Well this is it, my last post before I land back in Canada! Where to start, what to say! I have had almost a year of being authentic, playing and having fun. So I would say that my year away has been a success. I have tried very hard to make sure that I stayed true to my mantra. I probably could say that I lived my own version of the movie Eat, Pray, Love!
The journey was not always easy, and there were many times that I really wanted to throw in the towel and head home. But, I am now so thankful that I stuck it out! How does one commemorate such an experience? I decided along time ago that I would come home with a tattoo that somehow represents my journey. Sooooooo, I now have a tattoo in between my shoulder blades (I know mom, you are probably not impressed). I love it! The picture is two classic looking gerbera daisy flowers, why because the flower stands for innocence, purity and classic beauty. (Minus the innocence, I think the other two are Representative of me), I then got some words around the flowers that are written in the language of some of the countries I have travelled while here. The top two words say courage (Gaelic) and perseverance (Spanish). The bottom three words are authentic (Italian), beautiful (English), and Independent (French). All of the words are symbolic to me as I think they describe how I now feel about myself after this experience. I am proud of myself, I wouldn't say I am at total peace, but I feel better than I have ever before. There are certain things that I have come to terms with, and things that I have decided to continue to strive for. I now know I can face and be successful when adversity comes my way.
In total I have stepped foot in 8 different countries, and have been in 6 major cities in the UK. It is hard to say what has been my favourite, as I have seen so much. The big highlights for me are numerous, a few would be climbing both the Leaning tower of Pisa and the Eiffel tower, going to the Guinness factory in Ireland, touring through the Vatican, a wine trip through Tuscany, swimming in the Mediterranean sea. I appreciate each experience I have had. I am blessed that I have had family and friends visit me and help share in my experiences.
I can say that I have been to the horse races, a proper football match, and huge travelling amusement park (which I braved two of the scariest rides there). I have participated in a car boot sale (an experience all of its own). I participated in real Royal Wedding activities. I have tasted many new foods such as blood pudding and haggis. I am a big fan of the cadbury chocolate here (much better than the cadbury in Canada, trust me I have done the taste test). Even though, I didn't have a tv, I managed to watch and really enjoy some British humour on the Internet. Many people said I would hate the weather in England. I actually really enjoyed it. It is rainy, but I would take that over all of the snow and freezing temperatures. It doesn't get much better than seeing signs of spring in February. The greenery here is lush! It is fabulous to go for a walk and see the daffodils blooming everywhere you look, rose bushes and these trees that blossom the most amazing flowers.
I can't forget my teaching experience. Although, it wasn't what I had expected it to be. I still really enjoyed my time in the school. I learned a lot and I know I am a better teacher having had the challenges that I had. I also enjoyed the opportunity to sub teach around Oxford. I have a good taste of the English school system (and am now more appreciative of the school system at home).
It seems that I have not done the final blog justice. I can't really figure out why. Is it because I am not convinced that my time in England is not completely over? Potentially! I am looking forward to coming home and to seeing all of you, but I am already planning my return to England. (at some point).
I won't be continuing blogging when I am home as I can't be as open and heartfelt. It would be hard for me to spill my guts on the computer and then go to work the next day and see people. It is easy to poor out my emotions from a distance. One last night, a kiss and a cuddle with my special someone, a proper English breakfast in the morning and then on the plane and home tomorrow by 3 pm (Alberta time). Thank you for being a part of my journey by reading and commenting on my experience! See you Soon!
