Bye Barcelona

Last night was my last in Barcelona*. I'd already said goodbye to some friends the night before, but Sandy, Kiah and I decided to hang out at her apartment one last time. As we talked and reminisced I realized that the fact that I was leaving Barcelona in a few hours still hadn't really hit me. Though I knew that my time was running out, I still couldn't comprehend the fact that I wouldn't be waking up in Barcelona any more. Suddenly, every little thing I did in the city was more precious. I'd started refer to everything I did as "my last time in Barcelona". Like, "this is my last time walking down La Rambla. My last time taking the metro. My last time eating Chocky Chocs (my favorite cereal)". It may seem stupid and maybe it is a bit ridiculous, but I loved my time here... There. It's already a memory, no longer my reality.

After I finally finished packing at 4 in the morning, I decided to take a quick 2 1/2 hour nap before making the trek to the airport. I knew I had 21 hours of buses, airports, and planes ahead of me, but I couldn't sleep. I laid in my bed, tossing and turning, and periodically looking at the clock. My body was shaking with nervousness, my heart was pounding, and I had a huge lump in my throat. I felt like crying, but I couldn't. I was a big mess of emotion - something extremely unusual for me. Sure I missed home and friends and family, but I didn't want to say goodbye to Barcelona. It was finally happening. I was leaving the beautiful city I'd called home for 3 1/2 months, uncertain of when I'd ever return.

I know everyone says it, but studying abroad truly changed my life. I've become more independent and have learned how to adapt to different situations. I had an incredible time, met wonderful people, and made some amazing friendships that I hope to keep. I remember asking in my first blog if this trip was worth all the trouble. It was. And I don't regret going for a second.

*I wrote most of this post in the airport in Munich on my way back to the States.

Snow -__-

So most of the BGA girls are back safely at home, chillin,enjoying our holidays with family and reminiscing about their study abroad experiences....

however, due to bad weather conditions, me and Nimo (the Londoners) are stuck here!

so happy and so damn naive!

It's quite disappointing and I can't tell you how many emotions I went through when I found out I wouldn't be able to leave until the 25th (yes...CHRISTMAS). It wouldn't be as bad if I was just going back to California, but I was supposed to continue my abroad journey and head to Nigeria with my family for the break. They're already there but since December 18th, I've been here.

If you don't know what's happening (I have no idea what sort of news coverage this is getting back in the states) but here are some news articles about how Heathrow airport cancelled all flights leaving Dec 18, 19, 20th (AKA our departure dates):

Only a few flights were able to make it out

And apparently the government offered help with the snow but Heathrow never accepted it!

I went to the airport a few times during this time and it was almost as if I had stepped into a refugee camp. There are people EVERYWHERE and NO ONE there to help. I saw people with tents, blow up mattresses and sleeping bags preparing for the long nights and days ahead waiting to get their flights rebooked. It's the biggest mess I've ever seen!

Over some snow?

Look, I'm from California and I've seen snow all of ONE time in my life so yes, I was in "AAHHH, SNOW!" mode but it was NOT THAT SERIOUS. There was less than an inch of snow on the ground in London and the snow stopped after a few hours. So what's the hold up? It's so frustrating that every single time there is a slight hint of snow, everything in this country shuts down.  They act like snow isn't apart of their normal weather scheme, so why aren't the airlines ever prepared?? You're only costing yourselves millions and billions of dollars cancelling and rescheduling flights. Just foolish!

Anyway, I'm currently sitting in my flat pretty much just waiting to leave and obsessively checking my flight details every few minutes. I'm going to try and get on the standby list to fly out to Nigeria tomorrow and if not, well, christmas at the airport? Cheers.

-Emmef