the first time i ran away

this past saturday we went on a collective trip to oxford where we toured parts of the campus and strolled through the town a bit. despite the wicked cold, it was a really lovely, educational trip and it felt good to get out of london for the first time. just driving two hours outside the city made so many emotions come out of me, which was pretty interesting and almost grounding. driving down the highway, trees flew by both sides of us and soon turned into open spaces that then became rolling hills. feel free to consult katlin, but with just the 30 second glimpse of pine, my eyes literally swelled up with tears after not seeing trees for so long. maybe that's pathetic, maybe it's beautiful. either way i was so filled with bliss, not just from viewing these window portraits of the nature i've been missing, but also from the absolutely genuine happiness i felt from the natural environment. 

i feel like i'm on the right track with this, and that feels so good. this being life in nature. 

ah, wales. 

my friend, dan, who is teaching me how to play the ukulele *forever grateful*

my loves in the west, i miss you

the library used in the filming of harry potter (so cool)

tourist views

this girl was traveling alone and seemed like she was doing the 'backpacking through europe' thing,
which reminded me of all the cool things i want to do

the light pole that was said to have inspired c.s. lewis in the lion, the witch and the wardrobe

such beautiful architecture and landscaping everywhere, but these are dorms for crying out loud

the organ

this kid's father yelled at me. i thought his kid had a cool hat.

more settings used in the filming of harry potter (the exposed hallways)

really good friends; grace (new zealand), katlin (us), and megan (new zealand)

jin! (south korea)

dining hall that inspired the one built for harry potter

i liked the style of this portrait

an orchestra playing in the chapel; it was a nice treat to sit down and just listen in the warmth