Farewell, Dear Readers...

After being read thousands of times by hundreds of people in a third of the countries in the world, I have come to my final post, sitting outside my gate at Dulles International Airport.

This morning I woke to pack up the last of my things, have breakfast and ensure that I had all the necessary paperwork in order. At 1:00pm I left Arlington with Caitlin's brother, Shane, who kindly said that he would drive me to the airport to save me lugging two bags in nice clothes throughout the metro and onto a bus. In plenty of time and running smoothly, I transitioned air side and grabbed a bite to eat before coming to my current chair, looking out at the 747 that will carry me home. 

I have enjoyed writing about my time in America and the amount of attention the blog has received has surpassed my highest expectations. So, it is with a heavy heart that I must bring it to a close at post 233 - not a particularly meaningful number, but perhaps this will give it some new meaning. Sadly, all good things must come to an end and I will return via a new blog once I am home, after a period of rest. It will not necessarily be a day to day account, but I will post the link on Facebook and Twitter (@BJpowell93) when I kick it off. 

So, despite my melancholic tone I am writing this post with a smile, thinking back on all the great times we have had this year. If you had asked me to describe my best case scenario of what this year could hold, it would not have come close to the real thing. It sounds cliché to say that this has been the best year of my life, but I must be trite. I could not have asked for more out of these nine months at Washington College, and I thank everyone here and at home who made it all possible. It is because of all of you that I had the chance to study abroad and that I had so many great times to write about here. 

Once again, I thank each and every one of you for following my international year and experiencing all it had to offer with me as I went: Crickets and routine shakers in the shower, day trips and road trips. Late nights and drunk nights, early starts and lazy brunches. First Fridays and farmers markets, fundraisers and family dinners. Coffee at Sam’s and drinks at JR’s, drinks at O’Connor’s and drinks at the Blue Bird. Drinks at Kent Crossing and drinks at the German suite…sorry, a slight tangent. Snow days and slow days, classes and deadlines. But most importantly, an endless number of amazing memories.

So, dear readers, I bid you farewell.

Mr Powell Has Gone to Washington. 

A Bite Out In Arlington...

Today, my final day of rest in the United States, was very much as it says on the tin. I spent the morning after breakfast watching lots of 'Suits' and doing a bit of writing. At midday I decided to step out into the 30'C of warm Arlington afternoon to explore the local area. 

After wandering a while, I decided to grab a bite to eat at a nearby bar and grill. So, I took a bar stool in the shade and watched the world go by with a sandwich and a cool pint. 

Returning home I watched some more 'Suits' and read for a while before eating dinner and watching 'The Holy Grail' - the perfect prequel to me returning to Blighty. This evening I ironed my nice clothes for travelling tomorrow and read a while longer. Now, I shall get some rest before the final leg of this wild journey.

On The Road Again...

Today I bid farewell to the kind and generous people in Montville to begin the final stint of travelling before heading home. This morning I packed up the last of my things and cleared up the bedroom, ensuring that nothing was left behind (touch wood). 

For breakfast Sean and I headed to OHOP (Original House of Pancakes) to meet up with a couple of his friends - I did think it was better than IHOP. We ate and chatted for an hour or so, then it was time to head to the bus stop. There, I bid goodbye to Sean, looking forward to see him on home turf in a month, and boarded the bus into the Port Authority like I did on Saturday.  

It was a much smoother ride in to the city outside of rush hour and the weekend throng, until we hit the tunnel. With the Peter Pan Bus for DC leaving at 1:00pm and our bus still in the tunnel at 12:40pm a slight panic kicked in. But, we cleared the traffic and my purposeful stride took me briskly through the station, and down to the correct gate within minutes of the bus pulling up. 

Once on board I quickly decided that for $13, the properly air-conditioned, wifi accessible bus with power points, seat belts and leg room, made for the best value ride this year - cast your minds back to the aptly named 'Ming In Bus' service at Spring Break.

The ride into DC took four and a half hours, but I've become so used to long journeys that it passed by fairly quickly, and with two seats to myself I managed to get a bit of rest. We arrived in DC slightly ahead of time and then it was three-quarters of an hour on the metro from Union Station across to Arlington. 

