Travels to and From Home (again)

Well, that's all, folks! As my first year of university is coming to a close, I find myself both looking back upon the past 8 months in my new home and forward into the next 4 months. Today, I write my last exam and in two days, I pack up the car and head home. It's kind of a bittersweet kind of deal - I'd love to stay here in Van and take the time to explore every nook and cranny that this beautiful city has to offer, but at the same time, I think it's time to head back to my roots one last time before I make this place my permanent, new home.

But it's not all so bad. I know I've knocked Abbotsford for being ridiculously boring and close-minded, but it's still my childhood and where most of my nostalgia comes from. What's keeping me coming back this summer are good friends and family, and the chance to soak up some good times with them. It feels weird to be growing up, and sometimes I still can't fully believe that I'm how old I really am. So, in hopes of taking back the carelessness of being young(er) one last time before I launch myself into this big, scary world and real life, I'm going to make the most of this summer.

What I'm mostly excited about are chilled, laid-back times with friends I haven't seen since we all moved out and went our separate ways for university. Times to be had at the beach, road trips, camping trips somewhere in the wilderness, and our old stomping grounds. Of course, I'll make sure to keep in touch with all of the new friends I had the blessed opportunities to meet this year!

In just over 2 months, I'll be back in Vancouver for a day or so before my sister and I head off to YVR airport and board a plane to...LONDON! From London, we fly to Edinburgh and will spend about a week traipsing around the beautiful landscape. Are you familiar with Scottish highlanders? They're basically cows with really long fur (hair?), and the babies are absolutely adorable. Though, having said that, my bestie (Kirk) told me that they aren't very nice...maybe this'll call for a sneak attack. Also in Scotland, we are planning to take a train through the backcountry into the Highlands and spend some time up at my sister's friend Rory's cabin! I'm super excited about these Scottish adventures, I've never been to the UK! My sister also mentioned something about falconry...in which case, bring.it.on. I'm SO down for some badass activities like that!

Additionally, after Scotland comes España, which I'm of course also really excited about. Spain, from what I've heard, has one of the richest and exotic cultures out there, and I can't wait to experience it from the inside! Weeee!

Oh, let the rain fall down and wash this world away

Yesterday, I was in a healthy sort of mood and decided to accompany Riley on a run in the evening, after I had already did a run of my own in the afternoon. For the first time in a good few days, the sky was pouring with rain like I haven't seen for a while. We didn't really have a concrete plan of where to run to, and I think that sometimes those are the best kinds. Well, I actually just think that sometimes it's more fun to not know where you're going, because then you don't know where you'll end up - it's the in-between, instead of the destination, that matters. We ran down NW Marine Drive, which is a beautiful road to begin with. When we reached an intersection, we decided to turn and run down to the Spanish Banks, one of many beautiful beaches here in Vancouver. The run down was strangely serene and gorgeous, even as the rain came down over our heads hard. One part on the way down to the ocean where there's a clearing in the trees and you can see the ocean stretching far. Despite such rainy weather, the ocean looked beautiful covered in fog. Barely able to discern between the mountains and ocean, I was lost in the sight and found it hard to keep looking forward. When we finally reached the beach, we went down the trail and all I could do was stare. Mind you, the rain was still relentlessly coming down, and I was more than okay with that. Sometimes, it just needs to rain to remind people that nothing's the way they want it all the time. And, in that regard, I think rain is hugely misunderstood and needs to be appreciated more. So, that being said: Rain, I appreciate you, even though you make my socks wet and get me sick. (: