Tales of a Traveling Teacher

As I begin to get settled back into my life at home, I’m thinking about all of those things I’ve missed this year and all of those things that I know I will miss from my new home in England.   Of course the “things” that I have missed and will miss the most are not things at all, but rather the people who fill my life with joy and laughter each and every day.    What I’ve missed from home: ·       Mexican Food o    There is some Mexican food in England, but very little and it is not quite the same.   I’m so used to tacos, chips, guacamole and margaritas on a regular basis, and I did miss it.   It does make sense that there are fewer Mexican restaurants, as there are not nearly as many Mexicans as there are in the US.   In the UK, Indian food is found on every High Street because the Indian population is so great. ·       Dryer o    I consider myself a “green” person, so I...

Well, the day has finally arrived. There were a few times this year when I thought the day would never get here, but for the most part, the day arrived all too quickly. I'm at the airport about to board the plane that will take me home. My stomach is in knots as the excitement in me grows and the sadness to be leaving so many wonderful new friends starts sinking in. This has been the most amazing, life changing, year of my life and I'm very sad to see it come to a close but eager to see what next adventure awaits me!

I'm very sad to leave this incredible country I've called home for the last year, but I must admit that I made the absolute most of my last day. I woke up this morning in the perfectly idyllic village of Castle Combe and wandered the streets spotting scenes from a favorite film. Five months ago I booked tickets to go to Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) and I was thrilled Leslie, my friend from high school, was able to go with me. If its possible, the home and gardens were more beautiful in person than onscreen. They were truly breathtaking! We enjoyed exploring the house, having photo shoots and wandering through the fields of wildflowers. I also enjoyed a scone with clotted cream and jam, one of my favorite British treats. This evening, after saying goodbye to the flat, the doves and the neighborhood cat, Gemma and Charlotte and I had a pub dinner where I enjoyed some more of my favorite British delights: fish and chips and pear cider. I topped the night off with star-gazing, ...