Ummm...Wait! I Just Got Here

6 days left... I don't even know how that happened! The time has been flying by and once again I am wishing time did grow on trees. I have done and seen more than I ever thought possible. London and I have really suited each other. I even got to go to Scotland which is a dream come true. I would love to go back someday because I was only there for a couple days. Edinburgh was magical, the architecture was more gothic than the architecture here in London but still lovely. When we first got to Edinburgh it was raining dumping buckets after buckets of water on the three of us, and still we trudged on in search of our hostel. After hiking, winding, slipping, and sliding we stopped under an archway for some shelter from the wetness. The three of us were soaked, hungry, and our sense of hope and adventure destroyed by the relentless rain. We gave up and called a taxi. We stayed at the Castle Rock Hostel which was an easy twenty steps away from Edinburgh Castle. The view from our room was stunning.

Wow I got sidetracked there, sorry about that. Back to London. I realized when I got here I was trying to lead two separate lives, kind of like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (but less crazy).  I had this one Coleen who wanted to be everything she was back at home. Then I realized another Coleen could be created one that no one had ever seen before. Ultimately I could be whomever I wanted to be. The idea was thrilling and exciting. However, I realized I like the mix of the two. Myself, with new added adventurous flair fully loaded and ready for the times ahead. Instead of totally and completely leaving myself and world behind from the US I brought pieces of it with me.

What I knew was inevitable has officially happened, I have changed. I knew this journey/experience would change me but I was not sure how. For starters those of you that know me know I am extremely organized, plan almost everything, and keep my room in pristine condition. Well here in London none of those traits stuck. My life is chaos, and I love it! I find myself wanting to get lost in London like a challenge to win. I will wonder around in hopes I can find something amazing, and almost every time I do. I try not to plan events. I wake up in the morning, go to class, and when I'm done with class think to myself "what would I like to do today," and I do it (what a crazy idea right?!?) It is so nice not to get caught up in the time or worry about where I need to be when, it's what's the word I want to use...refreshing. I feel rejuvenated and excited about life, thanking God everyday I wake up to be here living another day. As for my room, you would all be pleased to know it is organized chaos. I haven't done laundry in a couple weeks and it's totally awesome!

I really am going to miss London and the plethora of people who are temporarily residing here. The city is a hustling bustling whirlwind, and is getting worse as the olympics quickly approach. However, I do miss my family, friends, and especially Shea. I look forward to seeing you all when I come home, but I still have threeish weeks left here and I am going to take them for all their worth. I hope Paris and Italy are ready for me because I sure am ready for them.

I cannot stop thinking about Madame as I think about my trip to Paris. I know I will see her everywhere, and my heart will be filled with joy as I fulfill the dream she had for me. She always urged me to go and told me everything I had to see. I miss her so much, and cannot wait to see what Paris has in store for me.

I have terribly mixed feelings about Italy. Do not get me wrong, I am overjoyed to be going to Rome. However, this will be the first time I have ever fully traveled alone, and I am a little apprehensive since I don't speak Italian. I also will be staying in hostel, and I'm hoping I make friends quickly. I wish I still had the mentality of an elementary school student where I could just walk up to someone and say, "hey want to be friends." Two weeks in Italy at this moment seems like eternity, but I know once I get there I will be saying ummmm...Wait! I just got here when it's time to go home.

I am sorry my thoughts are so sporadic, this is just a glimpse f what my brain actually does on a daily basis. I am certain I have missed saying some things I want to say but I cant write everything because then I won't have anything to tell you later. Until my next post, cheers!