Edehbura: Trip to Edinburgh, Scotland!

Yes, the locals pronounce it 'edehbura', nothing like it's actually spelled haha. Turns out, this was one of the best weekends I've had so far and after three weeks of bliss, I've decided I'm not as eager to get back to the US as I thought. It'll be bittersweet.

Anyway, I left my 5 hour class around 3, ran back to my room, grabbed my bag and Kristin and we began our hike to the airport. First, we had to take the tube to King's Cross/St. Pancras where we met Erin. Once here, we had to catch a train to some station, I forgot which one, which took a half hour. Once here, we had to get on a bus to take us to the actual airport. Our flight was only about an hour but we of course had to take every type of transportation possible first. Lutton Airport is not the easiest of London airports to get to. We finally arrived in Scotland around 9pm where Alexa picked us up at the airport. We then hoped on yet another bus for a 30 minute journey into Edinburgh! Once there, we made our way to Chelsey's dorm to meet up with Chelsey, Natasha and Rachel and grab dinner. We went to their campus bar, which was adorable and had some food and drinks followed by drinks at another bar. It was a short night, but it was perfect.

The next day, we were supposed to go on a hike up "Arthur's Seat", a mountain outside of Chelsey's building BUT, it has snowed! So instead, we just walked around and did some sightseeing on foot, ordered a pizza for dinner and prepared for our pub crawl. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect because I still had yet to do one but it was a blast. All of the pubs in Scotland are so cute! I think we went to four, maybe five pubs before 1am when they all close. Natasha, Chelsey and I then went back to Chelsey's room and passed out. But not before grabbing some cheese 'chips!'

Sunday morning was a little rough, but it was a beautiful day! We went to a bagel place, Elephant & Bagels (every morning by the way) that was delicious. It was nice to have a bagel and cream cheese and normal coffee finally! We then were supposed to go on a ghost tour. We were all kind of creeped out but really excited and paid £7 to do it! Accept, when we went upstairs into the first room of the vault, I panicked and ran out! Haha. I don't do ghost stuff and I guess I didn't realize just how much I don't do it. Freaked out, I ran to Starbucks and waited for the girls to finish. Looking back, I wish I had asked for my money back! About a half hour later, the girls came back and said it would have been okay up until the last room. Apparently it was beyond terrifying, so knowing me, it's a good thing I didn't do it. We then walked down the street to watch a street performer who was very entertaining but left when he started yelling at some kids for being disrespectful—we were just glad they weren't American. We then set off in search of authentic rugby shirts and of course, all made a purchase. Mine is black and purple stripped AND was on sale of course.

We then had to head back because Natasha and Rachel were leaving that night because they had stuff to do for Monday while Erin, Kristin and I stayed an extra night. After we dropped Natasha and Rachel at the bus station, we went to Tesco's to get stuff to make dinner and of course, three bottles of wine. On our way back to Chelsey's room—by the way, you walk everywhere in Scotland, there is no subway or tube or anything, just buses but you just walk everywhere—Kristin and I managed to drop all three wine bottles on separate occasions, pretty funny especially because one of the times was in front of a church as people were leaving and they were like oh no! Save the wine! Haha. Luckily, all three bottles stayed in tact! After dinner, we just sat around and played card games, chatted and looked up youtube videos. A nice relaxing night that made us all feel really old.

Monday morning, our last day, it was pouring out. It was going to be our last attempt at that hike but was an obvious fail. Exhausted from the weekend, we just went back to Chelsey's room after breakfast to snuggle and watch the Parent Trap together! Around 2:30, we decided to make moves and head to the bus station to do our long journey back to London. I really didn't want to leave. Probably because I really have missed Lex and Chels. It was so good to see them and Scotland is much more my pace. Had I known, I definitely would have studied there. Oh well, I'm appreciating London more. Finally arriving around 9pm, I was going to make a quick dinner and go to bed. Well, that backfired and I ended up going out for Messy Monday. I'm glad I did though because I did have fun. I ended up going to bed around 2am so I probably would have stayed awake until then whether I went out or not. However, around 3am our fire alarm did go off 3 times! AH!

Luckily, I didn't have class until 2pm today because I got to sleep in nice and late although the weather the was beautiful of course. The worst is when you sleep in late on a nice day and then have to spend the rest of the sunlight in class. So after class, Paige, Alicia and I decided to head to this grocery store that has American food, like Mac n Cheese and stuff. It was amazing, they really had a lot of good stuff but it was WAY over priced. We didn't need it that much, but it was nice to see. I did however, purchase pickles! Like real pickles. Not this sweet, bread and butter crap, that's all they seem to have here. So not sure how long the jar will last but I'm psyched. I also stocked up on Mac n Cheese and tortilla chips! Haha, it's the little things. Now I'm just procrastinating because I have about a months worth of laundry to do and I just can't be bothered! The only thing that's making me feel motivated is my St. Patty's shirt is dirty. Haha.

So from here on out, it's really going to fly by. Of course, being who I am, I'm now sad. I don't really want to leave just yet. I have been so busy lately and will continue to be busy until I leave. Friday is my 21st birthday (HOLY S@%$) and next weekend we go to Paris. Then we have a week and Spring break starts. Like I said, bittersweet.

Barcelona and a Surprise Visit

AH this week has been hectic and amazing! No idea where I left off in blogging because last week feels like a blur. I was so excited to meet Mom is Barcelona that nothing else actually mattered or registered in my mind. All I know is, I went to the SU bar Monday night for the first time in a while and had a really good time. Tuesday, my class was cancelled so I just waited to go to bed in anticipation of my flight. Wednesday morning finally rolled around and I was up before my alarm. The plan was, go to lecture in the city from 9 to 10 and then head to Gatwick airport. Well out of excitement and nervousness, I skipped class because I didn't want anything to go wrong and arrived really early at the airport. I was on the tube ready to go to class and everything and just decided not to get off at Oxford Circus but to keep going to Victoria Station. The Gatwick express to the airport was really quick and easy. So all in all I should have gone to class because I just sat in the airport for about two hours waiting in anticipation, eventually leading to anxiety and necessary popping of the pills. Oh well. The flight wasn't so bad, my first time flying alone. I slept for some of it and read for a little while (I had a paper due Monday.)