Once again, I have been greeted with maximum warmth and generosity as another family has opened up their home for a random Brit to crash in for a couple of nights - mistake number one: they showed me where the tea is. I chatted with Caitlin's brother and sister and ate, before meeting her parents. Unwinding for the evening, I am looking forward to a lazy day tomorrow to fully recoup before the final flight on Friday.

A Day At The Seaside...

Yesterday was a very lazy day spent writing a lot and playing the piano. In the evening after dinner, Sean and I met up with Lindsey at the local diner for a snack before she heads home to Utah. So, I managed to tick of two things I have been neglecting in the states this year; diners and loaded potato skins. 

Today we headed down to the seaside on what has been the warmest day since we arrived in New Jersey. It was a great last day here with very much a holiday feel, enjoying the warm sand, boardwalk food and dipping our feet in the chilly water.

Arriving back in the afternoon, the rest of the day was spent sorting out any last bits, including printing my bus ticket for tomorrow down to DC. I also loaded up some books on my kindle and finally opened the mini bottle of Southern Comfort that has been on my desk all semester - a toast to a great year and another excellent and much appreciated stay in Montville. 

First Communion...

Today, after a Granata-size breakfast of sausage, bacon, eggs and toast, we dressed smartly for Sean's cousin Jessie's first communion at his church. We arrived at the church by midday and the service then took about an hour and a half. 

Afterwards, we headed to Uncle Joe's for some food, drink and it gave me one last chance to thank the extended family for hosting me and giving me yet another new and fun experience during this year abroad. 

We came home early in the evening where I played piano for a while, caught up on blogging and, you guessed it, began hungrily eating through the third season of 'Suits' - twelve to go...

Nosing Around NBC...

Yesterday was an earlier start as I made sure that I had everything with me I needed for my last visit into NYC before I head out for DC on Wednesday. Sean drove me to the bus stop with my holdall and I took the bus into the city and the Port Authority. From there, I took the metro a short way and finally walking to Sutton Place, where my godparents were staying. 

After a quick catch up in the room we walked down the street to the local patisserie for some food and a drink before walking down to the river. There, we caught the ferry across to Williamsburg in Queens to see the food markets. Walking into the district we passed through the brewery quarters, stopping off for a drink in a local pub. 

We continued walking down to the Williamsburg Bridge, which we crossed to get back to Manhattan. Taking the metro I travelled as far up as Rockefeller Center to meet up with Jack, a new contact who works in a studio at NBC. I had a great tour around the studio before finishing up the day at an Irish pub a short way from Times Square for a couple of hours. From there I walked the short way back to the Port Authority, where I caught the 8:30pm bus back to Montville.

A Little Fall Of Rain...

Today our spell of hot, sunny weather was broken by a day of near continuous rain and downpours. However, after getting ready for the day, Sean and I drove to the nearby shopping centre and spent much of the time inside, so we only had to brace ourselves to and from the car. 

So, after several bank stops on the way, we grabbed lunch and did some clothes shopping. I, after many years of service and many back-handed remarks this semester, decided that the pairs of capris have had their day. We made a stop at American Eagle so that I could get a couple of new pairs of shorts in the sale for the upcoming warm days and, with any luck, some sunny weather when I get home. After that, we spent time getting Sean business clothes for his internship in Ireland.

All done with shopping the afternoon was still young, so we headed across the car park to the cinema, where we spent a couple of hours watching the new 'Godzilla'. Now, I'm not usually hyped by disaster/monster films, but I think it is well worth watching. And, not to sound too pseudo-intellectual, some of the shots and sequences were really impressive and effective. 

Following a drive through sheet rain to Montville, we ate dinner and then sat down to 'The Great Gatsby', which I haven't seen since almost exactly a year ago to the day, which is also when I began working on the current book project. I did indeed do some writing and caught up with a belated post for yesterday. I finished off the night with some more book and the final episode for season two of 'Suits'. Only the third season left and with no way of watching the episodes when I get home, I have a week to hit sixteen episodes - more than doable. 

A Day of Disney...

