This is the life.
Sipping drinking chocolate with Bailey's Irish cream in my Dublin hotel room...after seeing Welsh countryside, hazy waters, and a brand new city all day...
I could get used to this!
29 July 2011
28 July 2011
Human, human of the year, and you've won
I am getting so bad about blogging daily!!
Our last two days in York were about as uneventful as the first three...I will probably never return to that city. Not worth a second trip. It has its history, and that's it.
27 July:
Last class in the morning, then we headed to the National Railway Museum. In case anyone doesn't know, I absolutely love trains--always have, ever since Thomas the Tank Engine--so this was a particularly happy day for me. Old trains, new trains, big trains, small trains... It was really cool for me to see the Japanese bullet train, since the last time I saw one was in Japan in 1998 (I rode it!).
Kalen, Tiffany, and I wandered off to get afternoon tea following the museum, which was delicious--as usual--and my favorite part of York, if I'm being honest! I'm going to miss those tea rooms.
Wednesday night, we had a classic girls night, something we haven't done yet here. It was...awesome. Ordered pizza, watched Pride & Prejudice, talked about all sorts of girly things, all the things you ought to do with girlfriends on a lazy night in York. I couldn't have been happier.
28 July:
Last day of English breakfast! I'm going to miss that, too. Who would have thought I would love baked beans for breakfast? Lol
We spent most of today on a train, which means I spent most of the time sleeping because trains knock me out. A nap was definitely needed though; I'm starting to run down a bit from always being on the go.
After what felt like ten years of travel, we made it back to Regent's to get our things, headed to the flats (where I now have a room with Tiffany, Kalen, AND Kristine!!) and managed to find time for the fastest shower of my life.
Why such a fast shower? Because I had to leave in a half hour...to go see my brother, dad, and Mo!! :D Seeing my family was definitely the highlight of my week. I've really missed everyone back home, even though I'm going to struggle to leave. If I could just pick everyone up and bring them here forever, I would!
Wishing I had more to say, but really, we've just been hanging out for a few hours planning our trip to Dublin. We leave bright and early tomorrow, and I'll try to post when I can, but no promises. Eventually I'll get to it! :)
Sending all my love back home!
Our last two days in York were about as uneventful as the first three...I will probably never return to that city. Not worth a second trip. It has its history, and that's it.
27 July:
Last class in the morning, then we headed to the National Railway Museum. In case anyone doesn't know, I absolutely love trains--always have, ever since Thomas the Tank Engine--so this was a particularly happy day for me. Old trains, new trains, big trains, small trains... It was really cool for me to see the Japanese bullet train, since the last time I saw one was in Japan in 1998 (I rode it!).
Kalen, Tiffany, and I wandered off to get afternoon tea following the museum, which was delicious--as usual--and my favorite part of York, if I'm being honest! I'm going to miss those tea rooms.
Wednesday night, we had a classic girls night, something we haven't done yet here. It was...awesome. Ordered pizza, watched Pride & Prejudice, talked about all sorts of girly things, all the things you ought to do with girlfriends on a lazy night in York. I couldn't have been happier.
28 July:
Last day of English breakfast! I'm going to miss that, too. Who would have thought I would love baked beans for breakfast? Lol
We spent most of today on a train, which means I spent most of the time sleeping because trains knock me out. A nap was definitely needed though; I'm starting to run down a bit from always being on the go.
After what felt like ten years of travel, we made it back to Regent's to get our things, headed to the flats (where I now have a room with Tiffany, Kalen, AND Kristine!!) and managed to find time for the fastest shower of my life.
Why such a fast shower? Because I had to leave in a half hour...to go see my brother, dad, and Mo!! :D Seeing my family was definitely the highlight of my week. I've really missed everyone back home, even though I'm going to struggle to leave. If I could just pick everyone up and bring them here forever, I would!
Wishing I had more to say, but really, we've just been hanging out for a few hours planning our trip to Dublin. We leave bright and early tomorrow, and I'll try to post when I can, but no promises. Eventually I'll get to it! :)
Sending all my love back home!
26 July 2011
We can't rearrange
Things are starting to get a little heated here. Class today was...a disaster, and quite frankly, if I get yelled at one more time by a specific person, there will be blood.
On a more positive note, here's what we did yesterday!
We had our first class in the morning, and although it's not my favorite style of class (so much tedious lecture) we did learn quite a bit. I knew next to nothing about English history up until yesterday at 9:30am, so I suppose it's all worth it.
We then wandered the ruins near the York Museum and stopped for afternoon tea at a little tea room called Baileys (unfortunately, no Irish cream involved...and yes, that's sans apostrophe). The Shambles were further explored--considering our first day, most everything was closed--and we found a sweet shoppe with some delicious rum truffles. I'm going to miss spoiling myself here.
And then last night, another hospital run. Not for me though, and nothing too serious. Just another day in the life, lol.
And now, today...
Just got back from class and I'm going to do my best not to ruin this post by discussing the events that unfolded in the room. Let's say that not everyone here is worth being my friend, and it absolutely amazes me how hurtful and condescending some people can be. Makes no sense.
York has proven to be a bit of a downer so far. Wishing I was back in Edinburgh, where everything is beautiful and not covered in goose poop...
On a more positive note, here's what we did yesterday!
We had our first class in the morning, and although it's not my favorite style of class (so much tedious lecture) we did learn quite a bit. I knew next to nothing about English history up until yesterday at 9:30am, so I suppose it's all worth it.
We then wandered the ruins near the York Museum and stopped for afternoon tea at a little tea room called Baileys (unfortunately, no Irish cream involved...and yes, that's sans apostrophe). The Shambles were further explored--considering our first day, most everything was closed--and we found a sweet shoppe with some delicious rum truffles. I'm going to miss spoiling myself here.
And then last night, another hospital run. Not for me though, and nothing too serious. Just another day in the life, lol.
And now, today...
Just got back from class and I'm going to do my best not to ruin this post by discussing the events that unfolded in the room. Let's say that not everyone here is worth being my friend, and it absolutely amazes me how hurtful and condescending some people can be. Makes no sense.
York has proven to be a bit of a downer so far. Wishing I was back in Edinburgh, where everything is beautiful and not covered in goose poop...
24 July 2011
I'll be the last train home
We left Edinburgh for York today. I don't know how I feel about this transition... I haven't posted since 23 July at midnight, so here's a recap of the last two days.
Yesterday, 23 July:
Our last day in Edinburgh, my favorite city on the face of the earth. We rose at our normal early time and headed to the National Museum of Scotland, where we saw a million and one different things, as usual. Then off to an underground tour of the vaults, which were pretty creepy even in the day (I have no idea how some people did it as a ghost tour!). It was disgusting to think that people actually LIVED in the underground vaults below Edinburgh... So gross and inhumane. But then again, Edinburgh was a pretty gross city to begin with back in the day (always smelled bad, apparently) so I supposed the vaults are exactly what would be expected.
After the tour, we got a shot of whiskey and some shortbread from the tour guide (standard procedure) and then headed off to lunch. Kristine and I are getting pretty good at splitting dinners (since we never finish a whole one on our own anyway) so we tried steak & ale pie, a UK classic, and it was absolutely delicious. I know some people complain about the food here, but honestly, I think most of the traditional stuff is pretty good!
Following lunch, we went back to the museum to finish up what we'd missed in the morning, and then we headed home to relax a little and catch up on sleep. I took a well-deserved nap (unintentionally, actually, but that's beside the point) and had a bunch of crazy dreams about museums and architecture, lol. Talk about my brain sifting through my day.
Dinner that night was at the campus bar, which is a place I'm really going to miss. A little slice of home, kind of--except nothing like America, not at all. We then wandered down to the Salisbury to get Pimm's (which I absolutely CANNOT WAIT to drink legally in the USA, it's so quenching and delicious).
Of course, with a few drinks, everything starts getting pretty sentimental... And I started realizing how much I'm going to miss everyone here. I know I've spoken of it before, but it's really starting to hit me; these girls are some of my best friends now, and Magee and Rebekka have become constant factors in my day that I don't know how to go without at this point. We've been bonded by a unique experience, and that gives us some sort of weird place in each other's lives. For us students, we are best friends that didn't expect to become that way; for Magee and Rebekka, we're their first study abroad students and very much their friends in lots of ways. I'm going to miss everyone so, so much when I go back home.
I skyped my best friend Laur last night though, and I know I have to go home. I love them all too much. There are bits and pieces of me back there, too.
Speaking of leaving bits of myself in places... Edinburgh. You will always have a part of me. I have never been as happy as I was in Edinburgh, and I don't know how I will ever achieve that feeling again. I will always be trying to get back to you, always reaching out to touch the sky from the top of Arthur's Seat and feeling like the whole world could crumble and I'd still be smiling. I love Scotland, more than I can even fathom.
And now, to York. 24 July:
To be honest, nothing about York has really impressed me yet. Perhaps it's just the contrast between Edinburgh and here, but truthfully, I don't think this place is quite as rewarding for me. It's pretty, I suppose, and the old buildings and the wall are kind of cool, but it just doesn't get me like Edinburgh or even London did. Just not for me, I guess. I think it'll get better with some sightseeing.
We went to Yorkminster for Evensong, which was an interesting experience. The music was beautiful, and there is definitely something to be said for seeing a service in a very old Church of England. Exploring the church afterward was fun, too, and we stopped at a little pub for a bite before heading toward the Shambles.
The Shambles are a row of shops from as early as 1434, all cramped in together with old and new. It's apparently the basis for Diagon Alley (from Harry Potter), and it's easy to see why. We also saw the shortest street in England, conveniently named "Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate" for some absurd reason. Its only addresses where 1 and 1 1/2. Crazy stuff.
And now, hopefully to skype my brother in Paris along with the family and my baby French cousins! Hope everyone in the USA isn't dying from the heat!
Yesterday, 23 July:
Our last day in Edinburgh, my favorite city on the face of the earth. We rose at our normal early time and headed to the National Museum of Scotland, where we saw a million and one different things, as usual. Then off to an underground tour of the vaults, which were pretty creepy even in the day (I have no idea how some people did it as a ghost tour!). It was disgusting to think that people actually LIVED in the underground vaults below Edinburgh... So gross and inhumane. But then again, Edinburgh was a pretty gross city to begin with back in the day (always smelled bad, apparently) so I supposed the vaults are exactly what would be expected.
After the tour, we got a shot of whiskey and some shortbread from the tour guide (standard procedure) and then headed off to lunch. Kristine and I are getting pretty good at splitting dinners (since we never finish a whole one on our own anyway) so we tried steak & ale pie, a UK classic, and it was absolutely delicious. I know some people complain about the food here, but honestly, I think most of the traditional stuff is pretty good!
Following lunch, we went back to the museum to finish up what we'd missed in the morning, and then we headed home to relax a little and catch up on sleep. I took a well-deserved nap (unintentionally, actually, but that's beside the point) and had a bunch of crazy dreams about museums and architecture, lol. Talk about my brain sifting through my day.
Dinner that night was at the campus bar, which is a place I'm really going to miss. A little slice of home, kind of--except nothing like America, not at all. We then wandered down to the Salisbury to get Pimm's (which I absolutely CANNOT WAIT to drink legally in the USA, it's so quenching and delicious).
Of course, with a few drinks, everything starts getting pretty sentimental... And I started realizing how much I'm going to miss everyone here. I know I've spoken of it before, but it's really starting to hit me; these girls are some of my best friends now, and Magee and Rebekka have become constant factors in my day that I don't know how to go without at this point. We've been bonded by a unique experience, and that gives us some sort of weird place in each other's lives. For us students, we are best friends that didn't expect to become that way; for Magee and Rebekka, we're their first study abroad students and very much their friends in lots of ways. I'm going to miss everyone so, so much when I go back home.