Landing was amazing however, because 1) I was finally on land and 2) I could finally see my mama! When I saw her, I got so excited that I lost my blackberry wanna be piece of crap phone and I didn't even care. When we arrived at our hotel, it was somewhat late but the weather was nice. We went to a yummy place for dinner and then just walked around the heart of Barcelona. The next day wasn't so nice. It rained from morning to night and it was freezing! And of course it was sunny in London. Go figure! So mom and I decided to do a bus tour of Barcelona only getting out at a museum and to see the Familia Sagrada, a beautiful cathedral that is STILL being built decades later. That night, we had paella for dinner and I actually really enjoyed it (fish-free though.)

The next morning, we were off to London and of course, the weather was BEAUTIFUL! So it sucked that we were leaving but what made it 10 times worse was the fact that we missed out flight! We were about a half hour early too but last minute they switched gates. But since they don't announce it, we were supposed to be "checking the board every 15 minutes"...apparently that's how it works in Barcelona. Well it wasn't so bad except that we wasted a beautiful day away in an airport and little did I know, there was a surprise waiting for me in Harrow. Luckily, a man named Daniel essentially saved us and helped us get back to London on Friday night. We cut it pretty close but we made it.

Once in London, it was time to catch a cab. Mom had something up her sleeve and was trying to be tricky. She ended up having to tell me but she said she had gotten us a hotel for the weekend. I was super psyched of course, prolonging my sad return to my single and uncomfortable bed. Then once we got closer to Harrow, my mom called the hotel and said tell room 165 we're here. My initial thought was oh my god, Dad's here because he has supposedly taken a business trip to Chicago. But Mom covered well and said Erin and Natasha are there waiting for you. So I then began to freak out because I thought they'd been waiting there all day wasting away their Friday night. About and hour and a half later (because it was impossible to find the hotel, we arrived, both a little stressed.) When I walked into the lounge, who was sitting there, my daddy! It was a great surprise, they definitely got me, I cried because I had finally settled with the idea that I wouldn't see him until May.

So the rest of their time here was great. Not only were we not staying in my room BUT I got to be with my family! Best birthday present ever! So since we got back so unexpectedly late, Mom and I were starving so we went to a little Mediterranean place in Harrow that was pretty good, went back to the hotel and happily drifted off to sleep. OH and got to watch TV!!

The next day, Mom had to finish her paper, so Dad and I spent the day in the city. Unfortunately, like regular weekend protocol, the metropolitan line was closed, so we had to walk a good half hour to get to Kenten station. It then took us forever to get to the city. I took him to the London so he could determine whether or not it was too high to ride. We then shot over to see the Millennium Bridge and I showed him the Ai Wei Wei sunflower seed exhibit. It was getting to be about dinner time so we headed back to the hotel to have dinner which was shockingly delicious. It was so amazing we ended up having dinner there again Tuesday night! I mean top of the line fillet mignon! After a few drinks and a birthday shot of tequila, we headed to bed. Or at least they did and I had to write a paper.

The next fews days, we did tons of site seeing and it all went so quick that it was kind of a blur. Our first day, we went to lunch at Make Mine by Regent Campus. I then took mom an dad to Greenwich Market. Mom loved it, Dad tolerated it. But they got me an amazing birthday present, a fork bracelet but there is a great story behind this particular one. It may sound weird but it's beautiful. We then headed back to Picadilly Circus to do the Ripley's Believe it or Not museum which was really cool! We ended with a mirror maze, which was a head trip, but pretty funny. Exhausted and hungry, we headed to Trafalgar Square to eat at the Texas place where I went with Kristin and Lindsey, and I was right, they loved it. I then dragged mom and dad back onto the tube and back to the hotel and finished my paper at 2am. Go me.

The next day I turned in my paper and our plan was to start at the "London Bridge", turns out it's the Tower Bridge. So we took a ride down to the Angel tube station and ate Yo! Sushi. Dad was a good sport even though he doesn't like that kind of food, and I tried Sushi AGAIN but still can't get over the seaweed. On our way to the Tower Bridge, we found the London Dungeon, so we popped inside. Well, this was a bad idea because it was actually terrifying! My and I were not cool with all of the creepy stuff popping out in our faces, I may have been a bit profane but in all fairness, what do you expect when you sneak up on me? We then proceeded to the Tower of London, but it was closed, so we went to the Gourmet Burger Kitchen for dinner.

Tuesday, we had the best weather. It was so beautiful out and a perfect day to do the London Eye. We had lunch at Pizza Express and proceeded into the city and started at Westminster Abbey. It was pretty amazing but I have a hard time with huge buildings like that, especially if they are all cathedrals. Maybe because I don't have any strong connection to religious feelings but it's kind of like a 'you've seen em once, you've seen em all' kinda thing, but it was still really cool to see. Plus, we went to the 'college garden' behind the Abbey and sat there for about an hour soaking up the sun and people watching. We then slowly moved to the London Eye. It really wasn't so bad height-wise and the view really was beautiful. It felt like you could see for miles and took about a half hour to go around once. It's actually pretty cool because you can't tell that you're really moving until you focus on the ground. By the time we were done, we were so exhausted from the past few days that we just decided to go back to the hotel and rest for a little while before having yet another dinner in the hotel restaurant. I then headed back to campus to spend the night because I couldn't skip my Wednesday morning class.

