So I might suck at this thing a little but hey, I'm in London...what do you expect? I do apoligize though and since my adventures are coming to an end very shortly (in 3 days) I will give you all a short synopsis of the last 4 weeks.
So I went to Spain in mid July on a whim. Booked my ticket wednesday and flew out friday morning. Best weekend ever. I had a blast with Megan and Burg in Barcelona and they took me out and showed me the town. It was great to be with people who knew the area! On friday we went to the Born area of Barca and ate tapas and had sangria (which is amazing obviously) and then we went to this bar that was so unique cause it felt like you were in a cave! On Saturday we woke up after a long night out at 7 am and hopped on a bus to the pyrennes mountains in france. We were exhausted but by the time we got there we were ready for some river trekking. River trekking ended up to be much more like hiking but it was still quite the view...I loved it so much. I wish I could do a lot more things like that while I'm here, but I'm coming back to europe Ive decided in a year, so I'll got then!
After hiking all day, we came back to Barca, got ready, and made it to a bar by midnight. Only in Barca would your night START at midnight. I love it. After we had a few drinks we headed to Elephante (this club that used to be David Beckhams house). We danced all night in basically David B's old living room..awesome. We didnt get home that night till 730 in the morning and crashed till 2pm. we made it to the beach, I did some sight seeing and then we crashed again. Well worth it, I had so much fun. Monday I was all touristy on my own because Megan and Burg had to work, so I saw Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, and a gew more sights with time to spare at the beach! We made it out last night to Chapitos (a bar with just shots for 2 euro) and we didnt get back till 3. I flew out at 9 am the next morning and definitely almost missed my flight but again...well worth it. I'm in love with barcelona. It was incredible and I could have had better hostesses that let me stay with them!! They were great!
i had a week in London of working, and then on Friday, me, megan, morgan, and danna headed off to Paris. We ended up staying with at my cousins place who lives in Paris with her adorable french husband and two kids. She was so sweet to let us stay there and we were not expecting anything fancy, but their place was fantastic! Such a great area of Paris, right down the street from the eiffel tower, and we all got our own room pretty much! We all wished we could have stayed longer, since my cousins were out of town on holiday but alas we had to come back to london town! Paris was amazing though, with the french meals, croissants, eiffel tower, the louvre, and lots of awkward encounters for me to try and attempt french. Pretty embarrassing actually but whatever!
After Paris, we were excited to get home to London and live up our last 3 weeks! I feel like its home here..I really do. I love it here and I don't even want to think about leaving. I'm kinda in denial about the whole thing. Im excited to see everyone at home, but I just want everyone I know to come here because London is wonderful! I have to come back and live here...its official.
The last 3 weeks have been fabulous! Lots of going out as our jobs have been winding down and we have been having so much fun! We have explored alot of new areas and have been rushed to do alot of things since we are running out of time! I have spent lots of time walking and reading in the park, shopping at portebella, and taking every opportunity to try some new dessert I come across. Bens cookies are my favorite because they have this incredible deal for a cookie with MILK! Its genius. I love it! I have been eating alot of gelato too since i cant get that too much in the states!
On top of all that, we have done the london eye which was so much fun! Me, danna, and morgan took a day yesterday and went to Brighton to the beach and did some intense roller coasters! Ive fallen asleep on a beach, tube, or park at least 10 times in the last 5 days...I'm going to miss that. Its the best feeling. Tonight we are going out to Carnaby street for a fun night out with the girls since its some of the girls last days of work today! Celebration time! We are trying to live it up till we have to return, which dont get me wrong I am excited about coming home, its just that there is no place like here! I love London. Did I mention that yet??!
I probably won't write again till I leave, and school is going to start as soon as we return to como, but I will keep writing hopefully and I will obviously be returning to Europe so there are more adventures to come!! xx
Thursday 7 August 2008
Thursday 17 July 2008
Im spontaneous...who knew?
I booked a flight to Barcelona yesterday. I'm leaving tomorrow and getting back Tuesday and I'm going by myself!! I had an urge to go see the city and visit Megan and now I'm going! Did it on a whim...life is great! can\t even wait and its the trip that I've been wanting to take. We are going river trekking on Saturday and to Montserrat on Sunday! Should be quite the adventure and lots of hiking which will be wonderful! I'll give you guys stories when I get back!
Can't even believe I only have 3 weeks left. I don't want to talk about. I'm sad.
Love you all! Adios!
Can't even believe I only have 3 weeks left. I don't want to talk about. I'm sad.
Love you all! Adios!
Sunday 13 July 2008
Straight Up and Dirty
So I know I said I would give you a deeper description of Rome and the end of my travels..um...on Tuesday, oops. But lets just think of this as a weekly TV show and you have to wait all week for the good stuff. Deal? OK cool. So where were we, Rome, yes. It was incredible. Incredible and overwhelming in the best sense of the word. Seriously, there is a piazza on every corner. Italian boys can get a little creepy when they whisper things at you while you're walking by, but I convinced myself I couldn't hear them, clearly couldn't understand them so its just wasn't happening. Thats how I deal. Other than that, it was absolutely beautiful! It was so hot outside, a far cry from London, and I definitely got burnt more than once. Who knew that Reba (of all of us) would bring the sunscreen. The tan girl from Spain brings the sunscreen..shocking..and the red-head frys because of her own stupidity. Who knew?
So we crossed quite a few things off our list there in Rome! When we arrivedon July 4, we saw the Colosseum and the Palatino (ruins of Roman Palaces) which was amazing. Colosseum was obviously great, but the Palatino is something you just don't hear about enough. It is this huge hill filled with the Roman ruins and when you take a walk up to the top you get the best view. The walk was relaxing and it was like being in a park, only you're surrounded by centuries of history. After finding our lovely hotel we found a great place for authentic Italian pizza, salad, and wine and then went to celebrate our wonderful national holiday around the Trevi fountain. The fountain was gorgeous, and crowded..crowded full of Americans with the exact same idea to crack open of bottle of champagne and where red, white, and blue with pride. It was funny actually and it would definitely rank up there with my other fourth of july experiences. No fireworks but hey the Trevi fountain will do...when in Rome you know.
The next two days were packed full of wonderful sights including: The Spanish Steps, all the Piazzas (trust me there were too many to name), Michaeangelo's David (huge...seriously, you would never guess it was so big), the Vatican (INCREDIBLE) and so many other things we would accidentally run into. With Morgan and her tusty guidebook, we couldn'tgo wrong. We ended up getting to do absolutely everything we wanted to do, and enjoyed some great Italian food and wine along the way.
So here's the cliff hanger you've been waiting for...on our second to last day in Rome.....we met a Paulo. You know what I'm talking about...(or maybe you don't ) but Paulo is the dreamboat in The Lizzie McGuire Movie who drives Lizzie around Rome and shows her the sights on his killer motorcycle. Sad I know...but I had this dream that throughout this trip, we would meet someone just like him and it would be just like the movie, although slightly different because I would be using him for his bike and to show me around Rome. Oops. Anyway, never did I actually think we would be walking down the street and Paulo would appear before us, offering us that very ride through Rome on his bike. It did, it definitely did except Paulo is now Leonardo and Leo is older and cuter and is a professional tour guide for celebs...not kidding on that one. He immediately fell for Rebecca and took her on a little aka long ride through Roma, showing her everything she would ever want to see, so much that it would have taken her a week to see on her own. Yes, we were all super jealous but she had a blast! He was very nice, and when we saw him the next day, Rebecca asked him if he wouldn't mind taking me for a little ride cause I was too shy to ask myself. Sure enough he did..and it was incredible!! So much fun, and I'm still thanking Reba as I type for such a great night...I wouldn't have had the balls to ask myself so thank god for her! Rome was wonderful and I can't wait to go back someday soon. There really is no place quite like it!
Since we have been back to London, there has been considerably less sunshine and heat, which although nice at first, I was beginning to miss sweating a little. It reminds me of summers in Texas, and although I am having the time of my life here, its hard not to miss home. A home I will not get to see till Thanksgiving. boo. But I will treck on, after all I'm in London! This week has been great as usual but hard because we all had to go back to work again. This week has been particularly great with my work, because my office couldn't have been more excited to here all my stories from Italy. It was so much fun telling them...they get so excited just to listen. They are absolutely the most amazing people...I might have to come back to London just to visit them and go out on weekly lunch to get pancakes. Best thing ever by the way..chocolate, strawberries, bananas wrapped in bread=kick ass lunch! It has been such a fun week, because me and Rebecca (absolutely adorable coworker) are going to have a Chinese/sushi (still debating) dinner date and go see Mamma Mia! It will be so much fun and I can't wait.
This weekend was my roomate, Kaylin's 21st birthday and we had so much fun surprising her with a cake, champagne, and a HUGE banner I had made for her at work on Friday night. She was with her family all week for the celebration and we also got to take her out to a club ONANON in picadilly last night! It was such a great night, and although I have been feeling kinda sick and haven't been up to my party potential, it was a incredible night all the same! I think she had a wonderful birthday even though she was so far from home!
