Saturday, May 7, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Reflection time
What's that quote? "Don't be sad because it's over, be happy because it happened"....?
Something like that. Well, that's what I'm trying to convince myself as I sit here in the gallows of post-study abroad depression which include: jet lag, boredom, looking through old photos, complaining about now-unexciting lives with fellow post-study abroad kids, a general feeling of "blah" about most things. Even the most simplistic parts of my day I compare to my past life in Europe. The balsamic dressing on my salad last night? I could only think about how it did not compare to the balsamic I tried at a food market in Florence.
It had to come to an end some day I guess. But, I can't complain. In 4 months I did SO MUCH. I'm sorting out all my photos and keepsakes (tickets, brochures, etc.) so I can scrapbook my semester abroad, and yikes... might need another scrapbook. There are just so many photos I want to include! And so many places I went that deserve multiple pages in the scrapbook.
So here is my reflection.. more so, a list of my favorites, the landmarks I saw, best nights, most beautiful places, learning experiences, overall best trips, etc etc. It might get kind of random at some point, so bear with me.
Favorite cities/countries (from most to least)
1. London- until a week ago, Barcelona was my number one, but in the past few days with the royal wedding, seeing Big Ben/Westminster at night, visiting a few parks... I realized that there is no place like London. Even after 4 months, London did not get old. Big Ben was exciting every time I saw it. Everything always felt so magical.
2. Barcelona
3. Venice
4. Paris
5. Switzerland
6. Munich
7. Madrid
8. Florence
9. Rome
10. Ireland
11. Berlin
12. Glasgow (Scotland)
Most Beautiful place: Switzerland (those mountains, teal water, wooden bridges, beautiful people), Runner up: Venice. so. dreamy.
Best overall trip: Italy (Venice, Florence, Rome) for a week with Jen, Jackie and Alex. As our final trip, it was just so fun and so nice to be with all of them. And Italy is a five thumbs up.
Amazing views:
Best Food:
Currywurst (Berlin)
Fish/Chips (London, specifically from Kennedy's)
Tapas (Madrid.. El Buscon, and this goat cheese/caramelized onion tapa from another tapas bar)
Cien Montaditos (little baby sandwiches... delicious)
Pizza (little cafe near Trevi Fountain... best pizza ever)
Gelato
Pasta dinner (restaurant in Florence, and Roma Sparita in Rome... I also had an amazing carbonara from a Paris restaurant)
Chocolate/Nutella croissants (yum)
Napolitana (from cafe in El Sol, Madrid. best pastry I've ever had)
Crepes (Paris. so delicious.. also had a good banana/chocolate crepe in Berlin)
Ben's Cookies (London)
Pretzels (Munich)
Chocolate (Switzerland, of course!)
It all sounds so healthy, doesn't it?!
Cathedrals/Basilicas I saw and/or went in:
Westminster Abbey (London)
St. Paul's (London)
Notre Dame (Paris)
Sacre Coeur (Paris)
Sistine Chapel (Rome)
San Pietro (Rome)
Duomo (Florence)
Berliner Dom (Berlin)
Basilica di San Marco (Venice)
Santa Maria del Mar (Barcelona)
Sagrada Familia (Barcelona)
Museums I went to/famous artwork I saw:
El Prado (Madrid; Las Meninas)
Picasso Museum (Barcelona)
La Reina Sofia (Madrid; Picasso's Guernica)
Louvre (Paris; Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo)
Jewish Museum (Berlin)
National Portrait Gallery (London; Van Gogh's Dandelions, Monet's Gardens)
Victoria and Albert Museum (London)
Tate Museum (London)
Science Museum (London)
Famous landmarks/sites
London: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, London Eye, Abbey Road, Hyde Park, St. James' Park
Ireland: Cliffs of Moher, Aillwee Caves, Guinness Factory, Christ Church
Munich: New Town Hall (Glockenspiel), Dachau concentration camp
Paris: Eiffel Tower, Arc du Triomphe, Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, Les Invalides, Champs-Élysées, Tuileries Gardens
Barcelona: Montjuic, Park Guell, Sagrada Familia, Santa Maria del Mar
Madrid: El Retiro, Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace, Catedral de Almudena
Berlin: Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, Pariser Platz, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Memorial to Murdered Jews of Europe, site of Hitler's bunker, book burning memorial, TV tower
Rome: Pantheon, Colosseum, Roman Forum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, memorial to Vittorio Emmanuele, Vatican City, Vatican Museums, San Pietro
Awesome people I've seen:
Marcus Mumford
Ginny Weasley
Prince William & Kate Middleton entering the New Zealand House back in February
The Queen, Prince Charles, Prince Harry, Will & Kate on Royal Wedding Day
The Pope (at the Vatican)
Cultural things (via my Performing Arts class, I went to several live performances this semester)
American Ballet
A Flea in Her Ear
The Heretic
Vernon God Little (my favorite)
Also: I saw A Doll's House in Manchester AND went to a private Mumford & Son's gig in Camden (London). Mumford & Son's night was a defining night in my semester. So amazing.
