Merci Paris!

Time sure flies! I can not believe that it has taken me this long to complete this blog. I know my mom has heard from some of you and how antsy you all have been to hear the conclusion of our adventure. Well if you hung in there, I thank you very much. If not, as I'm sure are the majority, I understand that odds are you already talked to my mom and heard the conclusion. But here is my version!

First order of business was to settle into our Parisian apartment! That's right we had a two bedroom very spacious and roomy apartment in Paris (and I'm not being sarcastic about how big it was). Our first night in Paris Cari and her husband Benoit brought over Pizza Hut pizza, which was surprisingly yummy!


The next day I was awoken by an early (I think it was around 9:30am) phone call. It was Cari, and she wanted her mom. But Cari, I said, your mom is asleep. Wake her up, was Cari's reply, I cut myself in cooking school and am headed to the hospital. So wake her up is exactly what I did!


After Cari recieved a few stitches in her thumb we all met up at Notre Dame Cathedral. It was absolutely stunning. Even the detail on the outside of the church was so neat. The inside was, of course, beautiful as well. Then we had our first Parisian meal in a little cafe on the street. I got an omelet, that was absolutely delicious. So far the eating in this country was a lot easier than the last couple.


Then we took the metro to Montmartre. This is a hill that on the very top has this incredible church called Sacré-Coeur Basilica, or Sacred Heart church. We could see the church off in the distance from our apartment, and it looked incredibly fake. Up close, it still looked incredibly fake. However, this turned out to be one of my favorite places that we visited, because it is where they filmed the majority of the movie Amelie. I had suspected this while we were there, but did not want to say it out loud and seem like the obnoxious American who was relating a historical site to the only French movie she had seen. Still I was very excited when Benoit confirmed this a few nights later at dinner.

This hill is also where all the artists are set up. So after touring the church we walked to where all the artists where set up and scoped out the perfect piece to take home with us. Mom and I landed on an adorable older Frech artist, whose name was, you guessed it, Pierre. Pierre had a great little studio about five minutes away from the main area, and we had to go to it so we could pay with our credit cards. As he led me and my mom there, he would turn around every minute or so and tell us, only four more minutes, only three more, only two more, until we were there. It was so much fun.

Lastly, we walked down the other side of the hill and got to see the Moulin Rouge. We took some silly pictures in front of it and then headed back to the apartment. We were lucky enough to have a full kitchen so our resident chef (Cari), and her new sous chef (me), could prepare a delicious meal. And when I say sous chef I mean I stood around, in her way, in the kitchen and watched her work!


The next day was our big adventure day. We took the metro once the entire day, and then walked the rest. We saw the Eiffel tower, the Arc de Triumph (where we saw some of the most insane driving), we walked the Champs Elysee, toured the hospital de invalides (or something like that), where Napolean is buried, walked along the Seine River to the Louvre, and then toured some of the famous, and not famous art there. After twenty-five thousand steps (mom brought her pedometer) we sank into bed that night and slept great!






















The following day we took it easy and slept in. Mom and I went to the Rodin Museum, while Emily and dad stayed at the apartment because Emily wasn't feeling well. After the Rodin Museum we swung back at the aprtment, picked up Emily and Dad and met up with Cari and JoAnn at Anglina's Tea Room where we had afternoon tea. Then we did some souvenir shopping and went back to the apartment, where once again Cari prepared us a delicious meal.

The following day was very laid back. We slept in, and then picked up baguette sandwhiches and had lunch in the beautiful gardens by our apartment. It was truly a Parisian day. Or at least a tourist in Paris day!

Then came the traveling home day. It started with our cab picking us up very early in the morning. We flew from Paris to London, London to Chicago, and Chicago to home. We had some of the longest layovers, and actually were delayed a few hours in Chicago. Basically, if I put it in terms of the time at home we were traveling from 4:30 Friday afternoon, and arrived home at midnight Saturday night (or Sunday morning depening on how you look at it). But it didn't matter because we were finally home.

And guess what? That's the end, there isn't anymore.

Hello Berlin!

We landed in Berlin and were greeted at the airport with heat! Good old fashion sun shining summer heat! I was so excited. After having the season be fall all summer long, the sun felt good!

We then took a cab to our hotel (excellent choice), and settled in. The rooms were actually really nice, and it was just Emily and I sharing one, and we had a lot of fun in there!

Then we headed down to the hotel bar (where we actually spent a decent amount of time), and Dad and Ron had already made friends with the bartender, who was giving them directions on the map for good places to eat.