Today was one of the best days I've had yet, despite still being sick. I slept in a little, woke up rolled out of bed and headed for destination Hyde Park. I was on a mission to lay and nap in the park with no care in the world and finish this book I've been reading, Straight Up and Dirty, by Stephanie Klien. Now this is a great book, and I would recommend it, even to my mom. It's about relationships, finding yourself, and some hilarious details about the red-headed author's love life. Yes, she's a red-head and no that's not why I love it so much. She's a great writer, and she tells it like it is. I don't always agree with her and parts of it made my cry (awkward in the park but whatev) but its a great memoir with little slices of Sex & the City thrown in for good measure. I loved it. Can't wait to start another book, it's great for the tube here when you get tired of the tabloids...although I have felt behind on my gossip these days so I might need to take a break from actual intelligent reading just to catch up on Amy Winehouse's most recent crisis.
Although I did hear about Angelina's lil ones being born, and even though Vivianne is ok, what's up with Knox as a name. Why do celebs feel they have to name their kids the weirdest names to make them stand out. Fact: with Angelina and Brad as parents, along with their 132434 other siblings...job done. Promise.
Don't know when I'll write again, because clearly I'm getting lazy but I miss you all. Time is flying by and I'm getting sad that my time here is almost over, but good news: you all get me back very very soon. And I get some decent mexican food soooo yay!
So we crossed quite a few things off our list there in Rome! When we arrivedon July 4, we saw the Colosseum and the Palatino (ruins of Roman Palaces) which was amazing. Colosseum was obviously great, but the Palatino is something you just don't hear about enough. It is this huge hill filled with the Roman ruins and when you take a walk up to the top you get the best view. The walk was relaxing and it was like being in a park, only you're surrounded by centuries of history. After finding our lovely hotel we found a great place for authentic Italian pizza, salad, and wine and then went to celebrate our wonderful national holiday around the Trevi fountain. The fountain was gorgeous, and crowded..crowded full of Americans with the exact same idea to crack open of bottle of champagne and where red, white, and blue with pride. It was funny actually and it would definitely rank up there with my other fourth of july experiences. No fireworks but hey the Trevi fountain will do...when in Rome you know.
The next two days were packed full of wonderful sights including: The Spanish Steps, all the Piazzas (trust me there were too many to name), Michaeangelo's David (huge...seriously, you would never guess it was so big), the Vatican (INCREDIBLE) and so many other things we would accidentally run into. With Morgan and her tusty guidebook, we couldn'tgo wrong. We ended up getting to do absolutely everything we wanted to do, and enjoyed some great Italian food and wine along the way.
So here's the cliff hanger you've been waiting for...on our second to last day in Rome.....we met a Paulo. You know what I'm talking about...(or maybe you don't ) but Paulo is the dreamboat in The Lizzie McGuire Movie who drives Lizzie around Rome and shows her the sights on his killer motorcycle. Sad I know...but I had this dream that throughout this trip, we would meet someone just like him and it would be just like the movie, although slightly different because I would be using him for his bike and to show me around Rome. Oops. Anyway, never did I actually think we would be walking down the street and Paulo would appear before us, offering us that very ride through Rome on his bike. It did, it definitely did except Paulo is now Leonardo and Leo is older and cuter and is a professional tour guide for celebs...not kidding on that one. He immediately fell for Rebecca and took her on a little aka long ride through Roma, showing her everything she would ever want to see, so much that it would have taken her a week to see on her own. Yes, we were all super jealous but she had a blast! He was very nice, and when we saw him the next day, Rebecca asked him if he wouldn't mind taking me for a little ride cause I was too shy to ask myself. Sure enough he did..and it was incredible!! So much fun, and I'm still thanking Reba as I type for such a great night...I wouldn't have had the balls to ask myself so thank god for her! Rome was wonderful and I can't wait to go back someday soon. There really is no place quite like it!
Since we have been back to London, there has been considerably less sunshine and heat, which although nice at first, I was beginning to miss sweating a little. It reminds me of summers in Texas, and although I am having the time of my life here, its hard not to miss home. A home I will not get to see till Thanksgiving. boo. But I will treck on, after all I'm in London! This week has been great as usual but hard because we all had to go back to work again. This week has been particularly great with my work, because my office couldn't have been more excited to here all my stories from Italy. It was so much fun telling them...they get so excited just to listen. They are absolutely the most amazing people...I might have to come back to London just to visit them and go out on weekly lunch to get pancakes. Best thing ever by the way..chocolate, strawberries, bananas wrapped in bread=kick ass lunch! It has been such a fun week, because me and Rebecca (absolutely adorable coworker) are going to have a Chinese/sushi (still debating) dinner date and go see Mamma Mia! It will be so much fun and I can't wait.
This weekend was my roomate, Kaylin's 21st birthday and we had so much fun surprising her with a cake, champagne, and a HUGE banner I had made for her at work on Friday night. She was with her family all week for the celebration and we also got to take her out to a club ONANON in picadilly last night! It was such a great night, and although I have been feeling kinda sick and haven't been up to my party potential, it was a incredible night all the same! I think she had a wonderful birthday even though she was so far from home!
Today was one of the best days I've had yet, despite still being sick. I slept in a little, woke up rolled out of bed and headed for destination Hyde Park. I was on a mission to lay and nap in the park with no care in the world and finish this book I've been reading, Straight Up and Dirty, by Stephanie Klien. Now this is a great book, and I would recommend it, even to my mom. It's about relationships, finding yourself, and some hilarious details about the red-headed author's love life. Yes, she's a red-head and no that's not why I love it so much. She's a great writer, and she tells it like it is. I don't always agree with her and parts of it made my cry (awkward in the park but whatev) but its a great memoir with little slices of Sex & the City thrown in for good measure. I loved it. Can't wait to start another book, it's great for the tube here when you get tired of the tabloids...although I have felt behind on my gossip these days so I might need to take a break from actual intelligent reading just to catch up on Amy Winehouse's most recent crisis.
Although I did hear about Angelina's lil ones being born, and even though Vivianne is ok, what's up with Knox as a name. Why do celebs feel they have to name their kids the weirdest names to make them stand out. Fact: with Angelina and Brad as parents, along with their 132434 other siblings...job done. Promise.
Don't know when I'll write again, because clearly I'm getting lazy but I miss you all. Time is flying by and I'm getting sad that my time here is almost over, but good news: you all get me back very very soon. And I get some decent mexican food soooo yay!
Monday 7 July 2008
When in Rome...
So, this will have to go down in the record as these last two weeks being the best I have had yet here so far! IT's been so much fun that I haven't had the time nor the energy to devote to writing about it all...but thats ok I say! If I was spending too much time typing away...whats the point ya know! Plus, I have to take advantage of a giant vacation like this before i have to think about being an adult. ewww... yuck.
So the last two weeks have been intense..so intense that I'm writing this blog on only two hours of sleep from last night. oops. Anyway, on the 21st of June, Kevin came to visit me in good ol' england! It was incredible to see him and it was fun to show him around where i live...as if i knew the ropes and everything. It is crazy that i live here, I still can't get over it. We saw a couple museums, one was the Imperial World War II museum which was soooo good. Extremely sad and tough to get through but it was something that I'm so glad I got to see. If anyone else comes to visit, you should go there..you won't regret it at all. We also went to the V&A museum with a FASHION section which was AWESOME! I love thaat the museums here are full of greatness while also being free! It works out well for a poor American like me. Trust me, any American who comes here is poor. London sucks the money right out of you. Beware.
We did some sightseeing, ate Italian and Thai food alot, drank some great beer, and hung out with the girls all week. I had to work a couple of the days which sucked but it wasn't too bad, because Kev got to do his own sightseeing without me slowing him down. We also saw a show! While I was working, Kevin bought tickets for the musical Billy Elliot, then he went and got sushi and wine and set up a little picnic before we had to rush to the show. So cute!! I loved it of course...especially with the brownies and cookies he got me for dessert! Our seats were great and it was the best show...not as good as wicked but still quite impressive! All in all...the week was just what I needed. I was so happy to see him, and I miss him so much! There were so many more things I wanted to do with him while he was here...come back kev??
So after Kev left last sat, I was saved for at least a few hours because the blocks (in case you don't know, this is my second family pretty much) came into lodnon for a few hours on a layover so i took them out and showed them aorund, we had a drink and lunch at a pub and it was so fun to talk to them and see them. It figures they would come visit me instead of my own parents. mom&dad-don't be hurt, but you know it's true. ;)
So after they left me, I was truly alone for seriously the first time all summer I think. I'm constantly surrounded by people I live with, work people, and then when Kev came to visit, so after they all left...it was weird. Most of my roomies were in Scotland so it was nice to just relax but i did miss everyone.
Continuing on with my second week! ITALY!!!!! This was the big trip, me, morgan, emily, danna, and reba took to venice,then florence (my fav!), and then ROMA!! Ahhhh...I love love love italy. Bella Bella Bella. So much fun. It was probably the most fun little vaca for the trip this summer. Venice was gorgoeous and definitely something I'm glad we saw. Florence had the most beautiful chruches and streets. The city was small enough that we could walk everywhere and not be too exhausted at the end of the day. Through the entire vaca, I swear we walked over 12 hours a day at least. Myfeet were absolutely hating me, but it was worth the pain. I've decided I might move to florence or at least go back sometime soon and really stay and enjoy it for longer. Great people. great wine, great company. All of us girls ended up making pastafor dinner and drinking on the bridge the night before july fourth. Around midnight im also pretty sure that we sang the star spangled banner...embarrassing for us. oh well!
