The bottomless pit I felt in my stomach as our planed landed in Newark was a feeling I had never felt before. Every time I come home from another place, it is always sad and I feel that unease sensation but this time it was different.
Saturday and all day Sunday I had no feelings of sadness. I was ready to go home. I have a lot of things to look forward to. I have an internship, my family and friends (who I only see once a month), the beach, new puppies that my grandparents got not to mention all the subtle American qualities that I have missed. I was pleased with the amount of time I had spent in Europe. Although I wish I could stay exploring Europe longer I knew that my time to go home was May 31, 2010 and I was ready.
Or so I thought.
Sunday night as I boarded the cruise for our dinner on the Thames River I realized that this would be the last time all 56 of us would ever be together. I have met so many different kinds of people; some of course whom I love and other whom I would prefer not to spend so much time with. But that’s natural. It was a great evening, accompanied by a buffet, music and picture snapping. As I climbed up to the top bunk of our bunk beds for one last time I really realized how much I didn’t want to go home. Of course, I only got a few hours of sleep and waking up at 6:00 a.m. to be at the airport for our 10:30 a.m. flight was not fun.
Fast forward to 7:30 p.m., travel backwards to 1:30 p.m. in American time, two movies and a nap later I look out the window to New York City. A sigh of sadness exhaled my body. I held back tears, not too sure why.. but I did. I guess I am glad to be home but it’s a difficult transition.
So this is my official farewell blog. If there is one thing this trip had taught me, among many other things of course, it is how appreciative I am for everyone and every thing in my life. I couldn’t ask for more. Life is good.
Until my next destination unknown….
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Tumblr picture blog
I was suppose to have my picture blog updated daily but for somewhere tumblr takes an incredibly long time to upload pictures here. I will get to it when I return though. The link will be posted afterward. :)
In a nut shell... a big descriptive nut shell.
These past few days have been so hectic. I mean, go figure, we are about to leave!
Wednesday night I saw Les Miserales. Before the show a group of 7 of us ate at an Italian restaurant. This wasn't your typical Italian restaurant. In order to get to the tables you had to climb up a ladder, so you were above ground level. I agreed on going just for the experience, because I am not the biggest fan of the food. However, my plate was delicious! I ordered a salmon pasta with creme sauce mixed with grilled zucchini. With 30 minutes to make it from Chelsea to Picadilly circus, we found ourselves running to the bus stop, up and down escalators at the tube stations and through the sidewalks into Queen's theater. I really wish some one had filmed this because it was quiet the seen, running in heels and all. The run was all worth it. I had never heard of Les Miserales until my grandmother requested I watch it. And I am so glad she did! It was beautiful, the singing was incredible and the lightening was the cherry on top.
Thursday morning was our last day of classes but that does not mean classes are over. I have two 10 page papers due at the end of June. Oddly enough, I am pretty excited to write my happiness paper. I don't know the topic yet, but I am very anxious to find out. Nerd much? B) During class I overheard a girl talking about John Mayer tickets for the evening. I thought I was crazy and hearing things until Isa turned around and asked what she was talking about. Well... what she was talking about was JOHN MAYER'S CONCERT IN LONDON! CHECKKKKKK! We immediately rushed to the computer labs and purchased two tickets. The tickets were 12 pounds! Astonishing price. With late fees and whatnot, the total amount came out to 32 DOLLARS... still, amazing price, even in dollars. I feel like I'm beginning to sound a little bit redundant but John was incredible. I saw him in West Palm in 2008, with lawn seats. I thought that was a show to see. This perform topped any concert I have ever seen. Our seats were great. In my opinion they were better than floor seats because we were at an angle. He opened up with Why Georgia and then continued with (not in this order):
Vultures
Dreaming with a broken heart
In your atmosphere
Your body is a wonderland
Heartbreak warfare
Half of my heart
Who says
Perfectly lonely
Assassin
Crossroads
Edge of desire
Don't stop believing cover by Journey
and for his encore Gravity. Unforunately, my camera was dying so I couldn't record the songs. His encore was ridiculous. His tickets go on sale June 1st for South Florida. Hopefully, I'll be attending this one as well. :D
Friday was our daytrip to Stonehenge and Bath. Stonehenge was really interesting. The current theory as to why the stones are there has something to do with a burial tradition connected by the river of Avalon. Also, the way the rocks were places on top was by building wooden latters that they would burn with fire and force the top rock to fix perfectly into place with the top standing rocks. Bath a little less interesting to me. I find that I like more natural surroundings. Bath was covered by buildings and glass.
