So… The last title I wrote ended in ‘… part 1 of many.’ Clearly I had the best intentions, but as usual, life got the better of me.

Quite literally, actually. In the months following that post I learnt more about the world, had more fun than I imagined I could, fell in love in the summer, learnt a new language and to cook a few things. I have drafts about all of my experiences and thoughts along the way, but many things have been left unsaid.

Institut Villa Pierrefeu… Thank you for teaching me about world cultures and practices. I look forward to using my skills anywhere and everywhere I go. So few appreciate the beauty in tradition and diversity that having had the opportunity to immerse myself in them is something I’ll never forget, nor underestimate its value.

Italy… Bella Italia! I mean need I say more about driving around Italy in the heat of summer? The beauty of travelling by car is the ability to explore all the places the train can’t get to

Summer romance… You’re a wonderful thing. You let me be myself, but also pushed me to try new things. Let me choose the music and the accommodation, even though you didn’t trust me with either. Kissed me passionately and held my hand, saying “who cares?” when I blushed at the people staring. Even though english humour is not your thing, thank you for laughing at all my jokes when you didn’t understand them.

Leiths… I will clearly never become a chef, but the discipline, knife skills and techniques I learnt in the kitchen are lifelong lessons. Onions are my new best friends; meal plans are harder than I thought, but well worth the effort; and my roommate will be forever-grateful for the leftovers I bought home.

Side note: Writing is like sharing stories around the dinner table, except no one is there to laugh with you in the moment. It’s a strange and wonderful feeling to hear the voice in your head talking as you type – it’s as if you’re sharing a story with someone for the first time, trying your best to explain it and be funny. Ps: I am funny.

Anyway, the purpose of this delayed post was to summarise very quickly that 2017 brought with it incredible learning opportunities, love and appreciation for relationships and friendships, and a broken but well-used suitcase!