14 days in.

So I'm getting close to the half way point and it's been amazig.  We have been joined by our third partner in crime Brittani and will be losing Marias friends soon.
Last some of you heard I was in Segovia, Spain.  It was beautiful there. From there we spent a few dats in Barcelona, Spain and were there for the cities festival.  Maria and I checked out of few of those events and tried to get into the thick of it and join the locals.  The closing fireworks show was gorgeous and clearly had significance to those who from the city although we didn't understand what was happening.

From Barcelona we took an overnight train to Venice, Italy. Which is absolutely beautiful in the ancient city. We did a gondola ride thanks to a lovely American couple who heard our haggling struggle and agreed to split to cost with us. Ate pizza and gilato too.

Now to Rome!

5 Days in...

Ok so here is how this will work. I can't do large blog posts from my phone but I don't want to leave out those of you who don't have instagram or facebooks. So I'll just post a few photos when I can. Which won't be too often since my phone only really works with wifi at the hostels.

First stop was London.

I

Maria and I at Buckingham Palace in London

Then Madrid

 

One of the gates to the Plaza de Mayor in Madrid

Now Segovia

BABAO: British Association for Bioarchaeology and Osteology

I had written a post about the BABAO conference right after it happened but then I lost it since I'm doing these things from my phone now.
Bit anyway!  It was a great conference.  Educational and fun. I wasn't all that great at networking in person but I did networked the shit out of twitter. the company was great it was really strange to see and hear people you cited and read all the time give presentations. 
The first night there was a wine reception at Durham Cathedral which is no York Minster but still beautiful.  The second night was the dinner and cailade (a Scottish dance) that was a lot of fun. Let me tell you Charlotte Roberts really gets into it. If you are in her way she will run you over. 
Anyway it was a ton of fun and I'm glad I went. Now onto my next adventure!

Goodbye York

My time is coming to an end. 343 days, 3,642 miles, 6 classes, 8 essays, ONE Dissertation of 21,010 words, 100+ Skeletons, 152 pages, 2 panic attacks, 3 late night staircase chats, and of course One amazing house full of memories.
This last year has been a roller coaster of self-discovery, through dirt, tears, laughs, heartbreak, coffee, and adventures I've come to understand who I am and what kind of person I wish to be. I'm by no means declaring that I have a plan, I still have absolutely no idea what I'm doing. I'm just saying that I have grown and changed during my year abroad.
I've discovered...
That I'm not half bad at what I do and that I do, in fact, want to do it for a long time if I can.
I've discovered that I can survive many things. Including depression, heartbreak, a lack of self confidence and English weather.
Iv'e discovered new friendships  can grow fast and be just as strong as old ones. And that old friendships can span miles and be just as strong as when you are together.
I've learned I still suck at grammar but I'm getting better.
I've learned that when life gives you lemons you can make lemon-aid, but then you can also throw those lemon scraps back and demand something better. You can't always improve your life.
Everything happens for a reason,  and you should always take the opportunity to learn from it. I wasn't accepted to Grad School anywhere in the States. Why? well because apparently the Universe had a journey of self discovery planed for me... and I don't want it to stop. I never want this journey to end.
I don't want to say goodbye to York. I don't want to leave Constantine House. I don't want to leave my friends. But although I have to go, and I will go in a puddle of tears kicking and screaming, I know there is another adventure that awaits. I just can't let myself get stuck. (Besides the internet is a thing).
So this is my farewell to York and to all my friends. I will miss pub nights, game nights, movie nights and of course Holidays and my little family at Constantine House.
Now that I have been all sappy and those of you reading from York are undoubtedly crying. Stay in touch Y'all!
As for all at home. I have one more grand adventure left (EURO TRIP!) and then I'm coming for you! So be ready October 22nd! (but give me a day or two to get over my jet lag).

Love
Katie