Queen’s University offers an exchange experience at the Bader International Study Centre…better known as “The Castle.” I made the decision to go to the castle for 6 weeks last summer in order to travel and take a few courses. One year ago today, I left Canada and traveled to Herstmonceux; nervous, alone, and unsure what to expect. Little did I know that the experience in store for me would change my life. This #tbt is dedicated to my castle family and the memories we share. ♡
The BISC is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. The castle sits in the middle of the country and is breathtaking. I never imagined that my 6 weeks of school would be spent in such a place. The grounds were filled with twisting paths, gorgeous courtyards, animals (read: bunnies) galore, and incredible forests that we couldn’t help but explore.
I absolutely got what I expected out of my experience at the castle…the places we visited were gorgeous. From adorable inns, to the incomparable city of London, to the southern coasts of Eastbourne and Brighton, to the streets of Paris…I was not disappointed by what my European adventure had to offer.
What I did not expect from this trip was to form some of the greatest friendships I’ve ever had. Not only did I get to reconnect with an old friend…
…but the friends that I made at the castle are some of the greatest people I know. The family that we have is absolutely incredible. I never imagined that a group of people could capture my heart the way this dysfunctional crew did. This post is dedicated to them. The people who make me laugh for hours, and the ones who are there when I really need them. We had wild times getting lucky at slamlantis…
…and more shenanigans than I can even count.
The memories are endless….nights at the pub, slamlantis, taking dodgeball a little bit too seriously, YOU CAN’T DO THAT, Australian friends at the hostel, seeing Natalie Portman in Paris, #girlstrip, finding my codependent and my twin, connecting the web, BIG CARLY SING, a love/hate relationship with Dan Stone, laudamus te, my roomie and weirdo soulmate, learning to make a gin & tonic with Eugene, the best birthday I’ve ever had, and so much more.
To my family: thank you for being you. I will never forget our 6 weeks in Herstmonceux, and all of the memories we’ve made since coming back to Canada. I love you all SO much, and can’t wait for our next reunion.