Friday, December 5, 2008
Back in America
Being back is definitely a weird feeling. It feels like nothing here has changed, while everything has changed for me. I had such a great experience in London. I had the opportunity to go to Parliament and intern for a political party. That was definitely an experience not many people get to have. This just proved to me how much I want to be in politics when I am older. I made some amazing friends that I am anticipating on keeping. It is weird going from seeing the same people every day for 3 months straight to not seeing them at all. I am missing them already. I loved where I lived, and I just loved the city of London. There was always something to do, someone to do it with, and somewhere to go. One thing that I dont miss thought is having to take public transportation. I never realized how dependent I am on my car until it was taken away. Another thing that I will not miss is the weather. I realized that my attitude relies on the weather, so the more it rained, the worse my mood got. I like being back in the sun! I am definitely planning on going back. But for now, I am going to enjoy being home. I have to admit that I was homesick over there, but now being back, I am missing London. However, there is definitely no place like home. On a scale of 1 to 10, this semester was definitely a 10.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Paris and the last week
So last Friday I went to Paris! It was definitely the most beautiful city I have ever seen. We left early Friday morning and took the eurostar there. Once we finally got there, we had a panoramic bus tour of the city. We saw the Concorde square with the new Paris eye, then our first and only stop was at the Eiffel tour. Of course, I basically had a photo shoot there, taking pictures of myself from every angle. We then got back onto the bus and went passed the Arc de Triomph. It was a lot bigger than I was expecting it to be. Gotta love that Napolean complex. We then drove along the river, which was so pretty. There were little stalls that sold used books all along it. After the tour we went to our hotel and then went to a genuine French restaurant. It was so good, even though the portions were really small. It kinda forced me to get some crème brulee for dessert, not that im complaining. After dinner, we went to the Louvre. Even the outside is amazing, with the glass pyramids. We went in for free, which makes it even better, and walked through the museum until we reached to Mona Lisa room. It was so weird that we were able to just walk right up to it ad take pictures too. It was a lot smaller than I was expecting, but it was still so cool being in the presence of such a masterpiece.
Saturday, we had a walking tour. We walked all over. I loved seeing the outdoor cafes and flower shops and even an original statue for Louis XIV, and I learned that there are 18 Louis-es. Our walking tour ended at Notre Dame, and it was really cool seeing the gargoyles and everything. After that, Meaghan and I walked across the river and had lunch at a creperie. It was so delicious. Maybe the best crepe like in the world. It was banana, hot chocolate, ice cream, and whipped cream…yum! From there we went shopping where I bought a beret. We then went real shopping on Champs-Elysees, which was so incredible. It put 5th Avenue in NY to shame. Meag and I decided that we can’t leave Paris and visit the original Louis Vuitton there without buying anything. Might have been a mistake, but it was definitely worth it. After our amazing day of shopping, we went and had some French pastries, which were of course amazing. After all of that, we were exhausted and took a nap, then went out to dinner for another real French meal. I tried escargot, and it was so good! Once I got over the part that I was eating snails, I really liked them. That night we went to the Eiffel tour. Seeing it twinkle was so unbelievable. It was so pretty! We wanted to go to the top, but it was closed because of overcrowding which totally sucked, but nothing we could do. Even from the bottom just looking up at it was gorgeous.
Sunday we had another walking tour. This time it was in northern paris where all the artists are. We saw the place where all the artists used to go when they were struggling. We then saw the square where all the current artists are that do the caricatures and everything. I would have liked to have gotten one done, but we didn’t have enough time. I liked seeing them there, because I had always heard that paris had a lot of them, so I’m glad I saw them. I also saw a mime there! After that, meag and I decided we needed to have escargot one more time while in paris, so we had it for lunch. Again, so good. After that, we needed to go back and get our stuff from the hotel and leave. I definitely loved paris, with the exception of their metro because it was super confusing. Other than that, it was great. The shopping, the food, the unbelievable beauty, it was all perfect.
Monday was my last day of my british history class. We were expecting a final of some sort, whether it was a paper or a test, but we received neither. I definitely was not going to complain about that. Even though it wasn’t a serious class, I did learn a lot about history and my professor was the most brilliant man I have ever met.
Tuesday was my day in parliament. When I first got there, I went to a boring environmental meeting. After that was cool though. I got to go to a reception in the House of Commons and meet some pretty interesting people, including other MPs. After that, I went to lunch with her researcher. After lunch, I got to go to a cool meeting. Then, I was given a ticket to the public gallery and sat in on the debate going on in the House. It was a really good day, definitely an experience most people don’t get.
Wednesday, I interned then handed in my portfolio. It was such a relief once it was handed in to know that I was done with all my work. After that, a few of us went to Oxford street to look at the Christmas lights. They were pretty, but definitely not as dramatic as the ones in America. I like the American ones better with more color and detail.