So after class on Wednesday, I met mom and dad in front of the Tower of London for a little tour since it was closed when we tried to go the first time. It was pretty cool but not as exciting as I thought. Plus, it was all outdoors and I was cold. Being that it was so big, we only went through half of the Tower but made sure to hit up the crown jewels, the bloody and the tower of torture, which were all pretty cool. And of course, we got a picture with a beefeater (haha). We then met for an early dinner, late lunch with Erin, Natasha and Kristin in the city at Garfunkles. We had ANOTHER birthday celebration for me (too much attention) and my parents had gotten my a beautiful Tiffany's necklace, a heart key that I've been wanting for a while, it's so pretty! We then proceeded to Ben's cookies, again! I then said bye to my parents temporarily and went to see We Will Rock You with the girls—part of our social program. IT WAS AMAZING. I absolutely loved it and found it hysterical. Though it helped that I actually like Queen and got a lot of their musical references and jokes. Good stuff, I am really glad we went. Unfortunately though, it was my parents last night, so as soon as the play was over, I rushed back to Harrow, grabbed some clothes and spent the night at the hotel. Mom left around 5am and dad left around 8am. I slept for a little while longer, showered and went to class, ending with a lovely Thursday night.

Luckily, Friday morning, I had my 5 hour class followed by my flight to Scotland! So once my parents left, I really had no time to be sad because pretty much up until now, I've been extremely busy. Which is for the best because everyone I spoke to said it REALLY sucks when your parents leave after a visit, even the people that aren't homesick. But everything worked out for the best and I had the best time in Scotland...

EXCITEMENT!

Well I haven't really been blogging because the past two weeks I haven't done much worth blogging about due to all the papers I have/had to do. This week was fairly similar to last week. Actually, I was a really bad girl and didn't go to class Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. No, I don't have a good excuse at all except that you really don't need to show up for class here. This isn't exactly the best education system here. Nothing is wrong with it but I'm not exactly learning anything that I haven't learned at Roger Williams. And the assignments have nothing to do with what's covered in class, it's all outside research. So no, there is really no NEED to go to class but we've all agreed that with an American work ethic, we feel guilty if we don't! Go figure, for being known as 'lazy americans' we seem to work a hell of a lot harder.

Anyways, Monday I had off and for the life of me can't remember what I did. Must not have been important. Tuesday, Erin's parents were still here so we went for dinner and drinks at the Roadhouse. It was nice to see them and Rachel, Jade and Alex joined as well. I then came back and wrote a paper.. SUPER! Wednesday, I had my class in the city. When my alarm went off I was so exhausted, looking for excuses not to go, I opened the curtains and found one. It was pouring, so I went back to sleep. Nice. Later that night I just hung out with my flatmates in the kitchen and went to bed. Before bed I checked my e-mail and my seminar Thursday morning was cancelled, so naturally, I skipped my lecture too because (and I'm not just saying this) but this lecture is 100% irrelevant to anything I have to do, really.

Thursday night was at least exciting. We went to a club called Amika in South Kensington. Once again it was free drinks and free entry. It was a pretty cool club too, felt really exclusive and apparently it was catered to PR firms because when we go there they asked us which PR firm we were with. Pretty cool. I was like 'is this in my future'? I suppose it would be if I could get an internship! Anyways. It was a lot of fun and for the first time no one started drama so that was cool. But then again, it was a smaller group, just me Becky, Sophia, Shontella, Febe, Lindsey and two of Shontella's friends. After the club, (with out tails between our legs) we snuck over McDonalds up the road which was pretty funny because every few minutes 2 or 3 more people that were at the club had the same idea. After that, it was time for our two hour trek back to Harrow. The first bus ride went fairly smooth but the second bus had an interesting character on it. The night bus is always hit or miss. It's filled people drunk sleeping people or drunk obnoxious people. Unfortunately, it was the latter. We finally strolled in around 4 am and I went to sleep.

With every intention of going to class Friday morning, I got up and went to take a shower. BUT we had no hot water! I knew I should go and I also knew I looked really dirty. So I attempted to take a cold shower and tried to just wash my hair.. not for me. I was literally shaking because it was so cold. So I washed out the shampoo from half of my head, wrapped it in a towel and got back into bed! But I didn't feel too bad because Lindsey left half way through class too. Friday night Kristin was finally back so Lindsey, Kristin and I went to dinner at a fantastic mexican place in Trafalger Square. Texas something. I'll have to bring my mom there. I think she'll really like it and they had delicious frozen margaritas and hot sauce. My friend Marilu's favorite hot sauce! We just came back after and did some work because we had to be up early for our trip to Stonehenge and Bath!

I woke up around 7am the next day (of course I can wake up for that!) Got dressed—in rain gear—really quick and was out the door by 7:15. We met everyone at Baker Street in front of Madame Tussaud's again and hoped on a bus for our hour and a half journey to our first stop, Stonehenge. Of course we all fell asleep about 20 minutes into the ride once the tour guide stopped talking. As annoying as she was, I really do enjoy hearing fun little facts about the things that we drive by because they're typically things we see everyday but know nothing about. Once I woke up, we were coming up to Stonehenge. It is pretty much indescribable and the pictures do it no justice. Maybe it's because I grew up in the Burlington, but something about arriving in the countryside gave me a settled feeling. The sun was peeking through the clouds and the sky was bright blue and the grass bright green. It was nice to be out of the city. We drove by fields of sheep and pigs, it was nice to see animals haha. Once there, we were so excited to take pictures that we didn't really absorb the structure itself. And since we had an hour, I decided to go circle it one more time and really try to take it in. I don't know if I'll ever go back to Stonehenge and though it may seem like a pile of rocks—and from some angles it really did—the science and architect behind it really is incredible. Once crossing back to the other side under ground, I got the best cup of coffee I've had since being here. Yep, from Stonehenge! It was actual filter coffee, not the (in my opinion, offensive) Americano coffee I'm normally stuck with.