I skyped my best friend Laur last night though, and I know I have to go home. I love them all too much. There are bits and pieces of me back there, too.
Speaking of leaving bits of myself in places... Edinburgh. You will always have a part of me. I have never been as happy as I was in Edinburgh, and I don't know how I will ever achieve that feeling again. I will always be trying to get back to you, always reaching out to touch the sky from the top of Arthur's Seat and feeling like the whole world could crumble and I'd still be smiling. I love Scotland, more than I can even fathom.
And now, to York. 24 July:
To be honest, nothing about York has really impressed me yet. Perhaps it's just the contrast between Edinburgh and here, but truthfully, I don't think this place is quite as rewarding for me. It's pretty, I suppose, and the old buildings and the wall are kind of cool, but it just doesn't get me like Edinburgh or even London did. Just not for me, I guess. I think it'll get better with some sightseeing.
We went to Yorkminster for Evensong, which was an interesting experience. The music was beautiful, and there is definitely something to be said for seeing a service in a very old Church of England. Exploring the church afterward was fun, too, and we stopped at a little pub for a bite before heading toward the Shambles.
The Shambles are a row of shops from as early as 1434, all cramped in together with old and new. It's apparently the basis for Diagon Alley (from Harry Potter), and it's easy to see why. We also saw the shortest street in England, conveniently named "Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate" for some absurd reason. Its only addresses where 1 and 1 1/2. Crazy stuff.
And now, hopefully to skype my brother in Paris along with the family and my baby French cousins! Hope everyone in the USA isn't dying from the heat!
23 July 2011
Ain't no mountain high enough
We climbed Arthur's Seat this evening at sunset. Arthur's Seat is an inactive volcano (that looks mostly like a GIANT grassy mountain), and from the peaks you can see the entire city of Edinburgh, the ocean, and the farms and hills beyond the city's edge. You can see for miles and miles and miles.
(Side note: We almost died in this endeavor. Never follow a crazy Scottish runner in the attempt to find a smooth path back down a mountain. Apparently runners here have some sort of magic power that allows them to shimmy down vertical slopes. We had to slide down on our bums, panicking.)
At the top of our climb, my heart melted, I think. It was so awe-inspiring, so...I can't even come up with the right word. Exhilarating? Gorgeous? Breathtaking? I feel as though none of them do it justice.
So combine all of those words, plus the majority of their synonyms, and perhaps then you will know how I felt on top of the world.
I am going to cry when we leave Scotland, I can already see it. I am in love with this city. Madly and irrevocably in love.
(Side note: We almost died in this endeavor. Never follow a crazy Scottish runner in the attempt to find a smooth path back down a mountain. Apparently runners here have some sort of magic power that allows them to shimmy down vertical slopes. We had to slide down on our bums, panicking.)
At the top of our climb, my heart melted, I think. It was so awe-inspiring, so...I can't even come up with the right word. Exhilarating? Gorgeous? Breathtaking? I feel as though none of them do it justice.
So combine all of those words, plus the majority of their synonyms, and perhaps then you will know how I felt on top of the world.
I am going to cry when we leave Scotland, I can already see it. I am in love with this city. Madly and irrevocably in love.
22 July 2011
I just need some time to play
Oh boy, do I have lots to share! Where to begin...
The last time I posted was 20 July at midnight, so I have technically 3 whole days to catch you up on. Here it goes.
20 July:
We had our first class in St. Leonard's Hall--which is literally a miniature castle, I might add--and it was so, so cool to see such a beautiful building and take part in a lecture inside it. We watched Behind the Lines (the movie version of Regeneration, a book I love) and discussed some of the finer points.
Lunch at the bar with the Jets and Magee before heading off on a bus tour of Edinburgh. Our little pub here on campus is adorable, and the food is SO much cheaper than London (but still delicious). Along those same lines, we get ENGLISH BREAKFAST EVERY DAY and it's amazing.
The tour of Edinburgh was an excellent way to get an overview of the city before delving into our wandering. We saw everything (literally, everything) and I was blown away by how beautiful the city is. I know I said I loved London and didn't want to leave...but Edinburgh beats London any day. It's gorgeous here in the highlands; I just can't get over it! I've taken a million pictures and I'll probably take a million more.
Double-decker buses are pretty awesome too, by the way. :)
Before dinner, we wandered Princes Street (which is where all the shopping is!) and I finally got myself a belt. I've lost a significant amount of weight here, so my pants are struggling to stay up... Problem solved though! We then found a nice little pub called Rose & Brewery, where I discovered Scottish mozzarella sticks (they were cajun, it was bizarre) and then learned exactly how much I love Jameson (I'm a whiskey girl all the way!).
Following dinner, we strolled back home to grab the newly arrived Kristine (her interview at the House of Lords went incredibly well, and we were very proud of her!). We had some Spanish wine at the Salisbury (yes, we have a new corner pub, of course) and then I went to the hospital.
Yeah, let's gloss over that. I was really sick, couldn't breathe, blah blah blah, breathing treatments and lots of drugs...incredibly gorgeous Scottish doctor...got home at 4 am... It was a long night.
21 July:
Class was a bit rough, considering we got minimal amounts of sleep the night before (I will not disgust you by explaining exactly how much coughing up I did instead of sleeping). But it was an interesting class, talking about Utopian ideals and the common themes across Utopian theories. It is interesting to know so much about WWI and Wilson now...puts a lot of things in perspective for me.
After class, I managed to rest a bit and then we went right to Edinburgh Castle, which I am in LOVE with! I could have spent forever there. The view from Castle Hill is breathtaking, and the castle itself is so powerful and beautiful, so much to take it... We saw not only all of Edinburgh from the top of the hill, but we also went inside and saw the crown jewels, which I thought was very neat. I had a great time in the castle, and I would love to go back again one day and take a million pictures.
It was in the castle yesterday that I realized how much I love my girls here. You guys are the best, you really are! :)
That night, we went on a search for a good whiskey store (of course) and then grabbed dinner and a whiskey flight (to decide what we would buy the next day) from a nearby pub. We had a good time, as always... Perhaps that's the greatest thing about this trip, the company we keep. The conversation is never dull, I assure you, and it's so nice to be with people who are enjoying everything just as much as you are. Nobody likes to travel with someone who can't be positive and have a good time; I got so lucky in my friends here!
Last night was a blast, too. We attempted to do homework (never works out) but ended up hanging out and chatting about life and love and dancing and everything else you can think of. A couple of us might take a ballet class up at school this fall, and I'm pretty pumped about that. I hope we can do it!
22 July:
After little sleep again (I need to kick this cold and actually do my homework at reasonable hours) we ventured into town to get our whiskey and hang out for the day. I'm pretty excited about my selection, but I can't explain why I bought it on here...surprising people back home makes me too happy to spill the beans! :)
We saw the Museum of Childhood--full of old fashioned toys and dolls and books and all things childhood--and then the Museum of Edinburgh and The People's Story, the museum of social change and progression. The Museum of Edinburgh was interesting because it just happens to contain the National Convenant, a VERY important and VERY old document that Magee was super excited to see. I don't know much about it, but apparently it is the foundation for the Presbyterian church as well as for the Scottish government. Pretty impressive stuff, just hidden away in a tiny museum! That would be like the Constitution being at a little bookshop in DC, with only one thin pane of glass between it and the outside world. So crazy.
We shopped a bit and got some interesting things (so much plaid, all the time) and then decided to take a rest before supper, which is where you now find me. Perhaps a nap is in order; all of this falling in love with Edinburgh is wearing me out.
In our class blogs, we had to discuss perception of time and space and how it differs for us between London and here. Here in Edinburgh, it feels like time has stopped; I literally cannot perceive the concept that the rest of the world has continued to spin, that I am not in a bubble here, dissociated from everything back home... I feel so content here. I needed this, badly. I needed to get away from the laundry list of things demanding my attention back home. That's all too easy here; the hills make you feel like you're in your own little part of the earth, secluded from everything else, tucked away and safe from any harm.
Perhaps that is the best word I could use to describe how I feel here. Safe. Warm and cozy in my new Edinburgh Uni sweatshirt, soaking in castles and hills and monuments. Making the most of every second I have.
I wish this could last forever.
The last time I posted was 20 July at midnight, so I have technically 3 whole days to catch you up on. Here it goes.
20 July:
We had our first class in St. Leonard's Hall--which is literally a miniature castle, I might add--and it was so, so cool to see such a beautiful building and take part in a lecture inside it. We watched Behind the Lines (the movie version of Regeneration, a book I love) and discussed some of the finer points.
Lunch at the bar with the Jets and Magee before heading off on a bus tour of Edinburgh. Our little pub here on campus is adorable, and the food is SO much cheaper than London (but still delicious). Along those same lines, we get ENGLISH BREAKFAST EVERY DAY and it's amazing.
The tour of Edinburgh was an excellent way to get an overview of the city before delving into our wandering. We saw everything (literally, everything) and I was blown away by how beautiful the city is. I know I said I loved London and didn't want to leave...but Edinburgh beats London any day. It's gorgeous here in the highlands; I just can't get over it! I've taken a million pictures and I'll probably take a million more.
Double-decker buses are pretty awesome too, by the way. :)
Before dinner, we wandered Princes Street (which is where all the shopping is!) and I finally got myself a belt. I've lost a significant amount of weight here, so my pants are struggling to stay up... Problem solved though! We then found a nice little pub called Rose & Brewery, where I discovered Scottish mozzarella sticks (they were cajun, it was bizarre) and then learned exactly how much I love Jameson (I'm a whiskey girl all the way!).
Following dinner, we strolled back home to grab the newly arrived Kristine (her interview at the House of Lords went incredibly well, and we were very proud of her!). We had some Spanish wine at the Salisbury (yes, we have a new corner pub, of course) and then I went to the hospital.
Yeah, let's gloss over that. I was really sick, couldn't breathe, blah blah blah, breathing treatments and lots of drugs...incredibly gorgeous Scottish doctor...got home at 4 am... It was a long night.
21 July:
Class was a bit rough, considering we got minimal amounts of sleep the night before (I will not disgust you by explaining exactly how much coughing up I did instead of sleeping). But it was an interesting class, talking about Utopian ideals and the common themes across Utopian theories. It is interesting to know so much about WWI and Wilson now...puts a lot of things in perspective for me.
After class, I managed to rest a bit and then we went right to Edinburgh Castle, which I am in LOVE with! I could have spent forever there. The view from Castle Hill is breathtaking, and the castle itself is so powerful and beautiful, so much to take it... We saw not only all of Edinburgh from the top of the hill, but we also went inside and saw the crown jewels, which I thought was very neat. I had a great time in the castle, and I would love to go back again one day and take a million pictures.
It was in the castle yesterday that I realized how much I love my girls here. You guys are the best, you really are! :)
That night, we went on a search for a good whiskey store (of course) and then grabbed dinner and a whiskey flight (to decide what we would buy the next day) from a nearby pub. We had a good time, as always... Perhaps that's the greatest thing about this trip, the company we keep. The conversation is never dull, I assure you, and it's so nice to be with people who are enjoying everything just as much as you are. Nobody likes to travel with someone who can't be positive and have a good time; I got so lucky in my friends here!
Last night was a blast, too. We attempted to do homework (never works out) but ended up hanging out and chatting about life and love and dancing and everything else you can think of. A couple of us might take a ballet class up at school this fall, and I'm pretty pumped about that. I hope we can do it!