Yesterday we left in the morning to meet up with one of Sean's old friends to have breakfast at an 'IHOP' (International House of Pancakes) because I had not yet had chance to try this particular American experience. It was a great start to the day, swapping stories and eating classic American Pancakes, french toast, eggs and bacon. 

Returning home, we settled down to plug some of the holes in my watching of Disney films from childhood, that came up the night before. So, eating some leftover curry and Ben & Jerry's, we watched 'Sleeping Beauty', 'Little Mermaid', 'Aladdin' and 'Mulan' - a very lazy afternoon indeed. 

After watching some 'Suits', we ordered takeout Chinese and in the evening we watched 'Moulin Rouge' - no less tranquil than a Disney musical, but a film I have wanted to watch for a long time and I liked it a lot. 

Sean's Stroganoff...

A lazy start to the day, doing some writing and then playing the piano for a while - yes, even here I can tinkle the ivories. This afternoon Sean and I went to the store for him to buy ingredients for tonight's dinner that he was cooking for the household - beef stroganoff, which was very good. The meal was accompanied by pints of Ben & Jerry's and as ever, I went for peanut butter cup. 

This evening Tarzan was on TV and I accidentally opened the floodgate to all the Disney films I've never seen, which I was told I would watch before I returned home. So, that looks like tomorrow's schedule is full.  

Cooking A Taste Of Birmingham...

This morning we woke early to have an early breakfast and then head over to the neighbour's for an hour or so. Afterwards we stopped by the local pizzeria for a couple of slices before heading over to the Verizon store to look about getting Sean's phone sorted for Ireland. 

Coming home, I chilled out watching 'Suits' while Sean had a Skype meeting with Ireland and then we went over to the grocery store. In an attempt to give back some of what the Granata's have done for me, I cooked a curry for dinner with some beer and wine to go with it. The food was well received, but we'll see how the rest of the house feels tomorrow. This evening we chilled in the lounge, relaxing in the time we have, which is already rapidly flying by.

Unpacking And Repacking...

Today was a lazier day. First thing I headed down to the basement to greet everyone and I was kindly made an English muffin and a mug of tea to make me feel especially at home. 

After I showered and dressed for the day, just making the AM, I did the big task of the day, which was to unpack everything and re-pack it carefully again. Squeezing things in I managed to pack everything I need for the rest of my stay in my smaller travel bag so that I can drop off my holdall with my godparents in New York on Saturday. 

That done and after Sean had cleared up his things, we broke for lunch and a film. This afternoon was spent doing some book work, relaxing in front of the box and catching up on 'Suits'. Once the rest of the household had returned from their comparatively productive days at work we had dinner and then spent the evening with more writing and TV. 

A Second Mothers' Day...

Today was my first relaxing day in New Jersey and, my second Mothers' Day in the US. After a breakfast of eggs, potatoes and toast, we freshened up and then took a ride out to the Granata side of the family for Sean to catch up with his relatives before flying out to Ireland. 

We stayed a few hours in the sun on the deck, me applying a couple of layers of sun cream in a somewhat vain attempt to prevent any burning. I did, however, get to wear my new sunglasses, Ray-Bans I might add - a bit of self-congratulation at a discount after a successful year at WAC, as well as a necessity to prevent my horrendous squinting. 

Returning home, we relaxed with some sangria before a Mothers' Day meal with chocolate covered strawberries and a mug of tea - these two weeks are seriously all about the great food. This evening we chilled out in front of the TV watching a series called 'Sirens' - literally a whole series. I think I'm starting to learn how to go about this 'relaxing' business. 

Final Farewells...

So, although Friday was the last full day on campus, yesterday it was time to clear out our belongings, hand in our keys and say our final goodbyes at the CAC. 

Making sure I was up early, I crammed in the last few bits and pieces in what has actually been the easiest moving out experience at university yet, given that I can take very little back with me. That done, I checked out with Baker and shifted my bags into Sean's car. 

Then, we walked over to the CAC where everyone was waiting for the morning shuttles to take them to BWI or New Carrollton. It was a crushingly sad experience to have to say goodbye to everyone despite having plans to see some again in the near future and knowing that I will make the effort to stay in touch and visit everyone else. Even so, there were lots of tears and I don't mind saying that I was barely holding it together myself. But, at 9:00am the shuttles had a schedule to keep to and so did we. 