Yesterday was my last day interning. It really was sad. It is hard saying goodbye to the people that you spend 8 hours a day with 4 days a week. We went a restaurant in parliament to celebrate my last day. I really really enjoyed my internship, especially the people. I liked going there every morning because of what I got to do and who I got to do it with. In the afternoon we had 2 cakes, because 1 apparently wasn’t good enough. They also got me a label maker because they knew how much I loved it! It was definitely a good few months there that I am surely going to miss.
Today I went to CAPA to drop off my internship evaluation and time sheet. I am officially done with everything!! It is such an awesome feeling. From there I went to see 10 Downing Street, which was such a disappointment. I couldn’t see the house or anything because of the security they have there. It in no way compares with the White House. From there I went to Knightsbridge, I felt like I needed to see Harrods one more time. Later this evening, we had our departure dinner. It was so weird having that considering it feels like we just got here. The food was really good, and it was nice to have (almost) all of us together for one last time before our goodbyes.
Tomorrow is devoted to packing, considering I leave in less than 48 hours and my suitcases are still empty. Depending on how much packing I get done, I might check out the winter wonderland in Hyde Park. Sunday I am traveling home all day. I cant believe that day is actually here, it came out of no where.
This was a pretty incredible last week. I did so much, including visiting Paris. I think I ended an awesome semester pretty well. It definitely ended on a good note.
One more overall reflection blog to come…
Saturday, we had a walking tour. We walked all over. I loved seeing the outdoor cafes and flower shops and even an original statue for Louis XIV, and I learned that there are 18 Louis-es. Our walking tour ended at Notre Dame, and it was really cool seeing the gargoyles and everything. After that, Meaghan and I walked across the river and had lunch at a creperie. It was so delicious. Maybe the best crepe like in the world. It was banana, hot chocolate, ice cream, and whipped cream…yum! From there we went shopping where I bought a beret. We then went real shopping on Champs-Elysees, which was so incredible. It put 5th Avenue in NY to shame. Meag and I decided that we can’t leave Paris and visit the original Louis Vuitton there without buying anything. Might have been a mistake, but it was definitely worth it. After our amazing day of shopping, we went and had some French pastries, which were of course amazing. After all of that, we were exhausted and took a nap, then went out to dinner for another real French meal. I tried escargot, and it was so good! Once I got over the part that I was eating snails, I really liked them. That night we went to the Eiffel tour. Seeing it twinkle was so unbelievable. It was so pretty! We wanted to go to the top, but it was closed because of overcrowding which totally sucked, but nothing we could do. Even from the bottom just looking up at it was gorgeous.
Sunday we had another walking tour. This time it was in northern paris where all the artists are. We saw the place where all the artists used to go when they were struggling. We then saw the square where all the current artists are that do the caricatures and everything. I would have liked to have gotten one done, but we didn’t have enough time. I liked seeing them there, because I had always heard that paris had a lot of them, so I’m glad I saw them. I also saw a mime there! After that, meag and I decided we needed to have escargot one more time while in paris, so we had it for lunch. Again, so good. After that, we needed to go back and get our stuff from the hotel and leave. I definitely loved paris, with the exception of their metro because it was super confusing. Other than that, it was great. The shopping, the food, the unbelievable beauty, it was all perfect.
Monday was my last day of my british history class. We were expecting a final of some sort, whether it was a paper or a test, but we received neither. I definitely was not going to complain about that. Even though it wasn’t a serious class, I did learn a lot about history and my professor was the most brilliant man I have ever met.
Tuesday was my day in parliament. When I first got there, I went to a boring environmental meeting. After that was cool though. I got to go to a reception in the House of Commons and meet some pretty interesting people, including other MPs. After that, I went to lunch with her researcher. After lunch, I got to go to a cool meeting. Then, I was given a ticket to the public gallery and sat in on the debate going on in the House. It was a really good day, definitely an experience most people don’t get.
Wednesday, I interned then handed in my portfolio. It was such a relief once it was handed in to know that I was done with all my work. After that, a few of us went to Oxford street to look at the Christmas lights. They were pretty, but definitely not as dramatic as the ones in America. I like the American ones better with more color and detail.
Yesterday was my last day interning. It really was sad. It is hard saying goodbye to the people that you spend 8 hours a day with 4 days a week. We went a restaurant in parliament to celebrate my last day. I really really enjoyed my internship, especially the people. I liked going there every morning because of what I got to do and who I got to do it with. In the afternoon we had 2 cakes, because 1 apparently wasn’t good enough. They also got me a label maker because they knew how much I loved it! It was definitely a good few months there that I am surely going to miss.
Today I went to CAPA to drop off my internship evaluation and time sheet. I am officially done with everything!! It is such an awesome feeling. From there I went to see 10 Downing Street, which was such a disappointment. I couldn’t see the house or anything because of the security they have there. It in no way compares with the White House. From there I went to Knightsbridge, I felt like I needed to see Harrods one more time. Later this evening, we had our departure dinner. It was so weird having that considering it feels like we just got here. The food was really good, and it was nice to have (almost) all of us together for one last time before our goodbyes.