22 July:
After little sleep again (I need to kick this cold and actually do my homework at reasonable hours) we ventured into town to get our whiskey and hang out for the day. I'm pretty excited about my selection, but I can't explain why I bought it on here...surprising people back home makes me too happy to spill the beans! :)
We saw the Museum of Childhood--full of old fashioned toys and dolls and books and all things childhood--and then the Museum of Edinburgh and The People's Story, the museum of social change and progression. The Museum of Edinburgh was interesting because it just happens to contain the National Convenant, a VERY important and VERY old document that Magee was super excited to see. I don't know much about it, but apparently it is the foundation for the Presbyterian church as well as for the Scottish government. Pretty impressive stuff, just hidden away in a tiny museum! That would be like the Constitution being at a little bookshop in DC, with only one thin pane of glass between it and the outside world. So crazy.
We shopped a bit and got some interesting things (so much plaid, all the time) and then decided to take a rest before supper, which is where you now find me. Perhaps a nap is in order; all of this falling in love with Edinburgh is wearing me out.
In our class blogs, we had to discuss perception of time and space and how it differs for us between London and here. Here in Edinburgh, it feels like time has stopped; I literally cannot perceive the concept that the rest of the world has continued to spin, that I am not in a bubble here, dissociated from everything back home... I feel so content here. I needed this, badly. I needed to get away from the laundry list of things demanding my attention back home. That's all too easy here; the hills make you feel like you're in your own little part of the earth, secluded from everything else, tucked away and safe from any harm.
Perhaps that is the best word I could use to describe how I feel here. Safe. Warm and cozy in my new Edinburgh Uni sweatshirt, soaking in castles and hills and monuments. Making the most of every second I have.
I wish this could last forever.
20 July 2011
There's an answer in the sound of a train
Attention, world! We made it to Edinburgh safely! :)
Just relaxing in my dormitory right now, enjoying some peace and quiet. I do miss having my roommate, though...
Scotland is too gorgeous to handle. The scenery...the patchwork quilt hills...the sheep...the ocean...it all just makes me crazy! I love our campus here at University of Edinburgh; our class tomorrow will be held in a castle. Yes, you read that correctly: a castle. The little one on campus. I could not be more excited.
On a rather depressing note, I am officially sick as a dog. The good news? I got my voice back after yesterday's adventure with laryngitis. The bad news? My lungs are so congested that I can actually FEEL the gunk breaking up if I hit my chest. Disgusting, sorry...had to share for some reason...
But Scotland is beautiful, and the air is much cleaner here, so hopefully that helps (as well as the Boots products I picked up!). We did not do much today, just took a train from King's Cross to Waverly and went to a local restaurant for dinner. It's always an adventure with our group, of course, so dinner was a blast.
Best news yet: UNLIMITED INTERNET HERE. I can FINALLY be online without having to check my minutes/bandwidth constantly.
Hopefully tomorrow I have more to share. Bedtime for the coughing girl; hope the heat wave back home is more tolerable tomorrow for you Americans! :)
Just relaxing in my dormitory right now, enjoying some peace and quiet. I do miss having my roommate, though...
Scotland is too gorgeous to handle. The scenery...the patchwork quilt hills...the sheep...the ocean...it all just makes me crazy! I love our campus here at University of Edinburgh; our class tomorrow will be held in a castle. Yes, you read that correctly: a castle. The little one on campus. I could not be more excited.
On a rather depressing note, I am officially sick as a dog. The good news? I got my voice back after yesterday's adventure with laryngitis. The bad news? My lungs are so congested that I can actually FEEL the gunk breaking up if I hit my chest. Disgusting, sorry...had to share for some reason...
But Scotland is beautiful, and the air is much cleaner here, so hopefully that helps (as well as the Boots products I picked up!). We did not do much today, just took a train from King's Cross to Waverly and went to a local restaurant for dinner. It's always an adventure with our group, of course, so dinner was a blast.
Best news yet: UNLIMITED INTERNET HERE. I can FINALLY be online without having to check my minutes/bandwidth constantly.
Hopefully tomorrow I have more to share. Bedtime for the coughing girl; hope the heat wave back home is more tolerable tomorrow for you Americans! :)
18 July 2011
You've got me runnin' baby, wild at heart
What a last day in London.
I woke up with no voice and a terrible cough, which I'm now trying to make the best of ('cause believe me, it's been a real basket of fun today). Luckily we have a Boots right in the Baker Street tube station, so I could get some cough syrup before class and start defeating whatever it is I've got.
Hopefully the clean Edinburgh air will make a big difference!
We had class this morning, where we watched a documentary on Wilson (who has become more and more interesting to me throughout our courses) and met Prof Bailey for the first time. He'll be our professor in York, for HST452 (a class about English architecture in history). He's hilarious. I love that our professors and TA are all quite funny; it makes having to write papers a bit less daunting and horrible.
Following class, I took a nap--my first and only nap in England, be proud!--and began to pack for Edinburgh before heading off to the Cabinet War Rooms for a tour. Honestly, seeing the war rooms is something I could have lived without, but no matter. It was a learning experience nonetheless.
We were there for only an hour before wandering back to Brent to pop into our pub for dinner. I indulged a bit and got English Breakfast for probably the hundredth time...I can't help it! It's delicious!
And now, fully packed, we're back at Queens Arms, enjoying the functional internet and getting things done before we leave the city. I'll be skyping some family soon, so before then I need to get a head start on this bloody paper...sigh. Can we take the "study" out of "study abroad," please?
Oh, side note. My trousers are now way too big for me. Either London stretched them out, or all the walking and eating semi-healthy and being crazy busy has finally taken its toll. While this is not an unwelcome change...I think going back to America will probably ruin it, lol.
Off to Scotland in the morning!
I woke up with no voice and a terrible cough, which I'm now trying to make the best of ('cause believe me, it's been a real basket of fun today). Luckily we have a Boots right in the Baker Street tube station, so I could get some cough syrup before class and start defeating whatever it is I've got.
Hopefully the clean Edinburgh air will make a big difference!
We had class this morning, where we watched a documentary on Wilson (who has become more and more interesting to me throughout our courses) and met Prof Bailey for the first time. He'll be our professor in York, for HST452 (a class about English architecture in history). He's hilarious. I love that our professors and TA are all quite funny; it makes having to write papers a bit less daunting and horrible.
Following class, I took a nap--my first and only nap in England, be proud!--and began to pack for Edinburgh before heading off to the Cabinet War Rooms for a tour. Honestly, seeing the war rooms is something I could have lived without, but no matter. It was a learning experience nonetheless.
We were there for only an hour before wandering back to Brent to pop into our pub for dinner. I indulged a bit and got English Breakfast for probably the hundredth time...I can't help it! It's delicious!
And now, fully packed, we're back at Queens Arms, enjoying the functional internet and getting things done before we leave the city. I'll be skyping some family soon, so before then I need to get a head start on this bloody paper...sigh. Can we take the "study" out of "study abroad," please?
Oh, side note. My trousers are now way too big for me. Either London stretched them out, or all the walking and eating semi-healthy and being crazy busy has finally taken its toll. While this is not an unwelcome change...I think going back to America will probably ruin it, lol.
Off to Scotland in the morning!
Now it's gone, gone, gone
I literally cannot believe that my time in London is almost over. It makes no sense to me that two weeks have already flown by, that this little flat we call home will no longer be our home... Incomprehensible. This is home. All of it, the flat, the tube station, the way Kilburn High Road has a slightly awful smell, the construction on the sidewalk, our Tesco, our corner pub, the creepy men who sit outside the shady liquor store and stare at every woman that walks by... All of this is home. The good and the bad.
We leave on Tuesday for Edinburgh, and I cannot believe it's already to that point.
Saturday was lovely. Kalen, Tiffany, Kristine, Alyssa, and I rose with the sun and headed for Portobello Road market, where I found a nifty present for my cousin Luke (not telling!). My best friends Elli and Caryn, who are currently staying on the opposite end of England with Elli's family, met me at Notting Hill Gate at 10 am...and anyone who was within ten yards of the station knew about it. As soon as we came into each other's vision, we started sprinting, and I got body-slammed into the craziest hug of my life. I just stood there holding them for awhile. I haven't seen them since May, and it has been a painful two months.
We spent the day shopping, then ducking into alcoves from the rain before finally heading back to Borough of Brent to show off our flat and get into dry clothing. I then stole Elli and Caryn away for awhile so I could show them the rose gardens at Regent's--so beautiful, even the second time!--and feed them some delectable English cafeteria/refectory food. Three meals for £16.50...that, my friends, is cheap food.
Then we saw the last Harry Potter movie, which blew my mind, of course. I need to see it again, because I spent most of the time either crying or gasping or grabbing someone's hand in suspense. I know what happens, I've read the book a thousand times, but seeing it on the screen...knowing who was going to die next...shudders. Suspenseful.
Before E & C had to head back to Sevenoaks, we had a few drinks at Queens Arms and I got to try a jacket potato (which I apparently need to try again, since Elli says the ones we had weren't English enough). I missed them so much, and I had a dreadful time putting them back on the tube to leave. I love London, but I really miss my friends and family. Can't I just bring you all here??
On that same thread, I got to skype my best friend Lauren today! :) It made me very happy to see her face and hear about all the silly things going on at home. I miss you babygirl! Hopefully I can skype the rest of my girls soon.
Backtracking a bit... Tiffany and I decided to brave the downpour today and go to Hyde Park, where we saw the Hyde Park Corner Screen, Rotten Row, and the Princess Diana Memorial (after much searching, since my map had it located in the wrong spot!). I wish the weather had not been so dreary, but oh, bother.
I bought a second suitcase at Spitalfields today, because I've purchased too many presents for people. Don't laugh, it's only a little suitcase. I also need it for Edinburgh and York, since I don't think my large suitcase would survive a coach and tube ride (see my first London post for a description of how our messy airline scenario resulted in a very broken suitcase for me).
And again, after a crazy day in this crazy life, we settled down to get some homework done, which I am pleased to inform you went rather well today. A good head start on both my response paper and my architecture "treasure hunt" summaries...gettin' ahead of the game, right?
Bedtime for the British, so I hope you all had a lovely weekend!
We leave on Tuesday for Edinburgh, and I cannot believe it's already to that point.
Saturday was lovely. Kalen, Tiffany, Kristine, Alyssa, and I rose with the sun and headed for Portobello Road market, where I found a nifty present for my cousin Luke (not telling!). My best friends Elli and Caryn, who are currently staying on the opposite end of England with Elli's family, met me at Notting Hill Gate at 10 am...and anyone who was within ten yards of the station knew about it. As soon as we came into each other's vision, we started sprinting, and I got body-slammed into the craziest hug of my life. I just stood there holding them for awhile. I haven't seen them since May, and it has been a painful two months.
We spent the day shopping, then ducking into alcoves from the rain before finally heading back to Borough of Brent to show off our flat and get into dry clothing. I then stole Elli and Caryn away for awhile so I could show them the rose gardens at Regent's--so beautiful, even the second time!--and feed them some delectable English cafeteria/refectory food. Three meals for £16.50...that, my friends, is cheap food.
Then we saw the last Harry Potter movie, which blew my mind, of course. I need to see it again, because I spent most of the time either crying or gasping or grabbing someone's hand in suspense. I know what happens, I've read the book a thousand times, but seeing it on the screen...knowing who was going to die next...shudders. Suspenseful.
Before E & C had to head back to Sevenoaks, we had a few drinks at Queens Arms and I got to try a jacket potato (which I apparently need to try again, since Elli says the ones we had weren't English enough). I missed them so much, and I had a dreadful time putting them back on the tube to leave. I love London, but I really miss my friends and family. Can't I just bring you all here??