Departing from Washington College we drove Hjordis to Philadelphia for her to fly home to Germany. Detour made, we continued up to Montville where yet again I entered the Granata household dragging my belongings behind me.

We spent the rest of the day watching films and relaxing. As expected I ate as much food in one afternoon and evening as I have in the past few days. But, as always, the food is well worth it. I shall just have to continue with the running when I get back home. And so begins the final fortnight of my time in America and whilst I hope everyone enjoys there travels around the states and I look forward to the photos, I am looking forward to two weeks of relaxation.  

The Last Day...

Yesterday was the last day ever at Washington College. The last of my belongings were packed away and the room cleaned up. With most of the work done, I went down to Cheryl and David's to say one last hi and goodbye. After a mug of tea and a chat I returned to campus to see what everyone else was doing.  

Having spent much time helping Will roll up his posters and finding another text book of mine, we went over to the CAC to post the posters and sell off the last of our books. That done, I went over to KC and chatted with the parents for a while, giving them the schedule for the next couple of weeks.

In the evening and after dinner we went back over to KC and chilled out whilst the last of everyone's belongings were boxed up and put into suitcases. Then, we had a few drinks and walked over to the German Suite to meet up with everyone. Unfortunately, I threw the latch on Lenka's door and locked inside with my rucksack and all my important belongings, and the others' valuables too. So, getting Lenka's keys I headed back to KC to unlock the door. It was a great evening to finish off the semester and the year.

Last German Suite Party...

Yesterday was another day of finishing up. In the morning I went down to the shops to buy some packing tape, and I walked down to the Dollar Store to clear out there back storage of cardboard boxes. With all the things I needed, I went over to KC and spent the afternoon packing up Sean's kitchenware. 

That done and Will and Lenka at a break point with their essays, we headed over to the dining hall for some food. Afterwards we returned to KC and bought some drinks. Whilst the other two finished their work, I chilled out with a beer and did some concept drawing for the books. 

Later on I headed back to campus to change before going over to Chester and a farewell party in the German Suite. After a couple of hours we transitioned across to O'Connor's, where the international students took over the patio. It was a great night to toast a great year. 

German Suite Picnic...

Today was a more productive day, with the final bits of wrap up before Saturday. This morning I wrote a letter back to Blighty, did some emailing and took most of the stuff I am passing on to next year's internationals over to the GEO. An episode of 'Suits' was sneaked in there as well. 

At midday I had a bite to eat in the dining hall, bumping into Ester. Then I headed to ACME to get some food for Hjordis' birthday picnic. It being German themed in the German suite after rain called off using the green, I went for mini strudels. Arriving back on campus I played the piano for a while and then headed over to Chester to meet up with the others. 

Despite being inside there was still very much a picnic feel about the occasion, sitting on pillows and using a checkered cover for a tablecloth. It was an enjoyable couple of hours relaxing, doing the birthday cake and catching up with how everyone is planning on spending the rest of the summer. 

Afterwards, I walked over to KC to begin separating out Sean's kitchen things for Friday. Going to the dining hall and returning after food, I spent a couple of hours cleaning everything down and making sure that nothing was missing. Now, I just need to get some boxes to put it all in.

Lunch With Rick...

Yesterday was such an empty day of leisurely drifting that I took the executive decision to not waste what would have been a relatively empty post. I did, however, speak with parents a while and do a bit more with inter railing plans.

Today was an excellent day of relaxation. After a lie in, I dressed smartly and at midday headed down to the Fish Whistle for lunch with Rick, along with Lenka and Will. It was a great meal out on the deck in the warmth, watching people sail by, chatting about anything and everything. Before we knew it we were settling the bill two and a half hours later, with the promise to stay in touch with Striner once we're back across the pond. 

From the Fish Whistle we walked up to Sam's for a drink under the shade of the trees in the back courtyard. From there, Will left us for a while to take a sociology exam and Lenka and I wandered through town and down to the river.
We relaxed down at the boathouse for well over an hour, taking in the world, enjoying the quiet and watching the wildlife go about its business. 

