Running on Empty

A title that says it all. I am Running on Empty.

I can't believe how quickly time has passed. It feels like yesterday I was packing my bag to come to Scotland, now I am packing my bags to leave Scotland. It's hard to wrap my head around these last three months. I have experienced things I never thought I would, traveled to destinations that were on my Pinterest board, and met people that have made a huge impact on my life and my future.

Although I am packing up my belongings, I still have quite a few destinations to check off my list until I return home. Four years ago (almost to the day), I was 17. I boarded a plane to jet set to the Czech Republic. When my few months ended in the Czech Republic, I told my host family that I would be back within five years. With a lot of hard work, watching my bank account depreciate, and with the blessing from my parents I am going to be returning to the Czech Republic. 

Prior to my arrival in Czech I will be traveling to Istanbul, Athens, and Milan. Destinations that I have seen in pictures, read about, but now it's my opportunity to experience and see these places on my own. I am sure my adventures sound like a grand time, but honestly it is a lot of hard work. Traveling to countries where they don't speak English is quite difficult. From my Spring Holiday travels and for the respect to the country I am traveling to, I try to learn the basic phrases to show effort of trying to fit in. I am trying to meet their basic customs instead of the locals always meeting my customs. I have learned that the locals appreciate it when you try to speak their native tongue. They don't often laugh at you, but they smile and applaud. 

Last week we had a meeting that had us students reflect on our time here and what it is going to be like returning the the States. I am not looking forward to reverse culture shock, but I know it's coming. I have become so accustomed to the norms here, that I don't think twice. My phrases are often different and I don't even notice it. Although - I have yet to nail my Scottish accent! During our meeting we were asked a few questions that we will receive when we get home. What was your favorite part of your trip? How was it? 

When people ask me about my study abroad experience, I am not even sure where to begin. I am sitting here realising I have visited ten countries, had food that was good and bad, met people from all around the world, yet I can't figure out the right way to answer a simple question. Instead when you ask me, I am going to respond with what I have learned and what the different experiences taught me. 

I haven't quite decided if I am ready to return. I don't want to settle into the normal routine. I want to keep this pace of life. I want to keep my day filled with activities, learning something new, going to a new place. I sure do miss my family and friends, but often wish I could just bring you all over here. Cheers.