As we headed out of the hotel this crazy girl yelled after us "Hey! Were you going to leave without me?" We turned around and saw it was Cari! She surprised us Mellos and joined us in Germany. After dinner when we got back to the hotel, we learned that JoAnn had arrived also. We were all finally where we were supposed to be, and ready to roll.

The next day we went to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. It was one of the most amazing, interesting days I had up until that point. For those who don't know, I am really interested in reading and learning about the Holocaust so it was exciting for me (I know how wrong that sounds, but it's true) to get to see what I had been reading about for years. The camp was mainly for political prisoners, so it was not a death camp like Auschwitz, but it still had a gas chamber and a crematorium where they did mass executions. It was a really somber day to say the least.

The next morning we hit some more sites. We did the Jewish museum, and then Checkpoint Charlie. I found it so unbelievably how much the German people had to go through. First they get blamed for World War I and go into debt having to pay for it. Then World War II happens, and the Holocaust along with it. Then not long after the end of all that the Russians come in, and the Berlin wall goes up and families are separated literally overnight. It was so sad!

We then walked to a beautiful area called Gendarmenmarket. It was this cute square where there were two churches (facing eachother, and looking like mirror images) and the Opera. There were also a ton of little restaurants all over.

Then we walked over to Brandenburg Gate. It was neat looking.

Last but not least that day we saw the Holocaust memorial, and museum. (Thank you family for letting me see all that!) The memorial was so neat looking on the outside, and then was like a maze when you walked into it. It's hard to describe, but I have pictures!

The museum was small but amazing. They had one room where they would project a victims name on the wall, and then their story was told. They said it would take over six years to tell each persons story, even if it only took twenty seconds for each person. It was very moving.

The following day we tried to go into the parlaiment building but the line was over two hours long. So we said screw it and went souvenir shopping instead. We had had a lot of history in the past couple of days!

The next day we got on another plane, and when we landed...everyone spoke French!

What did I learn while "studying" abroad today? The German people rock. They are the nicest and friendliest to us foreigners. I can't wait to some day go back!

Bye London, I will miss you soooo much!

Sorry it has been such a long while since my last post. We went on traveling and I did not have access to the internet. Well...we did, it's just that I wasn't willing to pay thirty euros for an hour.

So on the advice of my mom I have decided to wrap up my summer adventure in three installments. "Goodbye London (the one you are reading right now)," "Hello Berlin," and "Merci Paris." The last two will pop up in the days to come.

So after crossing Abbey Road I took my parents to a pub and we all had fish and chips. All except Em, put she's not a fish eater. Anyway, I believe my dad had a good birthday!

The following day, the folks, and Auntie Karen hit Windsor Castle, while I hung out in my dorm room. Watched some Freeks and Geaks on surfthechannel.com. So Good!

Then they made the long treck from central London to my school. They got the grand tour (here's my room, there's the mansoin), and then we all went to my favorite Italian restaurant. How sad is this, our waitress (my third time in a row having her) remembered what I ordered and then gave me a hard time because once again I didn't finish my plate. I loved it...felt like home!

The following day we trained it out to Bath. We got to actually sit down and have tea at the Jane Austen Museum, and leisurely see all the sites. It was a great day.

That night Emily came out with my friends and I to the Zoo Bar. We shared a pitcher of Sex on the Beach and really bonded....it was another good night.

The next day was my last day. The family did the sites while I went with my friend Dorothy to take pictures of her crossing Abbey Road (since I am a seasoned veteran). We then stopped off at a Thornton's Chocolate and got ice cream. If ever in your life you get a chance, do it!

That night was the river cruise. Such a great last hoorah! We hopped on a little river boat and floated down the River Thames. We went under the tower bridge three times. It was magical!

Then we went back to school where they had the bar open and the DJ grooving. But no one danced. Everyone was sitting...sadly. It was such a sad night, filled with lots of tears. The summer camp on alcohol was comng to an end, and we were all going our separate ways. It was so sad.

The next morning (far too early) I met my family at their hotel, and then I took my last tube ride to the airport. So long tube, I will not miss you. Although I loved the tube, and how efficiently it got me everywhere I needed to go, after six weeks, I was ready to ride above the ground where you can breath.

We got to the airport, and then loaded on to the plane. And then like magic Ron Cymanski came sauntering down the aisle and sat down behind us. We were on our way to Berlin!

What did I learn while "studying" abroad today? I can't wait to see everyone from the program at our reunion in Vegas next year!

Oh the fun we will have!

What did I learn while "studying" abroad today? I had really missed home!