Finally, Rome was for almost 3 days and Rome needed all the time it could get! Completely overwhelming and gorgeoud. Such wonderful architecture and art...and GELATO!! So goood! Literally had some everyday while we were in Italy...when in rome, ya know!!?? There are so many more thing sto say about rome and unfortunately i am falling asleep as i type...oh well. I'll leave you at a cliffhanger so you will read tomorrow. Let's just say we met an Italian, in love with one of our friends, and took us around Rome on his motorcycle...wanna tune in tomorrow? I'll keep you posted. I love it here...life is too short i swear. xoxo
So the last two weeks have been intense..so intense that I'm writing this blog on only two hours of sleep from last night. oops. Anyway, on the 21st of June, Kevin came to visit me in good ol' england! It was incredible to see him and it was fun to show him around where i live...as if i knew the ropes and everything. It is crazy that i live here, I still can't get over it. We saw a couple museums, one was the Imperial World War II museum which was soooo good. Extremely sad and tough to get through but it was something that I'm so glad I got to see. If anyone else comes to visit, you should go there..you won't regret it at all. We also went to the V&A museum with a FASHION section which was AWESOME! I love thaat the museums here are full of greatness while also being free! It works out well for a poor American like me. Trust me, any American who comes here is poor. London sucks the money right out of you. Beware.
We did some sightseeing, ate Italian and Thai food alot, drank some great beer, and hung out with the girls all week. I had to work a couple of the days which sucked but it wasn't too bad, because Kev got to do his own sightseeing without me slowing him down. We also saw a show! While I was working, Kevin bought tickets for the musical Billy Elliot, then he went and got sushi and wine and set up a little picnic before we had to rush to the show. So cute!! I loved it of course...especially with the brownies and cookies he got me for dessert! Our seats were great and it was the best show...not as good as wicked but still quite impressive! All in all...the week was just what I needed. I was so happy to see him, and I miss him so much! There were so many more things I wanted to do with him while he was here...come back kev??
So after Kev left last sat, I was saved for at least a few hours because the blocks (in case you don't know, this is my second family pretty much) came into lodnon for a few hours on a layover so i took them out and showed them aorund, we had a drink and lunch at a pub and it was so fun to talk to them and see them. It figures they would come visit me instead of my own parents. mom&dad-don't be hurt, but you know it's true. ;)
So after they left me, I was truly alone for seriously the first time all summer I think. I'm constantly surrounded by people I live with, work people, and then when Kev came to visit, so after they all left...it was weird. Most of my roomies were in Scotland so it was nice to just relax but i did miss everyone.
Continuing on with my second week! ITALY!!!!! This was the big trip, me, morgan, emily, danna, and reba took to venice,then florence (my fav!), and then ROMA!! Ahhhh...I love love love italy. Bella Bella Bella. So much fun. It was probably the most fun little vaca for the trip this summer. Venice was gorgoeous and definitely something I'm glad we saw. Florence had the most beautiful chruches and streets. The city was small enough that we could walk everywhere and not be too exhausted at the end of the day. Through the entire vaca, I swear we walked over 12 hours a day at least. Myfeet were absolutely hating me, but it was worth the pain. I've decided I might move to florence or at least go back sometime soon and really stay and enjoy it for longer. Great people. great wine, great company. All of us girls ended up making pastafor dinner and drinking on the bridge the night before july fourth. Around midnight im also pretty sure that we sang the star spangled banner...embarrassing for us. oh well!
Finally, Rome was for almost 3 days and Rome needed all the time it could get! Completely overwhelming and gorgeoud. Such wonderful architecture and art...and GELATO!! So goood! Literally had some everyday while we were in Italy...when in rome, ya know!!?? There are so many more thing sto say about rome and unfortunately i am falling asleep as i type...oh well. I'll leave you at a cliffhanger so you will read tomorrow. Let's just say we met an Italian, in love with one of our friends, and took us around Rome on his motorcycle...wanna tune in tomorrow? I'll keep you posted. I love it here...life is too short i swear. xoxo
Wednesday 18 June 2008
Amdam & Will Smith...does life get any better?
Hola!! Been a little while since my last post, and I've done alot so prepare yourselves! Short version:
1. Mexican food in London = not so good...sad
2. Amsterdam is completely incredible...me and morg are seriously considering going back!
3. Reba would be proud of us..(you can figure this one out) ;)
4. Totally saw/became best friends with the following tonight at the Hancock London premiere: Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman, and Kim Kardashian..megan is honestly best friends with her. Not kidding.
5. So excited to be halfway through the week and almost to a weekend..this work thing can really get to ya! Kevin will be here Saturday to visit! Yay!
So, last friday I went to have a nice casual dinner at this Mexican place in Notting Hill, and it was seriously disappointing be I still maintain that the $25 dollar tiny tacos and two margs were worth every penny considering I have been craving Mex for weeks. Best part of this gem of a restaurant...its called TEX MEX. Awesome. There are no words!
So that night, we came home intending to get so much sleep before our grand adventure in Amsterdam cause we had to leave at 4 am in the morning...boo! But woops, we all stayed up till 1:30 and slept a totaly of two hours. No worries, got to amsterdam in no time and saw everything, had the best pancakes of our lives (Pancake Bakery = heaven)..go there! Saw some museums..including the House of Bols (bartending academy with an exibit) which is super cool cause they make you a cocktail at the end. After our dilicious drink...we awkwardly asked (and when i say we, i mean danna because I'm a wimp) the bartenders where we should go "have fun" in amdam. They were so great and gave us this name of a place they filmed a scene from oceans 13! So much fun...can't even explain...everyone should just go to amdam immediately. So beautiful because of the canals and streets and so chill cause of...well you know... (must sees: Ann Frank House, Van Gogh museum, House of Bols and PANCAKES!)
Got back to UK late Sunday night and have been working all week, but its been incredible. I seriously love all the people at work, it is so much fun and its completely npredictable everyday. They're hilarious. Monday, we saw Shakespeare in the Park, 12th Night whichwas such a funny versionof the tale. Theater here is so so so good...its probably one of my favorite parts. And last but not least tonight was....the London Hancock Premiere! So ok I didnt get to see the movie, but I definitely was within 3 feet of big willie style tonight. No autographs, I would rather not bother him (aka didn't bring any paper) but I did get a few nice and cozy pics of him and all the other celebs! God it was fun to see..Emily's dreams have come true..she loves Will! Awkward for us some of the time though cause the Brits love their reality tv stars and they were all freaking out half the time and we had no idea who the people were. Oh well.
Tomorrow we are actually going to the premiere of Narnia that is just opening here in the UK, thanks to the lovely Morgan for getting us tickets! It will be so fun to see and maybe we will even get to walk done a red carpet...doubtful but it would be cool. I'll let you guys know how it is...I miss yall so so much by the way! Cheers!
1. Mexican food in London = not so good...sad
2. Amsterdam is completely incredible...me and morg are seriously considering going back!
3. Reba would be proud of us..(you can figure this one out) ;)
4. Totally saw/became best friends with the following tonight at the Hancock London premiere: Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman, and Kim Kardashian..megan is honestly best friends with her. Not kidding.
5. So excited to be halfway through the week and almost to a weekend..this work thing can really get to ya! Kevin will be here Saturday to visit! Yay!
So, last friday I went to have a nice casual dinner at this Mexican place in Notting Hill, and it was seriously disappointing be I still maintain that the $25 dollar tiny tacos and two margs were worth every penny considering I have been craving Mex for weeks. Best part of this gem of a restaurant...its called TEX MEX. Awesome. There are no words!
So that night, we came home intending to get so much sleep before our grand adventure in Amsterdam cause we had to leave at 4 am in the morning...boo! But woops, we all stayed up till 1:30 and slept a totaly of two hours. No worries, got to amsterdam in no time and saw everything, had the best pancakes of our lives (Pancake Bakery = heaven)..go there! Saw some museums..including the House of Bols (bartending academy with an exibit) which is super cool cause they make you a cocktail at the end. After our dilicious drink...we awkwardly asked (and when i say we, i mean danna because I'm a wimp) the bartenders where we should go "have fun" in amdam. They were so great and gave us this name of a place they filmed a scene from oceans 13! So much fun...can't even explain...everyone should just go to amdam immediately. So beautiful because of the canals and streets and so chill cause of...well you know... (must sees: Ann Frank House, Van Gogh museum, House of Bols and PANCAKES!)
Got back to UK late Sunday night and have been working all week, but its been incredible. I seriously love all the people at work, it is so much fun and its completely npredictable everyday. They're hilarious. Monday, we saw Shakespeare in the Park, 12th Night whichwas such a funny versionof the tale. Theater here is so so so good...its probably one of my favorite parts. And last but not least tonight was....the London Hancock Premiere! So ok I didnt get to see the movie, but I definitely was within 3 feet of big willie style tonight. No autographs, I would rather not bother him (aka didn't bring any paper) but I did get a few nice and cozy pics of him and all the other celebs! God it was fun to see..Emily's dreams have come true..she loves Will! Awkward for us some of the time though cause the Brits love their reality tv stars and they were all freaking out half the time and we had no idea who the people were. Oh well.
Tomorrow we are actually going to the premiere of Narnia that is just opening here in the UK, thanks to the lovely Morgan for getting us tickets! It will be so fun to see and maybe we will even get to walk done a red carpet...doubtful but it would be cool. I'll let you guys know how it is...I miss yall so so much by the way! Cheers!
Thursday 12 June 2008
Absolutely WICKED!
