Tying loose ends

Spent the last two days sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, wiping, and scrubbing the castle. Its a pretty hefty task. And its now complete. All the other students have left the castle, as we have split our separate ways. Our ending banquet last night was our final meal as a group. Just four months ago, we were strangers to each other. Slowly, we became something of a family, without realizing it. The last night reflected this as cheesy but fitting awards were handed out, laden with the inside jokes we have created from our shared experiences together. 

What has come to a close can never be repeated again in my lifetime. Its been special and unique. Studying abroad has taught me so much about the world and myself. Travel is truly a catalyst for personal development. I have changed so much over the last four months that I believe I would hardly recognize the person I was. I am still me, but a different me. The me who has had my eyes opened to new places and ways of life, even new ways of thought. 

The world feels smaller. When I was back home, Europe seemed like a long, lost distant land. I know it is vast, but the more I see of it, the more I realize that its not some unknown, unending mystery.