Where did the time go?

I just finished my last final and am catching up on neglected admin that had been piling up in my inbox. The second term was one to remember. Before the hurly-burly of exams, daily library and coffee trips, my family visited for a week, and we all managed to fit in my one-bed bedroom. Of course, it was worth it knowing that we saved £500 of rent.

We went to some of my favourite places. On campus, we popped by Rain or Shine ice cream and Wreck Beach. Around downtown, we walked around Stanely Park and Granville Market. In North Vancouver, we went to Whistler, hiked in Deep Cove and bagged the
famous honey doughnuts. We even visited a farm in Southlands for my sister’s love for anything bird related. Their arrival at the end of March coincided with the start of the cherry blossoms and sunny weather; it could not have been better timing. All this was amazing, although the highlight, I must say, was the last full day. My mum cooked several Chinese dishes and gathered our flat to eat
together. I think I got so caught up with sending them around the city, and this was a good reminder that they were here to spend time
together and see the ones who have been a big part of my life here. It was indeed a bonding experience and one I will remember.

When they left, there was an ironic Raincouver period during finals, but towards the end of it, the sun started coming around again,
giving me plenty of chances to apply my seemingly endless amount of La Roche-Posay SPF. A sunny day makes every trip that bit more special. Since it was too much of a risk to travel further than campus, we got to explore the grounds of UBC. We visited Nitobe Gardens, a traditional Japanese garden honouring Dr. Inazō Nitobe, who aimed to promote a better understanding of Japanese culture in the West. In fact, Emperor Akihito once stepped foot and said ”I am in Japan” - it’s considered to be one of the most authentic gardens outside Japan - and it is beautiful. The cherry blossoms were still in bloom and we could see the flowers reflected in the water.

Finals season was nothing short of a jam-packed period. My exams and submissions happened to be back to back in the middle of two weeks, which also meant that there was time to relax a bit before the storm. We went to Shaun’s concert at the Hollywood Theatre, stood so close to this talented man, and had the best time introducing my friend to K-pop. Currently, I have a few more weeks before heading back to the birthplace of afternoon tea, aggressive pigeons, and big red buses. I’m at that point where I am excited to go back but also know that I’ve built lifetime friendships here. It’s going to be a sentimental few weeks, but more than anything, I've realised
that any experience will come to an end no matter how long, and I am ever so grateful for every second I get on this year of studying abroad.

I’ve got to pack now because tomorrow, we are going on a day trip to Seattle!