Oh my god. Everyone should stop what you;'re doing now. Book a flight to London, stop and have lunch with me, and then see Wicked! It's absolutely incredible. Amazing voices from the Wicked witch of the west AND I am obsessed with the girl who plays Glenda. She was so good, so cute, and had a voice like Meredith. I was in love, obviously...it made me miss you Mere! Anyway, that was my night tonight. We had a quick bite before the show and a drink after and just got home. The theater here is the best. Everyone has brit accents so that's definitely a bonus. ;)
This whole week has totally flown by I swear. I have been working all day and then going out with the girls at night. We have classes on Monday, which is totally boring, but then the rest of our nights are free. Thank god. This past week has been crazy because we have been trying to book our traveling plans all week! Such a hassle but I think we have a plan. Wanna hear? I know you do. Ok...Amsterdam this weekend. Yay! Italy (Venice, Florence, then Rome) in early July, Dublin in mid July, and then Paris at the end! Ahhhh...I cannot even wait! The traveling will be so much fun with everyone and I get to see Reba on our Italy trip too! I'm so sad that I can't go viist all my loves in Alicante and I will miss you guys terribly. I miss yall! Kevin is coming next weekend and I couldn't be more excited! I'm gonna show him the ropes for sure! It's going to be an amazing trip for you Kev!
Anyway...this week has been crazy at work and I've been getting to do alot of great stuff..totally prefecting my design skills. I love everyone I work with and couldn't feel more at home. They are amazing people...incredible sweet. I love London for yet another wonderful reason...there will be more to come.
Also..I know you were wondering: I am saying cheers much more often these days and it is only getting slightly less awkward. It never sounds as good when I say it...you know? Also, riding on the tube is my new favorite thing. Awkward stares. Interesting and weird people. Great outfits. I love it. That's all for now folks.
This whole week has totally flown by I swear. I have been working all day and then going out with the girls at night. We have classes on Monday, which is totally boring, but then the rest of our nights are free. Thank god. This past week has been crazy because we have been trying to book our traveling plans all week! Such a hassle but I think we have a plan. Wanna hear? I know you do. Ok...Amsterdam this weekend. Yay! Italy (Venice, Florence, then Rome) in early July, Dublin in mid July, and then Paris at the end! Ahhhh...I cannot even wait! The traveling will be so much fun with everyone and I get to see Reba on our Italy trip too! I'm so sad that I can't go viist all my loves in Alicante and I will miss you guys terribly. I miss yall! Kevin is coming next weekend and I couldn't be more excited! I'm gonna show him the ropes for sure! It's going to be an amazing trip for you Kev!
Anyway...this week has been crazy at work and I've been getting to do alot of great stuff..totally prefecting my design skills. I love everyone I work with and couldn't feel more at home. They are amazing people...incredible sweet. I love London for yet another wonderful reason...there will be more to come.
Also..I know you were wondering: I am saying cheers much more often these days and it is only getting slightly less awkward. It never sounds as good when I say it...you know? Also, riding on the tube is my new favorite thing. Awkward stares. Interesting and weird people. Great outfits. I love it. That's all for now folks.
Monday 9 June 2008
HUGE
Huge Design is AMAZING. I love my job. The people are amazing, 4 guys, one girl, and they are all incredibly hilarious, laid-back, and british. I work in West Ealing, so basically I am going against all the traffic in the morning on the tube which is so womderful, and it's really nice to get to a suberb. It's definitely a different side of London that I never would have seen otherwise. I work in a pretty small office, because there are 2 guys that all have 3 different companies running out of the same building and they are fairly new so they are working up! It's an incredible place though, and they couldn't be more helpful. This summer, they said they would basically teach me how to be a freelance graphic designer. They are chill and relaxed. We all stop and talk every 20 minutes so it keeps things fun and entertaining for sure! My supervisor, Rebecca, is so cute! She bought me cookies for my first day! She knows me already..
This past weekend has been amazing also...we have had a blast everyday. First of all, the weather has been gorgeous here. It's been like 80-85 and sunny. Gorgeous. Friday, we all went out after work and went to this new pub in South Ken, called ArchAngel. Ryland said it was so fun, so we decided we would try it. Such a cute and relaxed place. We met some interesting characters at the bar though...some men my dad's age probably..one was incredibly drunk but was giving us advice about our future so that's a plus, and the other smelled according to Morgan who was sitting next to him the whole night. They decided they would sit with a table of five 20 year olds and bought all of us a bottle of wine..so it was a pretty fun time!
Saturday was the best...we went to Borough St. Market in SouthBank because Emily (at the wonderful Business Traveler Magazine) found out about this place and it was AMAZING! Better than Portebello Rd. I swear. Great food, wine, tasters everywhere, and chocolate EVERYWHERE. I was salivating the entire time. We hung out there for a couple hours and then explored SouthBank. We found Emily's Gabriel Wharf (this place she had been searching for all day)...its basically a shopping center and its super cute! Then we went by the Tate again and got to see my fav...Andy Warhol. I love him. I wish they had had more of his stuff though. Kinda disappointed but oh well! After that, we headed back, got ready, and went out for a grea night of dancing at this club in Picadilly! It was a blast! We danced all night, and although we met a lot of creepy individuals, we had fun with all the girls and two of kaylins friends that were in town (they protected us all night from the creepers). We are eternally in their debt.
Sunday was by far the most beautiful day here yet. Breezy, warm, and sunny. Perfect. We slept in from our late night out and then rolled out of bed for some lunch and laying out in Hyde Park. It was the first time I have acutally gotten any sun here...and guess what...I got burnt!! I know..so sad right. Oh well. It was worth it to fall asleep in one of the most beautiful parks in the world. It's so funny though to see people in the bathing suits in the park though and we totally so girls laying out with no tops on...a little weird I say when you have a couple of kids like 10 feet away. Strange but it's Europe. Maybe I'll have to break out the swim suit soon...you never know.
Anywho..the weekend was amazing and was for sure the best so far. More to come...I foresee playing pool with my coworkers and they even invited me over to play scrabble at their house. So fun! I'm going...keep you posted.
Oh..also. Said "cheers" for the first time today on the phone to someone at work. Got extremely excited about it and fully embarrased myself bragging about it at work. Awkward. Oh well. I loved it.
This past weekend has been amazing also...we have had a blast everyday. First of all, the weather has been gorgeous here. It's been like 80-85 and sunny. Gorgeous. Friday, we all went out after work and went to this new pub in South Ken, called ArchAngel. Ryland said it was so fun, so we decided we would try it. Such a cute and relaxed place. We met some interesting characters at the bar though...some men my dad's age probably..one was incredibly drunk but was giving us advice about our future so that's a plus, and the other smelled according to Morgan who was sitting next to him the whole night. They decided they would sit with a table of five 20 year olds and bought all of us a bottle of wine..so it was a pretty fun time!
Saturday was the best...we went to Borough St. Market in SouthBank because Emily (at the wonderful Business Traveler Magazine) found out about this place and it was AMAZING! Better than Portebello Rd. I swear. Great food, wine, tasters everywhere, and chocolate EVERYWHERE. I was salivating the entire time. We hung out there for a couple hours and then explored SouthBank. We found Emily's Gabriel Wharf (this place she had been searching for all day)...its basically a shopping center and its super cute! Then we went by the Tate again and got to see my fav...Andy Warhol. I love him. I wish they had had more of his stuff though. Kinda disappointed but oh well! After that, we headed back, got ready, and went out for a grea night of dancing at this club in Picadilly! It was a blast! We danced all night, and although we met a lot of creepy individuals, we had fun with all the girls and two of kaylins friends that were in town (they protected us all night from the creepers). We are eternally in their debt.
Sunday was by far the most beautiful day here yet. Breezy, warm, and sunny. Perfect. We slept in from our late night out and then rolled out of bed for some lunch and laying out in Hyde Park. It was the first time I have acutally gotten any sun here...and guess what...I got burnt!! I know..so sad right. Oh well. It was worth it to fall asleep in one of the most beautiful parks in the world. It's so funny though to see people in the bathing suits in the park though and we totally so girls laying out with no tops on...a little weird I say when you have a couple of kids like 10 feet away. Strange but it's Europe. Maybe I'll have to break out the swim suit soon...you never know.
Anywho..the weekend was amazing and was for sure the best so far. More to come...I foresee playing pool with my coworkers and they even invited me over to play scrabble at their house. So fun! I'm going...keep you posted.
Oh..also. Said "cheers" for the first time today on the phone to someone at work. Got extremely excited about it and fully embarrased myself bragging about it at work. Awkward. Oh well. I loved it.
Wednesday 4 June 2008
spice girls
Totally awesome...loved them. Still love them. My roommates and I are currently rocking out right to the super fivesome that took over my life when i was younger as we speak! I love my life...and I so don't want to start work tomorrow. But..bright side! I am super excited about getting started with the learning aspect of my life this summer! Designing should be great and oh yeah I had my interview and it went incredible!
I am working at Huge Design, and it is a small office of like 6 permanent people, and a couple of freelancers that come in every now and then. It sounds awesome! I can't wait to start. It is located in a small suburb rigth outside of central london in West Ealing. It's a cozy office, but it is acutally made up of three companies and it is almost like each person owns their own company, two graphic design firms and a printing company. They basically see the design process from beginning to end and get to do alot of work for sky tv and sky news. Should be exciting! They seem incredibly sweet, especially my supervisor, Rebecca. She is absolutely adorable. It is a small group of people, but I think I am going to learn a ton from them and get to do alot of work and experience. Also..bonus: they totally pay for my lunch everyday and sushi is right around the corner! Chi-Ching! Can't even wait!
