I said I was going to maintain a blog while I was away, and I didn't lie, though I do acknowledge that I am a week late.

For those of you who don't know, I will be spending four months in the UK to learn more about theatre (they prefer to spell it this way), myself, and the world around me.

This has always been a life goal of mine, something that seemed to be so incredibly intangible since I was a young girl and being about to fulfill a childhood dream of mine is surreal.  I don't think that feeling will ever go away, and I hope it doesn't. Daily I remind myself that this is something I have dreamed of, something I worked two jobs for all summer and I refuse to let it slip between the cracks of my fingers. I vow to make the absolute most of this experience.

I won't try to recount everything that has happened every single day, I missed the bus on that. But from here on out I will do a much better job of documenting each day. If you want learn more about my abroad experiences thus far you can check the pictures on my FaceBook or even go to my instagram @heather_ashley_43. I will, however, attempt to recount some important ideas or thoughts I have had thus far.

1) Traveling can be stressful and sad and nostalgic and overwhelming and exciting and really every emotion ever. It's neither good nor bad, just something to recognize. The more we recognize the emotions inside of us the more we remain in the present moment, and the less these emotions build up in an unhealthy way. And not to mention the insane time different you face that completely screws with your internal clock. ALL of that can seem insurmountable, but the way that helped me to overcome this was to acknowledge each emotion, thank it for it's time, and move on from there. Just like The Guest House by Rumi says for us to do.  And to be honest, it works.

2) I am so amazed by those who go to a part of the world that speaks a different language that they don't understand. It's one thing to go and know that language or at least be familiar with it, but not knowing anything at all is admirable and brave. Just coming to the UK where they DO speak English I have been overwhelmed by some of the things I've had to alter about the way I live. Nothing crazy, but the fact that they drive on the other side of the road becomes a real danger when you're used to looking the other direction for cars.

3) There are so many stereotypes that we make up about British people and so many stereotypes that British people make up about us that just aren't true. Some absolutely are, and some are just utter bull sh**. For instance, British people don't hate America or Americans. In fact, I think they like when we come to their country just as much as we like when they come to our country. I have been so timid in approaching people here to ask them for directions or bother them with a question, but every time I've talked to someone they have been extremely nice and not bothered in the least. Especially their wait staff, they are some NICE people. In other words, act like a kind human being who is open to learning and loving the city you are traveling to.

4) The seamless yet striking blend of modern architecture and old, classical architecture will never ever get old.

5) I love learning. I never want to stop learning. About my craft, about other cultures, about other people and their lives. And I feel like, in order to love being an artist, you have to love learning. I don't mean the artificial learning you get from text books. I mean more of the intangible learning I can gain from just being around people that are different from myself, which really is everyone, right? And as artists it is our job to reflect the world around us, so we have to truly know the world around us to be able to resonate with the populous viewing our art.

I love my experiences here. While many of them have been challenging and tiring, each one has ended with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and happiness as I slide my shoes off my aching feet and sink into my bed at night with my brain full of knowledge from the day.