Shame walk.

Things have got pretty quiet around here. Someone was asking if exchange was ending with a bit of a bang and lots of parties. The reality is more of a slow fizzle.

Now, don't get me wrong, I love a bit of quiet Natalie time. Especially when I'm bogged down with coursework and running errands. But when peace and quiet is suddenly forced upon you day after day. It gets old. And quickly. 

To be fair, I saw this coming a mile off. Everyone has been excitedly sharing their travel plans and returning home, whilst I'm sat here preparing for my exam. Turns out that I've got a lot of study time on my hands and very little excuse for procrastination. =P

I have actually had a few really lovely days (post study session). But much of it has either been really simple, kind of abstract, or not blog appropriate... 

*mysterious laughter* ;)

Apologies my little ducklings!

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Over the weekend, Lindsey and I embarked on our final market and park venture before she went gallivanting off on her travels (which sound amazing). I am more than a little bit jealous! 

As we strolled towards the water, she enviously eyed-up the children as they 'selfishly' hogged what she declared to be an amazing swing. What do you mean actual children are playing on the swing? Oh, the outrage! =P 

Then, as I ogled at the pretty 'beach'-like area of the lake, Lindsey looked on horrified. Apparently it doesn't quite match up to Florida's standards. But with Scotland's sand and beaches as my most recent reference point, my expectations may have been set a little lower.

Debate: dirt or sand?

As well as the departure of yet another friend, I suffered a second loss that day. My lifeline. My baby. My bike. We had our final adventure together before she became almost impossible to ride. 

Please excuse me while I go sob uncontrollably. Cheers.

I probably could get her fixed but with just over a week left there seems little point. Just going to have to figure out what to do with my much-loved little darling. Because I don't think I could cope with the idea of leaving her to rust!

A second landmark event this week was the football match. Australia vs Netherlands. And, as I presume anyone who actually cares already knows, we won! 3:2. That was a fun afternoon! Again, I watched on campus - which was awesome. Bumped into a few people who I didn't even realise were still here, and said my goodbyes to a couple more. I spent the first half of the game chatting mainly to Eva - it was her final evening. Since both of us had arrived late we found ourselves standing on the outskirts of the little crowd with a beautiful view of a pillar right in the centre of the screen. Perfect. The second half wasn't much better in terms of actually seeing the screen, but we at least found some more of the gang. I sat with Michael and we looked on slightly bewildered, neither of us fully understanding what was prompting all the excitement (other than the obvious, e.g. goals). Such massive football people... =P

Also heard the news of a possible Glasgow visit. Exciting stuff!