Athena Sobhan

* AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS OF PROCRASTINATION AND LAZINESS, I’M FINALLY POSTING THE LAST FEW INSTALLMENTS OF MY LONDON SERIES!! I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT

We have made it to the final posts!! I can’t believe how fast time has flown by and its unbelievable to think that its time to go home.  I decided to combine both weeks 12 and 13 together since so much happened in both weeks that I though putting it together would help the posts feel more cohesive.  

Week 12 

For most of the week, I was stressing over my final for my Liberal Studies class so I spent most of the week studying and prepping for the test.  After the test on Wednesday, I went out with the girls to grab a cheeky Nandos to bid farewell to one of my friends that was leaving for California a week earlier than us (lucky she got tacos before I do).  We enjoyed chicken and sangria together for the last time in London, which was a bittersweet moment for all of us.  That cheeky Nandos served as reminder that our time abroad was coming to an end.  

That Thursday, my friend Rachel and I flew out to Dublin for our final trip of the semester.  We booked our accommodations through Airbnb, so we got to stay with a couple in a spare room in their apartment.  They were absolutely lovely and accommodating, offering us cake and lovely banter. We didn’t get much opportunity to see them after that with all the exploring that we did.  Dublin has such a lively atmosphere, despite its dreary, bipolar weather.  It would be sunny at first and then five minutes later, it would be hailing, which I really didn’t enjoy.  We visited many sites such as the oldest pub in Dublin and the Temple Bar district and, of course, the Guinness Storehouse.  Though I am not a beer fan myself (let alone a Guinness fan… sorry that I think it tastes like olives :/), it was really interesting to see the process and the advertising tactics (what?  I’m a nerd when it comes to my major).  Of course, we got a fantastic view of the city while trying our free pint of Guinness.  One of the coolest pubs that we visited was O’Donoghue’s pub.  It was quite small and crowded since people were trying to get away from the hail at the time, but I got to chat with some interesting locals and learn about the history of the pub and about their lives.  We also went on a day trip through Ireland to see the Cliffs of Moher as well as other locations.  Thanks to the (somewhat) excellent weather, we got the opportunity to take a boat out to see the cliffs from the water as well as from the cliffs themselves.  We even got to see the famous cave where they filmed for the 6th Harry Potter movie (not the best Potter movie in my humble opinion).  The trip was wonderful overall and it was a nice way to wrap up my travels around Europe.  

Week 13 

We flew back to London for the last time on that Monday and began prepping for the inevitable; actually leaving.  This week was extremely emotional for me.  It felt like there was so much left to do but I had such little time.  

I managed to squeeze in a trip to the Harry Potter Studio Tour that Tuesday.  I had put off going on the tour, thinking I had so much time to go and that I could find someone to go with me.  In typical Athena fashion, I ended up buying the ticket at the last minute and went by myself.  I had contemplated not going and just saving it for another trip, but I ended up going and having no regrets whatsoever.  To say that the tour was magical, is an understatement.  Its really amazing to see all the work put into filming Harry Potter, from the sets to props, and the costumes.  I was at the verge of tears from the moment I entered the Great Hall to the seeing the Hogwarts Castle at the end of the tour.  Tasting butterbeer and “flying” through London on a broom really re-ignighted my inner fangirl and the young girl who is still waiting for her letter to Hogwarts (GRYFFINDOR FOR LIFE MAN).  

I also went out to Greater London to visit with cousins one more time before heading home.  Though I did not get to spend a lot of time with them during my time in London, it made a huge difference knowing that they were only a short train ride away to spend time with them whenever I felt homesick or lonely.  I want to thank them for not only being my source of comfort, but also helped make London feel more like home.  I am so glad that I got the chance to know you guys and I will miss you guys.  I hope we get to spend time together in either London or in California!!   

I want to take some time to thank a few other people who contributed to my incredible experience  over the past few months.  First off, I want to thank my parents for supporting me emotionally and financially during the past three months.  This experience wouldn’t be possible without you guys and I will be forever grateful for having such amazing people as my parents.  I want to thank Jennifer (Fred) Mahlke for providing the recommendation for me when I applied to the program.  Without you, I wouldn’t have not only been able to participate in study abroad, but I would never have realized that Communications was the path that I was meant for.  Fred you are an incredible professor and I am so thankful for your hard work and your enthusiasm because I really learned so much from you.  To Helen and family, thank you for taking me in for the weekend and showing me around Edinburgh.  I really enjoyed spending time with you guys (and the cats, of course) and exploring around such a lovely city.  I hope to see you guys soon, and this time, my mom can bring out the embarrassing photos of me to share them with you guys.  To the AIFS study abroad team, Annabelle, Claire, and Bea, thank you for helping out with everything from travel plans to local recommendations, you guys are the best.  I probably would not have been able to experience as much as I was able to without you guys, or gossip about the cute boy in Camden (even though it didn’t work out lol).  I met some amazing people during these three months, but I want to especially thank Priscilla, KC and Rachel for not only their friendship over these past three months, but for being my moral support.  I will never forget our amazing memories like going out for cheeky Nandos or movie nights.  You guys are amazing and I love you so much and can’t wait to go on more adventures when we’re home.

I have had the pleasure to travel to so many places in my life, but nothing compares to this amazing city.  London’s rich culture and history truly makes it a unique place to live.  I was always fascinated with London and dreamt of what it would be like to visit for a few days, however I never imagined that I would get to live here and really immerse myself into every aspect of being a Londoner.  London stole my heart and swept me away on a whirlwind adventure of a lifetime.  From the highs, such as traveling around Europe, eating delicious food, and meeting the most incredible people, to the lows, such as dealing with home sickness, culture shock, and long days, I would not change a thing.  As someone who struggles with confidence and self-esteem issues, London helped me become comfortable in my own skin and grow my confidence.  This incredible place allowed me to find myself, and became the place where I feel like I truly belong.  In these three months, I have transformed into a Londoner.  

My heart is heavy, thinking about the fact I won’t be traveling via the tube every day, admiring all the gorgeous men, reading my daily paper, and going on new adventures everyday, but I am beyond excited to finally come home to my family (and of course visit the beach, eat tacos, and enjoy the sunshine).  I am leaving a piece of myself in London, and I definitely plan on coming back as soon as possible.  

Cheers!