Happy to be Home

After taking three forms of transportation, I can easily say I am happy to be home. I have been back in the states for almost a week catching up with friends and family, and due to the craziness of reunions did not have time to write my last Study Abroad blog entry. Now that I finally have found the time, I will try and give an update of my last few weeks in London. I am having a hard time believing that my last update was almost a month ago!

Anyways, the vast majority of my last few weeks in London was spent "revising" (studying) for my last two exams and editing my final paper/presentation. Some of the most beautiful days in London I had to spend inside studying, but I know that the time I spent working will be worth it. I also was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to shadow in Oncology for three days and in a HIV unit for one day. It was amazing having the chance to explore different areas of medicine and I could write pages about my experiences in each area. I loved being able to shadow so much while I was abroad (I've spent time in seven different departments), and cannot wait to share my experiences with medical schools.

In regards to more Londonesque experiences, I was fortunate enough to have my little in my sorority, Alexa F., visit me with her family. We spent a great day on May 15th exploring the Tower of London, eating amazing Italian food, and roaming around Notting Hill. Of course, I took her family to my favorite cupcake place, and they loved Hummingbird Bakery as much as I do. It was wonderful having Alexa in London, and I am so glad she got to experience one of my favorite cities.

Jason, Annie, and I also had a great time going to the Electric Ballroom in Camden where I saw my first indie rock concert on May 19th. I had never been to a concert in a standing only venue, and it was definitely a fun experience. I'm looking forward to going to more concerts this summer and learning more about different types of music. My friend from Case, Andrew I., also recommended a great restaurant in Camden called Belgos that Jason, Annie, and I frequented during my last few weeks. Along with having great meal deals during the week, they have the best Belgian mussles I had ever tasted. When I go back to London, I can guarantee I will be going back to that restaurant.

Once my last exam was over, Annie, her mother, and I went to go see Macbeth at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre on May 28th. I am so glad we had seats, because the groundlings were subjected to an experience that probably would have given me nightmares (look at my pictures on facebook if you want to see what I am talking about). It was definitely an experience, but I wish I would have seen a comedy instead of a tragedy since Macbeth was quite depressing. I'm glad I went though, and the Globe Theatre was everything I expected and more.

On my last Saturday in London (May 29th), my friend Dana and I went on a do-it-yourself Harry Potter walking tour. We were able to see all of the London film sites, including Gringotts Bank and the Ministry of Magic. We also explored Covent Garden and had a great time roaming around the city. I can't wait to re watch the films after seeing the film locations in London and Oxford. I also can't wait to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida this next year...its on my immediate to see list :).

The next day, I went to mass at St. Paul's and then to Spittafield's Market with Dana, Danielle, and her boyfriend Matt. St. Paul's was gorgeous and gigantic, and the boys and men's choir sounded absolutely lovely. While St. Paul's is Anglican, it was interesting to see the subtle differences between the Anglican and the Catholic faiths. Spittafield's Market was also wonderful and I was glad to have the opportunity to get some last minute unique gifts. While the market was more expensive than Notting Hill and Camden, the atmosphere was much nicer and the surrounding food stalls were wonderful.

I spent Monday exploring London with my favorite non-American friend, Veronika. We had a great time walking around the city and catching up on everything that had happened since break. I know when I go back to Europe she will be one of the first people I tell and I am so glad I can call her my friend.

Tuesday and Wednesday were spent preparing and giving my final presentation for the Practice of Medicine class. After all of our presentations were completed on Wednesday, our professor took our entire class out to an amazing dinner at Tas. I will miss that class so much, and am so happy I was able to take part in such an amazing experience abroad. I know we will have a Practice of Medicine reunion in a few years, and I cannot wait to see and hear how far my classmates have gone in life.

Finally, my last day in London was spent packing and exploring London for one last time with Danielle and her friends from the states. We ate at Borough Market, walked around the city, and went dancing at the Arches near my flat. I am so glad I was able to meet so many wonderful people, and I know my experiences with them have changed me for the better.

I don't doubt for a moment that studying abroad has changed me. I am so happy that I can look back and actually be able to say that I lived in London for five months. While it was hard being away from my friends and family, I learned a lot about myself and what I am capable of doing. I hope one day I will be able to go and visit London, but in the meantime I am grateful to be safely back in America. My travels have finally lead me home.