On that same thread, I got to skype my best friend Lauren today! :) It made me very happy to see her face and hear about all the silly things going on at home. I miss you babygirl! Hopefully I can skype the rest of my girls soon.
Backtracking a bit... Tiffany and I decided to brave the downpour today and go to Hyde Park, where we saw the Hyde Park Corner Screen, Rotten Row, and the Princess Diana Memorial (after much searching, since my map had it located in the wrong spot!). I wish the weather had not been so dreary, but oh, bother.
I bought a second suitcase at Spitalfields today, because I've purchased too many presents for people. Don't laugh, it's only a little suitcase. I also need it for Edinburgh and York, since I don't think my large suitcase would survive a coach and tube ride (see my first London post for a description of how our messy airline scenario resulted in a very broken suitcase for me).
And again, after a crazy day in this crazy life, we settled down to get some homework done, which I am pleased to inform you went rather well today. A good head start on both my response paper and my architecture "treasure hunt" summaries...gettin' ahead of the game, right?
Bedtime for the British, so I hope you all had a lovely weekend!
16 July 2011
Tremble, little lion man, you'll never settle any of your scores
The past two days have felt like years, and yet, in retrospect, we really did not accomplish as much as it feels.
Yesterday, we had a guest lecturer from Cambridge, our professor's good friend Andrew Preston. Although I'm not big into history, apparently he is an expert in his field. He was an amazing lecturer, I can tell you that. I learned more from him in those two hours than I have ever learned about Wilsonianism in my life (including AP U.S., in which we SHOULD have learned about Wilson, lol). He was very interesting and informative, and I left class feeling very insightful.
After class, we attempted to see the War Rooms (key word: attempted), which ended up being a bust, because you have to book groups in advance, and then they wouldn't let us in individually. Quite dumb, if you ask me. Then we attempted to see a case at Old Bailey, the old criminal courts (same key word), but by the time we got there they were done running cases.
SO...my girls and I decided to start our historic pub tour a bit earlier than planned! We wandered down to our favorite part of London, the Strand, and began our adventure at Blackfriars Pub, where I had some AMAZING fried Brie and a pint.
I'll leave out the details of the rest of the night...but let me just say this: Historic London pubs are pretty awesome. As are my friends. :)
Today, we rose late (well, I did, at least...) and made a wicked English breakfast. Not the REAL "English breakfast," with tomatoes and beans and all that, just a breakfast that seemed very English. Ham, cheese, and egg sandwiches. Yes, I know they are available in the U.S., but when made with English ham...English cheese...and English brown eggs...it feels very English to do so.
We then wandered over to Regent's, where we were informed that we needed to made an emergency detour up a bit north to meet up with our professor.
After said detour, we wandered down to St. Paul's, which actually ended up being closed in their preparation for Evensong (which we could not attend, since we were not dressed for the occasion). However, we got some excellent pictures of the outside of the cathedral, which is absolutely gorgeous!
We then had a wonderful conversation over a snack with our prof--who is always good company!--and proceeded to head to Warwick Avenue to meet Kalen and Alyssa for pasta. We girls found a delicious Italian restaurant (Zizzi) on the canal and got pasta and wine and gelato and it was...amazing. I feel so complete today. Just so, so happy.
I turned in my first paper today too! I hope it's what Prof Bailey is after, because quite frankly, I have no idea what he was after. Here's hoping.
Homework done, pictures done, blog done. Successful day. Two of my best friends (Elli and Caryn) will be here in the morning from Sevenoaks, so I will get to hug them and hear all about their travels to Italy. FINALLY!
Yesterday, we had a guest lecturer from Cambridge, our professor's good friend Andrew Preston. Although I'm not big into history, apparently he is an expert in his field. He was an amazing lecturer, I can tell you that. I learned more from him in those two hours than I have ever learned about Wilsonianism in my life (including AP U.S., in which we SHOULD have learned about Wilson, lol). He was very interesting and informative, and I left class feeling very insightful.
After class, we attempted to see the War Rooms (key word: attempted), which ended up being a bust, because you have to book groups in advance, and then they wouldn't let us in individually. Quite dumb, if you ask me. Then we attempted to see a case at Old Bailey, the old criminal courts (same key word), but by the time we got there they were done running cases.
SO...my girls and I decided to start our historic pub tour a bit earlier than planned! We wandered down to our favorite part of London, the Strand, and began our adventure at Blackfriars Pub, where I had some AMAZING fried Brie and a pint.
I'll leave out the details of the rest of the night...but let me just say this: Historic London pubs are pretty awesome. As are my friends. :)
Today, we rose late (well, I did, at least...) and made a wicked English breakfast. Not the REAL "English breakfast," with tomatoes and beans and all that, just a breakfast that seemed very English. Ham, cheese, and egg sandwiches. Yes, I know they are available in the U.S., but when made with English ham...English cheese...and English brown eggs...it feels very English to do so.
We then wandered over to Regent's, where we were informed that we needed to made an emergency detour up a bit north to meet up with our professor.
After said detour, we wandered down to St. Paul's, which actually ended up being closed in their preparation for Evensong (which we could not attend, since we were not dressed for the occasion). However, we got some excellent pictures of the outside of the cathedral, which is absolutely gorgeous!
We then had a wonderful conversation over a snack with our prof--who is always good company!--and proceeded to head to Warwick Avenue to meet Kalen and Alyssa for pasta. We girls found a delicious Italian restaurant (Zizzi) on the canal and got pasta and wine and gelato and it was...amazing. I feel so complete today. Just so, so happy.
I turned in my first paper today too! I hope it's what Prof Bailey is after, because quite frankly, I have no idea what he was after. Here's hoping.
Homework done, pictures done, blog done. Successful day. Two of my best friends (Elli and Caryn) will be here in the morning from Sevenoaks, so I will get to hug them and hear all about their travels to Italy. FINALLY!
13 July 2011
Here it goes, here it goes again
Back to London now, after seeing Bath today. I absolutely love Bath. The Roman baths themselves were pretty amazing... So old!! It still strikes me as fascinating that everything on the continent is ten times older than the nation I come from. Today I stood in a spot where a Roman could have stood. Right on those blocks. I was in awe.
I also just love the city of Bath. It's gorgeous and so peaceful and so...me.
We FINALLY got afternoon tea!!!! I went to Sally Lunn's (est. 1482) with Tiffany, Kalen, Kristine, Mark, and Prof Magee and got a traditional cream tea. We all selected our own treats to go along with it--since afternoon tea is all about the presentation and side foods--and I ended up with half of a HUGE Sally Lunn bun with raspberry jam and clotted cream, which sounds super gross but is actually delicious. I loved every second of being there. The tea, the bun, the conversation, it was all perfect. I've been patiently waiting for afternoon tea since arriving here, and now I feel complete.
I also tried Roast Chicken flavored Walker's Crisps today, which was a unique and slightly awkward experience. Their crisp flavors are so bizarre here, and these literally tasted like chicken...which seemed really weird in a crunchy crisp. Pretty good though. I'll probably tried the bacon next, which will be equally strange.
And now, at Regent's, hanging with some of my new best friends and attempting to get homework/blogging/skyping/reading done. Little productivity, but great memories, so...it balances out. :)
I also just love the city of Bath. It's gorgeous and so peaceful and so...me.
We FINALLY got afternoon tea!!!! I went to Sally Lunn's (est. 1482) with Tiffany, Kalen, Kristine, Mark, and Prof Magee and got a traditional cream tea. We all selected our own treats to go along with it--since afternoon tea is all about the presentation and side foods--and I ended up with half of a HUGE Sally Lunn bun with raspberry jam and clotted cream, which sounds super gross but is actually delicious. I loved every second of being there. The tea, the bun, the conversation, it was all perfect. I've been patiently waiting for afternoon tea since arriving here, and now I feel complete.
I also tried Roast Chicken flavored Walker's Crisps today, which was a unique and slightly awkward experience. Their crisp flavors are so bizarre here, and these literally tasted like chicken...which seemed really weird in a crunchy crisp. Pretty good though. I'll probably tried the bacon next, which will be equally strange.
And now, at Regent's, hanging with some of my new best friends and attempting to get homework/blogging/skyping/reading done. Little productivity, but great memories, so...it balances out. :)
12 July 2011
Trailing the train rails, blowin' where the wind blows, you're young, you are wild, you are free
Meticulously typing away on a keyboard at the University of Bath library, suffering through the symbols being in all the wrong places... I am happy to inform you that as I read the previous sentence in my head, I heard it in my own voice--with a British accent. That keeps happening to me, and I love it.
Last night recap: We had class, relaxed and did homework in the afternoon (papers...curse you...), and then went on a Jack the Ripper tour that night. I'm a bit easy to scare, so I was glad the sun was still up for our journey; seeing the murder locations in East End and hearing all about the bloody methods was gruesome. I have never in my life been so happy to not be a prostitute in the 19th century. Ick.
Today we rose early, took breakfast at Regent's, and then boarded our coach to Bath. I took a nap on the way--which was definitely needed--and woke up in Stonehenge! We stopped along our way to Bath to see the great crazy circle of rocks.
I admit, I was not as impressed as I would have liked to be. They've set it up as a tourist trap now, with tickets and audio guides and a nice rope fence keeping you from getting too close. I took plenty of pictures, though, and it was something I knew I had to see before leaving England.
After Stonehenge, on to Bath. First stop was the university, up the massive hill (more of a mountain, really). Our accommodations are splendid. Single rooms, big beds, private baths, TVs and a desk and tea and coffee...Just splendid. I took pictures!
We then headed back down the giant hill and left our coach for a few hours to wander around the city, which is absolutely GORGEOUS. I could live here, I truly could. So quaint and quiet and just wonderful. Little shops, beautiful Roman buildings (originals and replicates), and very few cars; it was a relief to not pray for my life when crossing the street. Our group ate dinner together for the first time ever (the whole group...I know, right?) and even that was enjoyable. They're not all bad; I just don't see myself becoming good friends with some of them.
And now, resting in the library after watching Friends with Kalen, Tiffany, and Kristine. We're about to head back, since the library will be closing, and will probably have a lazy night together, just as girls. It will be nice to take a break from the constant rush, and here in patient, quiet Bath it is only too easy to relax.
No offense to anyone, but coming home is going to be very hard for me. The ocean is too big for my liking; I want to be able to see England whenever I want, not just once or twice in my lifetime.
But more on that tomorrow. Time to have some fun!
Last night recap: We had class, relaxed and did homework in the afternoon (papers...curse you...), and then went on a Jack the Ripper tour that night. I'm a bit easy to scare, so I was glad the sun was still up for our journey; seeing the murder locations in East End and hearing all about the bloody methods was gruesome. I have never in my life been so happy to not be a prostitute in the 19th century. Ick.
Today we rose early, took breakfast at Regent's, and then boarded our coach to Bath. I took a nap on the way--which was definitely needed--and woke up in Stonehenge! We stopped along our way to Bath to see the great crazy circle of rocks.
I admit, I was not as impressed as I would have liked to be. They've set it up as a tourist trap now, with tickets and audio guides and a nice rope fence keeping you from getting too close. I took plenty of pictures, though, and it was something I knew I had to see before leaving England.
After Stonehenge, on to Bath. First stop was the university, up the massive hill (more of a mountain, really). Our accommodations are splendid. Single rooms, big beds, private baths, TVs and a desk and tea and coffee...Just splendid. I took pictures!