Today a small group of us took a daytrip to Oxford University. I can't complain much, because we've had incredibly amazing weather, but the rain really put a damper on our day. I guess, I've been pretty spoiled. It rained almost the entire time during our walking tour of the campus. They do things really different from UF, or any U.S. university for that matter. Students have to interview to get accepted into the colleges. They don't have any assignments, papers or exams throughout the year. At the end of their first year they have to pass an exam. If they pass, then they get to continue on but if they fail then they are kicked out of the college. Second year has no exams or assignments, and then after the third year you take another exam that you must pass in order to graduate. School goes for 8 weeks and there is 3 semesters. Also it is only for 3 years. Seven years after you have graduated, if you write the university a letter basically stating you are alive you pretty much are handed a piece of paper granting you your masters degree!
P.S. I was also able to snap some cool pics of places where Harry Potter was filmed. I really need to get to watching all those films now that I've seen so much of the filming locations.
Wednesday night I saw Les Miserales. Before the show a group of 7 of us ate at an Italian restaurant. This wasn't your typical Italian restaurant. In order to get to the tables you had to climb up a ladder, so you were above ground level. I agreed on going just for the experience, because I am not the biggest fan of the food. However, my plate was delicious! I ordered a salmon pasta with creme sauce mixed with grilled zucchini. With 30 minutes to make it from Chelsea to Picadilly circus, we found ourselves running to the bus stop, up and down escalators at the tube stations and through the sidewalks into Queen's theater. I really wish some one had filmed this because it was quiet the seen, running in heels and all. The run was all worth it. I had never heard of Les Miserales until my grandmother requested I watch it. And I am so glad she did! It was beautiful, the singing was incredible and the lightening was the cherry on top.
Thursday morning was our last day of classes but that does not mean classes are over. I have two 10 page papers due at the end of June. Oddly enough, I am pretty excited to write my happiness paper. I don't know the topic yet, but I am very anxious to find out. Nerd much? B) During class I overheard a girl talking about John Mayer tickets for the evening. I thought I was crazy and hearing things until Isa turned around and asked what she was talking about. Well... what she was talking about was JOHN MAYER'S CONCERT IN LONDON! CHECKKKKKK! We immediately rushed to the computer labs and purchased two tickets. The tickets were 12 pounds! Astonishing price. With late fees and whatnot, the total amount came out to 32 DOLLARS... still, amazing price, even in dollars. I feel like I'm beginning to sound a little bit redundant but John was incredible. I saw him in West Palm in 2008, with lawn seats. I thought that was a show to see. This perform topped any concert I have ever seen. Our seats were great. In my opinion they were better than floor seats because we were at an angle. He opened up with Why Georgia and then continued with (not in this order):
Vultures
Dreaming with a broken heart
In your atmosphere
Your body is a wonderland
Heartbreak warfare
Half of my heart
Who says
Perfectly lonely
Assassin
Crossroads
Edge of desire
Don't stop believing cover by Journey
and for his encore Gravity. Unforunately, my camera was dying so I couldn't record the songs. His encore was ridiculous. His tickets go on sale June 1st for South Florida. Hopefully, I'll be attending this one as well. :D
Friday was our daytrip to Stonehenge and Bath. Stonehenge was really interesting. The current theory as to why the stones are there has something to do with a burial tradition connected by the river of Avalon. Also, the way the rocks were places on top was by building wooden latters that they would burn with fire and force the top rock to fix perfectly into place with the top standing rocks. Bath a little less interesting to me. I find that I like more natural surroundings. Bath was covered by buildings and glass.
Today a small group of us took a daytrip to Oxford University. I can't complain much, because we've had incredibly amazing weather, but the rain really put a damper on our day. I guess, I've been pretty spoiled. It rained almost the entire time during our walking tour of the campus. They do things really different from UF, or any U.S. university for that matter. Students have to interview to get accepted into the colleges. They don't have any assignments, papers or exams throughout the year. At the end of their first year they have to pass an exam. If they pass, then they get to continue on but if they fail then they are kicked out of the college. Second year has no exams or assignments, and then after the third year you take another exam that you must pass in order to graduate. School goes for 8 weeks and there is 3 semesters. Also it is only for 3 years. Seven years after you have graduated, if you write the university a letter basically stating you are alive you pretty much are handed a piece of paper granting you your masters degree!
