Spring Break Travels. "And in this moment, I am happy"

So I am sitting in my apartment on a Sunday morning with a warm cup of tea trying to procrastinate before my last final exam tomorrow. What better way to procrastinate than to catch up on my blog? Yes, I realize it has been well over 2 months since I took the time to come back to it, and that I am leaving to go back to America in just a few short days, but I need to do this for myself. I have not even really had time to think because I really haven’t been back in Cyprus for that long from all the intense amount of travel we have done and honestly, coming up with the time and energy to process through everything is very hard. I have never packed and unpacked so much in my life.

So far this semester, I have been to 14 different countries (plan on making 15) and everywhere I have gone, I have marveled over the beauty that surrounds me. Let me start with my UK trip:

England.
Tea, tea and more tea. I found for myself a second home in England. My family was absolutely amazing; they opened their homes and hearts to me and I was able to do and see so much with them. I haven't seen them in 4 years, so I am so grateful for that one week there. I couldn’t have asked for more, except more time.

 Here are some true highlights of my time there:
*Going to the point-to-point races with my Uncle
*Spending some time on the farm (dehorned a cow and got to hold a baby sheep to bring it into the fields)
*Introducing my amazing group of friends to my family and showing them around the farm (never in a million years did I think I would be doing that)
*Watching my stubborn uncle be an amazing host by bringing out homemade soups, biscuits, tea (everyone was truly impressed, so that you Uncle Stephen for everything you did)!
*Laughed until my stomach hurt
*Drinking tea and spending time with my wonderful and inspiring grandmother
*Meeting my cousin at Cambridge University (Thank you Hope for having me and being an excellent tour guide)
*Punting down the Cambridge River with my cousin and her friends
*Going to my cousin's formal "Harry Potter" Dinner
*Finding out that I qualify for Dual Citizenship (Thank you Sarah for helping me figure this out, this is something I have dreamed of forever. You were really amazing with everything!)
*Big family meals full of delicious homemade foods
*Going through old family photo albums and reminiscing about our family events
*Trips into London to see my cousin who was an amazing tour guide (It was wonderful getting to spend some time and get to know you Rachel, I had a blast!)
*Going to the pub with my cousin Lee (Thanks for all that you did on this trip Lee, you are one great guy)
*Got to see my beautiful cousin Megan turn sweet 16
*Watching the Sunset at beautiful Becketts








I love and miss everything about England. I really hope to be back there someday soon.

Scotland.
History, beautiful, architecture, kilts, haggis ex...

 Here are some highlights of our time in Scotland:
*I wouldn't say almost missing the bus from England-Scotland was a highlight, but it taught me the art of patience on that 9hr long bus ride
*Trying haggis, neeps and tatties (it had to be done)
*Men in Kilts
*Watching two of my friends buy kilts and then dress up in them to go on our pub crawl
*The Edinbrough Castle
*An underground ghost tour (scared out of my mind!)
*Deep fried mars bars (soo delicious)
*Rock skipping in the Scottish Highlands
*Driving through the highlands (we drove 320 in one day, but it was truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen)
*Taking a boat ride down Loch ness
*Meals at “The Elephant House” where JK Rowling got inspiration for Harry Potter
*Bagels! (Some food from home we were all craving)
*A 3hr historical walking tour (our feet killed afterwards, but we got some good food out of it)
*Great dinner conversations with the best travel companions
*The amazing heritage shop where we got our pictures taken in traditional Scottish uniform
*Sitting in my lovely Haggis corner

Ireland.
Music, culture, scenery, beauty. I loved absolutely everything about this remarkable place.

 Here are some highlights of our time there:
*Seeing Jenalee freak out for the first time on the plane
*Beating out Ryanair
*Marveling at the Cliffs of Moher
*Driving through beautiful fields of gold
*Thinking about home
*Temple Bar in Dublin (full of traditional music pubs...had some of the best times there)
*Sitting in the front row at a pub where we were sang to
*Seeing one of my best friends from home who is studying abroad in Galway in all her element (practically jumped on top of her when I saw her). Thank you Colleen for showing us around and putting up with our nonsense. I loved seeing you in your new home environment, it was truly special.
*Watching American Exchange students fill a fountain with bubbles where we all proceeded to play in it
*Fairy circles
The Guiness Factory (coolest factory ever)
*Amazing tour guides driving us through the burren, Conemmara and Cong
*The Kylemore Abbey
*Beautiful scenery
*Grazing sheep and green, luscious lands
*Traditional Irish Music
*Catching the site of a rainbow on our way back to Cyprus













This trip to the UK was everything I hoped it would be and more. I found a second home there and more than anything aim to be back there soon. The city life, the history, the culture, scenery and the beauty really make these places so remarkable. Plus, to add to it, my family and friends made this time even better.

I came up with a saying for this whole trip and what it meant to me. My friends were getting so sick of me saying it, but all I could think about was; "And in this moment, I am happy."

Thank you to my wonderful family and friends for the most amazing spring break I have ever had!