Not so good parts of this semester:
Breaking my camera in Ireland
Exchange rates/financial problems
Wish I learned more in my classes
That the semester had to end. :(
Defining/most memorable moments!!!
*already mentioned Mumford & Sons*
Royal Wedding- I was right up at the front of Buckingham Palace, and saw everything! Camping out overnight was so worth it, and reporting on the wedding for a newspaper back home was super fun.
London nightlife/pub crawls- Me and the girls always had a blast going out on the town... I will miss London's social scene so much.
My independent experience in Barcelona- I had so much fun by myself! It was an amazing two days, and I learned so much about independence and enjoying the little things. It made me love Barcelona 10x more.
Dachau concentration camp in Munich- such a somber place, really put everything in perspective. so glad I took the opportunity to go there... being there is just.. crazy.
Florence sunset- one of my favorite "I love life" moments.. just me and some good friends, beautiful views, wine & cheese... superb.
Cliffs of Moher- +60 mph winds, rain? makes for an unforgettable experience, that's for sure. It was half funny/half terrifying trying to conquer the cliffs!
Climbing the Eiffel Tower- So many stairs. so much fear of heights. but I did it! and it was an amazing feeling finally reaching the top and looking out over Paris.
so many other great moments but those just seem to stick out to me!
what I will miss most about Europe:
1. meeting really cool, interesting, international people. How cool is it that I lived on the same floor as a girl from Belgium, a guy from Lithuania, a guy from Italy (shout out to Louise, Algi and Vittorio!)... and that at hostels/pubs I met people from France, Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Costa Rica, Greece, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, etc. In several classes I had people from Poland, Indonesia, Spain, Australia, France, etc. I have always loved meeting people from all over the world, and living in London, a melting pot, and traveling all around Europe meeting more people... DREAM COME TRUE. I could not have been happier.
2. magic. anyone who visits Europe, for a week or for 4 months can agree with me: Europe has a magic about it. From the British accents in London to the Venetian canals to Spanish architecture... on so many occasions I had to pinch myself and ask "Is this real life?" because I could not believe that I was on top of the Eiffel Tower, or on a paddle boat staring at the Swiss Alps. I felt like I was in a dreamland. Unfortunately, America does not have that magic to me.. (although, NYC is going to be the closest I can get)... so I will oh so terribly miss that dream feeling I had in Europe.
3. Cheap airfare. RyanAir and EasyJet, you saved me so much money and allowed me to travel pretttyy cheaply. $17 plane ticket to Berlin? Yes, please. If only America had budget airlines... I'd be able to see so much more of my own country!
4. The tube. I miss it already... it was just so easy, so clean... (I will not miss how expensive it was though!)
5. Finsbury 3rd floor. Even through the consistent messy kitchen, food stealing and noise making... I loved my flat mates. I will miss Algi burning his toast, Louise being my dinner date and friend, Alex being oh so ginger, Sam for putting up with our initial Zac Efron jokes, and Vittorio for being the best italian stallion ever. And of course all my new Penn State friends... miss you all!
6. Tesco. 2 pound meal deals, cheap groceries, chocolate croissants? awesome. and so needed in the U.S.
7. European fashion: I found myself purchasing a pair of shoes in Target yesterday, because they just screamed European fashion. Although usually it made me feel like I needed to step up my wardrobe/trend game, it was enjoyable to see all the fashionistas and all the quirky fashion choices. I will miss Primark, too. As much of a zoo as it was.
8. Not being a tourist in a touristy city. This is a weird one, because at times I still felt like a tourist. But, being able to give someone directions, knowing my way around the city, knowing bus routes and tube stops, knowing where to get good deals and how to budget... I was a resident of London, an internationally prominent city.
9. Spain. Although I am so happy I studied in London, my visit to Spain made me rethink it a little bit! I just LOVE speaking Spanish and being able to communicate in another language... the Spanish culture was awesome, too. I miss Spain! It's so beautiful there...
10. The love life feeling. This is hard to explain... not that I don't love life... but I REALLY loved it these past four months. It was just a consistent happiness. Prior to, I only knew a life of classes, work, journalism stuff, and traveling between Milwaukee and Boston. My happiness was at its prime when with my friends and family, but I could quickly find myself in boredom, dissatisfaction, and blah-ness. But then, London and my Eurotrip happened. I found myself having fun with new friends, and by myself. I treated myself to traveling and adventures, well-deserved after several years of hard work at Marquette. I did the things I wanted to do. Some days it meant going to a museum, other days it meant laying in bed and catching up with friends on Facebook. But either way, I was happy with what I was doing. No longer was my life dictated by all my work/school responsibilities. My only real responsibility this semester... was to enjoy myself. And I can truly say that I did (or maybe you can tell by previous blog entries and photos?)
I am so thankful to be going into another great experience this summer, Sports Illustrated internship in NYC. Yet another dream come true. After leaving Europe, one adventure of a lifetime, I'm so excited and impatient to go into my next adventure.