At six we walked back up to campus for dinner and a catch up with the others on their days and travel plans after term ends. Afterwards, I went down to the piano for a while and then returned to Worcester to watch some 'Suits', and relax with some creativity - a perfectly lazy, hazy day. 

Why Not Work Some More?...

Today was a bit more productive that yesterday. This morning after brunch with Sean I worked on a new tune at the piano and then I started on season two of 'Suits' - the productive part is coming. 

In the time before dinner I then looked over and edited up a paper for Kristine, stopping briefly to get a coffee and a Snickers to keep me going - at fifteen pages I think we can class that as a good afternoon of work, free of charge I might add. I also fixed up a date to meet with my godparents in NYC after term ends, finalised lunch details with Striner and looked at trying to get a late departure from dorms.

By the time I was finished the Snickers had worn off, so I hit the dining hall. From there, I headed over to KC to offer up my laptop to Kristine as the document I attached to the email didn't open for some reason, so we went through my suggestions. 

This evening I went back over to Chester to watch the tail end of 'Kill Bill' followed by the sequel with Sean and Kayla. I received a second essay to edit over from Sean and caught up with the snooker, which I have missed since being in the states. With more papers coming in I'm starting to consider what my pagely rate might be. But, for the time being I am undecided, bored without a routine and apparently incapable of totally relaxing, so I'll take the work.  

Drifting Without Routine...

Yesterday truly was a lazy day of drifting. I did lots of writing whilst hanging out with Sean who was writing his last paper, played the piano and played Xbox. I also made arrangements to meet up with Striner for lunch at the Fish Whistle on Tuesday, which will be good. In the evening people came round to Sean's for Axel's 21st, which was a nice, social way to end the day.   

Chipotle, Not Chick-fil-A...

Today being a reading day from classes threw off my scheduling somewhat and I have spent the day thinking it's Saturday - which is always nice as it makes for a longer feeling weekend. 

So, with this free day I had an unprecedentedly long lie in until midday before meeting Sean in the dining hall for lunch. I then went over to Chester and chilled for a while before Kayla met us and we drove out to Chipotle, which is different to Chick-fil-A, but I continue to get them both mixed up. Anyway, the food was much needed and afterwards we stopped by Target where I bought a new pair of flip flops as mine broke yesterday. Considering that they were originally handed down from Tom to me some years ago, I think they more than proved their worth. 

Then we stopped at a Cold Stone ice cream parlour, which was great. Also, I realised that it was a place we stopped by at in San Francisco years ago and somewhere that I couldn't remember the name of. So, now I know who the company is I know what to look out for in the future. 

Back at campus I finished off the first season of 'Suits' and continued doing some work on an author brand, which is something that I have been looking into to make yourself more marketable if I am going to take this whole writing thing seriously. So, after thinking a lot about the themes and trends across my different stories I think I'm almost there. 

More May Day...

Yesterday saw the very last class of the year, and the end of uni work for six months. Afterwards I walked over to kc in the warm sunshine and relaxed on the balcony with Will until dinner. 

Following food, we went to the liquor store and bought drinks. After we had had a few and Kristine and Lenka were ready, we met up with everyone else in the German suite before going on to East Hall. There, preparing for May Day round two, people painted themselves up and lost enough of their inhibitions to head outside on the campus green and join the rest of the runners. I being the good friend that I am and not running around, held the clothes of the people who were. 

Into The First Day Of May...

Yesterday was the wettest day yet I think this year, with most of campus become one huge river of running water by lunchtime. 

In the morning and between class I played the piano and generally stayed out of the continuous downpour as best as I could. After class I went over to Sean's and spent the time before dinner writing whilst he finished essay work and then I looked over a paper for him. 

In the evening we hung out a while longer and then we went to see what the situation was with the first night of the May Day naked run around the campus green - before anyone says anything, I did not do it and won't tonight either. If anyone wants more information on the tradition, it is on Wikipedia with a full history of how May Day started. It was very weird at first, but once you've seen a bunch of drunk naked people, you've seen them all really. 

After a while, the novelty of the occasion wore off and, feeling peckish, we took a walk down to Rofo's as it was a warm night and no longer raining. We bought snacks and then walked back to campus to turn in for the night.