Goodbye Beach!

It's the end of the month, and the end of one of the most incredible experiences of my life. This will be my last study abroad blog as I'm back in England, but I can assure you this won't be my last goodbye!

In my first post I set myself the goal to treasure every moment, embrace every opportunity, and remember each and every incredible feeling.

Looking back over the last nine months, I'm proud to say I've achieved that goal. I've taken opportunities that I could never have imagined, discovered countless new experiences, and loved every moment. I've left California with a heavy heart and priceless memories.

I've been struggling to write this post, as there is so much I could say, and many more things I won't be able to. Looking through my time abroad I see miles travelled, places visited, smiling faces and moments I'll never forget.

Studying abroad is an incredibly valuable experience. Whether you're discovering a new culture or your true self, it's a chance of a lifetime. There's no way to prepare yourself for the things you can find - from those you expect, to the ones you weren't even looking for.

My biggest thanks for my time goes to the people I've met. I'd like to give a special mention to my fellow travellers, the best room mate and the Hillside A-Team, the CSULB Underground Music Society, and the amazing musicians I met along the way. Alongside many others, you made my experience something truly special, and it could never have been the same without you.

Short of being dragged on the plane, I was reluctant to leave California behind. I found my place and the people I want to fill my life, so leaving was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.

Now I've set my sights on a new goal. This isn't the end and I'll find a way to return. When you think about it, it's pretty simple, wherever you are in the world...

...live the dream.

..

Sunrise on the Beach and Smiling Everyday

In the spirit of embracing opportunities today I got up at the excruciatingly early 6 am to watch the sunrise on Belmont Shore beach. It was worth the tired eyes to enjoy the beautiful views with some of the lovely ladies who I've been honoured to meet in California. 

Yesterday marked a quarter of the way into my 100 Happy Days journey, and this was the perfect way to mark many more. So far, it's been a refreshing experience taking a moment every day to appreciate something that makes you smile. From new friends, old friends, and the small things that you can often take for granted, this is turning out to be the perfect way to celebrate the rest of my time studying abroad. Thank you to everyone who's been a part of it! 

Treasure every moment, Embrace every opportunity

Weekend Antics

Sunshine, splashes, world records and roller-coasters...

On Saturday 21^st September I joined over 100,000 spectators at Rainbow Harbour for the Red Bull Flugtag in Long Beach. 

28 teams created crazy flying contraptions which mostly plunged straight into the water from the 30 foot pier, but one team succeeded in breaking the world Flugtag distance record. The Chicken Whisperers flew 258 feet, knocking the competition out of the water. 

Taking our own exciting journey on Sunday, we rented a Zip car from the CSULB campus and drove to Knott’s Berry Farm theme park. I was amazed at the lack of queues as we walked straight on to some of the biggest rides. Top rides of the day: Silver Bullet and Xcelerator 

To end what was a tiring but enjoyable weekend we took a scenic drive to Laguna Beach to watch the sunset. A perfect summation of life in California!  

Goodbye from the Beach

This week someone's study abroad journey was cut short. One of our friends from UH had to return home, so to say goodbye we had a bonfire on Sunset Beach for her last night in California.

While this was devastating news, and a shock to us all, you just have to make the most of the time you have. I hope we gave a good send-off and left some lasting memories for what was still an incredible journey.

We gathered on the beach with marshmallows and made s'mores around the fire. Watching the night close in around us in the breathtaking surroundings of my new home, I couldn't help but feel a reflective mood taking hold.

Recently I had been starting to feel homesick, missing my friends and family and the small home comforts that you don't truly appreciate while you're there. The thought of travelling home to see the ones you love must be something that crosses all of our minds at some point.

Now someone was really leaving, and it makes you hold on to the opportunity you have in a new light. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and its more important than ever to make the most of it.

Let's go to the Beach

It would be impossible to be here in California without a trip to the beach, so keen to start a new tradition within the first week I headed to Seal Beach. For CSULB students this is just a free bus ride and a short walk, before you're taken away by the outstanding views and stunning beach.

After a hectic start getting settled in to the new University, it was nice to have a relaxing afternoon lying in the sun. Although it was cold at first I even braved the sea! I will definitely be returning again soon, and checking out the other beaches in the area.