I start tomorrow morning around 10 for the first day! I'm gonna try and wake up super early and run around hyde park We will see! Also, today was great by the way. We went to visit Parliment to see the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Pretty historical stuff and it was definitely cool to see, but the definite highlight of the day was our lovely tour of the BBC! It was awesome..such a cool studio and we got to hear some celeb gossip..the best kind. We know what some super demanding celebs have requested for thehir dressing rooms before doing a show at the BBC. Mariah Carey-room of puppies to play with (weird, but i seriously think i would do that if i could..honestly they are too cute). Also (sad for our country really) the only two people who have ever been driven to their dressing rooms are....queen elizabeth anddd...take a guess. Someone from America? An actress from America who is super demanding and a diva? Yup..JLO. So sad for us really. It was a little embarrassing for the tour guide to tell us that. Awkward. What a diva? Just glad she didn't stya with Ben Affleck. He is so much cuter with Jen Garner. Cheers!
I am working at Huge Design, and it is a small office of like 6 permanent people, and a couple of freelancers that come in every now and then. It sounds awesome! I can't wait to start. It is located in a small suburb rigth outside of central london in West Ealing. It's a cozy office, but it is acutally made up of three companies and it is almost like each person owns their own company, two graphic design firms and a printing company. They basically see the design process from beginning to end and get to do alot of work for sky tv and sky news. Should be exciting! They seem incredibly sweet, especially my supervisor, Rebecca. She is absolutely adorable. It is a small group of people, but I think I am going to learn a ton from them and get to do alot of work and experience. Also..bonus: they totally pay for my lunch everyday and sushi is right around the corner! Chi-Ching! Can't even wait!
I start tomorrow morning around 10 for the first day! I'm gonna try and wake up super early and run around hyde park We will see! Also, today was great by the way. We went to visit Parliment to see the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Pretty historical stuff and it was definitely cool to see, but the definite highlight of the day was our lovely tour of the BBC! It was awesome..such a cool studio and we got to hear some celeb gossip..the best kind. We know what some super demanding celebs have requested for thehir dressing rooms before doing a show at the BBC. Mariah Carey-room of puppies to play with (weird, but i seriously think i would do that if i could..honestly they are too cute). Also (sad for our country really) the only two people who have ever been driven to their dressing rooms are....queen elizabeth anddd...take a guess. Someone from America? An actress from America who is super demanding and a diva? Yup..JLO. So sad for us really. It was a little embarrassing for the tour guide to tell us that. Awkward. What a diva? Just glad she didn't stya with Ben Affleck. He is so much cuter with Jen Garner. Cheers!
Sunday 1 June 2008
It was going to happen eventually...
We got lost. We got really really lost at 3 am in London last night. The buses are the most confusing thing ever invented and I hate them. Hate them. So here is the short version...We went to meet up with our friend from school last night in Tottenham Court and went to a club. We paid way to mush to get in the club, but we ended up having a great time dancing all night! Around 2 am, when we decided to go home, the night took a turn for the worse! We figured we needed to figure this night bus situation out eventually since the tubes shut down at midnight and we want to stay out later soo...we tried. We failed miserably. Took a bus way far north in a not so good part of town, got a very heated argument with a not so nice man while waiting for a bus back the other direction to where we started. He said some very inappropriate things..that I will not repeat! Then we finally got back where we started, took a random bus we weren't very sure about and it took us about 2 miles away from our flat. Then we started walking in the wrong direction before giving up and taking a cab home! At almost 4:30 am. It took us 2 and 1/2 hours to get home via bus system. The sun was coming up when we finally went to bed...so sad.
Recap: Tube system=good; Bus system=bad bad bad
Needless to say, I will be studying that map the next time I decide to stay out..stupid buses. But anyway, Yesterday during the day was awesome! Me and all the roomies + danna went to Portabello Rd (second time for me and just as fantastic!). Acutally, my two roomies, Jen and Kaylin saw Chris Rock there walking around. So fun, wish I'd seen him too. Anyway..it was a great morning full of amazing food and successul shopping. Best kind of day minus the buses situation! ;)
Anyway, the week has been great otherwise...and today I got to hang out with my friend Ben who works in Cambridge here as a lawyer! He brought his friend out to lunch with us and we went to a couple pubs and he helped me track down where I will be working in Ealing! Such a cute little town, adorabel little buildings, and great pubs and shops. I've got my interview tomorrow at 11 with Huge Design and I'm definitely a little nervous but I think I'll be ok! Miss yall!
Recap: Tube system=good; Bus system=bad bad bad
Needless to say, I will be studying that map the next time I decide to stay out..stupid buses. But anyway, Yesterday during the day was awesome! Me and all the roomies + danna went to Portabello Rd (second time for me and just as fantastic!). Acutally, my two roomies, Jen and Kaylin saw Chris Rock there walking around. So fun, wish I'd seen him too. Anyway..it was a great morning full of amazing food and successul shopping. Best kind of day minus the buses situation! ;)
Anyway, the week has been great otherwise...and today I got to hang out with my friend Ben who works in Cambridge here as a lawyer! He brought his friend out to lunch with us and we went to a couple pubs and he helped me track down where I will be working in Ealing! Such a cute little town, adorabel little buildings, and great pubs and shops. I've got my interview tomorrow at 11 with Huge Design and I'm definitely a little nervous but I think I'll be ok! Miss yall!
Friday 30 May 2008
Busy busy bees
So ok I'm getting terrible at this blogging thing and I was doing so good. I'll try and be better but this week was mucho busy with class and field trips and internship business! We have been having a blast as usual, and to make our london adventure even better...our friend Danna just got here for the summer!! Yay..we have been having a blast and are definitely gonna show her the ropes this weekend!
So recap on the week for everyone who cares..Monday was a great day off with some shopping and exploring with Emily. When we get lost we see so much..I swear I have more fun when I'm lost, just seeing new things. Tuesday was just a standard day in a terribly boring class, then we went to explore a new area in Regent Park. Gorgeous area, but the original plan was to visit Primrose Hill (basically the tallest hill in London and a great view of the city) and ALSO the home of the beautiful and talented Jude Law. Apprarently, he is not opposed to popping into a pub every now and then, so we were hoping to get lucky but sadly we could not find it and therefore nooo jude law. So sad. But we planned to go back another day, so instead we went to a pub around 4 in Regent Park. Just me, morg, and emily getting accustomed with the london culture..drinking at 4 is completely normal and equally awesome! I love it. We went out with most of the people on our trip on Tues in Picidilly Circus which was so much fun! We went to quite an American bar but it some good deals, and we need all the cheap drinks we can get!
Wednesday was the longest day of my life...we were traveling on a lil field trip to Shakespaeare's home in Stratford-upon-Avon and Warrick Castle! Warrick Castle is a pretty cool little shindig, seeing where the royals lived was pretty awesome and the castle was amazing. Stratford was the cutest little town and at night we saw the play, Taming of the Shrew, which was an interesting rendition but it was cool all the same. I love theater. What made it an extremely long day though is that we had to get up at 8 am and drive on the bus all day and at every stop we had...it was rainy allll day! So annoying..so we ended up resorting to a pub in stratford to avoid the misery. The play didn't get done till like 10:30 and then we still had a long drive home, so needless to say, it was just a really long day!
Thursday was extra awesome, because we finally found out where we will be interning for the summer (which starts next Thursday)!! Yay! I will most likely be at (as long as I don't totally screw up the interview on Monday) Huge Design, Huge Digital. It's a really awesome creative boutique type design firm that does alot of work for advertising firms and alot of new design projects for sky.com. I'll get to do alot of digital and design stuff and they tell me that their past interns have gotten their work published over actual associates! So how cool would that be if my stuff actually got chosen by clients...I'm super excited. I can't wait! Interview Monday and I'm so nervous...I need to shop for the perf outfit! yay!
Last night was so fun cause we took Danna out for a great night out at a club downtown, Tiger Tiger! Nice place with a totally fun 70s dance floor...emily's favorite! So funny and we all had a great night out! I loved the dancing...morgan did too! Today was great cause we had the most perfect night! We saw SEX AND THE CITY!!! yay! It was incredible. Ok so totally lame that we saw a movie while in london but it is the only one we will see and it had to be done! It's Carrie Bradshaw for god's sake...think of all the shoes that we would have missed. It was awesome though...so good. Everything I'd hoped for. Best outfits ever..I'm obsessed. I cried a little bit at the end..not gonna lie. Then we all went out and got sushi and ice cream. Best night out! Such a girl's night but so much fun!
Tomorrow is Portabello Rd. AGAIN! I can't wait, I'm in love. I'm getting another crepe in the morning with chocolate, strawberries, and bananas..Im about to go dream about it. Seriously. I miss you all so much...love yall. Hope it isn't getting too wamr over there..it's gorgeous here. Anyone want to come visit? Kev-I seriously can't even wait...
Keep you posted! Cheers yall!
