So, this trip is over. It's a much different feeling than I had at the end of my trip last year, to say the least. Last year, when working at Bicester Village, I loved my job and my experience so much that I stayed an extra three weeks and did not want to leave. Now, not so much. If I was looking on the pessimistic side of things, I could argue that this means that I have had a less successful or fulfilling summer than last year. But I am being an optimist, or at least a realist, and I contend that I have actually learned as much, if not more, about myself this summer than the previous, even if it has been more trying and less enjoyable all the time.
I certainly will not miss packing everything up every couple weeks to move to a new location. Note to self: next time you are in Europe for an extended period of time, don't pack so much or stay in one place most of the time. I feel like I have every item of clothing, pair of shoes, book and accessory that I brought with me to Europe memorized and cataloged permanently in my mind.
Now, while there have been many life lessons I feel I have probably absorbed in these past two and half months, I won't bore you with those. I will, however, do a BWE-style top ten list.
Top Ten Things that Kept Olivia Sane this Summer:
1) Skype
I really don't know what I would have done without my Skype. Without my Rachel and Mama time, I would have been lost in a sea of webcam-less darkness. Plus, I discovered all the different things I can make myself do/look like. Like Superman Olivia or Beatnik Olivia. Very cool.2) The Dixie Chicks
The Chicks have seen me through some hard times, to be sure. But I don't believe I've ever fully appreciated them until this summer. Sitting on a train from Bergamo to Venice, riding the Picadilly Line from King's Cross to Baron's Court, they are the appropriate music for all occasions. I think I must have listened to my Dixie Chicks play list at least fifty times during this trip. Is it a bit out of place to be listening to country music during a trek around Europe? Maybe. But is it therapeutically healing? Absolutely.
3) Classic Novels
Jane Eyre taught me a lot about life. Like don't become a governess. And always make sure you check out who is really setting those fires. Wives and Daughters also taught me an important lesson: always make sure a book is a finished product before you invest in it and read 650 pages only to find out it is an unfinished novel with no ending. I am the wiser for reading these books.
4) My BlackBerry
This one is pretty self-explanatory, I imagine. I would have been lost, alone, and my blog would have been half its current size without the brilliant contraption that is my BlackBerry. 'Nuff said.
5) My Watch
This one may sound dumb, but it really is important to know what time it is. And cell phone isn't always an option.
6) My American Apparel Bandeau Dresses
By far the best investment I've EVER made in an item of clothing. I have worn these things so many times and I get compliments on them every time I wear them. I have three colors, and I basically could have brought those, a pair of jeans, and a couple t-shirts to Europe and been set for the rest of the summer. (They used to be $34. It sucks that the price has gone up, but really it's still a complete bargain.)
7) My Short Haircut
Such a wise decision. I can jump out of the shower and go, and it's dry in 15 minutes. Plus when I don't wash it you really can't tell. Why did I spend three years growing it out? Sigh.
8) Marks and Spencer
It was one of the things I was most looking forward to in coming back to Britain, and it was even better than I remembered. There just something so wonderful about a grocery store that takes itself seriously but actually has good food without everything being whole wheat and organic. Don't get me wrong. Love the organic and whole wheat. Wanna marry it. But Marks and Spencer could beat Whole Foods or Trader Joe's with its hands tied behind its back. For serious.
9) My Independence
This one is getting a little serious, I know, but I realized this summer how lucky I am to have grown up self-sufficient. Staying with my little brother and sister this week has only made it clearer that I am unique in being able to take care of myself and handle shitty situations. And more than anything, I realized this summer that part of being self-sufficient is knowing when to ask for help. Lame, I know, but I felt like this should go on the list.
10) My Friends
The amount of support and love I got from my friends this summer never ceased to amaze me and it made me realize how lucky I am to be where I am and know the people I know. From Jack's being a knight in shining armor to Rachel always being there, even if I just needed to see her face, to Alison's patient listening to my family woes to everyone else who cared, encouraged, and endured with me this summer, if this summer has taught me nothing, it has taught me that I am truly blessed to be surrounded by these incredible people. So thank you guys all so much for being there for me. I owe you one.
Okay, I realize this got relatively poorly written and incoherent towards the end. I am now back from dinner and exhausted and I have a 2o hour trip ahead of me tomorrow, so rather than edit this shit I'm just going to call it a day. I love you all and thank you so much to those who have been reading this insignificant little blog and being a part of my journey. God bless.
Goedenacht,
Olivia
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