We then headed back down the giant hill and left our coach for a few hours to wander around the city, which is absolutely GORGEOUS. I could live here, I truly could. So quaint and quiet and just wonderful. Little shops, beautiful Roman buildings (originals and replicates), and very few cars; it was a relief to not pray for my life when crossing the street. Our group ate dinner together for the first time ever (the whole group...I know, right?) and even that was enjoyable. They're not all bad; I just don't see myself becoming good friends with some of them.
And now, resting in the library after watching Friends with Kalen, Tiffany, and Kristine. We're about to head back, since the library will be closing, and will probably have a lazy night together, just as girls. It will be nice to take a break from the constant rush, and here in patient, quiet Bath it is only too easy to relax.
No offense to anyone, but coming home is going to be very hard for me. The ocean is too big for my liking; I want to be able to see England whenever I want, not just once or twice in my lifetime.
But more on that tomorrow. Time to have some fun!
10 July 2011
B-B-B-Benny and the Jets
Another absolutely exhausting (but entirely worthwhile) day in the heart of London. We started the morning pretty early again, heading for Spitalfields Market (also known as Petticoat Lane) to shop and browse. It's an open air market with shops and stalls with handbags, shoes, clothes, jewelry, music, food...everything. I ended up buying some souvenirs for my friends and a dress for myself, which I'm pretty excited about! Funny enough, Tiffany ended up buying the same dress as me; we just can't wear them on the same days, lol.
After the markets, we got some lunch at a local cafe, where I finally got to eat English breakfast!! So delicious, oh my gosh. Egg and toast and sausage and bacon and baked beans and tomato, mmmm. I could eat that every morning. I know what I'll be eating at home frequently!
Then we headed back to Westminster to do the London Eye. We waited a half hour to get tickets, and then we were supposed to wait a half hour to get on the Eye...which turned into over 2 hours of waiting, because something was wrong with some of the compartments so they couldn't load every pod every time. My feet are still killing me from standing for so long... But the Eye was so, so cool. I got a million pictures of Big Ben and Parliament and Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace and the river, and although I was feeling a little weird being so high up, it was probably the greatest way to see the city.
Relaxing again tonight, since walking anymore is pretty much out of the question. Some people here are being really snotty, and it's getting kind of annoying, so I'm hoping to just focus on my work (and then maybe they'll wake up nicer, lol). Such is a study abroad, though; it wouldn't be complete without stupid drama. I said before that I didn't have any problems with anyone, and I don't, but my respect for some people is pretty low...oh, well. Not like my opinion should matter to them anyway! I'm making the best of my time, and there's nothing wrong with that.
I can't believe our first week is over. And I can't wait to have a second awesome week with my good pals here. We're calling ourselves Benny and the Jets...for reasons I can't really explain... And it makes me pretty happy.
Love you all and can't wait to talk to people soon!
After the markets, we got some lunch at a local cafe, where I finally got to eat English breakfast!! So delicious, oh my gosh. Egg and toast and sausage and bacon and baked beans and tomato, mmmm. I could eat that every morning. I know what I'll be eating at home frequently!
Then we headed back to Westminster to do the London Eye. We waited a half hour to get tickets, and then we were supposed to wait a half hour to get on the Eye...which turned into over 2 hours of waiting, because something was wrong with some of the compartments so they couldn't load every pod every time. My feet are still killing me from standing for so long... But the Eye was so, so cool. I got a million pictures of Big Ben and Parliament and Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace and the river, and although I was feeling a little weird being so high up, it was probably the greatest way to see the city.
Relaxing again tonight, since walking anymore is pretty much out of the question. Some people here are being really snotty, and it's getting kind of annoying, so I'm hoping to just focus on my work (and then maybe they'll wake up nicer, lol). Such is a study abroad, though; it wouldn't be complete without stupid drama. I said before that I didn't have any problems with anyone, and I don't, but my respect for some people is pretty low...oh, well. Not like my opinion should matter to them anyway! I'm making the best of my time, and there's nothing wrong with that.
I can't believe our first week is over. And I can't wait to have a second awesome week with my good pals here. We're calling ourselves Benny and the Jets...for reasons I can't really explain... And it makes me pretty happy.
Love you all and can't wait to talk to people soon!
09 July 2011
You were always on my mind, you were always on my mind
Today was by far the most successful day we've had. We started the day decently early, heading toward Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guards. It was SO AWESOME! I have literally waited my entire life to see the palace and that whole little ceremony...I know it's really just a silly tradition, but to me, it was great. I was so, so happy I got close enough to get a bunch of pictures and videos!
After the whole shindig there, we headed over to Westminster Abbey to take the tour. I wish we could've taken pictures inside...I was in awe the entire time. Everything was so, so old--more than I think my brain can even appreciate--and it absolutely astounded me to see the graves of royalty and Dickens and Chaucer and Austen and the Brontes. I could have spent eternity in the Poets Corner, just staring at their tombs and wondering what went on inside their heads while they were writing. Darwin was there too, which was pretty exciting for me, as well as an exhibit for Will and Kate's wedding (I wish you could have seen it Mom!!). I loved it. I will remember that experience forever.
We grabbed lunch at a local pub afterward (more fish and chips...definitely not as good as Queens Arms, but it fixed the hunger problem) and we headed down our Westminster Walk. We went past Big Ben, Parliament, a protest in front of Parliament complete with the phrase we learned about in class (dulce et decorum est pro patria mori!), the outside of the War Rooms, the Cenotaph memorial for WWI/II, Downing Street, the Haig memorial (WWI commander), and Trafalgar Square. Pretty much everything I wanted/needed to see in London to feel complete.
Of course, there's more on my list, but now I feel like I'm actually in LONDON. Real London. And now, after a long, long day of walking, I'm chilling in the flat with Tiffany, Kalen, Kristine, and Alyssa. We had frozen pizza for dinner and just finished singing Benny and the Jets and watching Practical Magic and talking about ridiculous things. I could get used to this life, I really could. :)
After the whole shindig there, we headed over to Westminster Abbey to take the tour. I wish we could've taken pictures inside...I was in awe the entire time. Everything was so, so old--more than I think my brain can even appreciate--and it absolutely astounded me to see the graves of royalty and Dickens and Chaucer and Austen and the Brontes. I could have spent eternity in the Poets Corner, just staring at their tombs and wondering what went on inside their heads while they were writing. Darwin was there too, which was pretty exciting for me, as well as an exhibit for Will and Kate's wedding (I wish you could have seen it Mom!!). I loved it. I will remember that experience forever.
We grabbed lunch at a local pub afterward (more fish and chips...definitely not as good as Queens Arms, but it fixed the hunger problem) and we headed down our Westminster Walk. We went past Big Ben, Parliament, a protest in front of Parliament complete with the phrase we learned about in class (dulce et decorum est pro patria mori!), the outside of the War Rooms, the Cenotaph memorial for WWI/II, Downing Street, the Haig memorial (WWI commander), and Trafalgar Square. Pretty much everything I wanted/needed to see in London to feel complete.
Of course, there's more on my list, but now I feel like I'm actually in LONDON. Real London. And now, after a long, long day of walking, I'm chilling in the flat with Tiffany, Kalen, Kristine, and Alyssa. We had frozen pizza for dinner and just finished singing Benny and the Jets and watching Practical Magic and talking about ridiculous things. I could get used to this life, I really could. :)
08 July 2011
We are strong, no one can tell us we're wrong
Tonight made me happy. We went to the pub with the whole study abroad group (well, except a couple people who were sick, which totally sucks) and it made me happy to get to know everyone a little bit better.
We're all so different here. I know there's stupid drama or whatever, but luckily, I don't dislike anyone, and I do my best not to piss anyone off, so I think I'm in a good place.
This is what London is about: making new friends. We might not be best buddies, and we might not always get along, but we're in this experience together, and I don't want to spend a single minute of it dwelling on drama.
Tonight was great. :)
We're all so different here. I know there's stupid drama or whatever, but luckily, I don't dislike anyone, and I do my best not to piss anyone off, so I think I'm in a good place.
This is what London is about: making new friends. We might not be best buddies, and we might not always get along, but we're in this experience together, and I don't want to spend a single minute of it dwelling on drama.
Tonight was great. :)
I'm leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again
I have a bit of catching up to do, since the past few days have been quite crazy, so I'll break this post down into three neat little sections.
WEDNESDAY, 6 JULY:
Class today was informative again, discussing further the events leading up to WWI. I love that all of this is new to me. No sarcasm there, I'm serious; if this was a repetition of things I already knew, I wouldn't enjoy class as much as I do (not to say school is my favorite thing ever...but still, it's interesting here).
After class we heading to the Imperial War Museum and saw some eye-opening exhibits. First and foremost, missiles are SO HUGE. I never anticipated them being so large; for some reason, in my head, they were much smaller. The tanks and planes and guns and subs were all pretty cool, since I've never seen anything like that before (not that I can recall, anyway).
But then we got to the Holocaust Exhibit. It took every effort not to cry. I've learned about the Holocaust over and over, but seeing the pictures...the model of Auschwitz...the pile of shoes taken from gassed Jews...it all made me sick. Literally ill. Men, women, and children massacred like cattle, shot into pits, tortured and starved. I cannot for the life of me figure out how the rest of the world was oblivious to that sort of horror. I just can't understand it. People on the home front, disconnected from the war, sure; but Allied soldiers in Germany, they have no excuse in my opinion. I know they didn't have the convenience of internet and television to give instant news, but still. I can't fathom it. It disgusts me that such an atrocity could take place without any notice.
On to happier things, before I start crying/yelling...
Wednesday night, Kalen and Tiffany and I hopped over to the Queen's Arms Pub on the corner of our street and FINALLY got fish and chips! It was absolutely delicious and totally worth it. The owner of the pub recognized us as "the Americans that live down the way" (since MSU puts up students in the same flats every year) and told us we were welcome to make his pub our second home. Free wi-fi, great cider, and a great pub atmosphere...definitely going to be our second home, sir.
THURSDAY, 7 JULY:
Class was a movie today, Joyeux Noel. It was about the Christmas Truce of 1914, where some of the soldiers on the front called a truce just for Christmas Eve and all hung out together. It was the craziest thing I've ever seen, and also a true story (except for the glorified bits that Hollywood threw in just for fun). Unfortunately, everyone who participated in that fraternization was punished, and none of them lived to see the end of the war. After Magee told us that, I was super angry. Here was a chance for peace--clearly, all sides were capable of tolerating each other--and the leaders could not let it be. WWI was such a strange war... Nobody knew what they were fighting for, they just knew they had to go and be slaughtered for their country. I can't wrap my head around that. Maybe because I'm not really patriotic, I don't know.
Then we had a free afternoon to wander wherever we wanted (alliteration much?). Tiffany, Kalen, and I headed down to Piccadilly Circus to do some souvenir shopping (Lillywhite's and Cool Brittania!) and just to check out the hubbub down there. We had a great time buying presents for everyone! The guy at the register was pretty shocked that I spent £100 on things that weren't for me, lol. But it was worth it!
And that night, we celebrated the end of the first school week with class, following the customs of the city. We headed to our pub for some tequila sunrise(s) and then went back to the flat to play some games and have a good time. The four of us--me, Tiffany, Kalen, and Kristine--had a splendid night.
FRIDAY, 8 JULY:
Our first full free day of the trip! We woke up a little later than expected to find a man entering the room to check the fire alarm. While it was a little disconcerting, he did indeed check the alarm (woke me up a bit) and then left.
Tiffany, Kalen, and I headed out for a day in the southwest side of town, visiting the National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Both were spectacular sights; we spent longer there than anywhere else so far. We couldn't take pictures at the Gallery, but we got to see paintings from as far back as the Tudors and as recent as Will & Harry (who looks absolutely dashing in oil paint, let me tell you!). We joked around about how weird it would be for them to come to the museum...talk about a family history lesson! No need for photo albums, just build a museum, yes?