The day that home came to me!

Today was an exciting day. I got up and went to the airport. I went and looked around and didn't recognize anyone. I got a coffee from Starbucks, and when I went back I saw two smiling faces, and a few steps more I saw two more smiling faces. Finally, my mom, dad, sister, and Aunty Karen were here!
They drooled over my coffee so that was our first stop. We then navigated the tube station to their hotel, and were met by their two teeny tiny rooms. Fortunately, I don't think it will matter...those grumps are going to sleep good tonight! (I can only write that because they don't have access to a computer and can't read what I write about them. HA! HA! I feel drunk with power!)
We slowly mosied around Hyde park. Got a late lunch, early dinner on the water. Then walked to Buckingham Palace. My fourth time visiting, and I'm still in pictures.
Just a heads up, today was not the day that Prince William saw me and fell instantly in love. I still have four and a half days to make it happen, though, so, no sweat!
Then I sent them on their way back to the hotel and caught a movie. I saw The Edge of Love with Keira Knightly, Sienna Miller, and Cillian Murphy. It's not out in the states yet, so that's how I can get away with seeing it here and feel like i'm still doing something that I can't do at home!
Now I am off to bed. I'm meeting up with the folks after they tour St. Paul's Cathedral. I don't need time to try and cross the Millenium Bridge again!
Then we are going to take a Beatles walking tour, and visit Abbey Road. This was requested by dad, and what better day to do it than on his birthday?

What did I learn while "studying" abroad? Once again, flashing the windows of Buckingham Palace did not lure the prince out. I guess I'm just going to have to be more aggressive!

While on my travels...

Well, turns out I didn't have access to the internet while on my travels, so I guess this will just have to be a long blog in order to update everyone on what I have been up to.

Last Sunday, Sarah, Will, and I hopped on a train to Edinburgh (pronounced Edinborough), Scotland. And guess who got kicked off public transportation again?! You guessed right! I told Sarah and Will that they should have known better than to travel with me. We were chuggin' right along, when we hit a stop, about an hour into our five hour train ride and an announcement is made that the train is terminating there and we all had to get off. We quickly went across the platform to another train, and to oblige all of us immigrants, the train made a special trip to Edinburgh for us.

Once again the bathroom has a funny story associated with it. (Why can't I just have a bigger bladder?) So because two trains had merged there were not enough seats for everyone, and there were bodies everywhere! In between two cars, where my closest bathroom was, a group of young, hot, drunk Scottsman were camping out. I was unaware until it was too late and I was committed to using the restroom. They all made hooping and hollering noises when I came into the room and opened the electric door for me. Once I got in, they were all shouting how I need not worry because the walls were sound proof. Right. The funny/creepy/scary part was the way the batroom was set up, you had to press a button to lock the door. It took me a few minutes to find it (I did have an audience outside), but once I pressed it, a collective aaaaagh, was sighed outside, followed by an "it's a good thing you did that!" I was laughing nervously, could hardly pee, and held it the rest of the trip.

We made it to town, and the first day was a day in. We didn't have much time, so we just ordered room service for dinner, and crashed early. By the way, Will snores. Constantly. All...night...long.

The next day rocked. We went to the Castle, the Whiskey museum place, and walked the Royal Mile. That night we did a ghost walk around the town. It was scary, because they took us into the Vaults, which were old, creepy cave like structures. The tour ended at this really weird bar that we ended up having an awesome time at, because the musical entertainment rocked!

Did I mention that Will snores?

The next day we took a bus tour of Loch Lomond, the country side, and Sterling castle. Scotland is so pretty. It's just as magical in real life, because of all the magical mist and fog.

Another early night spent listening to Will snore.

Wednesday we packed up and flew to Ireland. Our hotel ended up being off the beaten track, so we just grabbed some Burger King for dinner, and then Sarah and I stayed up and had a girls night in her room. The TV was awesome. Sex and the City, junk food, and girls only really rocked!

I shared a room with Will. A room that had no air conditioning, so it was also hot while I listened to him snore.

The next day was the longest, and the most fun!

We started out by taking a tour of St. Patrick's Cathedral. Sarah then left us to meet her friend who would be staying in Ireland with her. So Will and I hit Ha' Penny Bridge (the first foot bridge to cross the river). Then the Guinness Factory, which turned out to be way more interesting than I thought it would be. And the beer wasn't bad either!

That night the four of us (Will, me, Sarah, and her friend Caitlin) did a musical pub crawl. Basically two musicians took us to three bars and played tradtional Irish music, and joked around with eachother and us. It was a ton of fun. If you're ever in Ireland, do a musical pub tour.