As I sit here, suitcases unpacked, scrap booking in progress.... I am dreaming up my next global travels. As much as I thought I've seen... I haven't seen but less than one percent of the world. I want to go back to Paris and see Versailles (which I missed before)... I want to spend more time living the Madrid life. I didn't get to southern Spain and that is a must. And then southern France, Eastern European countries like Prague and Budapest. I have to go to Austria, Amsterdam, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, Croatia, Greece... several more cities in Italy, I need to go to Portugal, re-visit Ireland and go to the Scottish Highlands. And aside from Europe... I am realizing how badly I want to get to South America. and South Africa!! ooohh I want to go to South Africa...
I should probably work on paying off my debt, and get through college before I start planning my next travels. But, let's just say my adventures have only just begin. There's so much out there.. and I'm gonna see it.
Well. That's it folks. 4 months of pure magic, awesome people, beautiful places, fun times and loving life. Thank you to everyone who has read my blog all along, and I hope you will tune into my NYC adventures when the start up in June.
London... I love you, always and forever. See you soon.
"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford."
Something like that. Well, that's what I'm trying to convince myself as I sit here in the gallows of post-study abroad depression which include: jet lag, boredom, looking through old photos, complaining about now-unexciting lives with fellow post-study abroad kids, a general feeling of "blah" about most things. Even the most simplistic parts of my day I compare to my past life in Europe. The balsamic dressing on my salad last night? I could only think about how it did not compare to the balsamic I tried at a food market in Florence.
It had to come to an end some day I guess. But, I can't complain. In 4 months I did SO MUCH. I'm sorting out all my photos and keepsakes (tickets, brochures, etc.) so I can scrapbook my semester abroad, and yikes... might need another scrapbook. There are just so many photos I want to include! And so many places I went that deserve multiple pages in the scrapbook.
So here is my reflection.. more so, a list of my favorites, the landmarks I saw, best nights, most beautiful places, learning experiences, overall best trips, etc etc. It might get kind of random at some point, so bear with me.
Favorite cities/countries (from most to least)
1. London- until a week ago, Barcelona was my number one, but in the past few days with the royal wedding, seeing Big Ben/Westminster at night, visiting a few parks... I realized that there is no place like London. Even after 4 months, London did not get old. Big Ben was exciting every time I saw it. Everything always felt so magical.
2. Barcelona
3. Venice
4. Paris
5. Switzerland
6. Munich
7. Madrid
8. Florence
9. Rome
10. Ireland
11. Berlin
12. Glasgow (Scotland)
Most Beautiful place: Switzerland (those mountains, teal water, wooden bridges, beautiful people), Runner up: Venice. so. dreamy.
Best overall trip: Italy (Venice, Florence, Rome) for a week with Jen, Jackie and Alex. As our final trip, it was just so fun and so nice to be with all of them. And Italy is a five thumbs up.
Amazing views:
Florence
Lucerne, Switzerland
Paris ( from the Eiffel Tower)
Paris (from the Arc du Triomphe)
Barcelona (from Montjuic)
London (from London Eye)
Best Food:
Currywurst (Berlin)
Fish/Chips (London, specifically from Kennedy's)
Tapas (Madrid.. El Buscon, and this goat cheese/caramelized onion tapa from another tapas bar)
Cien Montaditos (little baby sandwiches... delicious)
Pizza (little cafe near Trevi Fountain... best pizza ever)
Gelato
Pasta dinner (restaurant in Florence, and Roma Sparita in Rome... I also had an amazing carbonara from a Paris restaurant)
Chocolate/Nutella croissants (yum)
Napolitana (from cafe in El Sol, Madrid. best pastry I've ever had)
Crepes (Paris. so delicious.. also had a good banana/chocolate crepe in Berlin)
Ben's Cookies (London)
Pretzels (Munich)
Chocolate (Switzerland, of course!)
It all sounds so healthy, doesn't it?!
Cathedrals/Basilicas I saw and/or went in:
Westminster Abbey (London)
St. Paul's (London)
Notre Dame (Paris)
Sacre Coeur (Paris)
Sistine Chapel (Rome)
San Pietro (Rome)
Duomo (Florence)
Berliner Dom (Berlin)
Basilica di San Marco (Venice)
Santa Maria del Mar (Barcelona)
Sagrada Familia (Barcelona)
Museums I went to/famous artwork I saw:
El Prado (Madrid; Las Meninas)
Picasso Museum (Barcelona)
La Reina Sofia (Madrid; Picasso's Guernica)
Louvre (Paris; Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo)
Jewish Museum (Berlin)
National Portrait Gallery (London; Van Gogh's Dandelions, Monet's Gardens)
Victoria and Albert Museum (London)
Tate Museum (London)
Science Museum (London)
Famous landmarks/sites
London: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, London Eye, Abbey Road, Hyde Park, St. James' Park
Ireland: Cliffs of Moher, Aillwee Caves, Guinness Factory, Christ Church
Munich: New Town Hall (Glockenspiel), Dachau concentration camp
Paris: Eiffel Tower, Arc du Triomphe, Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, Les Invalides, Champs-Élysées, Tuileries Gardens
Barcelona: Montjuic, Park Guell, Sagrada Familia, Santa Maria del Mar
Madrid: El Retiro, Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace, Catedral de Almudena
Berlin: Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, Pariser Platz, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Memorial to Murdered Jews of Europe, site of Hitler's bunker, book burning memorial, TV tower
Rome: Pantheon, Colosseum, Roman Forum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, memorial to Vittorio Emmanuele, Vatican City, Vatican Museums, San Pietro
Awesome people I've seen:
Marcus Mumford
Ginny Weasley
Prince William & Kate Middleton entering the New Zealand House back in February
The Queen, Prince Charles, Prince Harry, Will & Kate on Royal Wedding Day
The Pope (at the Vatican)
Cultural things (via my Performing Arts class, I went to several live performances this semester)
American Ballet
A Flea in Her Ear
The Heretic
Vernon God Little (my favorite)
Also: I saw A Doll's House in Manchester AND went to a private Mumford & Son's gig in Camden (London). Mumford & Son's night was a defining night in my semester. So amazing.