The V&A was pretty awesome as well. We saw plenty of marble statues, which never cease to amaze me; I cannot for the life of me figure out how they make everything so intricate and so beautiful. It blows my mind. How can you make a hair braid out of MARBLE?! We also saw a lot of "typical" English furnishings (lots of gold, intense draperies, big dresses and wigs, etc.) which are always fun for me, really.
In between the museums, we wandered to Harrod's, which is an ENORMOUS department store specializing in all things entirely unaffordable. Everyone says you have to see it once, though, so we did. They had a chocolate/tea/pastry shop that reminded me of a posh Willy Wonka; we got three truffles--coffee mint, Bailey's, and white Russian--and they were delightful! I'm always a sucker for chocolate, though. But this was particularly good chocolate! We grabbed lunch at a French cafe (Patisserie Valerie) and I had a ham and cheese croissant. I'm not a ham person, but for some reason I really like it here (I've eaten it probably 3 times already!).
And then, thoroughly worn out, we took the tube home and then to Regent's, where we're uploading pictures and blogging and catching up on homework. Heading home in a few, where I can hopefully catch up on emails and reading...
Like I told Facebook...I don't think I want to come home. I love it here. So, so much. I miss you all, but this is home now. My place. I have no idea why.
WEDNESDAY, 6 JULY:
Class today was informative again, discussing further the events leading up to WWI. I love that all of this is new to me. No sarcasm there, I'm serious; if this was a repetition of things I already knew, I wouldn't enjoy class as much as I do (not to say school is my favorite thing ever...but still, it's interesting here).
After class we heading to the Imperial War Museum and saw some eye-opening exhibits. First and foremost, missiles are SO HUGE. I never anticipated them being so large; for some reason, in my head, they were much smaller. The tanks and planes and guns and subs were all pretty cool, since I've never seen anything like that before (not that I can recall, anyway).
But then we got to the Holocaust Exhibit. It took every effort not to cry. I've learned about the Holocaust over and over, but seeing the pictures...the model of Auschwitz...the pile of shoes taken from gassed Jews...it all made me sick. Literally ill. Men, women, and children massacred like cattle, shot into pits, tortured and starved. I cannot for the life of me figure out how the rest of the world was oblivious to that sort of horror. I just can't understand it. People on the home front, disconnected from the war, sure; but Allied soldiers in Germany, they have no excuse in my opinion. I know they didn't have the convenience of internet and television to give instant news, but still. I can't fathom it. It disgusts me that such an atrocity could take place without any notice.
On to happier things, before I start crying/yelling...
Wednesday night, Kalen and Tiffany and I hopped over to the Queen's Arms Pub on the corner of our street and FINALLY got fish and chips! It was absolutely delicious and totally worth it. The owner of the pub recognized us as "the Americans that live down the way" (since MSU puts up students in the same flats every year) and told us we were welcome to make his pub our second home. Free wi-fi, great cider, and a great pub atmosphere...definitely going to be our second home, sir.
THURSDAY, 7 JULY:
Class was a movie today, Joyeux Noel. It was about the Christmas Truce of 1914, where some of the soldiers on the front called a truce just for Christmas Eve and all hung out together. It was the craziest thing I've ever seen, and also a true story (except for the glorified bits that Hollywood threw in just for fun). Unfortunately, everyone who participated in that fraternization was punished, and none of them lived to see the end of the war. After Magee told us that, I was super angry. Here was a chance for peace--clearly, all sides were capable of tolerating each other--and the leaders could not let it be. WWI was such a strange war... Nobody knew what they were fighting for, they just knew they had to go and be slaughtered for their country. I can't wrap my head around that. Maybe because I'm not really patriotic, I don't know.
Then we had a free afternoon to wander wherever we wanted (alliteration much?). Tiffany, Kalen, and I headed down to Piccadilly Circus to do some souvenir shopping (Lillywhite's and Cool Brittania!) and just to check out the hubbub down there. We had a great time buying presents for everyone! The guy at the register was pretty shocked that I spent £100 on things that weren't for me, lol. But it was worth it!
And that night, we celebrated the end of the first school week with class, following the customs of the city. We headed to our pub for some tequila sunrise(s) and then went back to the flat to play some games and have a good time. The four of us--me, Tiffany, Kalen, and Kristine--had a splendid night.
FRIDAY, 8 JULY:
Our first full free day of the trip! We woke up a little later than expected to find a man entering the room to check the fire alarm. While it was a little disconcerting, he did indeed check the alarm (woke me up a bit) and then left.
Tiffany, Kalen, and I headed out for a day in the southwest side of town, visiting the National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Both were spectacular sights; we spent longer there than anywhere else so far. We couldn't take pictures at the Gallery, but we got to see paintings from as far back as the Tudors and as recent as Will & Harry (who looks absolutely dashing in oil paint, let me tell you!). We joked around about how weird it would be for them to come to the museum...talk about a family history lesson! No need for photo albums, just build a museum, yes?
The V&A was pretty awesome as well. We saw plenty of marble statues, which never cease to amaze me; I cannot for the life of me figure out how they make everything so intricate and so beautiful. It blows my mind. How can you make a hair braid out of MARBLE?! We also saw a lot of "typical" English furnishings (lots of gold, intense draperies, big dresses and wigs, etc.) which are always fun for me, really.
In between the museums, we wandered to Harrod's, which is an ENORMOUS department store specializing in all things entirely unaffordable. Everyone says you have to see it once, though, so we did. They had a chocolate/tea/pastry shop that reminded me of a posh Willy Wonka; we got three truffles--coffee mint, Bailey's, and white Russian--and they were delightful! I'm always a sucker for chocolate, though. But this was particularly good chocolate! We grabbed lunch at a French cafe (Patisserie Valerie) and I had a ham and cheese croissant. I'm not a ham person, but for some reason I really like it here (I've eaten it probably 3 times already!).
And then, thoroughly worn out, we took the tube home and then to Regent's, where we're uploading pictures and blogging and catching up on homework. Heading home in a few, where I can hopefully catch up on emails and reading...
Like I told Facebook...I don't think I want to come home. I love it here. So, so much. I miss you all, but this is home now. My place. I have no idea why.
05 July 2011
Walk like an Egyptian
Another fun day in London! We had our first "real" class this morning, and it actually kept my attention pretty well. I'm not a history buff, so I was a bit worried about how class would be for me...but taking notes keeps me focused, and the content interests me because I've never learned it before and it's being presented very well. Magee and Rebekka really know their stuff, which is definitely nice. I can't stand it when professors have no idea what's going on...
After class (which got out early), we grabbed lunch at Regent's. Tiffany and I both got croissants with Brie, rockets, tomato, and pesto from the Brasserie, and they were absolutely DELICIOUS. Definitely doing that again. In general, the food at Regent's is pretty good, although usually we have no idea what the hot meal is supposed to be (too many words we don't understand). Everything is so healthy and so fresh. It's a nice change.
By the way, the escalators here in the tube stations are terrifying. The tallest one is 27 metres and looking down/up is probably the scariest thing ever. (See how I slipped that British spelling in there? I'm slowly morphing, I can feel it.) On a slightly related note, I have shin splints, because we are CONSTANTLY taking stairs to a million places and all of the walking is really giving me a workout. I'm going to lose weight here, if I haven't already.
Today's class activity was the British Museum, which is SO BIG. I stuck with Tiffany and Kalen; we saw the Egypt section and the Greece section, and that didn't even cover half the museum. I got to see the Rosetta Stone--which is pretty cool, if you ask me--and a TON of mummies. I've never really been into mummies, but it was excellent to see them.
After Kalen misplaced her wallet and then found it again, we headed down the road back to Tottenham Court and found a little restaurant called Munchkins. Soda sounded wonderful at the time, so we all got drinks...and I paid £1.95 for half a can of Fanta. Probably the most overpriced thing I've purchased here. Food at the grocery is NOT expensive--in fact, it's super cheap and kind of exhilarating to purchase because you can get so much--and the pubs near Kilburn (where we live) are not expensive at all, since we're quite a distance from the City. Our location is really growing on me... When we got off the tube, it was raining, so we ducked into Starbucks for a bit and chatted about literally everything in our lives.
Our intent had been to go to Piccadilly tonight, but the rain quashed that idea, and studying/postcard writing/uploading pictures became the new goal. I wandered to Tesco with Tiffany, Kalen, and Kristine to get ourselves some dinner. Spinach and ricotta tortellini with four cheese sauce and tomatoes, with fresh bread and a bottle of wine... We know how to be classy! It was delicious. And although our gas hob is possibly the scariest one I've ever seen, we succeeded in cooking on it, which makes me feel assured that yes, we can survive here, lol.
We also got to talk to our roommates a bit more tonight, which was really nice, since it seems like none of us are ever home at the same time. Everyone here is cool, in my opinion--no complaints. There are a few "groups" that have formed, and I love the friends I'm making.
So I uploaded more pictures to Facebook, wrote out some postcards for my family, and FINALLY got past 1916 in the dreadful Taylor book (The First World War...most boring piece of literature I have ever picked up). I'll be getting through Wuthering Heights next, since I have to write a paper on the "complexity of life in stately English homes of that time" in the next two weeks. Good thing I've read it before...
One last interesting tidbit.
BIZARRE LITTLE THINGS I'VE NOTICED IN LONDON THAT ARE TAKING ME FOREVER TO GET USED TO (BUT I AM):
1. Faucets. You have to turn them in a complete circle multiple times to get water to come out. It's so weird. In public places, it's usually more like home, but not in our flat.
2. Cars being on the left. This is getting more normal for me...but then when I'm back in the states, I'll probably get hit by a car.
3. Walking on the left of staircases, sidewalks, hallways, etc. I always start on the right and quickly merge over before I get hit. Now we're to the point where we get really angry if someone (especially an American) is walking on the right, because it screws up the traffic.
4. Calling the bathroom a "loo." This one isn't so bad, but it's one of the things where if you mess up, you actually get sent to the wrong room. I don't need a shower, I need to pee.
5. Not using just the index finger to point. Apparently it's rude here; the English point with their full hand. Gotta get used to that.
6. The money. I pay with cash so infrequently that I still don't know the coins. Ugh.
7. Not having a cell phone and internet at my fingertips. I feel "phantom phone vibrations" about 4 times every day, thinking someone is texting or calling. Never happens, since our phones are pay-as-you-go.
And last, but not least,
8. Feeling not like a tourist but not like a native. We don't know what we are here. When we talk, the words come out in an American accent, but we use the British words to get used to using them...and they sound super weird rolling off our tongues. And we HATE tourists (especially by Madame Tussaud's, ARGH!) but technically, we're tourists too. So weird.
I've written enough, I think. More tomorrow, yes?
After class (which got out early), we grabbed lunch at Regent's. Tiffany and I both got croissants with Brie, rockets, tomato, and pesto from the Brasserie, and they were absolutely DELICIOUS. Definitely doing that again. In general, the food at Regent's is pretty good, although usually we have no idea what the hot meal is supposed to be (too many words we don't understand). Everything is so healthy and so fresh. It's a nice change.
By the way, the escalators here in the tube stations are terrifying. The tallest one is 27 metres and looking down/up is probably the scariest thing ever. (See how I slipped that British spelling in there? I'm slowly morphing, I can feel it.) On a slightly related note, I have shin splints, because we are CONSTANTLY taking stairs to a million places and all of the walking is really giving me a workout. I'm going to lose weight here, if I haven't already.