Thrilled, we got back on the bus for the second half of our trip to Bath.
The history behind Bath is amazing as well. I'm pretty sure I stayed awake for this whole ride and I'm glad I did because it was so scenic. I even saw a rainbow because it kept switching from rain to shine. Once we actually got into Bath it started to pour and the second we actually got off the bus it stopped! So that was nice. We then went to the actual Roman baths which was again something you can't really describe. I didn't realize that it was actually naturally hot water. It was pretty cool and too bad that they are not able to be used today. It literally just looked like a big hot tub. There was so much steam coming from it and you could feel the heat as you got closer. There were a few different baths and one of them has pretty much been turned into a wishing well—don't worry I used mine one someone special =) After that we had free time to explore the city of Bath which reminded me of a combination of York and West Hartford. If I moved to England, I think I would want to live there. Apparently a lot of American actors have lived there as well like Nicholas Cage, Harrison Ford and Johnny Depp is supposed to get a house there.

So with our free time, we had lunch at a place that LOOKED good, but looks can be deceiving. So to make up for it, we went and got Ben's Cookies. We then just did a little shopping and exploring. We walked around for the next few hours. I tried on a bunch of dresses in search of one for my birthday but as expected found nothing. Probably shouldn't have had that cookie. We then came across a cafe called "The Boston Tea Party".. if you know anything about the history of America and England, then you'd know that that wasn't exactly an event that was favorable to the British. So we had a laugh and had to go in. Shortly after that, our time was up and we headed back in the direction of the bus, which was a good thing because apparently the second bus left two girls behind! OOPS! The ride back was nice and long. I don't mean that in a sarcastic way, I actually enjoy long car rides, especially when I have a good playlist going on. Plus being on the highway or motorway as they call it was comforting because I haven't been on one since the drive to airport in January. It's the little things. So by the time we got back it was a little after 8. With every intention of starting my paper, I ended up Skyping with Dad and then watching the Departed, Jarhead and then I fell asleep to Sex in the City. OOPS. In all fairness though, I did do my references and anyone who knows about that knows how tedious and time consuming it is. So at least I got that out of the way. So I told myself I could start it Sunday night.

Well today now it's Sunday, 11pm and I'm still where I was last night. OOPS. But we were productive today because Kristin and I went to Erin and Natasha's to book our Scotland tickets. What a disaster that was. Figures, we left our first trip for last, we're leaving in less than 2 weeks. OOPS. So we had every intention to take the train but now we're flying in. At this point it just works out better because I really didn't want to skip my class that Friday since I did this week and I am next week cause I'll be in Spain with Mom! So now, Erin, Kristin and I are leaving at 7 on Friday night and getting there around 8:45 instead of my going by myself at 6 and getting there at 11. Natasha and Rachel are flying in a little earlier because they are coming back Sunday night while we're coming back Monday night. It's perfect timing too because I'll be flying to Barcelona Wednesday afternoon right after class to meet my Mom and we'll be staying for two nights. Friday we'll head back to London together and she'll be here until Thursday. Then the next day I have class and then we leave for Scotland. So I won't have much time to be sad about my mom leaving which is good because even Kristin felt kind of homesick when her parents left so who knows how I'll be. Then again, I didn't cry at the airport when I first left; I truly am bizarre. So as usual, this took hours. So around 6, Kristin and I headed back and made dinner together and made plans to go to the library. Well neither of us ended up at the library and I was 'busy' on Facebook, Twitter, and E-mail haha. I then of course remember I HAD to blog and now I'll probably just go look at hostels for Ireland! Remember that work ethic I was talking about, well when no one else around you has it and your professors verbally don't expect it from you, it's hard to keep it up. But I know I'll get it done. Yes, I'm just making it harder on myself but it will be done. Maybe I'll at least do an outline tonight. We'll see. Or maybe I'll just watch the Departed again; I really love that movie. Oh and I have a Skype interview at 3 tomorrow for an internship at a place in Bloomfield. So nervous and excited. Wish me luck!

All aside, I really am so excited to start traveling, no matter how lost or frustrated we get. It will be a good time all in all and when we look back it'll be an amazing memory. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S ALMOST MARCH!

Song of the day: Alanis Morrisette- All I Really Want

It's Been a While

I've been slacking on the blogging. Not that I wanted to. I really have been meaning to get back on here but I've been sick and not really anything excited, plus I have no motivation. But since it's been a week, I should probably recap just so I try to remember when I read this ten years from now! That's all this is really for by the way. Not to be selfish but let's be honest who really cares about all the silly little things I'm doing in London. It's kind of more like an toned down journal that I can't lose. Of course it's toned down because it's on the internet.

Anyways, last Monday was Valentines day! Not that it was anything special to me, but I did go into the city with Kristin to meet Erin and Natasha for lunch and to do a little shopping; well window shopping for me anyways, but the girls got some cute stuff! Natasha and Erin took us to a little sandwich shop across from our Regent street campus called "Make Mine".. I haven't had anything that good since being here. I finally felt like I was eating something healthy and fresh. It was amazing. I will be sure to take my mom there when she gets here, she'll really like it too. We headed back to Harrow after a little while and met up with Kim, Paige and Alicia to go to 'No Strings Attached'; that was our Valentines Day date. The movie was AMAZING. I absolutely loved it, I don't really know if everyone else enjoyed it as much as I did but it's definitely a relatable story; really cute.

Tuesday was pretty boring as well. Slept in and felt sick, went to class and that was about it. Wednesday was a little more eventful. I had my class in the city and we went to the Royal Academy of Art. I really enjoyed this museum because it was mostly sculptures and statues. We also got to look around and see the museum at our leisure instead of stopping in front of a piece and being lectured on it, so that was nice. Kristin met up with us here as well and we were able to go through the museum pretty quickly. It was on the smaller side, but had a lot of pieces and exhibits that I really enjoyed. I won't go into all of them, but I have to describe this one rather interesting piece. It was essentially and abandoned out-door lunch scene. There was a plastic table and chairs with food and condiments left out on the table. Here's where it's gets different.. it was swarming with flies and there was a decapitated cows head with a trail of blood under the table. It was encased in glass walls of course, but it was really odd. And there was an awful smell seeping from the glass. It was all real. Art? I don't know. But I couldn't hang around it long because the smell was making me sick. So Brian, Kristin and I decided to head back to campus and get some lunch at, you guessed it, 'Make Mine.' After that, we headed to Alexander Flemming to book the rest of Spring Break with Erin and Natasha. We have all of our flights set, we just need to book our train to see Chelsey and Alexa! So four hours of planning later, we were starving and went to the grocery store so we could make dinner. Tash whipped us up a delicious chicken and pasta dinner which we had with garlic bread and wine. It was the perfect end to a Wednesday night. We all needed a little detox from our normal routines and a little girl gossip.