Tomorrow is devoted to packing, considering I leave in less than 48 hours and my suitcases are still empty. Depending on how much packing I get done, I might check out the winter wonderland in Hyde Park. Sunday I am traveling home all day. I cant believe that day is actually here, it came out of no where.
This was a pretty incredible last week. I did so much, including visiting Paris. I think I ended an awesome semester pretty well. It definitely ended on a good note.
One more overall reflection blog to come…
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Beginning of November
So last Friday night was Halloween. I very quickly learned here how different it is from America. In America, we would have been celebrating for about a week. Here, most people dont even celebrate it. We went into Camden town because if people were going to be celebrating anywhere, it was going to be there. There were a few people dressed up, but the majority of people were not. Im glad though that I did not dress up and my costume was an America, so easy to do! Pat and I went to a few places, but in the end we were home earlier than normal since Halloween here is just so lame.
Saturday, Meaghan and I went to Westfield. Westfield just opened two days before, and is now the biggest mall in Europe! It was huuuuuuge! When I told people at work that, they could not believe that an American thought that a European mall was huge. We spent our whole day shopping. The mall was unbelievable gorgeous. There was even an orchestra playing in the middle of it! The only problem was that a lot of the stores were still closed since the mall had just opened. I did a lot of shopping, and got a few ideas to put on my hanukkah list when I get back to the states and all the prices are back to normal for me :). Since the mall had just opened, it was PACKED! We later learned that there were ove 100,000 people there. Because of this, they had closed the tube station due to it being so overcrowded. We then had to walk in the pouring rain to the next one, which totally sucked. But except from the part, it was an awesome day.
Sunday was my day to stay in and do some homework. People always forget that when you are studying abroad, there is that part about studying. So far I am the only one who has even started their portfolio, which I am really glad that I did since it is going to take a lot of work. 26 pages done already!
Monday I went to work then class. Class however was a little different than usual. This is because our professor decided that his lesson was going to be boring, so he brought in wine and candy for all of us. That always makes a class better!
Tuesday was of course election day. First though, I had to go to work during the day. It wasnt bad though because they let me be on CNN website all day to follow the election coverage. After work, I met Jen for dinner at this really good Thai restaurant in West Hampstead. I didnt know I liked Thai! And West Hamstead was a really fun area, there were a lot of young people there and seemed completely different from the area that I live in, which is kind of stuffy some times with nothing to do. When I got home, it was all election coverage. We had been planning this night since we got to London! It was so exciting all of us Americans watching the election together. And it was even weirder that all 16 of us were hoping the same person won. We stayed up til around 430 am since that is only 1130 NY time. It was sooo exciting when we found out Obama won! We were having such a party for it, at 5am. And I thought that his speech was so excellent, I almost cried during it.
Wednesday was Guy Fawkes Day/Bonfire day. Class was cancelled so that we could watch the fireworks. Since we live right at Primrose Hill, we didnt need to leave the flat to watch them, which was really nice since it was so cold! The fireworks were really nice, but compared to the fireworks on July 4, these were like nothing. But it definitely beat class!
Thursday night whoever was home this weekend stayed in. This is because most people are away for the weekend, and we all finally have our own rooms! This was definitely better than going out, just staying in and having a nice relaxing night :)
Friday I went to Portobello Road market to pick up some gifts for some people. I could not do anything that would take too long since I had to register for classes. I was hoping that with the time difference I would be able to register 5 hours earlier, but no such luck. But I did get all of my classes that I wanted which I was super happy about. After that, I met Christina for mexican food since she went to Oxford for the day. I liked Oxford when I was there a few years ago, but definitely did not feel the need to go back.
Yesterday I went to Wales! I liked that I was able to hop on a bus and just go to another country. The Welsh countryside was really pretty on our drive over. It was very green and reminded me a little of Scotland, although I thought Scotland was prettier. The bus dropped us off at the Cardiff city centre. We definitely didnt know that the biggest rugby game of the year was going on, wales v. south africa. There were people all over the streets trying to sell stuff for the game. While they were all at the game, we went to the Cardiff Castle. It was gorgeous, just like all of the other castles that I have been to while Ive been over here. There was however a watch tower that I climbed that I didnt get to in the other places. The stairs were so scary though since they were so small. I guess people back in the day didnt have huge feet like I do. The gardens in there were so pretty too. Inside the main part was my favorite though. Im convinced even if you wanted to you couldnt make a place look like the inside of these castles. The drawings and architecture are just so pretty that I dont think anyone these days could make them. Overall, I liked Wales and am glad I went. However, it is number 3 of the 3 UK countries I visited, with England of course first then Scotland. But now I can say that I have been to Wales too :)
I think today Pat and I are going to go to the Victoria and Albert museum. I was told they have a huge fashion and jewelry exhibit that I want to see. Then back home to do some homework.
I cant believe that I will be back in America in only 2 weeks from today! It is going to fly by! Especially since this wednesday I will be shadowing an MP which I can not wait for, then Paris for the weekend! The next 14 days are going to be so great, and so bittersweet at the same time.