So recap on the week for everyone who cares..Monday was a great day off with some shopping and exploring with Emily. When we get lost we see so much..I swear I have more fun when I'm lost, just seeing new things. Tuesday was just a standard day in a terribly boring class, then we went to explore a new area in Regent Park. Gorgeous area, but the original plan was to visit Primrose Hill (basically the tallest hill in London and a great view of the city) and ALSO the home of the beautiful and talented Jude Law. Apprarently, he is not opposed to popping into a pub every now and then, so we were hoping to get lucky but sadly we could not find it and therefore nooo jude law. So sad. But we planned to go back another day, so instead we went to a pub around 4 in Regent Park. Just me, morg, and emily getting accustomed with the london culture..drinking at 4 is completely normal and equally awesome! I love it. We went out with most of the people on our trip on Tues in Picidilly Circus which was so much fun! We went to quite an American bar but it some good deals, and we need all the cheap drinks we can get!
Wednesday was the longest day of my life...we were traveling on a lil field trip to Shakespaeare's home in Stratford-upon-Avon and Warrick Castle! Warrick Castle is a pretty cool little shindig, seeing where the royals lived was pretty awesome and the castle was amazing. Stratford was the cutest little town and at night we saw the play, Taming of the Shrew, which was an interesting rendition but it was cool all the same. I love theater. What made it an extremely long day though is that we had to get up at 8 am and drive on the bus all day and at every stop we had...it was rainy allll day! So annoying..so we ended up resorting to a pub in stratford to avoid the misery. The play didn't get done till like 10:30 and then we still had a long drive home, so needless to say, it was just a really long day!
Thursday was extra awesome, because we finally found out where we will be interning for the summer (which starts next Thursday)!! Yay! I will most likely be at (as long as I don't totally screw up the interview on Monday) Huge Design, Huge Digital. It's a really awesome creative boutique type design firm that does alot of work for advertising firms and alot of new design projects for sky.com. I'll get to do alot of digital and design stuff and they tell me that their past interns have gotten their work published over actual associates! So how cool would that be if my stuff actually got chosen by clients...I'm super excited. I can't wait! Interview Monday and I'm so nervous...I need to shop for the perf outfit! yay!
Last night was so fun cause we took Danna out for a great night out at a club downtown, Tiger Tiger! Nice place with a totally fun 70s dance floor...emily's favorite! So funny and we all had a great night out! I loved the dancing...morgan did too! Today was great cause we had the most perfect night! We saw SEX AND THE CITY!!! yay! It was incredible. Ok so totally lame that we saw a movie while in london but it is the only one we will see and it had to be done! It's Carrie Bradshaw for god's sake...think of all the shoes that we would have missed. It was awesome though...so good. Everything I'd hoped for. Best outfits ever..I'm obsessed. I cried a little bit at the end..not gonna lie. Then we all went out and got sushi and ice cream. Best night out! Such a girl's night but so much fun!
Tomorrow is Portabello Rd. AGAIN! I can't wait, I'm in love. I'm getting another crepe in the morning with chocolate, strawberries, and bananas..Im about to go dream about it. Seriously. I miss you all so much...love yall. Hope it isn't getting too wamr over there..it's gorgeous here. Anyone want to come visit? Kev-I seriously can't even wait...
Keep you posted! Cheers yall!
Sunday 25 May 2008
My favorite place on earth?
Portobello Road. Period. It's the greatest place on earth...seriously.
Me and emily stayed in town this weekend for our first weekend in London and it was quite eventful! First of all, friday was so fun just hanging out with em and morgan shopping around covent gardens and seeing the sights after a thrilling class that morning. We explored the area, got lost alot, but eventually found our way back. Brits here are always so willing to help us. I donn't know why people say they are rude, because I have met so many great ones! Some of them are so friendly (even though..no one looks at each other on the tube and its super quiet making us OBVIOUSLY loud and annoying. If people talked at all..we wouldn't look so bad all the time). But anyway, we finished the day shopping and exploring and went out to dinner for thai around the corner, which was quite the experience for emily but I think she liked it...I hope! Then, we went over to a pub around the corner to hang out and met this guy from spain! He was so nice, just traveling on his holiday alone and he was telling us all about the places he has been! He was so nice...and morgan even got to bust out the spanish because the english was not so good. He said he spoke french also..but seriously I could be no help there. You guys know my skills. I tried. It was embarrassing. End of story. (ps..Ann and Libby-he was totally from Alicante! So fun!)
Sooo on Saturday, after Morgan and Megan headed on their German adventure to Rhineland, me and emily rolled out of bed early to make it to Portebello Road (in case you forgot..the greatest place on earth). It is basically this huge market with bread, sweets, street food, crepes, veggies, fruit, and millions of clothes, bags, jewelry, scarves, etc! Best shopping yet, because you get to haggle with the retailers. It's kinda fun if you know what to do. I'm gonna learn to be assertive and get the best deals. My new goal! Emily and I split a crepe for breakfast and it was delicious! Yumm..I want another one right now. We had lunch there too, bought some fruit and bread and did some clothes shopping. It was so fun! I'm going again with the girls this coming weekend because they will love it! I might go every weekend i can. I got crowded but it was just so pretty and fun to be there..music, food, shopping. How could you go wrong?
Later in the day, we went down to Kensington and explored the area and went for a run in Hyde Park which was amazing, because it was such a beautiful day. I stumbled upon this couple having what looked like a first date with a picnic and wine laying under a tree. Cheesy I know...but I thought it looked so adorable and how nice is it that you can go to the whole foods across the street and bring over wine and have a picnic in the middle of the day? Sounds great to me. Drinking in the day here is standard...sometimes in America if I drink during the day I have to tell myself "It's ok because I'm in college..I'm not an alcoholic at all." But here it is totally ok! Another reason I might move here...
So last night we hung out with all the girls and guys that live in the flats below us for a little bit and had a great time until...we had a little issue. The girls downstairs totally a slight mice infestation in their flat. Gross...and it is only a matter of time till they come out of hiding in ours too. Yuck. (Emily did not help ease my fear when she researched them on the internet one night when we heard them...she says they have no problem climbing vertically to my top bunk AND they can jump almost 16 feet...super scary). But anyway, yesterday was great, got some quality time with mes amies and did some relaxing.
Today was our lovely trip to Bath and Stonehenge! We got up early and all took the coach to Bath first. The town is so beautiful with amazing architecture and cute shops. The Baths were really cool to see, although being the holiday weekend and all, it was super crowded. It got a little tight in there, but on the whole it was pretty cool! I wish we could have had more time there, but by the afternoon we were headed to Stonehenge! So yeah...it was pretty much a bunch of rocks but seriously how did these 600 hundred men pick these suckers up? And what was it truly for exactly? These questions were not so much answered on the tour so it is quite the mystery abou stonehenge, but we got some awesome pics. Honestly...rocks were cool but my favorite part? The English countryside. Absolutely gorgeous fields of green and flowers..clear skies. Just perfect. I want to retire to the English countryside. I have decided. My pictures do NOT do it justice. So recap is: Portobello Road and the English countryside are my two fav things at the moment. Did I mention I love it here?
ps..I do miss everyone at home though. I'll come home for you guys don't worry. ;)
Me and emily stayed in town this weekend for our first weekend in London and it was quite eventful! First of all, friday was so fun just hanging out with em and morgan shopping around covent gardens and seeing the sights after a thrilling class that morning. We explored the area, got lost alot, but eventually found our way back. Brits here are always so willing to help us. I donn't know why people say they are rude, because I have met so many great ones! Some of them are so friendly (even though..no one looks at each other on the tube and its super quiet making us OBVIOUSLY loud and annoying. If people talked at all..we wouldn't look so bad all the time). But anyway, we finished the day shopping and exploring and went out to dinner for thai around the corner, which was quite the experience for emily but I think she liked it...I hope! Then, we went over to a pub around the corner to hang out and met this guy from spain! He was so nice, just traveling on his holiday alone and he was telling us all about the places he has been! He was so nice...and morgan even got to bust out the spanish because the english was not so good. He said he spoke french also..but seriously I could be no help there. You guys know my skills. I tried. It was embarrassing. End of story. (ps..Ann and Libby-he was totally from Alicante! So fun!)
Sooo on Saturday, after Morgan and Megan headed on their German adventure to Rhineland, me and emily rolled out of bed early to make it to Portebello Road (in case you forgot..the greatest place on earth). It is basically this huge market with bread, sweets, street food, crepes, veggies, fruit, and millions of clothes, bags, jewelry, scarves, etc! Best shopping yet, because you get to haggle with the retailers. It's kinda fun if you know what to do. I'm gonna learn to be assertive and get the best deals. My new goal! Emily and I split a crepe for breakfast and it was delicious! Yumm..I want another one right now. We had lunch there too, bought some fruit and bread and did some clothes shopping. It was so fun! I'm going again with the girls this coming weekend because they will love it! I might go every weekend i can. I got crowded but it was just so pretty and fun to be there..music, food, shopping. How could you go wrong?
Later in the day, we went down to Kensington and explored the area and went for a run in Hyde Park which was amazing, because it was such a beautiful day. I stumbled upon this couple having what looked like a first date with a picnic and wine laying under a tree. Cheesy I know...but I thought it looked so adorable and how nice is it that you can go to the whole foods across the street and bring over wine and have a picnic in the middle of the day? Sounds great to me. Drinking in the day here is standard...sometimes in America if I drink during the day I have to tell myself "It's ok because I'm in college..I'm not an alcoholic at all." But here it is totally ok! Another reason I might move here...
So last night we hung out with all the girls and guys that live in the flats below us for a little bit and had a great time until...we had a little issue. The girls downstairs totally a slight mice infestation in their flat. Gross...and it is only a matter of time till they come out of hiding in ours too. Yuck. (Emily did not help ease my fear when she researched them on the internet one night when we heard them...she says they have no problem climbing vertically to my top bunk AND they can jump almost 16 feet...super scary). But anyway, yesterday was great, got some quality time with mes amies and did some relaxing.