Today's class activity was the British Museum, which is SO BIG. I stuck with Tiffany and Kalen; we saw the Egypt section and the Greece section, and that didn't even cover half the museum. I got to see the Rosetta Stone--which is pretty cool, if you ask me--and a TON of mummies. I've never really been into mummies, but it was excellent to see them.
After Kalen misplaced her wallet and then found it again, we headed down the road back to Tottenham Court and found a little restaurant called Munchkins. Soda sounded wonderful at the time, so we all got drinks...and I paid £1.95 for half a can of Fanta. Probably the most overpriced thing I've purchased here. Food at the grocery is NOT expensive--in fact, it's super cheap and kind of exhilarating to purchase because you can get so much--and the pubs near Kilburn (where we live) are not expensive at all, since we're quite a distance from the City. Our location is really growing on me... When we got off the tube, it was raining, so we ducked into Starbucks for a bit and chatted about literally everything in our lives.
Our intent had been to go to Piccadilly tonight, but the rain quashed that idea, and studying/postcard writing/uploading pictures became the new goal. I wandered to Tesco with Tiffany, Kalen, and Kristine to get ourselves some dinner. Spinach and ricotta tortellini with four cheese sauce and tomatoes, with fresh bread and a bottle of wine... We know how to be classy! It was delicious. And although our gas hob is possibly the scariest one I've ever seen, we succeeded in cooking on it, which makes me feel assured that yes, we can survive here, lol.
We also got to talk to our roommates a bit more tonight, which was really nice, since it seems like none of us are ever home at the same time. Everyone here is cool, in my opinion--no complaints. There are a few "groups" that have formed, and I love the friends I'm making.
So I uploaded more pictures to Facebook, wrote out some postcards for my family, and FINALLY got past 1916 in the dreadful Taylor book (The First World War...most boring piece of literature I have ever picked up). I'll be getting through Wuthering Heights next, since I have to write a paper on the "complexity of life in stately English homes of that time" in the next two weeks. Good thing I've read it before...
One last interesting tidbit.
BIZARRE LITTLE THINGS I'VE NOTICED IN LONDON THAT ARE TAKING ME FOREVER TO GET USED TO (BUT I AM):
1. Faucets. You have to turn them in a complete circle multiple times to get water to come out. It's so weird. In public places, it's usually more like home, but not in our flat.
2. Cars being on the left. This is getting more normal for me...but then when I'm back in the states, I'll probably get hit by a car.
3. Walking on the left of staircases, sidewalks, hallways, etc. I always start on the right and quickly merge over before I get hit. Now we're to the point where we get really angry if someone (especially an American) is walking on the right, because it screws up the traffic.
4. Calling the bathroom a "loo." This one isn't so bad, but it's one of the things where if you mess up, you actually get sent to the wrong room. I don't need a shower, I need to pee.
5. Not using just the index finger to point. Apparently it's rude here; the English point with their full hand. Gotta get used to that.
6. The money. I pay with cash so infrequently that I still don't know the coins. Ugh.
7. Not having a cell phone and internet at my fingertips. I feel "phantom phone vibrations" about 4 times every day, thinking someone is texting or calling. Never happens, since our phones are pay-as-you-go.
And last, but not least,
8. Feeling not like a tourist but not like a native. We don't know what we are here. When we talk, the words come out in an American accent, but we use the British words to get used to using them...and they sound super weird rolling off our tongues. And we HATE tourists (especially by Madame Tussaud's, ARGH!) but technically, we're tourists too. So weird.
I've written enough, I think. More tomorrow, yes?
04 July 2011
Woke up in London yesterday, found myself in the city near Piccadilly
Perfect song title. Yes, I have been waiting a month to use that as my title on the day after I woke up in London for the first time. No judgment.
Today was pretty sweet! We had class this morning, which was actually really cool. I'm super into poetry, and we had a guest lecturer from Regent's (a Brit, of course) come in and talk to us about some famous WWI poems. Brooke, Sassoon, Owen. Our instructor was so animated about it and so lively. It was excellent. Even the people who hate poetry were getting into it, and he actually stimulated a class discussion. It made me pretty happy!
After class we grabbed lunch at the refectory (I'm trying very hard not to call it a caf, it's not called a caf here) and zoomed home on the tube to drop off our laptops and other heavy items. We had a walking tour that started at 2, so my main group and I (that's Tiffany, Kalen, Alyssa, and Kristine) headed over to Charing Cross and got a real tube riding experience. The tube gets a wee bit hot during the middle of the day, with so many people and such poor ventilation, so by the time we emerged into the hot sun, we were already pretty toasty. Our whole group met up with Magee and Rebekka, and then they unleashed us upon the city.
We wandered down Strand Street and saw so many things...telephone booths, the gorgeous Charing Cross Station, plenty of theatres (I took lots of pictures for my brother, since he's a big theatre nut!), very old buildings, some very new buildings, statues of strange things, a Tesco (of course)...
We stopped at the Waterloo Bridge, which is the very best view of London. On your left you can see the "egg building," the financial district, and more bridges; on your right, Parliament, Big Ben, more bridges, and the London Eye. It was beautiful. I could have stood there for hours just watching, just staring. Particularly at Big Ben and Parliament. For some reason, that image is just wonderful to me. I can't wait to get closer and get more pictures.
Something else interesting we saw was a church that has now been turned into an RAF memorial, after it was blitzed during WWII (St. Clement Danes). The feeling I got staring at a building that I know has been through hell was just...fascinating. I mean, I know plenty of other buildings were blitzed and all that, but it just felt really neat to see it and know that that's what it survived.
And of course, we saw TONS of pubs, most of which I would love to come back and visit again!
Then we had to get back to the tube, which proved to be more difficult than expected. The nearest station (Blackfriars) is closed as part of the Upgrade Plan, which is London's revamping of the tube for the 2012 Olympics and such. So we had to wander around and find Temple Station, which we assumed would not be too far away (since the Bakerloo stations up near our flats are all pretty close together). WRONG. Temple Station was VERY FAR AWAY, and we had to walk past about 10 signs saying Temple Station with an arrow pointing us further on. We were miserably hot at this point, so there was much complaining. But eventually we found the station, climbed into the steamy tube, and made our way toward Leicester Square to meet the others.
Just kidding. We didn't get the Leicester Square as planned. The Northern Line, we learned, splits off into TWO separate tube lines, and from our entry point we were on the wrong one. Excellent. So we had to take a rather long way to Leicester...
By the time we arrived at The Cambridge, the pub where our professor was waiting to buy us all a drink, we were sweating to death and kind of cranky. Beer and cider were necessary. I, however, underestimated the potency of hard cider...and boy, that lightened all our moods. Exponentially. It was absolutely delicious, too. I wish that was more readily accessible in the USA.
So we staggered home--I mean, walked home confidently without any giggling--and rested for a few while Kalen waited for her luggage to FINALLY show up. It did (thank goodness) and then we headed up to Regent's for dinner and free wi-fi. No dinner, since the refectory was closed, but we ordered pizza (the same as from Saturday, lol) and chilled in the courtyard.
I skyped my mom and brother, and it was great to see their faces. Even Lulu made an appearance (and gave the computer a very strange look when she recognized my voice). I hope in the next week to skype my dad and Mo, and my best friends back home too. Elli and Caryn better set up a time as well so I can see the English countryside!
In sum, I am exhausted, but today was pretty great, as far as first days of school go. Tiffany and I just uploaded pictures onto Facebook (check 'em out mate!) and made a list of everything we want to see/do this weekend and next, and it's LONG, so we will be VERY busy. Busy is good, though. Busy is what I came here for!
Much love to everyone back home. Oh, also, as I'm typing this, I'm hearing it in my head in a British accent, since that's all I hear all day long. It's going to start coming out of my mouth that I way, I guarantee it...
Bedtime for those of us in GMT (00:19! How late! How confusing!). G'night, loves.
PS. Happy 4th of July, everyone! :)
Today was pretty sweet! We had class this morning, which was actually really cool. I'm super into poetry, and we had a guest lecturer from Regent's (a Brit, of course) come in and talk to us about some famous WWI poems. Brooke, Sassoon, Owen. Our instructor was so animated about it and so lively. It was excellent. Even the people who hate poetry were getting into it, and he actually stimulated a class discussion. It made me pretty happy!
After class we grabbed lunch at the refectory (I'm trying very hard not to call it a caf, it's not called a caf here) and zoomed home on the tube to drop off our laptops and other heavy items. We had a walking tour that started at 2, so my main group and I (that's Tiffany, Kalen, Alyssa, and Kristine) headed over to Charing Cross and got a real tube riding experience. The tube gets a wee bit hot during the middle of the day, with so many people and such poor ventilation, so by the time we emerged into the hot sun, we were already pretty toasty. Our whole group met up with Magee and Rebekka, and then they unleashed us upon the city.
We wandered down Strand Street and saw so many things...telephone booths, the gorgeous Charing Cross Station, plenty of theatres (I took lots of pictures for my brother, since he's a big theatre nut!), very old buildings, some very new buildings, statues of strange things, a Tesco (of course)...
We stopped at the Waterloo Bridge, which is the very best view of London. On your left you can see the "egg building," the financial district, and more bridges; on your right, Parliament, Big Ben, more bridges, and the London Eye. It was beautiful. I could have stood there for hours just watching, just staring. Particularly at Big Ben and Parliament. For some reason, that image is just wonderful to me. I can't wait to get closer and get more pictures.
Something else interesting we saw was a church that has now been turned into an RAF memorial, after it was blitzed during WWII (St. Clement Danes). The feeling I got staring at a building that I know has been through hell was just...fascinating. I mean, I know plenty of other buildings were blitzed and all that, but it just felt really neat to see it and know that that's what it survived.
And of course, we saw TONS of pubs, most of which I would love to come back and visit again!
Then we had to get back to the tube, which proved to be more difficult than expected. The nearest station (Blackfriars) is closed as part of the Upgrade Plan, which is London's revamping of the tube for the 2012 Olympics and such. So we had to wander around and find Temple Station, which we assumed would not be too far away (since the Bakerloo stations up near our flats are all pretty close together). WRONG. Temple Station was VERY FAR AWAY, and we had to walk past about 10 signs saying Temple Station with an arrow pointing us further on. We were miserably hot at this point, so there was much complaining. But eventually we found the station, climbed into the steamy tube, and made our way toward Leicester Square to meet the others.
Just kidding. We didn't get the Leicester Square as planned. The Northern Line, we learned, splits off into TWO separate tube lines, and from our entry point we were on the wrong one. Excellent. So we had to take a rather long way to Leicester...
By the time we arrived at The Cambridge, the pub where our professor was waiting to buy us all a drink, we were sweating to death and kind of cranky. Beer and cider were necessary. I, however, underestimated the potency of hard cider...and boy, that lightened all our moods. Exponentially. It was absolutely delicious, too. I wish that was more readily accessible in the USA.
So we staggered home--I mean, walked home confidently without any giggling--and rested for a few while Kalen waited for her luggage to FINALLY show up. It did (thank goodness) and then we headed up to Regent's for dinner and free wi-fi. No dinner, since the refectory was closed, but we ordered pizza (the same as from Saturday, lol) and chilled in the courtyard.
I skyped my mom and brother, and it was great to see their faces. Even Lulu made an appearance (and gave the computer a very strange look when she recognized my voice). I hope in the next week to skype my dad and Mo, and my best friends back home too. Elli and Caryn better set up a time as well so I can see the English countryside!
In sum, I am exhausted, but today was pretty great, as far as first days of school go. Tiffany and I just uploaded pictures onto Facebook (check 'em out mate!) and made a list of everything we want to see/do this weekend and next, and it's LONG, so we will be VERY busy. Busy is good, though. Busy is what I came here for!