That finished at ten, so we went back to the first pub, where we were lucky enough to run into a bachelor party (or stag party, as they call it here)! All these hot guys had matching green, collared shirts on that had the rules of the night on the back, and their name and duty, on the front. For example, one of the guys was the "challenge master." Throughout the night the guys had to do different challenges, and whoever lost, the challenge master was in charge of their punishment. Best job ever right? No, because if he loses, the rest of the group determines his fate.

I skipped the best part, though. Their bottom halves were loosely wrapped in cloth, which they continually pulled up throughout the night, to expose their thong that had an animal in the front to cover themselves...kind of.

Once again, I have video of this, however, I am so not putting it up on this sight...I don't want to get in trouble. But if you come over when I get home and let me bore you with all my pictures, and video, I'll treat you to that video!

It ended up being an extremely late night, where I only got two hours of sleep. I was set to get four, but at this point the snoring was unstoppable. I sadly said goodbye to my 'mates, and one taxi drive, airplane ride, bus ride, tube ride, and another bus ride later, I am back in the dorms. Cereal for dinner, and heading to bed soon. I have to get up early tomorrow to go meet my family at the airport. I can hardly wait to see them!

What did I learn while "studying" abroad this week? Although, Edinburgh was a cuter town, Dublin had the cuter guys!

Who can it be now?

So, Obviously, Thursday night was the decades dance. And hopefully it's also obvious that I dressed as the eighties. The dance was kind of a flop, not a lot of people were there, and those who were there weren't dancing. Which basically meant a whole lot more room for me and my friends to boogy down. I personally had a great time that night. How can you not have fun when you look like a twelve year old from the eighties?

Friday I worked on my second paper all morning and got it done. My papers are not my best work, but considering I had to call my mom so she could talk me into actually writing them, something is better than nothing.

That afternoon Sarah and I finally went to tea at the National Gallery. It was delicious!

Today we went to Brighton. Once again it was only a small group who went becausee a lot of people are either traveling, or still working on their papers. I guess some people actually did come here to study. way to make the rest of us look bad!

Anyway, Brighton is an adorable beach town, similiar to the Boardwalk, but different. The beach is actually rocks. And not just pebbles, but rocks. It was fun, though. They have a pier with rides, so Will and I rode the log ride, and got cotton candy. It was a good day.

Tomorrow, Sarah, Will, and I are off to Scotland for a few days, and then to Ireland. Hopefully I'll be able to write a few short updates while I'm away. If not, I'm sure that I'll have a lot to say when I get back!

What did I learn while "studying" abroad today? Dont't have tea before a two and a half hour bus ride back to campus, it just makes for an uncomfortable ride.

Just remember, Gelato has twice the sugar of ice-cream, which means twice the crash later on!

Well the past couple of days certainly were an adventure. It started out with miscommunication between Kori and I on where we would meet in the bus station, in order to catch our bus to the airport. After an hour and a half of panic, we found eachother and made it to the bus just in time!We made it to Gatwick and spent the night in a near by hotel, that normally I would have run away from, however I was too tired to move (still it was not as bad as that hotel in Montana!). We then dragged our tired butts out of bed and were at the airport and waiting for our plane. We hopped on it and in no time we were in Italy.
Now is where the fun begins. First of all, did you know that they all speak Italian in Italy. It was the weirdest thing, and really hard to communicate. Didn't see that coming. We found a tourist information desk, and she gave us specific instructions on how to get to our hotel: take a bus to the train station, and then a train to Magliano. Sounded easy enough. We hopped on the bus and had a carefree bus ride to the train station. However, when we got there we asked the girl who worked in the booth where we go next (she said si, when we asked "Parlay ingles?") and she sold us bus tickets. I was weary, but vulnerable and trusting. We were so stupid. We hopped on the bus, and after a little less than an hour, and asking countless other passengers where our hotel was and getting no where, the bus driver turns around and says that it's the end of the line and kicks us off the bus. He is not my favorite Italian.

Now we were in the middle of an industrial/residential neighborhood, and the prognosis was looking grim. I literally held back the tears while I sat with all of mine and Kori's junk while she went into a nearby store to ask for help.

We then walked, and walked, and walked, to the town center where we would suposedly have a clear view of our hotel. When we got there, though, no hotel. And by the way, there were no canals, no friendly gandaliers, no italians sipping on cappuccinos; we were not where we felt we should be. The tears were getting a lot harder to hold back.

