One final entry.

Some final words.

Some final memories.

My year abroad has officially ended. As I am writing this blog, I am sitting in the first-class cabin on a flight from Denver to San Francisco. How did I get here, you ask? Well, you will have to read on to find out ☺
I started study abroad last August. I had an epic first couple weeks, in which my memory of the amount of alcohol and fun consumed was, at best, blurry. The first semester, filled with the joys of crisp, fall leaves and crazy first snow’s, was a blast. I learned more about Québec, Canada, and the French language than is humanly possible within a purely classroom setting. I do not regret leaving my family and friends for so long, if at least I was able to enhance my university education.
Christmas break came soon enough, and eventually I was able to have some Mexican food, and drive a car (I plan on accomplishing these same goals within the next 6 hours haha). I had a great time with my family and friends, and I was sad to leave so quickly.

I could say that the last couple months flew by, because in some ways, I can’t believe it is already over. However, in other ways, when I consider just how much I did, it feels like an eternity. The snow came and went, despite its three-month-long duration. I saw Boston, Toronto, Québec City, and Ottawa. I saw some other parts of Québec, and travelled extensively throughout the city of Montréal, thanks to a fantastic public transportation network that I will miss dearly.

I am also learned a lot about myself, which I will not necessarily explore significantly on here. Some of my thoughts are personal, and do not need to be shared with the Web. I will say, however, that my priorities in life have shifted dramatically. I am looking towards the future while holding my family and friends in higher esteem. My sense of ‘home’ has been definitely strengthened.
Enough emotionally mumbo jumbo, I think. Time to get to the good stuff : how I spent my last week!

I will preface it with the fact that I am glad I can remember it. Having drank at least some alcohol everyday since Monday (it currently being Sunday), I went out in style. Monday I went and saw “A Single Man,” with Camille at the dollar cinema. Tuesday meant beers @ le Saint-Ciboire, Wednesday : dinner chez Leah, then drinks at the Drugstore (name of bar, not an actual drugstore ;) ). On Thursday afternoon, I got poutine with Bonnie and Cameron, then headed out with the latter and Lauren on a dance-capade at le Parking. We were all a little bit more than silly, and I got home as the sun was shining. It was a lovely experience!

Friday was slightly more subdued; with a big drink party on the terrace of le Saint Sulpice, we ended the night more drinks at the Drugstore.

Saturday, I went to a BBQ with Lauren and Cameron at Adam’s house. It was a plenty experience, accompanied with some gorgeous sunshine. Montréal was bidding me adieu in glorious fashion. It was followed up with some dinner with Leah, Cameron, and Morris.

I spent last night in an airport hotel, in a sort of daze. I was pleasantly awoken good and proper by the upgrades thanks to my father’s Gold Status with United Airlines. I was given priority baggage, a bigger baggage allowance (just as well, considering I had four suitcases),access to the Maple Leaf Lounge, and originally an automatic upgrade to Economy Plus on this United flight (the first flight was Air Canada). Well, I think when I asked for an upgrade on the first flight, just of the off hand that they had space, I was also put on the list for a possible upgrade on this second flight. I showed up in Denver International Airport and immediately got a Jamba juice. I headed over to my gate, having around 20 minutes before boarding began (oh and I also got priority boarding, so I boarded wit the first class people on the flight to Denver. I then heard on the intercom “Passenger Behts, please come to the podium for your upgrade.” I thought, “No, it isn’t possible, but I should check just in case.” Well, as it turns out, I was right! Pushed up to first class, baby!!! Big wide seat, free drinks, a free lunch, blankets, cushions, space, comfort, and all for a three-hour flight!!!!! I am definitely going home in style, both in terms of my final week and the journey itself.

So with this, I end my year abroad, and my blog as well. After all, I’m not going back to my old life. I’m going home for a new one.

-Graham