Not so good parts of this semester:
Breaking my camera in Ireland
Exchange rates/financial problems
Wish I learned more in my classes
That the semester had to end. :(
Defining/most memorable moments!!!
*already mentioned Mumford & Sons*
Royal Wedding- I was right up at the front of Buckingham Palace, and saw everything! Camping out overnight was so worth it, and reporting on the wedding for a newspaper back home was super fun.
London nightlife/pub crawls- Me and the girls always had a blast going out on the town... I will miss London's social scene so much.
My independent experience in Barcelona- I had so much fun by myself! It was an amazing two days, and I learned so much about independence and enjoying the little things. It made me love Barcelona 10x more.
Dachau concentration camp in Munich- such a somber place, really put everything in perspective. so glad I took the opportunity to go there... being there is just.. crazy.
Florence sunset- one of my favorite "I love life" moments.. just me and some good friends, beautiful views, wine & cheese... superb.
Cliffs of Moher- +60 mph winds, rain? makes for an unforgettable experience, that's for sure. It was half funny/half terrifying trying to conquer the cliffs!
Climbing the Eiffel Tower- So many stairs. so much fear of heights. but I did it! and it was an amazing feeling finally reaching the top and looking out over Paris.
so many other great moments but those just seem to stick out to me!
what I will miss most about Europe:
1. meeting really cool, interesting, international people. How cool is it that I lived on the same floor as a girl from Belgium, a guy from Lithuania, a guy from Italy (shout out to Louise, Algi and Vittorio!)... and that at hostels/pubs I met people from France, Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Costa Rica, Greece, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, etc. In several classes I had people from Poland, Indonesia, Spain, Australia, France, etc. I have always loved meeting people from all over the world, and living in London, a melting pot, and traveling all around Europe meeting more people... DREAM COME TRUE. I could not have been happier.
2. magic. anyone who visits Europe, for a week or for 4 months can agree with me: Europe has a magic about it. From the British accents in London to the Venetian canals to Spanish architecture... on so many occasions I had to pinch myself and ask "Is this real life?" because I could not believe that I was on top of the Eiffel Tower, or on a paddle boat staring at the Swiss Alps. I felt like I was in a dreamland. Unfortunately, America does not have that magic to me.. (although, NYC is going to be the closest I can get)... so I will oh so terribly miss that dream feeling I had in Europe.
3. Cheap airfare. RyanAir and EasyJet, you saved me so much money and allowed me to travel pretttyy cheaply. $17 plane ticket to Berlin? Yes, please. If only America had budget airlines... I'd be able to see so much more of my own country!
4. The tube. I miss it already... it was just so easy, so clean... (I will not miss how expensive it was though!)
5. Finsbury 3rd floor. Even through the consistent messy kitchen, food stealing and noise making... I loved my flat mates. I will miss Algi burning his toast, Louise being my dinner date and friend, Alex being oh so ginger, Sam for putting up with our initial Zac Efron jokes, and Vittorio for being the best italian stallion ever. And of course all my new Penn State friends... miss you all!
6. Tesco. 2 pound meal deals, cheap groceries, chocolate croissants? awesome. and so needed in the U.S.
7. European fashion: I found myself purchasing a pair of shoes in Target yesterday, because they just screamed European fashion. Although usually it made me feel like I needed to step up my wardrobe/trend game, it was enjoyable to see all the fashionistas and all the quirky fashion choices. I will miss Primark, too. As much of a zoo as it was.
8. Not being a tourist in a touristy city. This is a weird one, because at times I still felt like a tourist. But, being able to give someone directions, knowing my way around the city, knowing bus routes and tube stops, knowing where to get good deals and how to budget... I was a resident of London, an internationally prominent city.
9. Spain. Although I am so happy I studied in London, my visit to Spain made me rethink it a little bit! I just LOVE speaking Spanish and being able to communicate in another language... the Spanish culture was awesome, too. I miss Spain! It's so beautiful there...