P.S. I was also able to snap some cool pics of places where Harry Potter was filmed. I really need to get to watching all those films now that I've seen so much of the filming locations.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Top 10's
What I miss from home:
1. AC
2. Beach/ocean
3. Customer service
4. Not paying to get into clubs
5. The gym
6. My bed & a bathroom that I can actually do a full circle in
7. Driving
8. Looking right, left, right before crossing a street
9. My blackberry
10. MY FAMILY<3
What I will miss from London/Ireland:
1. Pret
2. The tube
3. Walking everywhere
4. Being able to travel to any city within a few hours
5. The social atmosphere of pubs
6. The drinking age
7. Primeark/Pennies
8. Hearing different languages
9. Meeting new people
10. The subtle differences of the Europeans
Obviously, this is in no specific order. I'm sure I'm missing items too.
1. AC
2. Beach/ocean
3. Customer service
4. Not paying to get into clubs
5. The gym
6. My bed & a bathroom that I can actually do a full circle in
7. Driving
8. Looking right, left, right before crossing a street
9. My blackberry
10. MY FAMILY<3
What I will miss from London/Ireland:
1. Pret
2. The tube
3. Walking everywhere
4. Being able to travel to any city within a few hours
5. The social atmosphere of pubs
6. The drinking age
7. Primeark/Pennies
8. Hearing different languages
9. Meeting new people
10. The subtle differences of the Europeans
Obviously, this is in no specific order. I'm sure I'm missing items too.
Sometimes some down time is okay.
This morning I had class, and after multiple people detailing how incredible the British Museum is I decided to give it a second chance. I've never been in a museum so confusing! I tried, I really did. But this museum was not having my liking. I decided this one was just not for me. After the tube ride home I grabbed a quick lunch from Pret, the best lunch place! Since it's beautiful outside, and the heat has calmed down so it's actually enjoyable to walk, I walked home while eating my chicken and avocado on wheat sandwich, chili piri chips and to finish it off healthy a cup of mangos. I don't know who I think I'm kidding with that eating healthy deal. Gym membership will be signed within 48 hours of returning to the states!
While Isa went to visit an Ad agency, I decided to stay in. I straightened up my half of the room, skyped with my grandparents, tried to catch my mom before leaving for work (but here's a no brainer... she didn't answer!), figured I'd blog a bit and now I'm in the process of uploading pictures. It's amazing how fast one can stay connected now. Skype is such a great connection, and being able to show my family all my pictures is wonderful too.
Yesterday the Queen opened Parliament/gave a speech there. I missed her going from Buckingham to Parliament but was able to catch her on her way back. It was a pretty neat experience. There were hundreds of the infamous black and red guards lined up all along the street. The band was also dressed in the same guard attire. The music was an ease to the wait for her arrival. Oddly enough they played the opening song to Hawaii 5-0 and James Bond. I'm thinking maybe those are two of her faves, or at least on her ipod at home for sure. A set of about 40 black horses and guards introduced the Queens carriage. She wore a beautiful crown as she drove past us- however, not waving. Following her were more important people, maybe her sons? I wouldn't know. Then followed by them were another group of all black horses and guards.
After they finally cleared the way, we grabbed a sandwich from pret and made our way down to covent guard to try to purchase Lion King tickets. It's kinda incredible how quickly we've learned to manage the tube stations and our way around town. We were able to snag 53.50 pound tickets for 21 pounds!!!! SCORE! Next on our list was the London Eye (this was considered class). The Eye was pretty neat. It takes about 30 minutes to complete the rotation but you literally get to see everything. The ticket also comes with a 4D experience show, which might have been better than the eye, haha. Since Temple Church was fairly close to the eye, I ventured off to snap a few pictures of the church for my stepdad.
Soon enough, I found myself racing out of the tube station and heading toward the Lion King theater. The show was incredible. Everyone did an amazing job and the set-up was truly the best part of it all. The performance really brought to life the characters and scenario of the film. Disney, himself, would be proud!
While Isa went to visit an Ad agency, I decided to stay in. I straightened up my half of the room, skyped with my grandparents, tried to catch my mom before leaving for work (but here's a no brainer... she didn't answer!), figured I'd blog a bit and now I'm in the process of uploading pictures. It's amazing how fast one can stay connected now. Skype is such a great connection, and being able to show my family all my pictures is wonderful too.