Saturday, Meaghan and I went to Westfield. Westfield just opened two days before, and is now the biggest mall in Europe! It was huuuuuuge! When I told people at work that, they could not believe that an American thought that a European mall was huge. We spent our whole day shopping. The mall was unbelievable gorgeous. There was even an orchestra playing in the middle of it! The only problem was that a lot of the stores were still closed since the mall had just opened. I did a lot of shopping, and got a few ideas to put on my hanukkah list when I get back to the states and all the prices are back to normal for me :). Since the mall had just opened, it was PACKED! We later learned that there were ove 100,000 people there. Because of this, they had closed the tube station due to it being so overcrowded. We then had to walk in the pouring rain to the next one, which totally sucked. But except from the part, it was an awesome day.
Sunday was my day to stay in and do some homework. People always forget that when you are studying abroad, there is that part about studying. So far I am the only one who has even started their portfolio, which I am really glad that I did since it is going to take a lot of work. 26 pages done already!
Monday I went to work then class. Class however was a little different than usual. This is because our professor decided that his lesson was going to be boring, so he brought in wine and candy for all of us. That always makes a class better!
Tuesday was of course election day. First though, I had to go to work during the day. It wasnt bad though because they let me be on CNN website all day to follow the election coverage. After work, I met Jen for dinner at this really good Thai restaurant in West Hampstead. I didnt know I liked Thai! And West Hamstead was a really fun area, there were a lot of young people there and seemed completely different from the area that I live in, which is kind of stuffy some times with nothing to do. When I got home, it was all election coverage. We had been planning this night since we got to London! It was so exciting all of us Americans watching the election together. And it was even weirder that all 16 of us were hoping the same person won. We stayed up til around 430 am since that is only 1130 NY time. It was sooo exciting when we found out Obama won! We were having such a party for it, at 5am. And I thought that his speech was so excellent, I almost cried during it.
Wednesday was Guy Fawkes Day/Bonfire day. Class was cancelled so that we could watch the fireworks. Since we live right at Primrose Hill, we didnt need to leave the flat to watch them, which was really nice since it was so cold! The fireworks were really nice, but compared to the fireworks on July 4, these were like nothing. But it definitely beat class!
Thursday night whoever was home this weekend stayed in. This is because most people are away for the weekend, and we all finally have our own rooms! This was definitely better than going out, just staying in and having a nice relaxing night :)
Friday I went to Portobello Road market to pick up some gifts for some people. I could not do anything that would take too long since I had to register for classes. I was hoping that with the time difference I would be able to register 5 hours earlier, but no such luck. But I did get all of my classes that I wanted which I was super happy about. After that, I met Christina for mexican food since she went to Oxford for the day. I liked Oxford when I was there a few years ago, but definitely did not feel the need to go back.
Yesterday I went to Wales! I liked that I was able to hop on a bus and just go to another country. The Welsh countryside was really pretty on our drive over. It was very green and reminded me a little of Scotland, although I thought Scotland was prettier. The bus dropped us off at the Cardiff city centre. We definitely didnt know that the biggest rugby game of the year was going on, wales v. south africa. There were people all over the streets trying to sell stuff for the game. While they were all at the game, we went to the Cardiff Castle. It was gorgeous, just like all of the other castles that I have been to while Ive been over here. There was however a watch tower that I climbed that I didnt get to in the other places. The stairs were so scary though since they were so small. I guess people back in the day didnt have huge feet like I do. The gardens in there were so pretty too. Inside the main part was my favorite though. Im convinced even if you wanted to you couldnt make a place look like the inside of these castles. The drawings and architecture are just so pretty that I dont think anyone these days could make them. Overall, I liked Wales and am glad I went. However, it is number 3 of the 3 UK countries I visited, with England of course first then Scotland. But now I can say that I have been to Wales too :)
I think today Pat and I are going to go to the Victoria and Albert museum. I was told they have a huge fashion and jewelry exhibit that I want to see. Then back home to do some homework.
I cant believe that I will be back in America in only 2 weeks from today! It is going to fly by! Especially since this wednesday I will be shadowing an MP which I can not wait for, then Paris for the weekend! The next 14 days are going to be so great, and so bittersweet at the same time.
Friday, October 24, 2008
A visit from home <3
So last week was so fabulous. Mommy and Aunt E were visiting!! They got here on Monday, and it was so exciting. The first place we went to was walking around Trafalgar Square, then Leicester Square. After that we went to the National Portrait Gallery, I still hate art. Then I was really excited to show them my flat so they could see what my life is like here. After that class, then out to dinner with them and the roomie in Leicester Square.
Tuesday we went to Leicester Square (after getting lost walking there) to buy tickets for a West End show. After we got our tickets we went to the London Craft Show, which was basically the 5th Avenue of Craft shows, but was still fun. On our way walking from there, we saw a street performer. What he was doing was pretty cool, but nothing too crazy. But it was fun to stop and watch. From there we went to ride on the London Eye. I dont know why I was so scared to last time, cause it was super fun. I was able to see the whole city of London, and it was so gorgeous. After that we rode on a river boat cruise. It was freezing, but nice to see everything from the Thames. Later we went to see the show We Will Rock You. It was such an awesome show! I cant wait to go again with Allie when I get home and the show comes to NY since it is such an Allie show. After the show, we stopped at the Haagen-Dasz cafe for dinner/dessert. I was expecting it to be more unique stuff there besides the usual brownie sundae stuff, but it was still delish.