We finally got some better directions and happened to stumble into a hotel to ask them where ours was. Turns out, it was our hotel, just a different name than the one Kori had. What a mess. After we where in the room and composed ourselves we learned that all you had to do was catch a train, and two stops later you would be standing in front of the Grand canal. We were so there!

Yay! We're finally here! Don't we look so European with our matching scarves? Anybody? No...we still look American?

Oh just wait...

There's that American! Reading her guide book! Hey tourist!

Our first plan was to eat and then we just walked around and got lost. It is so beautiful there. Exactly like pictures and movies, only in real life. It's hard to explain, but don't worry I have plenty of pictures that will help!

Isn't it beautiful! Just kidding! But the food was seriously amazing...as you would probably guess!

The view from either side of a bridge!

Kori and I each bought a water color painting from this adorable Italian artist!

The rest of the day was great and the next day was great too. We walked a lot, and ate even more. I figured everyone would be proud. We became addicted to caffe lattes...I think I had three or four in one day.

Coming home was a little easier, still had to run a lot so that we could make all our buses and trains on time, but this time we knew what we were doing. When we were sitting at the train station in Italy, when we were leaving, this old man came up and started talking to us, and then groping me. Apparantly he thought I was a "pretty woman"..."like the cinema." He was pinching my cheek, and holding my hand, and, oh, ya, rubbing my bare leg because I was wearing a skirt. Typical, we are surrounded by young, hot, Italians for two days, and then this man whose old enough to be my grandpa hits on me. It was pretty darn funny. Gave Kori a good chuckle!

Anyway, Italy was a success, as well as Kori's trip. She left today, although, she did miss her flight, she is booked on another one. Good luck to her. After the past couple of days, I will be glad to stay away from public transprotation!

What did I learn while studying abroad today? I need to learn some German and French before we hit those countries, I refuse to get kicked off a bus again!

I hope you're ready to hit the ground running!

So the school disco ended up being such a blast! Everyone who was there did their best to try and put together a school uniform, and those who didn't, put on a toga. Why? I don't know, but it was awesome!

It ended up being a very late night, so after just two hours sleep, I hopped on the tube and rode it for an hour and a half (it felt longer) and then I was at the airport and instantly greeted by Kori. I couldn't have been happier to see her!

We got her back to the dorms, and got her checked , settled in, and then we hit the ground running. We went to the Tower of London and did the tour with the Beefeater. We saw the Royal Jewels and I picked out my crown for when I get coronated after Prince William and I get married (any day now). The we went to the Ice Bar. It sounds like what you think it is. You go into a very cold room, where you are surrounded by very cold ice, and drink very cold drinks out of ice cold glasses. Did I mention it was cold?

Then we ate at the fantastic Italian restuarant, which is convienantly located right next door. Needless to say we went directly back to the dorms after, and crashed.

The next day was another fun filled packed to the brim day. We managed to hit Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Tea at the British Museum, and the witchcraft bookstore.

My favorite part of the day was when we were about to leave Hyde Park. Suddenly we hear beautiful music. We head towards it, and is if out of main street in Disneyland there is a band playing in a gazebo. It was so cool! Dad I am looking into to seeing if they will be performing while your here.

After this long day we once again crashed.

The next day, we went to St. Paul's Cathedral. I waited for Kori while she climbed to the top. I just couldn't bring myself to do it again.

Instead, though, being the genius that I am, I decide to hit the Millenium Bridge. I made it about half way across before getting dizzy, and had to turn around. I would swear that sucker would sway everytime someone walked by me. And trust me plenty of people were wizzing past me!

Then we went to the National Gallery, and The British Museum.

That night we went to the Zoo Bar. It was Fernando's last night out, and Kori's first night out. It was a lot of fun.

Yesterday, we once again dragged our butts out of bed early and packed in a lot. First we hit the Sherlock Holmes Museum. Then we picked up sandwiches and had lunch in the Queens Garden in Regent's Park. Lastly we hit Camden Market, where Kori and I bought matching scarves so we can look more European.

Kori hit the sack early last night, because she had a tour of Stonehenge, Bath, and Salisbury today. I decided to stay up with people who had just gotten back from Paris, and then sleep in today. Not a whole lot of luck there.

At some point this morning, not really sure what time, the fire alarm went off, and we all had to evacuate outside. Let me tell you, we all looked extremely classy. The plus side to this was that the fire department came. What was hilarious was they pulled up, and slowly mosey out of their truck and saunter up to the dorm. We're all freezing out here, but please, take your time. Apparantly someone's blow dryer had set it off. Oh well to sleeping in!