10. The love life feeling. This is hard to explain... not that I don't love life... but I REALLY loved it these past four months. It was just a consistent happiness. Prior to, I only knew a life of classes, work, journalism stuff, and traveling between Milwaukee and Boston. My happiness was at its prime when with my friends and family, but I could quickly find myself in boredom, dissatisfaction, and blah-ness. But then, London and my Eurotrip happened. I found myself having fun with new friends, and by myself. I treated myself to traveling and adventures, well-deserved after several years of hard work at Marquette. I did the things I wanted to do. Some days it meant going to a museum, other days it meant laying in bed and catching up with friends on Facebook. But either way, I was happy with what I was doing. No longer was my life dictated by all my work/school responsibilities. My only real responsibility this semester... was to enjoy myself. And I can truly say that I did (or maybe you can tell by previous blog entries and photos?)
I am so thankful to be going into another great experience this summer, Sports Illustrated internship in NYC. Yet another dream come true. After leaving Europe, one adventure of a lifetime, I'm so excited and impatient to go into my next adventure.
As I sit here, suitcases unpacked, scrap booking in progress.... I am dreaming up my next global travels. As much as I thought I've seen... I haven't seen but less than one percent of the world. I want to go back to Paris and see Versailles (which I missed before)... I want to spend more time living the Madrid life. I didn't get to southern Spain and that is a must. And then southern France, Eastern European countries like Prague and Budapest. I have to go to Austria, Amsterdam, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, Croatia, Greece... several more cities in Italy, I need to go to Portugal, re-visit Ireland and go to the Scottish Highlands. And aside from Europe... I am realizing how badly I want to get to South America. and South Africa!! ooohh I want to go to South Africa...
I should probably work on paying off my debt, and get through college before I start planning my next travels. But, let's just say my adventures have only just begin. There's so much out there.. and I'm gonna see it.
Well. That's it folks. 4 months of pure magic, awesome people, beautiful places, fun times and loving life. Thank you to everyone who has read my blog all along, and I hope you will tune into my NYC adventures when the start up in June.
London... I love you, always and forever. See you soon.
"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford."
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
home sweet home
I'm sitting here on the couch in my living room, sitting next to Jessie (who has one of my socks in her mouth), watching Channel 7 news, and waiting for a yummy steak dinner to finish cooking.
Nothing's changed. This is exactly what I would've been doing 4 months ago. Even though life carried on without me while I was off living a dream for 4 months... it still feels like time just stopped, and then picked back up when I landed in Boston yesterday.
I drove to the grocery store today... and surprisingly, remembered how to drive. The grocery store looked the exact same... but for some reason, white cheddar mac & cheese is no longer existent. I leave America and Kraft mac & cheese gets rid of white cheddar? Say it ain't so.
I stopped at Dunkin Donuts drive through to grab lunch and a coffee... and had to wait for what seems like forever in line. Nothing's changed.
Some weird realizations just in a trip to the grocery store: everything seemed super pricey. I'm used to buying the cheapest of cheap food at Tesco... with the exchange rate my bread cost $1, milk, $1.50, chicken $5, cheese $2. But at Stop & Shop.. the higher price tags were surprising. Also, I think it's because even though I was paying in British pounds, I never stopped converting prices to USD. So, although I was handing over pounds, I knew how much I was paying in USD. Therefore, nothing is seeming cheaper here. It's all the same, if not more expensive. Weird?
And then, even though I thought the British people were generally friendly, when I was asked "How are you?" multiple times today by Dunkin Donuts and grocery store workers... I realized, no one asks me that at Tesco or other little stores I went to in London. And even the fellow Americans on the plane over with me... all SO nice. I was in such a pleasant shock.
Aside from the grocery store run, all I've done today is watch television and unpack some of my bags. I'm surprised I've unpacked so soon. Usually, after coming home for the summer from college, it takes me a good week to unpack. I guess I was just so excited to unpack all my new goodies! Just as exciting: seeing all the clothes, shoes, items in my room I didn't bring with me to London. It's literally like I have a whole new wardrobe. Shoes I haven't worn in 4 months, my favorite perfume I didn't bring with me, etc.
Anyway... my last few days in London were pretty relaxing. I got my last English breakfast and my last burger & beer deal at the beloved Spoons pub. So sad... Spoons was our favorite! I went to Spitalfields Market one last time where I bought two posters, one said "Keep calm and carry on" and the other was a night view of Westminster area. They will join my other London related posters on my wall in NYC and out in Milwaukee. On Sunday night, Jackie and I walked down to Big Ben/London Eye area so I could say my goodbyes.
London is majestic and so so beautiful at night. Ugh. So hard to say goodbye. But, I will be back, that's for sure. Until next time, Big Ben.
Nothing's changed. This is exactly what I would've been doing 4 months ago. Even though life carried on without me while I was off living a dream for 4 months... it still feels like time just stopped, and then picked back up when I landed in Boston yesterday.
I drove to the grocery store today... and surprisingly, remembered how to drive. The grocery store looked the exact same... but for some reason, white cheddar mac & cheese is no longer existent. I leave America and Kraft mac & cheese gets rid of white cheddar? Say it ain't so.