Wednesday, we had our tour of parliament set up by my internship. I think it was supposed to be a private tour, but it was still nice even though there were other people. It was cool hearing what the things I had previously seen but not known what they were. And I liked just being in Parliament, it was just such a feeling that all the important decisions are made where I was. From there I showed them my bench, with the awesome view of the Thames and the London Eye. Even though it was starting to rain, we went over to Kensington Gardens and saw the palace that houses Princess Diana's dresses and other fun stuff. We learned all about how to be a debutante, and it was hysterical. After that I went home then to class, and Im pretty sure they went home to take a nap. After class we went to this Italian restaurant that was recommended to us, but definitely not worth the trip there.
Thursday was a much more relaxed day. We went shopping on Oxford Street and went to Primark and Marks and Spencers and no where touristy. I liked being able to show them real London and not just the sites. After that we went back to my flat for a little, then walked around/got really lost in Regent's Park. I didnt mind though because I love that park, its one of my favorite places ever. Then we went to a little Restaurant up the road from us that was better than the one the night before, so not worth the travel the day before. Then I slept in the hotel again :)
Friday was our big trip. We left bright and early, and our first stop was Windsor Castle. It basically just reinforced how much I want to be a legit princess. While we were walking out, we happened to stumble upon the changing of the guard there. It was so funny. Our next stop was to Stonehenge. It was really cool seeing it, but after 5 minutes I was over it. But now I can say that I have been to one of the wonders of the world! The third stop was to the city of Bath. It was interesting seeing the ancient Roman baths, but again nothing really that special. It was a nice day though because as much as I love being in London, its nice to get out of the city for a little.
Saturday we went to Portobello market for Grandma. I promised her I would go there, and I am really glad that I did, especially with mommy and aunt e. They had everything there. I think I am going to go back and buy some little presents for the people I promised I would bring stuff home for. The craziest part of being there was when we were walking and they were playing a song about Diana. I was waiting for a sign from grandma that that was the market she wanted us to go to, and that was definitely it. I went home from there just to change clothes, then back to the hotel for a really nice dinner. I had picked what I was going to eat from the restaurant every time I walked past it, and it was definitely worth it. A nice last night with them.
Sunday was sad saying goodbye, but I was better than I thought I would be. All my flat mates were really concerned for me, but I really wasnt that bad. Meaghan and I went shopping after to not be sad that they left. Their visit was just what I needed to recharge me and give me the extra boost I needed to finish out the semester.
I love my visitors and I loved their visit! <3
Tuesday we went to Leicester Square (after getting lost walking there) to buy tickets for a West End show. After we got our tickets we went to the London Craft Show, which was basically the 5th Avenue of Craft shows, but was still fun. On our way walking from there, we saw a street performer. What he was doing was pretty cool, but nothing too crazy. But it was fun to stop and watch. From there we went to ride on the London Eye. I dont know why I was so scared to last time, cause it was super fun. I was able to see the whole city of London, and it was so gorgeous. After that we rode on a river boat cruise. It was freezing, but nice to see everything from the Thames. Later we went to see the show We Will Rock You. It was such an awesome show! I cant wait to go again with Allie when I get home and the show comes to NY since it is such an Allie show. After the show, we stopped at the Haagen-Dasz cafe for dinner/dessert. I was expecting it to be more unique stuff there besides the usual brownie sundae stuff, but it was still delish.
Wednesday, we had our tour of parliament set up by my internship. I think it was supposed to be a private tour, but it was still nice even though there were other people. It was cool hearing what the things I had previously seen but not known what they were. And I liked just being in Parliament, it was just such a feeling that all the important decisions are made where I was. From there I showed them my bench, with the awesome view of the Thames and the London Eye. Even though it was starting to rain, we went over to Kensington Gardens and saw the palace that houses Princess Diana's dresses and other fun stuff. We learned all about how to be a debutante, and it was hysterical. After that I went home then to class, and Im pretty sure they went home to take a nap. After class we went to this Italian restaurant that was recommended to us, but definitely not worth the trip there.
Thursday was a much more relaxed day. We went shopping on Oxford Street and went to Primark and Marks and Spencers and no where touristy. I liked being able to show them real London and not just the sites. After that we went back to my flat for a little, then walked around/got really lost in Regent's Park. I didnt mind though because I love that park, its one of my favorite places ever. Then we went to a little Restaurant up the road from us that was better than the one the night before, so not worth the travel the day before. Then I slept in the hotel again :)
Friday was our big trip. We left bright and early, and our first stop was Windsor Castle. It basically just reinforced how much I want to be a legit princess. While we were walking out, we happened to stumble upon the changing of the guard there. It was so funny. Our next stop was to Stonehenge. It was really cool seeing it, but after 5 minutes I was over it. But now I can say that I have been to one of the wonders of the world! The third stop was to the city of Bath. It was interesting seeing the ancient Roman baths, but again nothing really that special. It was a nice day though because as much as I love being in London, its nice to get out of the city for a little.
