I'm almost constantly affected by nostalgia, specifically from my European adventure in '09. At times I feel as though I talk about it too much and that maybe I should tone it down a bit. Other moments, it's as if I don't keep it at the forefront of my memory it will disappear completely. I take an immense amount of joy in reminiscing over such an important part of my life. The trip took a lot of effort, an unbelievable amount of money but also paid off more than I can ever imagine.
For me, nostalgia comes in different forms and from different places. Over the past weekend I ran into my Oxford classmate Jade at Dave and Busters in Irvine. I remember reading that she was going to be in town, but completely forgot that it was going to be this past weekend. My mind immediately flashed back to steak dinners in London, late nights in York and incredibly long bus rides. I couldn't have been more excited. Just yesterday, I turned on the television as I was getting ready for work and eating lunch. I thoroughly enjoy Samantha Brown (she has the best job in the world) and she happened to be visiting the English countryside, beginning in Bath. Immediately I was transported back to my brief time in Bath. As I watched her sample the spring water (which is hot) I knew her reaction would be the same as mine (it tastes awful!)
On a walk today, I realized that for new good reason I had been postponing writing a letter to my home-stay mom from Oxford. I know that I've been busy but things will only get busier when school starts next week and I know how much I want to keep in touch. I realize that sometimes, just the little things, make the memory burn so bright.
And although I plan to return to Europe after I graduate from UC Irvine in two years, I know that the new memories I make there will never compare to ones I made as a member of Saddleback's '09 Oxford class. No matter what, I will always miss and remember fondly the time I shared with every person from that trip.