Anyway, Kori and I leave for Venice tomorrow, so today has been spent packing and getting my first paper done.

The next couple of days should be quite the adventure, so wish us luck!

What did I learn while "studying" abroad today? Firefighters are just as hot here in England as they are at home, only here, they have accents!

The theater! The theater! What happened to the theater?

Last night a group of us went and saw Phantom of the Opera. First we ate at this amazing Italian restaurant...probably the best meal I've had here so far (oh the irony)! Then we went into this gorgeuos theater to watch one of my favorite musicals of all time.
I was disappointed. Unfortuantely, the girl who played Christine was not very good, which kind of ruins the whole thing. What is even more unfortunate is Roaul and the Phantom were amazing. So had Christine been good, it would have been the best play ever. She just aggravated me.
What really bugged me, though, is when she came out for her bow at the end, you could tell she thought she was hot stuff. Oh well!
Tonight is the school uniform disco. My outfit is quite the hodge podge of articles that I've found at random shops. It should be fun!
And then I get up really early tomorrow and pick up Kori. I can't wait!

What did I learn while "studying" abroad today? Unfortunately, I actually have been working on my paper alllllll, dayyyyy, looooooong. I hate actually studying abroad!

My Official "Study" Day

Sarah, Jennifer and I went to Oxford yesterday. We were hoping that the study skills those brainy kids who attend the school have would rub off on us. No such luck.



What did I learn while "studying" abroad today? Why even pretend, there's no studying going on here!

Due to a person under the train, there are delays.

So much to update. I'll just get right into it.

Thursday night was Karaoke night. What a night it was. I had vowed to not go up, however, after some liquid courage, and a lot of peer pressure, I went up a few times with groups. My favorites were singing Britney Spears with Sarah, Elton John with Shani, and "Hotel California" with a huge group of us. It was a blast. I will not be posting the videos, however. Maybe if some of you are really lucky, I will show you when I get home. I know...what a tease!

Friday Sarah and I officially made it to both St. Paul's Cathedral, and Westminster Abbey. St. Paul's was gorgeous. You can walk all the up to the top of the dome. It's scary as all helk, but completely worth it. Westminster Abbey was kind of creepy, which made it even cooler than I thought it would be.

Just throwing this out there, but does anyone know what the title of this blog means? When Sarah and I were traveling on Friday, they made this announcement while we were waiting for the tube to come. Does it mean literally? Or is just an expression? Please help me out if you can.

Anyway, Friday night was was an early night, because of the night before and all the walking Sarah and I had done that day. What a good night sleep that was!

Saturday we took a tour of Windsor Castle, and Hampton Court. I loved the inside of Windsor Castle. The very first room we entered was a room filled with china. I slowed our group up, and they all thought I was a dork for being so into it. After the inside tour we went to a china gift shop, and I am now a proud owner of a Queen Victoria china tea cup and saucer. It's absolutely gorgeous, and I am so excited about it. Everyone just thought it was funny, because I was in such a giddy mood after buying it!

Hampton court was so cool, and creepy, and gross, because if anyone has seen The Other Boleyn Girl, you know what I am talking about. When Dorothy and I were walking to the King's Apartments we were commenting on how that is the walk that the girls he summoned would have to take. What a creep!

There were gorgeous gardens here also, and a really fun maze. All in all it was a very productive day.

And now to the part that my dad is going to hate. We went out Saturday night, and decided to not leave when the last tube leaves, but instead take the night bus. Don't worry there was a huge group of us, with more guys than girls. When we got on to the bus at 2:30 in the morning it didn't seem so bad. However, when an hour and a half passed and we still weren't back, we weren't happy.
Then, we finally see our stop, and hit the stop button, which the driver decides to ignore, and drive a mile or two (or a million, as it felt) to the next stop and let us off. Ya, we had a walk ahead of us.

What made everything worth it was the last five minutes. We finally made it to campus, and Dorothy, Fernando, Sarah, and I were all bringing up the rear. The sun is starting to come up, and all the bunnys are out, and running around campus. Dorothy and I are commenting on how cute they are, and fluffy, and how much we love them. There is a quiet pause, and then Fernando says in his Spanish accented English says, "I just want to shoot them." We all stopped and started laughing hysterically. It was so perfect. It made the night.

However, I will NEVER do that again!

What did I learn while "studying" abroad today? No more night buses!

It's raining, it's pouring, thank goodness no one is snoring!

