I'm baaack!

Do you remember when I said that I was becoming a bit complacent and that life had become routine? Over this past (almost) month, things have definitely changed. Like a big ole snow globe, I have been shaken up and the snow flakes have just begun to settle again.

I have found myself avoiding posting any blogs because:

1)I have been in a constant state of go-settle-go-settle-go and I have not had more than a week to myself to figure out what I want to say about this past month. Forget about editing pictures, Instagram filters are enough for me now. 

2)I have been very lazy.

3)Oh, and more laziness. 

Now that I have seventeen days left in England (or according to my phone's countdown, sixteen days and nineteen hours) I am finding myself in a mixture of emotions. My papers are looming and my planned trips have all been taken and life is once again slowing to a halt. I feel as if I have been living the life of a gypsy girl and now that I have no more daring escapes to make, I am left with nothing but the empty word documents I am to fill up before I can go home. It is as if these papers are the final test in my heroic journey, forget slaying dragons or making a sea voyage about the globe. I think I'd rather take the dragon. 

Over the next few weeks, I will keep with posting and will fill up my blog with lovely pictures of Ireland and Chatsworth and Scotland, each of which will continue to hold a special place in my heart. 

Really, I just wanted to pop over and say hello. 

I miss you all. 

I don't want to write this paper. 

:( 

happy halloween!

As I sit in on my bed, surrounded by sweaters and socks and shampoo bottles, I wanted to wish everyone a belated happy Halloween! Why am I surrounded by packables? Oh, only because tomorrow I leave for IRELAND. <3

But before I scurry off, here is a picture from last night, when I ran into another mime!

xoxo

life here becomes life.

I feel like I haven't posted anything of any substance in ages. I keep coming to Blogger, ready and willing to type down all sorts of witty things, but when I get to the blank page, I suddenly fall short. I have no idea what to tell you, but I think I have finally figured out why.

I no longer feel like I'm on some adventure. I no longer feel like every building I see must be photographed and documented. I have finally reached true complacency and living in Chester just feels like my life. I hope this doesn't come off negatively, because honestly, it feels quite comforting to know the streets and to be able to give directions to strangers. When I see lost touristy Americans, I almost giggle to myself. It feels comforting to understand the two meanings of "tea time" and to not be concerned when cars whiz past me, traveling at unsafe speeds on the wrong side of the street. Cobbled streets feel natural under my feet and instead of seeing signs that advertise afternoon specials such as tea and scones and thinking how quaint and adorable they are, I think about how I've actually been craving a scone all day. That would hit the spot. Living in Chester feels like home, truly.

That isn't to say I've forgotten why I am here. I'm aware that I am living my own dream come true. I am in the place I have always wanted be and I am surrounded by wonderful people. However during the month of October, I have found myself getting my feet planted and my life slowing down, just a bit. I have grown comfortable in this beautiful city, but I do believe that it is time to shake things up. ;)


Change is coming soon and I will embrace it with open arms.

xoxo

I am not a travel agent.

When it comes to booking flights and hostels and looking at train schedules and ticket information, you're better off being friends with a trained monkey. Maybe he's no better at booking flights, but at least he's a darn good juggler! These past few days have been one constant flow of ideas for travel destinations and day trips and midnight masquerade balls that are too complicated to get to...can we all sigh together? Regardless, today marks the day when Andrea's life is starting to piece together, bit by bit.

Do you remember the Chatsworth House fiasco? Well you can sleep easy now, knowing that myself and a few other Darcy-loving ladies have (finally) booked a trip to the lovely estate on November 14th, when it is all gussied up for Christmas AND holding a Narnia exhibit.

Happily for me (and unhappily for my bank account), Adrienne and I booked our hostels for Development Week-Nov.2nd to the 10th-IN OTHER WORDS, IRELAND. We will be venturing from Galway to Cork, Cork to Dublin, and Dublin back to Galway, and yes, we will be singing Galway Girl the entire time.

November is going to be such an amazing month, filled with beautiful places and people and moments. A week in Ireland, a day trip to Chatsworth house, PLUS a weekend trip to Edinburgh...I am ready. My adventure boots are on, my umbrella is waiting by the door, and I am ready to go.

xoxo

if you can't figure out the bus system...

eat your feelings. 

But seriously, look at that carrot! 

Side note: grilled cheese sandwiches are called cheese toasties, which is totally adorable and something I will continue when I go home and Jonathan gets hungry. 

recently ingested.

Today I had my first real English Breakfast, complete with beans and milk in my tea...and veggie sausages! Strangely enough, veggie sausages here are quite good and I much prefer them to the real thing. At least the two whole times they've been on my plate. ;) 

Also, I must let the world know of my new found addiction: Twining's Cranberry and Blood Orange tea. If it isn't available in the US, let a girl know so she can stock up. ;)

xoxo 

realizing I never posted Conwy...

A shining example of my never being able to do anything in a timely manner, ladies and gentlemen, may I (finally) present the beautiful Conwy, Wales!

(May I suggest clicking on the pictures themselves to view them larger, especially the panoramics).

Check out my bird-friend. ^^

This pup's name is Molly and she is just perfect. <3

The entire group. 

You can see the castle from everywhere in the village. 

Obviously I got a little carried away with photographing it...

Conwy, 2013. <3

xoxo