Saturday we went to Portobello market for Grandma. I promised her I would go there, and I am really glad that I did, especially with mommy and aunt e. They had everything there. I think I am going to go back and buy some little presents for the people I promised I would bring stuff home for. The craziest part of being there was when we were walking and they were playing a song about Diana. I was waiting for a sign from grandma that that was the market she wanted us to go to, and that was definitely it. I went home from there just to change clothes, then back to the hotel for a really nice dinner. I had picked what I was going to eat from the restaurant every time I walked past it, and it was definitely worth it. A nice last night with them.
Sunday was sad saying goodbye, but I was better than I thought I would be. All my flat mates were really concerned for me, but I really wasnt that bad. Meaghan and I went shopping after to not be sad that they left. Their visit was just what I needed to recharge me and give me the extra boost I needed to finish out the semester.
I love my visitors and I loved their visit! <3
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Scotland and Yom Kippur in London
So last Friday we left to head off to Scotland. It was a 5 hour train ride, but it was a really pretty one at that. I got really excited when I saw the Atlantic Ocean from the other side. However, it looks the same, not really sure what I was expecting. When we finally got to Scotland, we arrived in Edinburgh, which is the capital of the country. We were met our tour guide, who was wearing a kilt! He gave us a walking tour which was good so we got acquainted with the old and new town of the city. After he left, we went to a Scottish pub for dinner. I then went shopping and bought lots of presents. I didn’t know that Scotland was known for its cashmere! So after shopping, I went back to the hostel. Had I known it was going to be a hostel, I might have arranged another place to stay, such as the Hilton across the road. Well on my way back, I saw a man wearing a kilt playing a bagpipe, and it kind of was the best part of the trip. Anyway, later that night we went around the city to get a few drinks, then just went back and crashed since it was a long day.
Saturday we got a new tour guide, who was also wearing a kilt. The first stop for the day was climbing a mountain to the Wallace monument. Wallace is the guy that the movie “Braveheart” is about. Our next stop was the meet Hamish. Hamish is the famous “hairy coo.” I fed him, then remembered that I don’t like being that close to animals. We drove up through the highlands, which were unbelievably gorgeous. I think it was the prettiest place I have ever seen in my life. And I loved that on top of some of the mountains there was snow! But everything else was green and there were waterfalls and it was just spectacular. Then we went to Loch Ness. We looked for Nessie the Loch Ness monster, but he wasn’t there. After that, we went to Inverness. This hostel was even worse than the last one.
Sunday we went to the battlefield where the battle for Scotland’s independence was fought. Not gonna lie, did not like walking through the mud just to hear a story about how Scotland lost on their own turf. After that though, we went to a whiskey distillery. We saw how it was made, and of course had some free samples at the end.
Monday thru Wednesday was the same as every other one. Classes and work, nothing too exciting really. Then on Thursday it was Yom Kippur, and I went to my local temple here. It is still weird to me first that they have a choir, and second when they would pray for God to protect the queen and royal family. Later that day I went to Jen’s house to break fast. It was me and Jen as the only two Americans, and all of her boyfriend’s friends from high school. All of them are white South African orthodox Jews. It was really interesting, but really weird too.
Since I was off Thursday, I went to work yesterday. Today I went to Oxford Street for a little shopping, then just walked around Primrose Hill and Regent’s Park since it was surprisingly warm and sunny here. It made me sad seeing all families and friends, and mine are in New Jersey.
Tomorrow I am helping out at a work function. I get to help see who can become a Prospective Parliamentary Candidate. It should definitely be interesting.
Then on Monday morning…MOMMY AND AUNT E!!! I am so unbelievable excited, I cant wait!!!
Saturday we got a new tour guide, who was also wearing a kilt. The first stop for the day was climbing a mountain to the Wallace monument. Wallace is the guy that the movie “Braveheart” is about. Our next stop was the meet Hamish. Hamish is the famous “hairy coo.” I fed him, then remembered that I don’t like being that close to animals. We drove up through the highlands, which were unbelievably gorgeous. I think it was the prettiest place I have ever seen in my life. And I loved that on top of some of the mountains there was snow! But everything else was green and there were waterfalls and it was just spectacular. Then we went to Loch Ness. We looked for Nessie the Loch Ness monster, but he wasn’t there. After that, we went to Inverness. This hostel was even worse than the last one.
Sunday we went to the battlefield where the battle for Scotland’s independence was fought. Not gonna lie, did not like walking through the mud just to hear a story about how Scotland lost on their own turf. After that though, we went to a whiskey distillery. We saw how it was made, and of course had some free samples at the end.