I stopped at Dunkin Donuts drive through to grab lunch and a coffee... and had to wait for what seems like forever in line. Nothing's changed.
Some weird realizations just in a trip to the grocery store: everything seemed super pricey. I'm used to buying the cheapest of cheap food at Tesco... with the exchange rate my bread cost $1, milk, $1.50, chicken $5, cheese $2. But at Stop & Shop.. the higher price tags were surprising. Also, I think it's because even though I was paying in British pounds, I never stopped converting prices to USD. So, although I was handing over pounds, I knew how much I was paying in USD. Therefore, nothing is seeming cheaper here. It's all the same, if not more expensive. Weird?
And then, even though I thought the British people were generally friendly, when I was asked "How are you?" multiple times today by Dunkin Donuts and grocery store workers... I realized, no one asks me that at Tesco or other little stores I went to in London. And even the fellow Americans on the plane over with me... all SO nice. I was in such a pleasant shock.
Aside from the grocery store run, all I've done today is watch television and unpack some of my bags. I'm surprised I've unpacked so soon. Usually, after coming home for the summer from college, it takes me a good week to unpack. I guess I was just so excited to unpack all my new goodies! Just as exciting: seeing all the clothes, shoes, items in my room I didn't bring with me to London. It's literally like I have a whole new wardrobe. Shoes I haven't worn in 4 months, my favorite perfume I didn't bring with me, etc.
Anyway... my last few days in London were pretty relaxing. I got my last English breakfast and my last burger & beer deal at the beloved Spoons pub. So sad... Spoons was our favorite! I went to Spitalfields Market one last time where I bought two posters, one said "Keep calm and carry on" and the other was a night view of Westminster area. They will join my other London related posters on my wall in NYC and out in Milwaukee. On Sunday night, Jackie and I walked down to Big Ben/London Eye area so I could say my goodbyes.
London is majestic and so so beautiful at night. Ugh. So hard to say goodbye. But, I will be back, that's for sure. Until next time, Big Ben.
On Monday, after saying my goodbyes to Finsbury Hall, my home for 4 months, I headed to the airport with 3 checked bags, one carry on suitcase, and two purses. But thankfully I had some help.. Jackie :) We hopped on the tube and were at Heathrow within an hour. Thanks to a realllllyyyyy nice American Airlines worker, I didn't have to pay extra for having overweight bags.
So I took my extra cash on over to the duty-free store where I loaded up on British souvenirs, tea, Cadbury and some magazines for my 7 hour plane ride home.
Seven. hours. Business class from Boston to London must have made that 7 hours a lot more bearable, because flying 7 hours in coach seemed like forever. But, I watched The King's Speech and Dinner for Schmucks... both extremely enjoyable. The flight wasn't even half full... I had a whole row to myself. Nice.
I have an admission.... I shed some tears when the plane was leaving London. Couldn't help myself. I was just so sad to say goodbye to a great 4 months and the most amazing city. Blah!
Upon arriving in Boston I was met my some great Bostonian accents, my mama who was waiting for me.. and within moments I had a Dunkin Donuts iced coffee in my hands. Yum, it's never tasted better. Then we headed home, stopping at our favorite BBQ place for dinner. Pulled pork, potatoes and cucumber salad. Delicious.
When I got home, I sat on my couch, drinking Fortnum & Mason tea in my new London mug, wrapped in my union jack blanket I got from Primark, waving a union jack flag (another souvenir) back and forth and wearing my ManU jersey. I'm in America? Really? It's all so surreal.
I am so glad though that I brought so many aspects of England back to America with me. I will drink tea on the regular. I will put cucumbers on my sandwiches instead of lettuce. Cadbury chocolate will replace Hershey's. I will always have a union jack flag hanging somewhere in my bedroom. I have many a mug or glass acquired in my travels. Several clothing items purchased in London will continue to make me feel just a little British. Especially my ManU jersey. I think it gives me this appearance of "girl who watches/likes soccer" when in fact, that couldn't be farther from the truth. I'm not a ManU fan (I lived in London after all)... but I am a Ronaldo fan.
But the best part of the yesterday?... settling into my AMAZING heaven of a bed. For four months I laid on top of uncomfortable springs and in a small twin dinky bed. And now, I can sink into my double bed, soft sheets, big pillows and huge mattress. Yes.
Right now I am watching the Celtics play the Heat in game 2 of the playoff series. Now this is something I haven't done in awhile. Go Celtics!!
Oh. because I can't go one month without going somewhere, my dad just asked me to come to Puerto Rico on his business trip with him in a few weeks. He didn't have to ask twice. Bring on the beach!
Welp.. I'll blog again soon about my adjustment back into America, as well as my reflection on the semester. And then I'm calling it quits until I begin my next great adventure: NYC!
Cheers xxxx
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Cheers, London
The time has come to say goodbye to London.
Cue sadness and disbelief.
