July 31

I woke up early and decided to go to church one last time. There was actually an American priest visiting, and I could understand his entire sermon! I was really excited. I wonder if our "accent" is sometimes too thick, or if American's talk too fast for the Brits and make it difficult to understand us. I definitely have that problem with some of them.

I came back and made myself some banana chocolate chip pancakes, because it was Sunday brunch. Then for the rest of the day I switched between studying, Netflix, and packing. I finished my homework and then Alayna and I made an impromptu trip to Top Shop. Jorge got a necklace engraved with WC1B 3LH, which is our very specific zip code in London. This started a trend and JT, Aleesia, Alayna, and I all got necklaces relating back to our first European home. Aleesia's says "VLC.LON," JT's says, "VLC 46003," mine has the coordinates on the front and back, and Alayna got the coordinates for Florence. They're a little bulky for me, but I love the thought behind it, I do miss Valencia.

At 10:30 we left for the water, to watch Big Ben go off at midnight into August. This is something we said we'd do, and we actually made it happen each month! Brittany, Alayna, and Emily joined us this time around, and even though we exams in the morning, no one cared. We walked to my favorite spot in London on the Southbank and we waited. We avoided sentimental talks, because that means the end is near. I also felt like I wasn't in London last night. It honestly hasn't sunken in that I am in London, or that I'm leaving. Just like how Spain didn't feel real, maybe it's just too much to take in. I'm 19 and I've completed 3 semesters of college while traveling to 15 different countries...I am living my dream and it is a spectacular feeling. Emily and I agreed that sitting across from Westminster felt like we were staring through the virtual reality goggles, or looking at a postcard, but we weren't, we were there. We are here. It's crazy.