Monday thru Wednesday was the same as every other one. Classes and work, nothing too exciting really. Then on Thursday it was Yom Kippur, and I went to my local temple here. It is still weird to me first that they have a choir, and second when they would pray for God to protect the queen and royal family. Later that day I went to Jen’s house to break fast. It was me and Jen as the only two Americans, and all of her boyfriend’s friends from high school. All of them are white South African orthodox Jews. It was really interesting, but really weird too.
Since I was off Thursday, I went to work yesterday. Today I went to Oxford Street for a little shopping, then just walked around Primrose Hill and Regent’s Park since it was surprisingly warm and sunny here. It made me sad seeing all families and friends, and mine are in New Jersey.
Tomorrow I am helping out at a work function. I get to help see who can become a Prospective Parliamentary Candidate. It should definitely be interesting.
Then on Monday morning…MOMMY AND AUNT E!!! I am so unbelievable excited, I cant wait!!!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Bruges and Amsterdam
So the Jason Mraz concert was of course awesome. It was held in the Royal Albert Hall, which was so gorgeous. It looked like there should have been an opera going on instead of a concert. I really wanted to meet him after the show since he is going to be in Jersey this week, but no luck. I did meet his opening act, Ingrid Michaelson. She was really good, funny that I had to go to London to hear about a girl from Staten Island.
Cancelled class is always good. And Thursday I went for dinner with my sorority sister’s real sister. She was so sweet and invited me to her house next week to break the fast on Yom Kippur, which I am def going to go to.
Friday we left at 4am. It took a while and driving through France, but we finally arrived in Bruges, Belgium! It was such a nice town. Pretty small considering it’s the second biggest city in Belgium after Brussels. I had a waffle there as required, and French-fries since they really originated in Belgium. But the best thing of course that I ate was chocolate. Every other shop in the city was a chocolate store. It was so good. I of course stocked up. 5 hours later, we were in Amsterdam! It was the craziest city I have ever been to. We had a small walking tour, and then were on our own. I made friends with these girls in the program as well, and we decided to look at the red light district. It was actually really sad seeing these girls in the windows literally for sale like they were just manikins in a store window. And it was so busy there, and there were lines to get into all the shows going on, of people of all ages. It was just really weird to me.
Saturday morning we took a tour of Edam and Volendam. Edam is an adorable little Dutch town. They had a cheese museum and clogs everywhere and it was just so cute. Then we drove and stopped at the infamous Dutch windmills. Volendam was really nice too. It was a port town. There were boats and little shops everywhere. When we got back to Amsterdam we went to see the Anne Frank house. It was really sad being where she was actually hiding. Her diary was actually there on display to be read. I think the saddest part was when you are leaving and there is a picture of her father returning for the first time after the war. When we left there, we wanted to go to the Van Gogh museum, but there wasn’t enough time. I actually really didn’t mind since I’m not the biggest fan of art. We went for dinner at this traditional Dutch restaurant. Now I know why they are not known for their food. It was awful.
Sunday morning, we slept in a little then just walked around the area of our hotel. We then left for the longest bus ride of my life. Door to door, including stops, took 10 hours. It was actually really cool though because we left Holland, drove through Belgium and France, and then crossed the channel into England, so 4 countries in 1 day! I hate though that if you go from one EU country to another you don’t get a stamp in your passport. My passport would have so many stamps in it!
Yesterday was work and class. Nothing special. Then Meaghan and I went to Jewish deli around the corner from our flat so that I could have matzah ball soup on Rosh Hashanah. It was hard not being home for Rosh Hashanah dinner.
Today I didn’t go to work, but rather to temple. It was weird not being in my temple with my rabbi. It was even weirder that they had an organ and a choir. However the weirdest part was when they were talking about God protecting the queen and the royal family. You definitely don’t get that in America! Tonight is our mid-semester meal. I can’t believe it’s mid-semester already! Under 2 months until I am home!
This weekend I go to Scotland. I am definitely looking forward to it. I really need to see someone in a kilt playing a bagpipe. After that, my trip will be complete.
Cancelled class is always good. And Thursday I went for dinner with my sorority sister’s real sister. She was so sweet and invited me to her house next week to break the fast on Yom Kippur, which I am def going to go to.
Friday we left at 4am. It took a while and driving through France, but we finally arrived in Bruges, Belgium! It was such a nice town. Pretty small considering it’s the second biggest city in Belgium after Brussels. I had a waffle there as required, and French-fries since they really originated in Belgium. But the best thing of course that I ate was chocolate. Every other shop in the city was a chocolate store. It was so good. I of course stocked up. 5 hours later, we were in Amsterdam! It was the craziest city I have ever been to. We had a small walking tour, and then were on our own. I made friends with these girls in the program as well, and we decided to look at the red light district. It was actually really sad seeing these girls in the windows literally for sale like they were just manikins in a store window. And it was so busy there, and there were lines to get into all the shows going on, of people of all ages. It was just really weird to me.