Thursday was like Tuesday. Pretty uneventful. I left lecture early and did three loads of laundry.. WOO! In the middle of folding my clothes in the laundry room, I got interviewed about Westminster University. I was semi-mortified because I look terrible and was sweating as usual ON CAMERA. But I felt bad because everyone else kept avoiding them so I gave them a few minutes. Kristin's parents also arrived Thursday, so it was good for her to get away and she left Friday for Italy with them. My Friday was pretty nice. Right after class got out at 4:00pm, I hoped on the tube to map out how to get to Gatwick to pick up my Mama when she gets here. A few of my flights are in and out of there as well, so it was good to see. Timing was great because by the time I got that all sorted out, Erin, Natasha, Jade, Rachel, Will, Henry and his girlfriend Liz from RWU were all on their way to Covent Garden for happy hour at the Roadhouse. So I met them there for a few drinks—but Tash forgot her I.D. so she headed back and we didn't stay long. It was an early night because I really felt terrible. I believe I just came back to Harrow and worked on a paper.

Saturday night was nice and relaxing as well. Erin's parents arrived so she was out with them all night. When I woke up Saturday morning however, things were not good. I was really upset for no reason. Well actually I know exactly why, it was just a combination of little stupid things and that plus being so far away from home is a recipe for disaster. So I Skyped with my Dad and Mom was still in New York. By 3:00pm I finally got my act together and went to the library to work on my paper some more. Around 6:00pm I left and went to Natasha's to watch a movie and back cookies. Erin eventually came back too and we watched 'Due Date' together, it was pretty funny. But as I think I've said before, I like just about every movie. But I got my first actual migraine, so I took my first replax while being here on the way home to the tube so that I pretty much was able to pass out when I got back. Minus the fire alarm going off for twenty minutes around 2:00am. So annoying!

Sunday, I was a Donovan for the day. Erin's parents took Erin, Natasha and I to a football (soccer) game! It was a lot of fun, we all really wanted to experience one before we left and Erin's dad is a big soccer fan. We watched Bolton vs. Fulham; Bolton won. It was exciting to watch and the fans are brutal! Pretty funny and very enthusiastic. It was really nice to spend the whole day with Tash, Erin and her parents. After the game, we went to a pub to stop for a beer and nice conversation. We then headed to Picadilly circus for dinner. We ended up near little Italy and ate a a yummy Italian restaurant, but the service was awful. Good thing you don't really have to tip here! We then went over to Snog for some dessert. I forgot it was in the red light district however, and poor Poppa Donovan kept getting offers to "meet some girls." It was an interesting area. An ice cream shop near a night club and convenience store in the middle of porn town. Go figure. So with full bellies, we made out way back to the tube and went our separate ways. I'm hoping to go to the zoo with them sometime this week too!

And today, I finally went to the doctors. It's weird that being in a doctors office is so normal and comforting to me haha. Being sick is so familiar to me, it's really rather annoying. Thanks Lyme disease for giving me a permanently weak immune system! Oh well, so I've had this nasty cough for about three weeks now and I had a little fever today apparently, but I couldn't tell ya because I don't know Centigrade. He said to me, 'I think it's just a virus but here's a prescription for some antibiotic.' Annoyed with how long I've been sick, I filled it at a local Boots and started it today. At this point, I just want to feel better so I'll try anything. Being sick here sucks for so many reasons. Oh and I forgot to mention, the Doctors office was in the basement of a church. Yeah. And my appointment was conveniently at the same time as a funeral. I kinda felt disrespectful ya know? Geez. So it was kind of a weird experience but at least it only took me twenty minutes to get there and I didn't have to wait long for anything. But it's funny because in America, they tell you all the side effects of medications and give you a huge packet insert with every drug even if it's something you take all the time. Nope, not here, just take it and feel better! Haha. So hopefully in time, it'll clear up because this weekend I'm going to Stonehenge and Bath and in a little more than a week my Mom with be here! YAY, I can't wait. So I will try to stay on top of blogging so I don't end up writing a book and forgetting important details of things. Yes I am long winded, but again you don't have to read this =)

Stuck in a Funk

Well, this past week I've been a bit low. Friday night, we were supposed to go to Loop Bar but ONCE AGAIN, they messed up our reservation! How ridiculous. It's gonna take free dinner and drinks all night for them to make up for this. It's too bad because it is a really a cool place and I kinda wanted to take my mom there when she comes to visit, but not it they're that unreliable!

So instead, we decided to go to our usual spot, the Roadhouse. It's a good thing that it is a fun place because we just love it for their cheap drink specials during happy hour! Anyways, Paige, Kristin, Lauren and I met Alicia there for appetizers and drinks. Kristin's friend Maggie then met us there after a little while. It was a good time for a little while but I left by myself around 8:30 because I was a little under the weather. I'm not sure if it was because I still feel sick or if I was just down or if I'm just over the drinking at bars. Not completely obviously, but it's lost it's whole "newly legal appeal." Anyways, not one to like a scene, I let them know I was leaving and slipped off. I definitely had fun at first but then I just wasn't feeling it, and I'm not one to hang around if I don't have to.