Yesterday the Queen opened Parliament/gave a speech there. I missed her going from Buckingham to Parliament but was able to catch her on her way back. It was a pretty neat experience. There were hundreds of the infamous black and red guards lined up all along the street. The band was also dressed in the same guard attire. The music was an ease to the wait for her arrival. Oddly enough they played the opening song to Hawaii 5-0 and James Bond. I'm thinking maybe those are two of her faves, or at least on her ipod at home for sure. A set of about 40 black horses and guards introduced the Queens carriage. She wore a beautiful crown as she drove past us- however, not waving. Following her were more important people, maybe her sons? I wouldn't know. Then followed by them were another group of all black horses and guards.
After they finally cleared the way, we grabbed a sandwich from pret and made our way down to covent guard to try to purchase Lion King tickets. It's kinda incredible how quickly we've learned to manage the tube stations and our way around town. We were able to snag 53.50 pound tickets for 21 pounds!!!! SCORE! Next on our list was the London Eye (this was considered class). The Eye was pretty neat. It takes about 30 minutes to complete the rotation but you literally get to see everything. The ticket also comes with a 4D experience show, which might have been better than the eye, haha. Since Temple Church was fairly close to the eye, I ventured off to snap a few pictures of the church for my stepdad.
Soon enough, I found myself racing out of the tube station and heading toward the Lion King theater. The show was incredible. Everyone did an amazing job and the set-up was truly the best part of it all. The performance really brought to life the characters and scenario of the film. Disney, himself, would be proud!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Miami weather in London?!
Today I put on one of the few pairs of shorts I brought, a tank top and a light sweater. Not even half way through my walk from the dorm to the bus and I was already taking off the sweater. It isn't just not raining or overcast.. it is HOT! A little too hot for my liking here. It is one thing when I'm going from my car into an AC building or being at the beach, but because we walk everyday this is a little much.
After class we grabbed some lunch in Picadilly Circus and then decided to go to Primeark (the London version of Pennies) because neither Isa nor I have clothes to endure the heat in. I finished the majority of my gift shopping and headed home.
We told the guy at the front desk that we didn't think our AC was working. His response was "we don't have AC in this building." Ummmm.... excuse me?! Not only did I have to hang my wet laundry all over my room last night because the dryers decided to not work, but the building doesn't have AC? I mean, c'mon, seriously? We're not living in the stone age over here!
On a brighter note, I finished and submitted my 5 page paper on i-dont-even-know-what-hofstede-deminisions. That was a relief! Tomorrow the Queen will be gracing us with her presence, as she parades down the streets of London waving her precious hand at us peasants.
After class we grabbed some lunch in Picadilly Circus and then decided to go to Primeark (the London version of Pennies) because neither Isa nor I have clothes to endure the heat in. I finished the majority of my gift shopping and headed home.
We told the guy at the front desk that we didn't think our AC was working. His response was "we don't have AC in this building." Ummmm.... excuse me?! Not only did I have to hang my wet laundry all over my room last night because the dryers decided to not work, but the building doesn't have AC? I mean, c'mon, seriously? We're not living in the stone age over here!
On a brighter note, I finished and submitted my 5 page paper on i-dont-even-know-what-hofstede-deminisions. That was a relief! Tomorrow the Queen will be gracing us with her presence, as she parades down the streets of London waving her precious hand at us peasants.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Parks, Parks and more Parks!
Friday morning was a little rough, after a night of celebration for Isa's birthday. Brittany and I met up at Hyde Park to walk around. We had some lunch and one of the most popular park cafe's then opted to laid down in the grass and we enjoyed a group of guys break dancing. Later on Isa met up with us and we literally wandering the streets of London. I dont know how the hours seem to keep passing us by.
Saturday we went on a day trip to Greenwich. Again we laid in a park for about an hour, then visited the prime meridian. The prime meridian is where time starts! Greenwich is 0 and every time zone before or after is either +1, 2, 3 etc. So that was pretty interesting. Then we watched a futbol (soccer) game in a local pub- definitely a cultural experience and a must do in Europe!
The weekend was rather low-key but much needed. This morning I slept in, grabbed some dutch pancakes for breakfast and have been working on homework ever since. I am still refusing to believe that I will be leaving Europe in one week.
Saturday we went on a day trip to Greenwich. Again we laid in a park for about an hour, then visited the prime meridian. The prime meridian is where time starts! Greenwich is 0 and every time zone before or after is either +1, 2, 3 etc. So that was pretty interesting. Then we watched a futbol (soccer) game in a local pub- definitely a cultural experience and a must do in Europe!
The weekend was rather low-key but much needed. This morning I slept in, grabbed some dutch pancakes for breakfast and have been working on homework ever since. I am still refusing to believe that I will be leaving Europe in one week.
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