Final Goodbye

My Feet Are Somewhere In The Middle

Before I left, I had to celebrate with the friends that are still in the area. Where better to host such an event than the place that I have spent far too much of my time since I arrived in America? Elmers! But first things first. On our way back to New Britain from Evan's house I thought that this would be the best time to update my foot wardrobe. Having size 13 feet, purchasing footwear has never been the easiest of tasks and more often than not result in me forcing my feet into smaller sizes. However, this is the country of basketball players and freaky feet, surely they would be able to satisfy my need?

Great Friends

A Ceremonial Part Of The Team

Entering the first shop, I found nothing with the largest size being a UK 11. The second, a UK 10. So far, not so good. The third shop had a nice deal of buy one get one half price and luckily they had a UK 13 in a nondescript brand. They fit like a glove, purchase number one. For the second pair, I don't know how I managed it but I managed to squeeze into a UK 11 and they also fit like a glove. Again, another non-descript brand but who cares, I have shoes that fit. Lastly I needed some indoor football trainers, as we entered the last shop I instinctively found myself walking to the bargain section. You know the ones, propped up in the corner with last season's models that hadn't sold. Usually this is my haven as not many people have freaky sized feet so they always go unbought. Unfortunately I only managed to find a pair of UK 12's but decided to go for it anyway. For $20, it'll have to do. Whoever said that it's easier to get trainers in America, it's a lie! I guess you need to know the right places but I certainly couldn't find them. All throughout the shopping trip, Evan kept showing me pictures of monkey feet saying that I've not evolved. It is true, my big toe does stick out an awful lot.

Checking His Statement The Morning After,
Evan Had Gone Overdrawn To Bring Out
Uncle Jager

Arriving at Elmer's Place, I was greeted by John, Lauren, Mike, Scott, and Jenn, along with multiple beers for $1 a pop. Evan tried his hardest to get me worse for wear but ended up inflicting the punishment on himself making a mess of the lamp post outside of the establishment, much to our amusement. This continued on into the morning as he destroyed John's front garden, a shopping centre's urinal, and Crazy Kate's front garden as I said goodbye to her. Having spent most of my evenings at Elmers I was awarded an Elmers Staff t-shirt from the owners son. Probably the only person to be in the building more than myself. Aussie Jon will be so jealous.

Evan's Parting Gift

On the Thursday morning Evan and I loaded up his truck and made our way to Newark Airport. I thanked his Dad and Stepmum for having me and for all they have done for me whilst I've been in America, we did get free petrol for our trip to Texas after all. Leaving the area for the last time we arrived at the airport all cowboyed up with me carrying my suitcase, hand luggage, laptop, and winter coat as Evan walked ahead unburdened. I must have looked like some kind of cowboy butler. After checking in we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways with a promise that we'll continue where we left off in England before too long.

Arriving back in England was strange as very little has changed, although it is good to hear proper accents again. It is nice however to notice that the town centre are still flying St Georges, and Union flags from the Jubilee. After living in a country where flags fly all over, it is nice to see some patriotism.

I will never forget my time in America and loved the experience, I have made some unbelievable friends that I will stay in touch with. If anyone reading this is a little unsure about taking a year or even a semester abroad - DO IT. You will have a great time and meet some fantastic people. On the selfish side, I now have a places to stay in America, Sweden, Germany, Spain, Samoa, Australia, and Brazil. I didn't manage to break into the Asian market unfortunately but I guess that will be someone elses victory.

Evan and his family for
the means to go to Texas
and Niagara Falls, for
providing me with
work, giving me a place
to stay, Thanksgiving,
getting me some teeth
whitening trays
for free, and for being a
fantastic friend
and shofer.

I would like to thank everyone that has made this trip what it was:

Aussie Jon and his family
for Florida, my time at
his house, and for all his
help and for being
such a great friend.
Despite his disgusting
habits. I don't like
spitting!

Hongi for her friendship
constant abuse, and for her
organisation skills.
German Efficiency at
its finest. Our trips
wouldn't have been the
same without her.

Erik for being such a great travel
companion and champion
white water rafter - despite the
girlish screams. Things weren't
the same in the 2nd semester
without him.

Ethan for his fantastic wit and ability
to tell stories. The Ethan film rating
scale will go down in history.

Stef for some being a part
of our travels, for translating
things in the Nazi Museum,
and for putting entertaining
emphasis on the word 'vhat'

Marianna for introducing
me to the biggest smile
in the world, and for
introducing me to her
dog. Sorry, her 'Baby' 

Jenn for all of our silly times
together, for making me feel
special, and for being
such a wonderful person.

Mike for allowing me to drink at his
house with John all the time. Wishing
him all the best at his new job.

Art for making me
feel so comfortable
from day one in
a new surrounding.
Too bad he wasn't
old enough to drink,
although we did supply
him on numerous
occasions.

Scott for his friendship and
being a great left back and
covering up my mistakes.

Lauren for introducing me to the
Country lifestyle. Continue
to torture John for me and I
promise that I won't lose my dimples.
Good luck in Boston.

Crazy Kate for her kindness, her
friendship, and for being such a good
sport when Evan and I teased her.
She is a little crazy though

John for including me in so much of
his plans and  making me feel
welcome. I'll have to look at a way
to import Dubra.

Alejandra, Sofia, Cristina, &
Claudia for such great times,
their friendship, and for
teaching me the basic Spanish
that I should have learnt in
school, and for teaching
me that Spaniard is a
bad word.

Rob (The Dorms Resident Director) for never reporting us when he knew full well we were drinking in the rooms.
Elmers Staff for giving me something to do during times of boredom.

And most importantly My Family for all of their support, without them all this would never have been possible. Thankyou

I can't describe how great you all made my trip, but thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To all of those who have followed my journey, thank you for taking the time to read my posts. I have updated my Writing Section at the top of the page with updated versions of my work if you'd care to have a look. If anyone ever has any questions about my trip or if you're a student looking to travel for a semester or two in need of adve, feel free to get in touch at longpigsnorthy@gmail.com.

Thanks again!