The tube ride back alone was rather nice though. I guess I'm weird but I like being alone in the city. It's a feeling that's hard to explain unless you're the same way. I was hoping to go into the city alone today but thanks to the wonderful metropolitan line in combination with the rain, sleep seemed better. Anyways, when I came back here, I just hung out with Becky for a little while and it was nice and relaxing. I also got an email from another one of my internships I applied for, so that was exciting. When Kristin came back, she hung out with us too for a little and it was nice to just lounge and be girly for an hour or two. We didn't do anything crazy because Saturday was supposed to be a good night.

When I woke up Saturday morning, my 'off' feeling continued. I had to get out of my room. I decided to go to the library with the girls in hopes of doing work. Well that was pretty much a fail because I was just so not myself that I couldn't even focus on work. So I just sat on the computer doing minimal research and finally giving in to all social networks. We were there until about 4:30 when we all decided we were getting hungry and should go into Harrow to Pizza Express for some salads! Well by the time we got there, we all got pizzas with a side salad haha. It probably doesn't help that the weather has been so gloomy.

By the time we got back, it was almost 7:00 and Kristin and I had to start getting ready to go to Maya. Becky, Sophia, Gerri, Shantella, Febe, Polly, Kristin, Becky's friend from home, Maxi and I all got ready and left around 9:30. But once again, the freaking Metropolitan line was closed so we walked to Kenton Station which is the Bakerloo line, which stops at every single stop! Once off the tube (of course being females) we all had to run to the bathroom. After business was taken care of, we started our journey to Maya—feet already killing me at this point, everyone else was smart and brought flats. Once in front of Maya, all of the girls decided to put their heels on. Apparently I was the smart one because changing your shoes in front of a club is 'a turn off' so the bouncers turned us away! HAHA it's pretty laughable now.

So we attempted to go to another club but there was a lot of drama, so after a few phone calls, Shantella got us into this club, Carbon for free. Everything was fine and it was a pretty cool club but that didn't work out for reasons that will not go on the blog because I am not one to exploit people's personal lives. On a positive note, I may not have brought flats, but I did bring my Under Amour leggings, so I was at least warm, completely unstylish, but warm. And luckily, because we had decided the party was over so early, we were able to take the tube home! So no hassle of the night bus! Optimism. Though at this point everyone was kind of mad at each other, cold, uncomfortable, hungry and with a bad attitude. Needless to say as soon as we got off in Kenton station, we went right across the street to a burger and falafel joint—which we all immediately regretted as soon as we finished. Upon returning, it was definitely time to go to bed, I think I drifted off some time around two.

Twelve hours later, I woke up. With that same weird and empty feeling. But as I said, the weather was crap and the tube was a pain. So I just messed around on my laptop. It was nice though because I was able to Skype with Chelsey! It was fantastic and it makes me so excited to be her roommate again whenever we speak. It's funny because we agree that being apart like this makes us appreciate our friendship so much more. Obviously everyone gets something different out of being abroad but I think her and I are getting the same kind of growth out this experience. Right after that, I Skyped with dad for a while which was also nice.

By that time, it was practically dinner time and Becky was making a fantastic pasta bake for us, couldn't have been more perfect. I then just went up and looked for some more hostels and flight prices with Kristin for a little. Once I came back down, I again, Skyped with pops. Hopefully I wasn't too much of a pain tonight, though I did get some really unfortunate news and I can't help but to be worried about some really important people to me at home, one family in particular. The plan was to go to sleep at 9:00 but here we are at 12:30! Good job Lauren. Instead, I decided to go watch Bridget Jones' Diary with Becky and Maxi because everyone here raves about it and I believe it did well in the states too, so I decided why not. But I should probably head to bed now because I have to be up at 11:00—so early, I know—because Kristin and I are going to meet Erin and Natasha for lunch, which I can't wait for! So I'm hoping for a better tomorrow since I have actual plans.

Song of the weekend—John Mayer, Not Myself

Sunny Days followed by Rain

Yesterday and today were pretty much polar opposites. Yesterday was amazing, today not so much. It started Tuesday. The sun was out and the weather was nice! I still felt sick and slept until about 1:00 but it was still nice. Class wasn't so bad either. I don't mind Tuesdays because even though it's two hours with Borat, it's split up an hour at a time, the shortest lecture/seminar combo I have here. So I can't really complain. I then spent the night applying to about a dozen internships. It's so irritating because I've applied to almost 20 places by now and haven't heard back from a single person! It's just makes it harder to keep trying but I need one to graduate, so I'll forge on. (If you happen to stumble across this blog and need a summer intern for any area of communications, I'm your girl!) Anyways, Tuesday night was rough! I could not, for the life of me, sleep! I tossed and turn and even tried sleeping upside-down.. it was awful. I really don't sleep here, and even when I do I have some REALLY bizarre dreams, and I mean bizarre.

Well that sucked because Wednesday is my early day. I laid in bed Wednesday morning after my alarm went off and wondered if it would really be that bad to skip another class. I obviously decided it would be a bad idea because I finally mustered up the motivation to get out of bed and drag my butt to the tube station. Luckily, it wasn't really that packed and I enjoyed the company of my Ipod for a while. Once we go to Baker Street though, (I was supposed to be the next stop, Great Portland) everyone got off and I just sat there, rockin' out. After realizing that we weren't going anywhere and EVERYONE got off, I realized it wasn't going any further and got on the Bakerloo line to Oxford circus which is actually closer to school, but I prefer the walk from Great Portland, it's nice and get my some fresh air for a while. We only had lecture for about a half hour before leaving for the Victoria and Albert Museum. It was pretty cool. When you first walked in, you could see a huge and i mean huge blown glass sculpture suspended from the ceiling, it was hard to look away.