Today was our lovely trip to Bath and Stonehenge! We got up early and all took the coach to Bath first. The town is so beautiful with amazing architecture and cute shops. The Baths were really cool to see, although being the holiday weekend and all, it was super crowded. It got a little tight in there, but on the whole it was pretty cool! I wish we could have had more time there, but by the afternoon we were headed to Stonehenge! So yeah...it was pretty much a bunch of rocks but seriously how did these 600 hundred men pick these suckers up? And what was it truly for exactly? These questions were not so much answered on the tour so it is quite the mystery abou stonehenge, but we got some awesome pics. Honestly...rocks were cool but my favorite part? The English countryside. Absolutely gorgeous fields of green and flowers..clear skies. Just perfect. I want to retire to the English countryside. I have decided. My pictures do NOT do it justice. So recap is: Portobello Road and the English countryside are my two fav things at the moment. Did I mention I love it here?
ps..I do miss everyone at home though. I'll come home for you guys don't worry. ;)
Thursday 22 May 2008
Europeans love their football..
So today and yesterday were SO much fun! I totally warned you guys that you woulnd't get a post yesterday night and that's because i was what the Brits like to call..piss drunk. ;) I wasn't that bad but seriously that 5% thing can really sneak up on you! We had quite an interesting night for sure! We were in Chelsea for the biggest game in football in years: Chelsea vs. Manchester United! And boy do they love their football...I don't think we quite understood the gravity of what we were witnessing and this was quite apparent when morgan asked a local (slightly creepy middle aged mad who liked to still our fries...awkward) "So is this like your guys superbowl or something?" In which he responded..."Umm..bigger." After that, we sort of got the point once of the singing started. Super intense...like I'm talking big twelve on a wed. times a million. I couldn't even eat my fifteen dollar burger without getting shoved into tables. But seriously...totally worth it. It was awesome...the only downside being that chelsea didn't win. It was super sad, and grown men were crying as we left the pub. It was so sad to see, everyone except the manchester fans were heartbroken. Way bigger than the superbowl i say. There were riots in the streets....way bigger.
So after what I think was a premier part in learning Brit culture...we headed to another pub to continue drinking our lives away and some of us almost did...and when i say some of us, i mean all of us. We were hilarious and slightly annoying on the tube home I'm sure of it. After Morgan fell down the stairs and a man behind us didn't know whether to laugh or be seriously concerned...we were pretty much THOSE american girls. I wouldn't trade it though. I had a blast. (although..side note: despite this fact, some local totally sad i could look like I am from london. It made me so happy...seriously. it made me way to exstatic, it's sad really).
Anyway, the game was awesome and clearly led to me waking up with a pounding headache and a suspicious desire for agua. So class was kinda rough today, but we followed it up with a beautiful walk through Hyde Park. There is no cure for a hangover than a walk through a park like this. Gorgeous. I'm planning on running there in the morning if I can wake up, and I can't wait. It is so pretty. I'm looking forward to visiting it this weekend and finding "my spot"..I'm thinking something with some shade and a bench might work. I can't wait. We also got to see Kensington Gardens and Kensingtion Palace which was great as well. The pictures never do it justice here, everyone should just come visit and see for yourself. London is an experience.
We finished out the day with a trip to the British Museum which is a must here...the place is huge and full of amazing stuff from every culture imaginable. Morgan totally wanted to steal things, but we decided against it..sounds like a bad idea, but I somehow London owes us something for all the money we have spent here already...me and morg are going back. We will keep debating on the theft proposition...we will keep you posted.
Tomorrow is going to be a great day with shopping and thai dinner with the girls, we might even go see a show! Portobello Rd. Market this weekend on Sat.....I couldn't be more excited for this! Just to know that hugh grant was on that road in notting hill makes it totally thrilling! I'll give you details soon! I love you all!
So after what I think was a premier part in learning Brit culture...we headed to another pub to continue drinking our lives away and some of us almost did...and when i say some of us, i mean all of us. We were hilarious and slightly annoying on the tube home I'm sure of it. After Morgan fell down the stairs and a man behind us didn't know whether to laugh or be seriously concerned...we were pretty much THOSE american girls. I wouldn't trade it though. I had a blast. (although..side note: despite this fact, some local totally sad i could look like I am from london. It made me so happy...seriously. it made me way to exstatic, it's sad really).
Anyway, the game was awesome and clearly led to me waking up with a pounding headache and a suspicious desire for agua. So class was kinda rough today, but we followed it up with a beautiful walk through Hyde Park. There is no cure for a hangover than a walk through a park like this. Gorgeous. I'm planning on running there in the morning if I can wake up, and I can't wait. It is so pretty. I'm looking forward to visiting it this weekend and finding "my spot"..I'm thinking something with some shade and a bench might work. I can't wait. We also got to see Kensington Gardens and Kensingtion Palace which was great as well. The pictures never do it justice here, everyone should just come visit and see for yourself. London is an experience.
We finished out the day with a trip to the British Museum which is a must here...the place is huge and full of amazing stuff from every culture imaginable. Morgan totally wanted to steal things, but we decided against it..sounds like a bad idea, but I somehow London owes us something for all the money we have spent here already...me and morg are going back. We will keep debating on the theft proposition...we will keep you posted.
Tomorrow is going to be a great day with shopping and thai dinner with the girls, we might even go see a show! Portobello Rd. Market this weekend on Sat.....I couldn't be more excited for this! Just to know that hugh grant was on that road in notting hill makes it totally thrilling! I'll give you details soon! I love you all!
Tuesday 20 May 2008
Pimms and lemonade = greatness
Hi again everyone! So today was day 4 in london and although it started slow with class and all...it could not have been a better day! Any day that ends with gelato with the girls and an amazing art museum is perfect in my book!
First off, since me, morgan and emily were geniuses and stayed up till 4 in the morning last night. We did NOT wake up to run at hyde park..obviously. Who could have predicted that? But that's ok, we slept in and made to class almost defnitely late..which was excellent. Our teacehr was not too thrilled with us but hey its the firs tday you know. Anyway...it was a pretty standard class, where george kennedy (our prestigous professor who Emily totally thinks is hot for an old man..hmmm) rambled on about newspapers and more newspapers for what seemed like an eternity. Did i mention I'm an advertising major? Whoops. So basically...class is not too fun but I just sort of sit there and draw pictures and remind myself I am in london and that is awesome, so the boring prefessor i can handle.
After class, my roomates and I had 2 hours to spare before our tour of the Museum of London (basic history of the city and such)...so we went to St. Pual tube stop by St. Pual's cathedral and went looking for lunch. I totally saw an amazing suchi place and started salivating as usual..but we ended up shoocing an AMAZING sandwich place (which i cant remember its name) but i was INCREIBLE. Im definitely going back..not to mention we were there in the financial district where everyone in suits were out for lunch! Good thing to see I say...future british rich husbands maybe?? Just kidding kev..but seriously kev-you would have loved the suits they wear...with color! Randy would die.
Next, we met up with the group and went to Museum of London-not that cool in my opinion but I'm more of an art girl myself. Kinda boring AND stops at the history of the city at 1690s which is weird, so we left after a bit and headed to explore the area. We do that alot here which is amazing...it is some of my favorite couple of hours, just walking and talking with the girls. We have seen so much in 3 days, it is incredible. My legs are incredibly sore, and my feet always hurt but its worth every step. We got some amazing pictures on our journey and ran across the Tate Modern Art Gallery which i was dying to see and decided to do that but not before we grabbed our first Pimms and lemonade in Britain! They are this certain kind of brit alcohol..obvi with lemondade and frut. So good and very girly and british. I have had them before in the state but at this pub...they were so good!
The Tate was INCREDIBLE. I love art. I put my ipod in, listened to some rilo kiley and walked on my own through. Its so relaxing at art museums i think. Its one of my favorite things i have seen yet, and didnt have enough time to finish so we are going back again soon! Can't wait! After the tate, we went back after an extremely crowded ride on the tube..emily is cloaustrophobic..so that was sad but also kinda funny. Sorry emily. ;) We got home, made dinner, hung out, and went on a long walk in search of gelato with morgan, em, and megan. It was definitely worth the walk.....so good! We took pictures to mark the occasion. Wonderful day all in all! AND tomorrow...we are going to a pub tomorrow right after class to watch the chelsea game, the football championship IN CHELSEA where we live which is awesome!! It is the big thing that people get riled up about here, which would explain why the pubs were vene crowded tonight in preparation! I can't wait...lets just say..you might not get a post tomorrow night. hint hint. Expect drunk dials for those of you I can afford to call! haha..i love you all so much! cheers!
First off, since me, morgan and emily were geniuses and stayed up till 4 in the morning last night. We did NOT wake up to run at hyde park..obviously. Who could have predicted that? But that's ok, we slept in and made to class almost defnitely late..which was excellent. Our teacehr was not too thrilled with us but hey its the firs tday you know. Anyway...it was a pretty standard class, where george kennedy (our prestigous professor who Emily totally thinks is hot for an old man..hmmm) rambled on about newspapers and more newspapers for what seemed like an eternity. Did i mention I'm an advertising major? Whoops. So basically...class is not too fun but I just sort of sit there and draw pictures and remind myself I am in london and that is awesome, so the boring prefessor i can handle.
