Sleeping Beauty and Camden Town

Well, here we are. six months later. life has been unexpected, eventful, and full of wonderful people and i am so incredibly grateful for the time i have been able to spend in this city. i've been spending a lot of time this week just looking back over the last half year and realizing how truly blessed i am. i can truthfully say that i have probably had the best and the worste times of my life here. i have learned so much about life, about friendship, about responsibility, and so many other things. i now know what it's like to have a five pound note in your pocket, and nothing in your bank account, and then what it's like to truly appreciate the benefits of hard work. i've made new friends, and cherished old friendships. explored the city with roommates and also been able to share my city with visitors. i think this has been one of the most important things i've ever done, and i can't imagine six months of life being spent in any other way than here in london.

these past few weeks have been especially rich. with street being able to come and hang out for a week, and now having a whole week off of work i've been soaking it all in. street and i had a fabulous time and i am so grateful for the time we were able to spend together here! it felt really nice to spend time with someone who really knows me and with whom i'm so comfortable and relaxed. we romped around town and i showed her all the best parts. she had to entertain herself for the three days i had to work; going to museums and what not. but then we had 4 and a half days to enjoy together. we went to the balet and saw "the sleeping beauty", ate good food, danced, shopped, talked, and laughed. it was a great closing to my stay.

street headed to chalon on tuesday afternoon, so i rode with her out to the airport. since then i've been happily spending my free time during the days with relaxing and soaking up my time. i've not felt much need to run around frantically fitting every last thing in, but have been feeling really laid back and just doing what i would normally do. on tuesday night i met my friend kristen for indian food in brick lane, wednesday i went in to harrods one last time, yesterday i went to spitalfield's antique market for some bargain shopping, last night i met up with friends from work for drinks one last time, and today i'm hanging out around the flat, working on packing and organizing my life into suitcases. i'm not ready to go. but i know that whatever comes next i will be ready. i am ready to be cared for by my family and friends, and be at home, don't get me wrong, but i just don't feel done here. i'll be back london.

i'll see you all soon. love