Our next stop in the museum was the room of statues, which was far more interesting than anticipated. I really didn't think it was going to be very interesting but to see random life-size sculptures of people on pedestals was pretty sobering. I'm not really sure why, but I know I liked it. This museum also had different 'feels' in each room, and I liked the ambiance of that one as well as the next one because it only contained an old spiral staircase and the front molding of a building that was preserved from a fire. But the room itself was kind of skinny and L-shaped and if felt like you were outside because the walls were brick and the ceiling was glass. It might not sound like anything special but you had to see it for yourself I suppose. We viewed lots more paintings and such as well and went into a room of "Raphael's Cartoon" which weren't cartoons at all and there was about six massive framed tapestries by him. Kinda cool.

But my favorite thing was the statue 'David'. I had learned about it in my Aesthetics class freshman year at RWU so it was cool to actually see it even though it was a copy. I had absolutely no idea how big it is! I thought it was just a life-size replica. Nope, it is WAY bigger. So I was glad I got to see that. We then went to a "camera-less photography exhibit" which I also really enjoyed because I have actually taken pictures using this technique before at a summer camp in a dark room. The pictures were really pretty and the photographer experimented with nature, using things like rivers and leaves and lightening. I know it may sound weird, but it was beautiful and different. He than gave us the opportunity to look around at our leisure but the problems is when you've been on a guided tour for two hours, you kinda just need a break. I don't know how to explain it but it's like I wish we could go explore the museum on our own from the beginning. So Brian, Ginny and I left and I grabbed a sandwich and waited for Erin to get out of class for our coffee date.

It was really nice to talk with her like that, just the two of us. Because Natasha and Erin and my really good friends from school, it would be nice to get more alone time with them, just the three of us. But that is not why were here and it's really difficult, so having the opportunity to catch up with her like that was really nice. And we went to the cutest cafe, Joe's Juice or something. After a nice day, we parted ways in the tube station and I went back to Harrow to top up my phone. It was great because it was such a long ride back and it was just me and my Ipod. Yeah, I am constantly listening to music in my room but I'm usually doing something else. It was so nice to have the music directly into my brain and just my thoughts. Yesterday really was great. It was peaceful and much-needed. Once back in Harrow, Kristin and I decided it was time to crack down and schedule more of our spring break. So we finally booked Rome and Milan which is really exciting because we'll be staying in Milan for free because a family friend of Kristin lives there! After finding all of these cheap flights and book everything, we couldn't stop smiling because it's been stressing us out, so it was nice to have that done. All we have left to do is Greece and Ireland which we will hopefully do this weekend with Erin and Natasha. The only thing that sucks is that we can't go to Florence because it is nearly impossible financially to get there from Amsterdam. It would have been nice to see Liz, Gins, Rockett and Winkler, but Erin told me they are coming to London soon, so I will at least get to see them while being abroad.

As soon as we finished booking everything, I received and e-mail from one of the internships interested in a phone interview with me! So of course, I was freaking out with excitement. I then came downstairs and chatted with Nick for a few hours about music. I love when I find someone that agrees with me about music and all of the greatness across broad-spectrums. It's like finally someone that doesn't just like one genre and hates everything that doesn't fit into it. I find that really annoying. Or the kind of people who won't listen to a certain band or song simply because of who it's by. If it's a good song, it's a good song. But whatever. This is about London, not music, if it was I could go on for weeks and no one would read it—not that anyone is necessarily reading this, but you know what I mean. So Wednesday I was pretty much just bursting with good feelings. It was so nice to feel like that again. It's like hello, Lauren still does live is this body/brain.

Today was a little different, the whole high-on-life thing quickly went away when I woke up. I felt awful! Worse than I have, so I decided to turn off my alarm and sleep as long as I could—yes mom & dad, I could afford to miss it, especially since when I e-mailed my professor she herself told me I didn't miss much, haha! So I woke up around 1, went to the nurse who was very sweet, but not much help, which made me homesick and miss America but whatever. So basically if I am feeling EVEN worse on Monday, I will go back and see her because I can't see the doctor tomorrow because of the whole 5 hour lecture thing. Once I came back, I made some soup and fell back asleep for a few more hours, woke up and ate dinner. I really feel like a bum but I'm sick! I also then receieved an e-mail back from the possible internship but she didn't realize I was abroad and I would have to do some training in April, so that idea's out the window. Oh well, it just sucks because having and internship will be a huge weight off my shoulders. So that was pretty much today. Unfortunately yesterday was better but you can't have ALL good days. And I'm waiting for a package from home that still isn't here. Boo.

Anyways, tomorrow I have to go to class so if anything, it should be a better day because it will at least get me out of this room. Also, I think we have dinner reservations. If you remember that place, 'Loop Bar' that messed up our reservation a while back, they're comping us free drinks and an appetizer or something like that, so I suppose I'll jump on that, also on Saturday we are going to 'China White' which is suppose to be a really fancy night club, and apparently Kate Moss goes there a lot? I don't, but it should be interesting. So hopefully the rain and whatever I have goes away soon so I can continue enjoying London. Goodnight.

Song of Wednesday- Brother Ali, 'Fresh Air'

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY 2011!

Well this weekend has its ups and downs as usual. There were fun bits but because I was sick, it was a little painful. I did not end up going out Friday as you know and had a lot of fun in Greenwich on Saturday. Lindsey, Kristin and I woke up around 10 to make our way to the Tower Ridge stop to get on our boat to head to Greenwich. It was a pretty interesting cruise down the Thames. It was better because the first time because 1) it was light out 2) we were sober and 3) we go to learn all of the cool facts about places along the Thames. We saw Charles Dickens house, a building that inspired 'Oliver Twist', very interesting architecture—a building that looked like it was made out of legos so that each and every window had a view of the Thames—and Admiral Nelson's (yes, like the booze) house.

Once we got off the boat, we were split into two groups. Our little tour guide was very entertaining but a bit long winded. She had purple hair and looked like a hobbit! It turns out a lot of movies were filmed in Greenwich but the only two I can remember are 'Pirates of the Caribbean 4' and 'Guliver's Travels'. The place is pretty big and tough to take all in in one day so we went to the Royal Navel College/Hospital, which is what it known for. A lot of Kings and Queens had lived there over the years and they each made different use of the buildings. The one building we went into was called the Painted Hall. It really was beautiful and seemed amazing to me.

