It's hard to believe, but I'm actually writing this post from Arkansas, which means my summer in Europe has come to an end. Roughly 2 months ago I embarked on a journey that had lots of questions with just a couple of answers: I was going to Cambridge, England, I was sharing a shower, had no air conditioning and had no clue what the next two months had in store for me. What I found out was it was a trip of a lifetime. It's funny how things work out. You sit and think about a trip like this for months. The pros, the cons, the money, the "what ifs" and "why nots" and after it's all over, you tell yourself you would do it again in a heartbeat. I guess that's what this is all about, taking chances, cashing in on opportunities like a winning lottery ticket, and finally making as many memories as possible. I think I speak for my group of 8 when I say, mission accomplished.
After our trip to Scotland, we just had a short time left to enjoy Cambridge. We were blessed with the visit of some friends from Mississippi, Katie and Sarah, who had the honor of staying on Lensfield Road for a few days and experiencing Cambridge life, including pub golf and a foam party, with us. I'm pretty sure Cambridge did not dissapoint on all accounts. These two were thrown into the group from the second they got into town, and handled it quite well I must say. They even got to enjoying a Camrbidge tradition: Punting. That's one thing I will miss for sure, 70 degree afternoons on a boat, good people, good drinks and taking turns trying to guide this boat with a 20 foot stick. Makes for a good way to pass time. Pub Golf is also something all should try at some point. Let me just say, it's not easy. I'm not going to take the time to explain, but it's one of the toughest courses I've ever played. Horne, hat's off to you, buddy. You would be a Ryder Cup Team Captain pick for sure. Ok, so on to the sobby stuff...
I always complained about my room; no air conditioning, bathroom down the hallway, a bed on wheels that could be used as an oversized skateboard, but the funny thing is, I had a hard time closing the door for the last time. Similar to my leg not letting me jump 40 feet off a rock ledge into a pool of water while canyoning, my body didn't want me to close the door. It was like I was closing another chapter of my life, it was the end. Maybe it was because my maid had locked me in my room my last morning in Cambridge and I had to climb out my window and use my key to unlock the door, but overall it was just simply hard to leave. I could not have asked for a better group to fall into for the six weeks I was in Cambridge. So many different personalities, but all with a common interest: making the most of this summer and having fun doing it. So, this is to you: Horne, Kyle, Josh, Ben, Alan, MJ and JJ, you are some of the craziest, most fun, most ridiculous, and honestly best people I have had the chance to hang out with. From warm Strongbow and Carlsburg, our Cambridge friend taking us to the most shady liquor store ever, the Snug, the Reagle, Duncan's Class, the Paddock, The Place (I'll be 80 talking about that place), weekend travels (queuing at Wimbledon, MJ's dank you, canyoning, hostels with mannequins, Espionage, etc), the Anne Frank Suite, and lastly, late nights simply sitting in Josh's room on Lensfield hacking off the Asian RA. and where the conversations led us, thank you. Y'all are friends for a lifetime and hope y'all feel the same way. Now, until we are older, famous, and have lots of money and can reunite in England again, a reunion in the states is a must. Until then, stay out of jail, make good, err satisfactory grades, enjoy not having to take the Underground, air conditioning, TV, and the common use of deodorant by Americans, and lastly, keep in touch. For those who've kept up on this blog, thanks for reading...If I get really bored, go broke, or win the lottery, I may turn this all into a book. I honestly wouldn't have to make much of it up. The facts are funny enough and dramatic enough on their own. Last fall I was going to apply for The Real World, but had a quarter life crisis when I realized I was too old. Good thing, becuase I'm pretty sure I got something better out of this deal... This whole experience has made me a better person and it's no doubt because of the people I met along the way. Talk to you yahoos soon. Oh, and anyone is looking for a mediocre to average volleyball team to play, I think I know where to round up some players...
Until my next post,
Life's a garden. Dig it.
Woodard
