon. It was the perfect break from cleaning/packing.

"Soccer is a Tease" (Day 32)

Tuesday was supposed to be a trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon to see Twelfth Night and do some Shakespeare things, but with the amount of work I had to do, I had to skip it. That, and the fact that we'd get back at midnight and I had to catch a bus a 7am the next day. Where was I taking the bus? To Manchester, to go watch some Olympic soccer! 

The match was a men's group stage game between Spain (my loves) and Morocco. When we originally bought the tickets, I thought that the Olympic team would be the same as the Spanish National Team. Casillas, Xabi Alonso, Ramos, Torres...I was going to explode. Turns out, per FIFA regulations, Olympic squads are all U-23 players, plus up to three players over 23. And some club teams can block their players from participating. So this was not La Furia Roja.

Spain had already been knocked out, so this game didn't mean too much. They did try though. But they blew a lot of opportunities in the second half, and the game ended 0-0. Oh well. It was still awesome to see!

Halftime, and down comes the rain. The cheap seats were covered!

gutter issues?

The worst seats in the house...

Ew, ManU.

My attempt at the Football Logo pose. I look like a figure skater.

...Then lots of candids happened, as Megan refused to stop taking pictures. They're kind of hilarious, so I had to post them all.

Attempt #2--bowling?

Look what I found!

We watched the Olympics in the town square on the big screen. Luckily it was swimming! Of course, when Nathan Adrian won gold, we HAD to do the obnoxious Rocky-style "ADRIAAAAAAAAAN!" Sorry you don't really win medals, Team GB.

Manchester has a China Town?

We arrived in Oxford right around 4am...and had class at 8. Sleep? We don't need no stinkin' sleep.