It honestly feels like just yesterday I was prepping for my flight to London, being all anxious to leave, not sure what was ahead of me.. even though I knew it would be good, I was still scared. And then came my first day in London: spent at the British Museum, sitting in Starbucks and people watching, shopping on Oxford Street, and wandering into the "times square" Picadilly Circus. My move in day at the dorms: meeting all the kids on my floor, who were so welcoming and who I will definitely miss. The feeling I had that first week of utter joy, excitement, "life is awesome."
Even though the initial excitement wore off, the "life is awesome" feeling has consistently remained. Even those days I did nothing but sit in my room and talk to friends online... I was still in London, I had either just returned from a great trip or had plans for an upcoming adventure... my life has been unbelievably great these past 4 months.
4 months are already over?!?! This can't be true!
I just returned from a walk down to Westminster/Big Ben with Jackie. Had to say my final goodbyes of course. Oh Big Ben, I will miss you. That London skyline is just so majestic.. you can't beat it. And also say my goodbye to St. Paul's Cathedral... probably my favorite building in London. I haven't even been inside (one of the many things uncompleted on my to-do list), but I still just love it oh so much.
I keep reminding myself that I'll be back to this city. How could I not? It's treated me so well. It's been my home away from home.. so much so that sometimes I even forgot I was in London. The area I live in isn't next door to Big Ben... so it's not like I have "London" staring at me in the face every day. But, when I did get downtown to see those landmarks... it was the same magic all over again. I feel like a tourist even to this day... as of tonight, STILL snapping photos of Big Ben. But anyway, I quickly adjusted and turned one of the world's most prominent cities... into my home.
I've conquered the underground system.. and learned to love it. Hopefully it will help me also conquer NYC's subway system... something I've always dreaded. But, I haven't conquered which way to look when crossing the road. I still look left, then right. Ah well, at least I won't have to re-learn America's system.
This week I had planned on crossing so many things off my London to-do list, whether it be seeing something for the first time, or re-visiting it. But, with all this royal wedding hubbub, I didn't get to much at all! Kind of a bummer...
Didn't attend an Evensong/go inside St. Paul's, didn't get Indian food at all in 4 months (London is known for Indian food!), didn't go inside Harrod's, didn't get English teatime, go to Regent's Park or Natural History Museum... blah!! I should've made more of an effort to do these things. But, I can't complain.. the things I did do this semester make up for it all. And ending everything with a Royal Wedding and front row at Buckingham Palace? That tops everything. Like, what a way to end a semester. Wow.
I plan on doing a few more blog posts when I return home and have time to reflect, if you will, on my semester. The highs, the lows.. the goods and bads. my favorite cities, favorite trips, etc. etc.
Why am I blogging? I should be finishing up some last minute packing. I'm at that standstill where you're basically all packed, aside from a bunch of miscellaneous items you don't know what to do with. My bags are getting pretttyyyy heavy. Let's cross our fingers that they are within the weight limit.
Welp. See ya soon London. It's been fun. And I'll miss you more than imaginable.
But, get me home to my amazing bed, my precious Jessie, home cooked meals and being on the same continent as my best friends and family.
BITTERSWEET.
Cue sadness and disbelief.
It honestly feels like just yesterday I was prepping for my flight to London, being all anxious to leave, not sure what was ahead of me.. even though I knew it would be good, I was still scared. And then came my first day in London: spent at the British Museum, sitting in Starbucks and people watching, shopping on Oxford Street, and wandering into the "times square" Picadilly Circus. My move in day at the dorms: meeting all the kids on my floor, who were so welcoming and who I will definitely miss. The feeling I had that first week of utter joy, excitement, "life is awesome."
Even though the initial excitement wore off, the "life is awesome" feeling has consistently remained. Even those days I did nothing but sit in my room and talk to friends online... I was still in London, I had either just returned from a great trip or had plans for an upcoming adventure... my life has been unbelievably great these past 4 months.
4 months are already over?!?! This can't be true!
I just returned from a walk down to Westminster/Big Ben with Jackie. Had to say my final goodbyes of course. Oh Big Ben, I will miss you. That London skyline is just so majestic.. you can't beat it. And also say my goodbye to St. Paul's Cathedral... probably my favorite building in London. I haven't even been inside (one of the many things uncompleted on my to-do list), but I still just love it oh so much.
I keep reminding myself that I'll be back to this city. How could I not? It's treated me so well. It's been my home away from home.. so much so that sometimes I even forgot I was in London. The area I live in isn't next door to Big Ben... so it's not like I have "London" staring at me in the face every day. But, when I did get downtown to see those landmarks... it was the same magic all over again. I feel like a tourist even to this day... as of tonight, STILL snapping photos of Big Ben. But anyway, I quickly adjusted and turned one of the world's most prominent cities... into my home.
I've conquered the underground system.. and learned to love it. Hopefully it will help me also conquer NYC's subway system... something I've always dreaded. But, I haven't conquered which way to look when crossing the road. I still look left, then right. Ah well, at least I won't have to re-learn America's system.
This week I had planned on crossing so many things off my London to-do list, whether it be seeing something for the first time, or re-visiting it. But, with all this royal wedding hubbub, I didn't get to much at all! Kind of a bummer...