Everything was painted in detail, walls to ceiling. It was what I imagine the Sistine Chapel to look like but when I said it, everyone turned their nose to me and said that is much more beautiful, so I guess I'll see for myself in April! It was pretty cool because it was simply a dinning hall but apparently no one would eat in there because it was just "too beautiful." People back then had their priorities all wrong I think. But anyways, apparently there were some men who would go and lie on their backs and count the number of breasts in the painting on the ceilings and I believe there was a reported 178 and a half (apparently a side boob or so?) Not entirely sure who has the time for that but that's some horny men for ya I suppose.

After the long winded tour, we made our way up to the Royal Observatory Tower. This is where the Prime Meridian lies. This was really cool. We were chomping at the bit to get up there, it was quite the hike. Not far but pretty steep and the view from where we cam from was beautiful. After waiting in line for about 20 minutes, we finally stood on the line and all got out pictures taken. Apparently this is the one place where all time is based off of, a concept I can't exactly wrap my head around, but sure. It was cool to see how far away major cities were East or West of that point and of course, to be in two places at one. My first time in the Eastern Hemisphere!

Once we got out pictures taken, we headed back down to the Greenwich Market. This place was great. They had a lot of ethnic foods and some cute little shops. I didn't have enough cash on me or I would have bought this fork bracelet. I know it may sound strange, but the guy who makes them is so talented. So basically, it didn't even look like a fork because of the way he bends them. I am definitely going back to get one. I haven't really treated myself to anything I just wanted and it was only 10 quid and everyone else I know has been spending their money left and right. But of course, like all markets, they had great food. They had amazing Italian and Caribbean food, so I got fried Plantain and this interesting roll with olives and what not—side note, for anyone who knows my history with food, if there is something gross in it, I'll find it, when I took a bite of the bread, I pulled a big gray hair out of my mouth, almost vommed right where I was standing, still makes me sick to think about. It wasn't my first choice of food but when I came across "authentic Polish food" and asked for cheese and potato Pierogies, they were out of them.

We eventually decided to leave because it was getting dark and we ventured back to Harrow. But we had to find our own way back, so we took the Tube, the DLR line, which is a nice ride. Part of it is above ground and you can see the city from a different view. It's very nice. We then had to switch to the Jubilee line, and who do we run into in the middle of nowhere, Brian. He was headed back to his place as well, so that was a coincidence. That night, out of exhaustion and Kristin and I both being sick, the two of us and Lindsey went to the library to rent some movies. We each got out own, but decided to watch the 'Aristocats' (yes the Disney movie) and 'Catch Me if You Can' together. We only made it to 'Aristocats' though, walking around all day makes you more tired than you'd think. We decided not to go out because we knew we had a big night ahead of us for the Superbowl!

Sunday morning rolled around and I woke up feeling worse with no voice. So I stayed in bed as long as I could so that I could be ready for the night, there was no way I was skipping this. We went to the Roadhouse as planned and the whole "reservation" was BS. The only thing it helped for was that we didn't have to pay a cover charge but they gave us for tiny high tops for 35 people! Thanks guys. Also, the only drink special was 5 Heinekens for £15 and if you ask me that is no special. That's £3 a beer! So Kristin and I split two of those buckets and thats why my pictures came out so blurry! It really was a blast though. When they sang the National Anthem and the Star Spangled Banner, everyone kind of got chills and I—the sap I am—had to hold back tears. It's something you can't explain unless you've been away from your country and missed it. I feel like for the last 20 years of my life, I've taken everything I have and know and everything America stands for for granted. Funny how that took a few beers, and the Superbowl to make me realize that. Pretty moving stuff believe it or not. I will be sure to kiss the ground when my plan lands in May.

Coming home was interesting! Assuming what the night would be like, I drew a map of how to get to our bus station. It seemed dumb at the time but the more beers in our system, the more thankful we became for it. Kristin laughed at me when I first showed her because it was just a straight shot to the bus stop. However, it was a 15 minute walk and you had to go down a few side streets to get to that straight away (which was rather sketchy might I add.) So we followed my pathetic map when we stopped short in front of a pizza place that was still open like little kids in front of a toy store. We had walked by this place before and drooled over how good it looked. With good judgement skills out the window, we of course each bought one and carried on our way to the buses. Now we didn't have to cook when we got home! The ride took about an hour and we were on the second deck in the front, so we got the amazing view. Once back to Harrow, my Becky, Gerri and Ayesha were all awake, so they played with me for a little while—I was very entertaining apparently—and finally around 4am, I called home to let Mom and Pops know I was alive and then passed out.

Once again, I felt terrible when I woke up this morning and pretty much slept all day because we had plans to go to dinner in China town to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Everyone knows that when you're sick all you want is your Mommy. So when your away at school it always sucks when you get sick. But being in another country, well it's god awful because on top of being sick-sick, I've been feeling homesick! And because I want to rest as much as possible, I'm stuck in my room which makes me depressed, which makes every thing feel worse. So I was determined to go out to dinner. At 6:00 Kristin, Becky, Sophia, Gerri, Febe and I went into China town to meet their friends, Chelsey and Polly. We settled on a Chinese buffet type place and it was better than I had anticipated—I don't really like Chinese food. But it turned out to be pretty good. After that we headed over to a frozen yogurt place called "Snog" it was great. The ambiance was really cool and cute and the frozen yogurt was to die for.

With full bellies, and tired bodies, we headed back to Harrow. We caught one of the new Tube's (which is always exciting haha) and Kristin and I decided to stay in since we are both sick. We figured it wouldn't hurt us or our bank accounts to miss a Messy Monday! Now, it's time for 'Catch Me if You Can.' Oh Leo...