I've always wanted to go to Barcelona. I don't have the time or money to see multiple cities in Spain, but since I do have time for just one, I decided to make this dream come true. After planning FAR in advance and finding the best deals, the trip was set. There was much anticipation and waiting, but finally, June 26th arrived and I was set for tapas, sun, sight-seeing, and fun!

…except, I’m not going to Rome. Well, I was initially planning to go to Rome, but then everything changed. You see, I was supposed to undertake this glorious Italian vacation with a friend from my Masters program. But 3 weeks before we were scheduled to leave, she told me that she could no longer attend and was actually leaving London to go back home early. So, there's that. I briefly considered canceling the trip altogether.

Hands down, my favorite day trip so far. I couldn’t come to England without making trips to Stonehenge, Stratford-Upon-Avon, and Liverpool. It’s May and I’ve been to all three! I almost went with a packaged tour to Liverpool and I’m so glad I didn’t.

September 16, 2013 at 4:00pm. This was the time of departure from O'Hare Airport in Chicago, IL. Surprisingly, I did not feel very nervous and my emotions were under control. While on the plane, I decided pass the time (and try to forget that we were flying over the ocean--YIKES) by watching a few movies and getting some sleep.