After class, my roomates and I had 2 hours to spare before our tour of the Museum of London (basic history of the city and such)...so we went to St. Pual tube stop by St. Pual's cathedral and went looking for lunch. I totally saw an amazing suchi place and started salivating as usual..but we ended up shoocing an AMAZING sandwich place (which i cant remember its name) but i was INCREIBLE. Im definitely going back..not to mention we were there in the financial district where everyone in suits were out for lunch! Good thing to see I say...future british rich husbands maybe?? Just kidding kev..but seriously kev-you would have loved the suits they wear...with color! Randy would die.
Next, we met up with the group and went to Museum of London-not that cool in my opinion but I'm more of an art girl myself. Kinda boring AND stops at the history of the city at 1690s which is weird, so we left after a bit and headed to explore the area. We do that alot here which is amazing...it is some of my favorite couple of hours, just walking and talking with the girls. We have seen so much in 3 days, it is incredible. My legs are incredibly sore, and my feet always hurt but its worth every step. We got some amazing pictures on our journey and ran across the Tate Modern Art Gallery which i was dying to see and decided to do that but not before we grabbed our first Pimms and lemonade in Britain! They are this certain kind of brit alcohol..obvi with lemondade and frut. So good and very girly and british. I have had them before in the state but at this pub...they were so good!
The Tate was INCREDIBLE. I love art. I put my ipod in, listened to some rilo kiley and walked on my own through. Its so relaxing at art museums i think. Its one of my favorite things i have seen yet, and didnt have enough time to finish so we are going back again soon! Can't wait! After the tate, we went back after an extremely crowded ride on the tube..emily is cloaustrophobic..so that was sad but also kinda funny. Sorry emily. ;) We got home, made dinner, hung out, and went on a long walk in search of gelato with morgan, em, and megan. It was definitely worth the walk.....so good! We took pictures to mark the occasion. Wonderful day all in all! AND tomorrow...we are going to a pub tomorrow right after class to watch the chelsea game, the football championship IN CHELSEA where we live which is awesome!! It is the big thing that people get riled up about here, which would explain why the pubs were vene crowded tonight in preparation! I can't wait...lets just say..you might not get a post tomorrow night. hint hint. Expect drunk dials for those of you I can afford to call! haha..i love you all so much! cheers!
Monday 19 May 2008
CHEERS TO LONDON!
Hi yall! YAY...I'm finally here, and yes I am starting the blog a little later than everyone but better late than never I say! But I am here in London for the third day and clearly have not yet recovered from jet lag, since it is 3 am my time and i am still awake but exhausted.
I have had quite the adventure as of late in wonderful London! First of all, I LOVE LOVE LOVE it here. It has been the busiest three days, but it has flown by. To make a long story short...We got here and moved into our beyond tiny flats on Hogarth Rd. It is the cutest area in South Ken, and as we have just discovered tonight..it has the best little ice cream place done the road, which I am deinitely planning to get at an extreme discount before the summer is over! 2 pounds for ice cream...meaning 4 dollars. That's another thing, everything is expensive. It sucks A LOT. God, the dollar is utterly worthless here.
Anyway..after our super exciting flight on sketch Air India, we moved in on Sat. and I'm staying in a itty bitty four man room with morgie morg, emily, and megan! It is 3 am and three out of the four of us are still up. We live on the top floor...it is terrible to climb up here, but comes with the territory i guess, and we apparently have mice here, but none have been spotted yet (and don't worry..I assure you if I do see one there will probably be a very funny and horrifying story involved so stay posted). We had our little welcome (and avoid jet lag) pub crawl on sat. night. Awesome and I got much more drunk than i expected...5% alcohol. Definitely good to know and not to mention is really cool. I loved all the pubs. Very chill and relaxed which i love. It's no big 12 but you know oh well. I think I'll live. ;)
We have seen everything from a far in the last two days there is to see in London on our wonderful bus tour yesterday with Miss Trudy, the tour guide. She was quite interesting, who i couldn't decide was adorable or annoying. Very bubbly...high voice..and extremely chaty. I still can't decide. 8 am tours are kinda rough with no coffee i think. We saw everything...Picadilly Circus, all the shops, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Big Bend, the Eye, and lots lots more. We even got to see the chnging of the guards, which was definitely amazing, because apprently yesterday was the first time in a thousand years that someone else has guarded the palace and we totally got to see the switch!
Anway..after the tour, we went oin what was the longest and most exhuasting shopping trips at Picadilly and Oxford Circus! I loved every minute of it of course...except that i did not anticipate the pain of my non-walking shoes...flats are not the best if you are going to walk probably over 5 miles. oops! We my feet were in bad shape so I bought another pair, forgot i had to break those, and those gave me blisters, so I had to buy another pair! Cheap ones of course...but yea..i am an idiot. Who didn't know that already.
Basically, I am not graceful at all in this city, bump into people constantly, can never quite figure out how to swipe my card right at the tube (which is super embarrasing..i wouldn't recommend it), never wear the right walking shoes (my feet almost ALWAYS hurt, even today they did), and I have no sense of direction. I just follow morg and emily around most of the time. This is probaby not suprising to anyone, but the funny thing is that I still walk down the street and assure myself that I definitely do not look like an American. I must totally blend in now that I have been here a whole three days! I will always try to convince myself of this until i acutally do sort of fit in. ;)
I totally love the Brit style here of course! Totally fab! I feel at home with that for sure...leggings, boots, black. I love it! Today we did some more shopping after our orientation at Imperial College, and I have to say I am a little shopped out and obviously poorer than usual. We went to a wine bar tonight..me morgan emily and kailyn which was a blast. We were the only people in the place and i swear we will become friends with the old lady owner who smoked 6 cigerettes within the hour we were there! We are currently deciding on weekend plans for the holiday weekend! I might be going to Bath and to see the Stonehenge..god my art history professor would be so proud. So stay tuned! In a nut shell...these last couple days have been insane and thats just the short version. I'm having a blast...loving my adorable roomates I miss you all!!!!
I have had quite the adventure as of late in wonderful London! First of all, I LOVE LOVE LOVE it here. It has been the busiest three days, but it has flown by. To make a long story short...We got here and moved into our beyond tiny flats on Hogarth Rd. It is the cutest area in South Ken, and as we have just discovered tonight..it has the best little ice cream place done the road, which I am deinitely planning to get at an extreme discount before the summer is over! 2 pounds for ice cream...meaning 4 dollars. That's another thing, everything is expensive. It sucks A LOT. God, the dollar is utterly worthless here.
Anyway..after our super exciting flight on sketch Air India, we moved in on Sat. and I'm staying in a itty bitty four man room with morgie morg, emily, and megan! It is 3 am and three out of the four of us are still up. We live on the top floor...it is terrible to climb up here, but comes with the territory i guess, and we apparently have mice here, but none have been spotted yet (and don't worry..I assure you if I do see one there will probably be a very funny and horrifying story involved so stay posted). We had our little welcome (and avoid jet lag) pub crawl on sat. night. Awesome and I got much more drunk than i expected...5% alcohol. Definitely good to know and not to mention is really cool. I loved all the pubs. Very chill and relaxed which i love. It's no big 12 but you know oh well. I think I'll live. ;)
We have seen everything from a far in the last two days there is to see in London on our wonderful bus tour yesterday with Miss Trudy, the tour guide. She was quite interesting, who i couldn't decide was adorable or annoying. Very bubbly...high voice..and extremely chaty. I still can't decide. 8 am tours are kinda rough with no coffee i think. We saw everything...Picadilly Circus, all the shops, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Big Bend, the Eye, and lots lots more. We even got to see the chnging of the guards, which was definitely amazing, because apprently yesterday was the first time in a thousand years that someone else has guarded the palace and we totally got to see the switch!
Anway..after the tour, we went oin what was the longest and most exhuasting shopping trips at Picadilly and Oxford Circus! I loved every minute of it of course...except that i did not anticipate the pain of my non-walking shoes...flats are not the best if you are going to walk probably over 5 miles. oops! We my feet were in bad shape so I bought another pair, forgot i had to break those, and those gave me blisters, so I had to buy another pair! Cheap ones of course...but yea..i am an idiot. Who didn't know that already.
Basically, I am not graceful at all in this city, bump into people constantly, can never quite figure out how to swipe my card right at the tube (which is super embarrasing..i wouldn't recommend it), never wear the right walking shoes (my feet almost ALWAYS hurt, even today they did), and I have no sense of direction. I just follow morg and emily around most of the time. This is probaby not suprising to anyone, but the funny thing is that I still walk down the street and assure myself that I definitely do not look like an American. I must totally blend in now that I have been here a whole three days! I will always try to convince myself of this until i acutally do sort of fit in. ;)
I totally love the Brit style here of course! Totally fab! I feel at home with that for sure...leggings, boots, black. I love it! Today we did some more shopping after our orientation at Imperial College, and I have to say I am a little shopped out and obviously poorer than usual. We went to a wine bar tonight..me morgan emily and kailyn which was a blast. We were the only people in the place and i swear we will become friends with the old lady owner who smoked 6 cigerettes within the hour we were there! We are currently deciding on weekend plans for the holiday weekend! I might be going to Bath and to see the Stonehenge..god my art history professor would be so proud. So stay tuned! In a nut shell...these last couple days have been insane and thats just the short version. I'm having a blast...loving my adorable roomates I miss you all!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)