Been a while since my last post. Always the same excuse: I have been extremely busy, having way too much fun! What am I going to do when I have to go back to the real world? I don't even want to think about it.

Sarah and I went to Camden Town on Saturday and did a little shopping. The rest of the night was pretty uneventful. I went to bed early (there's that old lady again).

Sunday we drove and drove and ended up in Bath. It is the cutest little town. We didn't have a lot of time, so Sarah and I split from the group (we were allowed to dad, and it was completely safe). We took a tour of the Jane Austen Center, picked up pastys (basically a hot pocket type food), and then rushed through the Roman Baths. It was all so awesome. The Roman Baths were really a sight to see. I even bought some Bath water in cute little jar. Yes I am a tourist.

Then we drove some more and hit Stonehenge. It was, of course, smaller in person.

Happy to be home that night, as it had been a long day, I went to bed early.

Monday I had class. I still thoroughly enjoy everyone in it. We have so much goofy fun.

I got out of class at one that day so Sarah and I decided to hit St. Paul's Cathedral. We got there (by the way we are now pros at the tube...it's really easy, so don't be as impressed as we are), we looked around for about half an hour, and took half a dozen pictures. Then we walked up to the entrance, where we were greeted by a man who said, "We're closed for now." I politely asked what time they would re-open, the man replied, "Tomorrow at half past eight." Typical.

There was a French cafe across the street so we stopped in there. I had tea and creme brulee, and Sarah had coffee and a molten chocolate cake. We laughed at the fact that it was our favorite meal so far and it was in a French cafe.

That night was games night. It was a lot of fun. My team, consisting of me, Sarah, Jennifer, and Dorothy, went from first place in the first round, to last place in the third and final round. What can we say, the questions got harder.

Yesterday and today were pretty bland days. Went to class, did some laundry, did some homework. I can't wait to have my days free to sight see until my hearts content. One more day of class and then I will!

For next time: We have Karoake Thursday night, so that will be a fun one!

What did I learn while "studying" abroad today? I need to learn my lesson and check online first to make sure the places will be open!

Oh me, Oh my. The past couple of days have been busy, and extremely awesome. First things first, still no cold water on my side of the floor. So I use the tiolet on the other side and the showers downstairs. So that's always fun.

Anyway, I am really enjoying my class. Well the academic part is ok, but the people in it are great. I have been getting quite the education just from them. We all eat lunch together, so it is a full hour of talking, and laughing, and comparing different American quirks to British quirks.

Thursday night I went out in Central London for the first time to a bar. I think everyone here was thinking I was a prude who would never go out, but really I'm just an old lady who needs her sleep. The bar was great. It was in Trafalger Square and right off the tube line, so there was not a lot of work getting to it. It started out as a bar and then a while into the night they pushed the tables aside, and the DJ started to play. It was so much fun!

This is my friend Sarah and I rockin' it on the dance floor!

The next day, my friends Sarah, and Will and I decided to hit the British Museum. We got there at 1:45 and the place closed at 2 due to an employee strike. So then we just wandered around. We found quite a few fun places that otherwise I would have never found. We found a bookshop that is decorated like a family room in a house, and all the books are historical and about witchcraft (Kori I am so taking you there!). It was a lot of fun.

We ended up eating a late lunch in Regent Park, which was absolutely gorgeous! The Queens Garden is inside and full of roses. It was so beautiful!

Last night was the Summer School Ball. It was so much fun. We had wine and a buffet in the

Mansion, followed by casino games, and big jenga and connect four games. The there were fireworks right off the balcony. They were so close and pretty.

After all this they had an after party with a DJ in the Student Union. We danced all night...not really, but I got a good workout!

Now Sarah and I are going to go back to Camden Market, because one of the staff told us there are good charity shops and we want to get outfits for the events coming up! I can't wait for them now!

What did I learn while "studying" abroad today? This is a gem from the people in my class: Fanny refers to a specific lady part (& I don't mean the boobs), not your butt. Think about that for a while, and how crazy fanny pack must sound!

No toilet???

Today I got up, went for a run/jog/brisk walk (whatever you want to call it). I came back and was able to nab the shower before anyone else. Things were going great, the pressure in the showers here is amazing. Then suddenly the pressure started to lighten. I didn't think much of it, so I lathered up my loofah and washed my body, when it came time to rinse the pressure had lightened to a tiny trickle of scalding hot water. I did the best I could, and rinsed off. By the time I was done with the acrobats that result from only having a trickle to work with, the water had actually stopped coming out. Apparantly there was a problem with the water and not even the toilets were working. Needless to say this stressed me out. Us Mello ladies need our toilets. I could not go to bed tonight without a toilet. It would just be too much, I would have to pee constantly if there was no toilet!
I went to class and used the toilet often.
I went to the library, and figured out how to print papers. This was an activity that could have waited until a later day, but why would I go back to the land of no toilets?
I anxiously walked back to the dorms, where lo and behold the water had been fixed, and the toilets are in working order.
A huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders!