Much love to everyone back home. Oh, also, as I'm typing this, I'm hearing it in my head in a British accent, since that's all I hear all day long. It's going to start coming out of my mouth that I way, I guarantee it...
Bedtime for those of us in GMT (00:19! How late! How confusing!). G'night, loves.
PS. Happy 4th of July, everyone! :)
03 July 2011
We're painting the roses red, we're painting the roses red
After yesterday's homesickness, today was definitely the cure. Still struggling a little to grasp the fact that yes, I am really here--it's not a dream. But I think eventually it will kick in, and this crazy tall flat will feel like a home.
Tiffany and I went with a group of other people today for the make-up orientation, which wasn't too much of a big deal. Just your typical this-is-what's-up sort of thing. The hall warden gave us some great tips on places to go, and we got to eat at Regent's for the first time. It was amazingly cheap and actually pretty good.
Tiff and I then went to explore Queen Mary's Garden in Regent's Park, and it was GORGEOUS. They have roses in literally every color. My favorite was probably the orange and pink, or maybe the ones that looked exactly like those in Alice in Wonderland. White with red splashes. So beautiful.
After that we went and wandered. We strolled down Baker Street and stopped at 221b, where they've ironically built the Sherlock Holmes museum. It was pretty cool, with some really creepy mannequins acting out the scenes.
After wandering Baker, we ran over to get cell phones from Carphone Warehouse. I couldn't understand a single word the guy said, but he definitely hit on us the entire time, and it was pretty funny. He asked what we were doing literally every day of the week... He was hilarious. I wish I knew half of what he said to us, lol. Such a heavy accent!
Later Tiffany and I went to the pub with Kalen and Alyssa. Pints!! I'm not exactly a beer person, so it was a learning experience. I already knew I liked Fosters, so I tried Carling... It was okay, I guess. Fosters is definitely better!
And now I'm up super late, blogging in the dark because Tiffany and I can't sleep. So tired, but jet lag says it's evening! Ugh.
More blogging tomorrow... All out of things to say today! :)
Tiffany and I went with a group of other people today for the make-up orientation, which wasn't too much of a big deal. Just your typical this-is-what's-up sort of thing. The hall warden gave us some great tips on places to go, and we got to eat at Regent's for the first time. It was amazingly cheap and actually pretty good.
Tiff and I then went to explore Queen Mary's Garden in Regent's Park, and it was GORGEOUS. They have roses in literally every color. My favorite was probably the orange and pink, or maybe the ones that looked exactly like those in Alice in Wonderland. White with red splashes. So beautiful.
After that we went and wandered. We strolled down Baker Street and stopped at 221b, where they've ironically built the Sherlock Holmes museum. It was pretty cool, with some really creepy mannequins acting out the scenes.
After wandering Baker, we ran over to get cell phones from Carphone Warehouse. I couldn't understand a single word the guy said, but he definitely hit on us the entire time, and it was pretty funny. He asked what we were doing literally every day of the week... He was hilarious. I wish I knew half of what he said to us, lol. Such a heavy accent!
Later Tiffany and I went to the pub with Kalen and Alyssa. Pints!! I'm not exactly a beer person, so it was a learning experience. I already knew I liked Fosters, so I tried Carling... It was okay, I guess. Fosters is definitely better!
And now I'm up super late, blogging in the dark because Tiffany and I can't sleep. So tired, but jet lag says it's evening! Ugh.
More blogging tomorrow... All out of things to say today! :)
02 July 2011
Don't ever look back
A few “ground rules,” for people who haven’t been reading my blog posts/writing since high school:
Every title is a song lyric, as a rule. Not to be funny or witty, just because I find it important to share the current song stuck in my head with the world. Not always relevant to the post subject.
Comments are fine with me, but I probably will not respond to them. It’s nothing against you, I promise. I just don’t pay much attention to the comment box, lol.
I also use “lol” and “haha” a lot. That’s about it for acronyms though. Oh, and lots of ellipses...since my thoughts frequently trail off...
I also put a full line between paragraphs on posts. It drives me nuts that there’s no indent, so I double-enter instead.
Most importantly, unless a post is intended to be educational, it will probably be full of biting sarcasm and/or stupid puns and jokes.
And now, the story you’ve all been waiting for...
HOW WE FINALLY MADE IT TO LONDON.
The background: Our original flight was supposed to be to Boston, with an hour and a half layover before getting on a plane to Heathrow. I was flying with Tiffany, Emily, and Victoria.
The problem: Our flight to Boston got delayed. And then delayed again. And then delayed again.
How it played out: We spent two hours working with a Delta lady to find a new flight. It was a complicated mess, I assure you. While she did indeed find a flight that all four of us could sit on, it would get us to London at 5:30pm...four and a half hours after orientation.
No matter, we said. We just want to GET THERE. This new route would take us to Amsterdam (which our parents were a little leery about) and then to UK.
Went through security. We all made it through, except Tiffany’s phone. No idea what happened. Someone out there probably has a new phone.
Dinner at Max & Erma’s. No idea what we were getting ourselves into. We thought it couldn’t get any worse. Lol...that’s funny.
Plane to Amsterdam. All went well in the beginning. I successfully slept through two movies.
And then the flight attendant came over the loudspeaker and asked if there were any doctors on the plane. My first thought (sadly) was Airplane, with the doc with his stethoscope. You taught me well, Grandpa. :) But our flight was not so funny… A guy ended up having heart problems or a heart attack or something along those lines, and we had to make an emergency landing in Shannon, Ireland so the paramedics could get him off the plane.
We seriously considered asking to be let off the plane at that point. SO close to England.
Waited a few hours, and then finally took off for Amsterdam again. They gave us some weird breakfast sandwich to make up for the inconvenience, but it had some weird cream-cheesy sauce on it, and anyone who knows me knows that that is just not okay...
Amsterdam. Bought a shotglass (because it’s Amsterdam, duh). Waited again...went through security again...finally got on a plane going to the right place.
I passed out mid-sentence talking to the kid next to me. In retrospect, I feel a bit bad for that. But I was too tired to care.
TOUCHED DOWN IN LONDON. I gripped the arm of the chair in excitement, and the poor kid next to me honestly thought I was crazy. Not too far off.
The lady who shooed me through customs was a very, very, very unhappy person. Something about my face must have offended her, because she put me through the wringer. I got in, though. And I did not cry, although the exhaustion was starting to set in and it would not have surprised me (or my mother) if I had just thrown my passport at the woman and requested to go home. Pat on the back for Krista keeping it together!
Then the tube. We met a wonderful lady and her boyfriend (I presume) and they chattered away at us about America and England and accents and what we wanted to do with our lives. It made the ride so much more fun than the rest of our travels had been.
We ran people over to get off the tube, but nobody seemed to mind too much. Everyone is so nice here. A man carried my suitcase up the stairs for me at Piccadilly Circus because it was starting to break at the edges (and so were my arms) and I probably looked like a crazy woman. Again, not too far off.
Found Regent’s College after much searching and complaining about how hungry we were. Found out we were locked out of our apartment, so we got cozy in the reception area and ordered pizza. Best food I’ve ever had...or at least the most appreciated.
And now, 26 hours after kissing my mom and brother goodbye in Detroit, I am sitting on my bed in my and Tiffany’s little room at the top of the flat (fourth floor!) and being super happy I stole my Delta blanket off the plane, because one sheet is just not gonna cut it.
I am so happy to be here. Even though the last 26 hours have tried and tested every single ounce of patience I possess, I am excited. A little homesick from the stress and a little isolated without my cell phone, but excited.
Travel adventure complete. Real adventure begins tomorrow!
Every title is a song lyric, as a rule. Not to be funny or witty, just because I find it important to share the current song stuck in my head with the world. Not always relevant to the post subject.
Comments are fine with me, but I probably will not respond to them. It’s nothing against you, I promise. I just don’t pay much attention to the comment box, lol.
I also use “lol” and “haha” a lot. That’s about it for acronyms though. Oh, and lots of ellipses...since my thoughts frequently trail off...
I also put a full line between paragraphs on posts. It drives me nuts that there’s no indent, so I double-enter instead.
Most importantly, unless a post is intended to be educational, it will probably be full of biting sarcasm and/or stupid puns and jokes.
And now, the story you’ve all been waiting for...
HOW WE FINALLY MADE IT TO LONDON.
The background: Our original flight was supposed to be to Boston, with an hour and a half layover before getting on a plane to Heathrow. I was flying with Tiffany, Emily, and Victoria.
The problem: Our flight to Boston got delayed. And then delayed again. And then delayed again.
How it played out: We spent two hours working with a Delta lady to find a new flight. It was a complicated mess, I assure you. While she did indeed find a flight that all four of us could sit on, it would get us to London at 5:30pm...four and a half hours after orientation.
No matter, we said. We just want to GET THERE. This new route would take us to Amsterdam (which our parents were a little leery about) and then to UK.
Went through security. We all made it through, except Tiffany’s phone. No idea what happened. Someone out there probably has a new phone.
Dinner at Max & Erma’s. No idea what we were getting ourselves into. We thought it couldn’t get any worse. Lol...that’s funny.
Plane to Amsterdam. All went well in the beginning. I successfully slept through two movies.
And then the flight attendant came over the loudspeaker and asked if there were any doctors on the plane. My first thought (sadly) was Airplane, with the doc with his stethoscope. You taught me well, Grandpa. :) But our flight was not so funny… A guy ended up having heart problems or a heart attack or something along those lines, and we had to make an emergency landing in Shannon, Ireland so the paramedics could get him off the plane.
We seriously considered asking to be let off the plane at that point. SO close to England.
Waited a few hours, and then finally took off for Amsterdam again. They gave us some weird breakfast sandwich to make up for the inconvenience, but it had some weird cream-cheesy sauce on it, and anyone who knows me knows that that is just not okay...
Amsterdam. Bought a shotglass (because it’s Amsterdam, duh). Waited again...went through security again...finally got on a plane going to the right place.
I passed out mid-sentence talking to the kid next to me. In retrospect, I feel a bit bad for that. But I was too tired to care.
TOUCHED DOWN IN LONDON. I gripped the arm of the chair in excitement, and the poor kid next to me honestly thought I was crazy. Not too far off.
The lady who shooed me through customs was a very, very, very unhappy person. Something about my face must have offended her, because she put me through the wringer. I got in, though. And I did not cry, although the exhaustion was starting to set in and it would not have surprised me (or my mother) if I had just thrown my passport at the woman and requested to go home. Pat on the back for Krista keeping it together!
Then the tube. We met a wonderful lady and her boyfriend (I presume) and they chattered away at us about America and England and accents and what we wanted to do with our lives. It made the ride so much more fun than the rest of our travels had been.
We ran people over to get off the tube, but nobody seemed to mind too much. Everyone is so nice here. A man carried my suitcase up the stairs for me at Piccadilly Circus because it was starting to break at the edges (and so were my arms) and I probably looked like a crazy woman. Again, not too far off.
Found Regent’s College after much searching and complaining about how hungry we were. Found out we were locked out of our apartment, so we got cozy in the reception area and ordered pizza. Best food I’ve ever had...or at least the most appreciated.
And now, 26 hours after kissing my mom and brother goodbye in Detroit, I am sitting on my bed in my and Tiffany’s little room at the top of the flat (fourth floor!) and being super happy I stole my Delta blanket off the plane, because one sheet is just not gonna cut it.
I am so happy to be here. Even though the last 26 hours have tried and tested every single ounce of patience I possess, I am excited. A little homesick from the stress and a little isolated without my cell phone, but excited.
Travel adventure complete. Real adventure begins tomorrow!
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