Didn't attend an Evensong/go inside St. Paul's, didn't get Indian food at all in 4 months (London is known for Indian food!), didn't go inside Harrod's, didn't get English teatime, go to Regent's Park or Natural History Museum... blah!! I should've made more of an effort to do these things. But, I can't complain.. the things I did do this semester make up for it all. And ending everything with a Royal Wedding and front row at Buckingham Palace? That tops everything. Like, what a way to end a semester. Wow.
I plan on doing a few more blog posts when I return home and have time to reflect, if you will, on my semester. The highs, the lows.. the goods and bads. my favorite cities, favorite trips, etc. etc.
Why am I blogging? I should be finishing up some last minute packing. I'm at that standstill where you're basically all packed, aside from a bunch of miscellaneous items you don't know what to do with. My bags are getting pretttyyyy heavy. Let's cross our fingers that they are within the weight limit.
Welp. See ya soon London. It's been fun. And I'll miss you more than imaginable.
But, get me home to my amazing bed, my precious Jessie, home cooked meals and being on the same continent as my best friends and family.
BITTERSWEET.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Royal Wedding!!
photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/home
I will have to blog more about this later on.. I'm still writing my last report for the T&G, which I will also post as soon as that is online!
But. I will say.
OH. MY. GOSH.
Was that the best experience ever? Yes, quite possibly. I camped outside for 18 hours and after dealing with no sleep, cold temperatures and annoying people around me... it was me and my friends who were front row outside Buckingham Palace gates, watching the Royal Family and the couple's first (and second kisses). WOW. wow. wow. wow.
I saw the Queen!! and the Princes! and Kate! all right in front of my eyes. best view of everyone. ahhhh!!
That was history and I was a part of it. Something I will never ever forget that's for sure. I'm in shock, still. I haven't even had a chance to watch the wedding online. But the video clips are awesome. I get goosebumps watching Kate & William, seeing her in that beautiful dress, listening to them give their vows.
Awesome, awesome, awesome day. A great way to wrap up my time in London. (2 more days!)
I will have to blog more about this later on.. I'm still writing my last report for the T&G, which I will also post as soon as that is online!
But. I will say.
OH. MY. GOSH.
Was that the best experience ever? Yes, quite possibly. I camped outside for 18 hours and after dealing with no sleep, cold temperatures and annoying people around me... it was me and my friends who were front row outside Buckingham Palace gates, watching the Royal Family and the couple's first (and second kisses). WOW. wow. wow. wow.
I saw the Queen!! and the Princes! and Kate! all right in front of my eyes. best view of everyone. ahhhh!!
That was history and I was a part of it. Something I will never ever forget that's for sure. I'm in shock, still. I haven't even had a chance to watch the wedding online. But the video clips are awesome. I get goosebumps watching Kate & William, seeing her in that beautiful dress, listening to them give their vows.
Awesome, awesome, awesome day. A great way to wrap up my time in London. (2 more days!)
Thursday, April 28, 2011
3rd installment for T&G
http://www.telegram.com/article/20110428/NEWS/110429682
Check out my latest article about the growing excitement around Westminster Abbey!
It's about 5 p.m. over here, and in an hour or so, me and some friends will be packing up, stopping to get some snacks, and heading over to Hyde Park/Buckingham Palace area to grab a spot for the night.
And it's supposed to rain tonight and tomorrow. Blah! It hasn't really rained here in weeks... but of course it rains the night I plan to sleep outside. Wonderful.
Anyway, wish us luck. This is going to be an exciting but crazy 24 hours!
Check out my latest article about the growing excitement around Westminster Abbey!
It's about 5 p.m. over here, and in an hour or so, me and some friends will be packing up, stopping to get some snacks, and heading over to Hyde Park/Buckingham Palace area to grab a spot for the night.
And it's supposed to rain tonight and tomorrow. Blah! It hasn't really rained here in weeks... but of course it rains the night I plan to sleep outside. Wonderful.
Anyway, wish us luck. This is going to be an exciting but crazy 24 hours!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Article #2 for the T&G.. about tabloid coverage of the Royal Wedding.
http://www.telegram.com/article/20110427/NEWS/110429744
And here are my most recent photos of the Royal Wedding prep... the profile photos are of people I talked to!
https://picasaweb.google.com/110189500286397591927/RoyalWedding
I don't have much time to blog about everything, but my T&G articles basically sum it up. I'll post a huge blog entry once all this wedding craziness is over and I have time to think!
Tomorrow me and the girls will head over to pick our camping spot... should be an interesting 24 hours that's for sure. Wish us luck!!
xxx
http://www.telegram.com/article/20110427/NEWS/110429744
And here are my most recent photos of the Royal Wedding prep... the profile photos are of people I talked to!
https://picasaweb.google.com/110189500286397591927/RoyalWedding
I don't have much time to blog about everything, but my T&G articles basically sum it up. I'll post a huge blog entry once all this wedding craziness is over and I have time to think!
Tomorrow me and the girls will head over to pick our camping spot... should be an interesting 24 hours that's for sure. Wish us luck!!
xxx
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