So what did I learn while "studying" abroad today? Take fast showers!

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)

Yesterday was another amazing day. We went into Central London, and rode the tube to Hyde Park. Hyde Park is like the Central Park of London. It is so pretty, with a lake in the middle. It was also so quiet for being right in the middle of the city. I loved it so much!

Then we went to buckingham palace, and then sat in another park. I got a vanilla ice-cream cone, and as weird as it sounds, I have never tasted better soft serve. It was so creamy and delicious (oh Giada!).

Then we made our way to Leicester Square in hopes of watching the red carpet entrance to the premiere of Mamma Mia. We had to constantly ask for directions, but we made it and it was amazing. There was music playing from the movie the whole time, and we got to see all the stars! It was so much fun!

Warning: The videos are shaky, and the second one is long, but I did the best I could. I hope everyone enjoys them!

Today I had class, so no sightseeing. But class was actually pretty cool. There is only seven people in the class and I am the only American, which will be fun! It is an education course, so I will be learning a lot about the British school system, which I think is neat! Anyway, now I am off to bed. I think the jet lag has finally hit me, because I am completely exhausted!

What did I learn while "studying" abroad today? That I am actually going to have to do some studying...who'd a thunk?

Tea in England!

What a fantastic weekend. I now officially feel like I am in England. I do feel like I have to apologize for the previous blog that was very grumpy. I was very tired. It had been a long day. In fact this whole weekend was long, but after a great nights sleep Friday night it was all up hill!

Saturday we took a bus tour of Central London. The drivers here are crazy! When they want to change lanes, they just change lanes. Nevermind the fact that there is a van right next to us. We all let out nervous giggles when the drivers are maneuvering around the streets.

The tour, however, was great. We got to see a lot in a short amount of time, and even took pictures in some spots.

Here I am standing in front of Tower Bridge. Doesn't it look like I am in England?

Trying to see if the queen is home

Then we took a flight on the London Eye. Frankly it made me dizzy (I am not a fan of heights). But it was still very cool.

The view of the Eye from the ground. The view is even more ominous from the top!

After the London Eye a group of us stayed in Central London and ate dinner at a pub. I had fish and chips which were absolutely delicious!

Then we took the tube home. My first time on the Tube and I get crushed by the door as I am getting on. Oh, well! I am a tourist. I guess it is a right of passage.

Today we went to Hampstead and Camden Market. Hampstead was absolutely gorgeous with tons of beautiful homes and lots of history. I don't want to brag but I got to see Boy George's home...I know you are all jealous!

Just a street in Hampstead. Doesn't it look fake?

Camden Market was unbelievable. It is a street market that is stuffed with shops, food, and people. I spent quite a few pounds today, however it was totally worth it!

And the most exciting part, I finally had my first cup of tea in England. While we were in Camden we had some time to ourselves. Quite a few people went to a Starbucks, but I refused to have my first tea in England be from Starbucks. A staff person took a few of us around and we went into a little market where people were selling antiques, and also tea! It completely made my trip. I am now done. I can go home...no wait, I still have more to see!

Cheers!

So what did I learn while "studying" abroad today? Wait for the little green man to show up and symbolize that it is safe to cross the street. Otherwise you'll get run over!

A day of travel...

Consisted of "waking" up (after not sleeping the night before) super early to catch my 6:45 am flight to chicago. I then wondered aimlessly through the airport for five hours during my layover. Then came a seven to eight hour flight to Heathrow airport. Then came the happy greeting, of a happy girl in a bright red Middlesex University t-shirt.


However the travel does not stop there.


Next came waiting around in the airport for an hour and a half for our bus to come. Then came an hour long bus ride to the campus. However it was all worth it.





What did I learn while "studying" abroad today (thanks Lori)? Traveling and being tired and smelly really stinks, but England is extremely worth the trouble.





By the way mom, I figured out my internet!




Hunky the monkey and I on the plane...Don't I look lovely?

One more day...

I have exactly one more day until I leave for Europe. I am sort of packed, a little nervous, and a lot excited! Stay tuned, because the next time you hear from me I will be in Europe "studying" abroad!