Saturday morning we took a tour of Edam and Volendam. Edam is an adorable little Dutch town. They had a cheese museum and clogs everywhere and it was just so cute. Then we drove and stopped at the infamous Dutch windmills. Volendam was really nice too. It was a port town. There were boats and little shops everywhere. When we got back to Amsterdam we went to see the Anne Frank house. It was really sad being where she was actually hiding. Her diary was actually there on display to be read. I think the saddest part was when you are leaving and there is a picture of her father returning for the first time after the war. When we left there, we wanted to go to the Van Gogh museum, but there wasn’t enough time. I actually really didn’t mind since I’m not the biggest fan of art. We went for dinner at this traditional Dutch restaurant. Now I know why they are not known for their food. It was awful.
Sunday morning, we slept in a little then just walked around the area of our hotel. We then left for the longest bus ride of my life. Door to door, including stops, took 10 hours. It was actually really cool though because we left Holland, drove through Belgium and France, and then crossed the channel into England, so 4 countries in 1 day! I hate though that if you go from one EU country to another you don’t get a stamp in your passport. My passport would have so many stamps in it!
Yesterday was work and class. Nothing special. Then Meaghan and I went to Jewish deli around the corner from our flat so that I could have matzah ball soup on Rosh Hashanah. It was hard not being home for Rosh Hashanah dinner.
Today I didn’t go to work, but rather to temple. It was weird not being in my temple with my rabbi. It was even weirder that they had an organ and a choir. However the weirdest part was when they were talking about God protecting the queen and the royal family. You definitely don’t get that in America! Tonight is our mid-semester meal. I can’t believe it’s mid-semester already! Under 2 months until I am home!
This weekend I go to Scotland. I am definitely looking forward to it. I really need to see someone in a kilt playing a bagpipe. After that, my trip will be complete.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Conference
So Autumn conference was definitely an experience. I now know more about the Liberal Democrats after these 5 days than I probably would have ever else in my life. During conference I helped put on as well as attended some training sessions. These are for party members who are interested in possibly becoming MPs or hold other positions. When I was not doing that if I was still working I would be at the stall. Here is where we got people to sign up and informed them on how to become an approved candidate to run for Parliament. One night there we went to an auction to raise money for the campaign for gender balance. I was bidding, but didn’t actually win anything. I would have bid higher for the personal tour of parliament, but I get a free one J
So when I was not working I was at the beach. Bournemouth is such a cute beach town! I walked along the shore and even put my feet into the English Channel. One day my boss and I both had some time off so we rode the carousel at the pier! I really enjoyed being at conference and it was definitely something I will always remember.
Wednesday when I got home was my roommate Meaghan’s birthday, so of course we went out and celebrated. Although 21 here is definitely not as big of a deal as it is at home. Yesterday I went into Camden. I shopped in the market and they had such cute things. It is only a 5 minute bus ride from me. When I got home I went with some of my flatmates and laid out in the sun at Primrose Hill since it was finally sunny out! Living next door from Primrose Hill and across the street from Regents Park is so convenient and perfect for days like that. They are so pretty always, but especially when the sun is shining.
Today, after having a not so good night, went into Camden again. Then, I just walked around Regents Park. I walked through the rose garden and by the boating lake. It is so funny that in every spare open space there are people playing soccer/ “football.” I loved that in the middle of the park there was a college. Its like someone just dropped it right in the middle of the park.
So I am hoping that now that conference is over, so will my busy work this week. Either way, it will be a fun week. Tuesday I am going to see Jason Mraz in concert! Then Wednesday my class was cancelled. As if that was not going to be a good enough week, I leave Friday to go to Amsterdam and Bruges! I am so excited to see more of Europe, and of course eat chocolate in Belgium.
So when I was not working I was at the beach. Bournemouth is such a cute beach town! I walked along the shore and even put my feet into the English Channel. One day my boss and I both had some time off so we rode the carousel at the pier! I really enjoyed being at conference and it was definitely something I will always remember.
Wednesday when I got home was my roommate Meaghan’s birthday, so of course we went out and celebrated. Although 21 here is definitely not as big of a deal as it is at home. Yesterday I went into Camden. I shopped in the market and they had such cute things. It is only a 5 minute bus ride from me. When I got home I went with some of my flatmates and laid out in the sun at Primrose Hill since it was finally sunny out! Living next door from Primrose Hill and across the street from Regents Park is so convenient and perfect for days like that. They are so pretty always, but especially when the sun is shining.
Today, after having a not so good night, went into Camden again. Then, I just walked around Regents Park. I walked through the rose garden and by the boating lake. It is so funny that in every spare open space there are people playing soccer/ “football.” I loved that in the middle of the park there was a college. Its like someone just dropped it right in the middle of the park.
So I am hoping that now that conference is over, so will my busy work this week. Either way, it will be a fun week. Tuesday I am going to see Jason Mraz in concert! Then Wednesday my class was cancelled. As if that was not going to be a good enough week, I leave Friday to go to Amsterdam and Bruges! I am so excited to see more of Europe, and of course eat chocolate in Belgium.
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