Saturday was an eventful day, and very cold.  We started the day with another walk around London.  We started with St. Paul's Cathedral, the outside of it. 

 

St. Paul's and the two lovers

We had Shawn as our tour guide again, he was the one who gave us a tour around the Tower of London and such.  He's a very funny guy and I enjoy him greatly.  We then headed over the Millennium Bridge, which he calls the wibbly wobbly bridge.

 

Millennium Bridge and St. Paul's Cathedral in background

The architect of this bridge is the one who designed London's city hall, and also what is being put in ground zero.  Instead of have the suspension over the bridge he has it at the side, which in turn made the bridge very unstable and sway back and forth.  London then had a company from New York fix it and they put something NASA uses to keep the rockets stable before lift off, underneath the bridge.  Supposedly if you feel the bridge move now you get free ice cream.  No one has felt the bridge move since it was fixed though.  Even though we were maybe outside for 45 minutes we were all freezing, there was snow on the ground that morning by the way.  We went into Tate Modern to warm up for a bit.  It didn't help too much but still nice to get out of the wind.  Next stop was to the new Globe Theatre. 

 

New Globe

It was amazing being able to see the Globe Theatre, I've seen and been in Shakespeare's plays before but to actually see it was fantastic.  They do have plays there and they actually start April 23rd, so I am hoping that I can go to one and experience (sort of) what people experienced a few hundred years ago.  There is so much history to this place, first it was burnt down and then of course Oliver Cromwell had to get rid of theatre's altogether, crazy man.  We saw where the Globe Theatre use to stand, right across from the Rose Theatre (I think).  

 

Sign where the old globe Theatre use to be

 

After we got done looking at the Globe Theatre "resting" grounds we headed towards a pub that was used in a couple movies, I don't remember the name :s  Then off to Clink Street!  This is where the worst prison in London used to be, well at least the museum is there now, next to a couple walls of the old Winchester Castle.

 

Winchester Castle, where stain glass use to be

We then headed off to the oldest pub in London, The George.  (still freezing at this point)  Shawn, our tour guide, said that it start in 1677, when a guy from behind him said it started in 1676.  Who was right?  Both of them technically.  Above The George sign it does say 1676, but in a plaque it says 1677.  I'll go with Shawn, just because he's awesome, and the plaque says so.  No picture though :(  Maybe I'll go back.  After that we were down for the day and could do what we wanted.  Kiley, Chelsea and I headed for Borough Market, a very big food market in London.  Kiley and Chelsea got some vegetables while I eyed all the sweet stuff.  I need to go back and get some brownies.  We had some free samples, I had comte cheese, a small piece of bread, brownie, and a piece of meat (that was delicious).  We got some pictures of Will Shakespeare's church as well.  We also did that before we went to the pub.  Shakespeare's brother is actually buried here, and had his funeral in the morning since plays were in the afternoons.  Shakespeare wanted all the actors to be able to come so he probably paid extra for a morning funeral.

 

Back of Southwark Church

After that we headed back to VH where we made some lunch (at 2 in the afternoon) and hung out for the rest of the night.  I watched some Little Britain Abroad, hilarious!  Talked with my parents for about 45 minutes before I headed off to bed.  It was a good time :)  Can't wait to talk to them again and of course to other people as well.  And tomorrow off to Camden Market, full of goths and other people :s haha  Cheers

...more pictures...

 

Some sort of riot or event going on.

 

In a red phone booth

me, Joel and Vitaliy

 

Just part of St. Paul's Cathedral, and the inside is breathtaking.

 

A statue of Queen Anne with St. Paul's Cathedral in the back.

To be bored of London...

Don't worry, that title will continue on.  And, no, I am not bored! 
Friday we headed out to where our Central classes will be taking place; Birkbeck College, which is actually a part of University of London.  That is the third biggest school in the United Kingdom.  Mark told us about what we'll be doing for our British Experience Seminar, it shouldn't be too bad and should be fun.  We get to interview people from World War II and do other interesting things.  An STA travel guy came and talked to us about traveling.  It seems that they have some good deals, so I'm pretty excited to go traveling.  I have so many places I want to go :o)  I just don't know which ones to pick, plus I need someone to travel with first.  The places I'd like to visit are Scotland, Ireland, the netherlands, and Germany some more.  Of course, those are all the places I am connected to :)  Also, Rome to see my favorite roommate!  Plus, I really want to see Italy, Morgan or no.  I may go to paris and see Rebekka Riek as well, she was a foreign exchange student a few years ago that stayed with us.  It would be fantastic to meet up and catch up. 
After our little travel meeting and BES meeting we headed our seprerate ways for lunch until 2.  Kiley (I had been spelling her name wrong, sorry) and I headed back to VH to make some lunch.  I had another peanut butter sandwich.  I do enjoy peanut butter though, so it's fine by me!  I went up to my room after that and just messed around on the computer before I decided to have a little shut eye before my busy evening (I'm getting to it).  It wasn't until after 1:30 by the time I finally laid down.  I figured I'd sleep for about 10 minutes or so.  I ended up falling asleep, thank goodness, and woke up at 1:47.  Perfect.  I woke Kiley up and off we were for the big scavenger hunt.  Yep, we did a scavenger hung around London.  We met downstairs and got into groups.  I was in a group with Joel and Vitaliy (such a brilliant name).  Here is a list of the things we were off to scavage for:
1. Take a picture from on board a double decker bus.
2. Buy something at Hamley's Toy Shop on Regent Street.
3. Obtain a brochure from the Natural History Museum.
4. Obtain a brochure from the National Gallery.
5. Buy some fruit at Strutton Ground.
6. Get a menu or business card from a restaurant on Brick Lane.
7. Obtain a Eurostar brochure from St. Pancras Station.
8. Obtain an information Leaflet at St. Paul's Cathedral.
Bonus points:
1. Get a photo of at least one of the group with a policeman or traffic warden.  One extra point for being allowed to wear the helmet or cap.
2. Obtain a photo of the whole group in a red phone box.
3. Obtain a photo of at least one of the group on a lion in Trafalgar Square.

Now, I am just going to tell you that we had three hours to finish.  And, my group and I didn't even finish, whoops.  It was a fun experience though and I surely enjoyed it.  Hamley's is one of the biggest toy stores in the world, I'll have to go back.  Of course having to buy something was not very enjoyable, as I got a giant pencil, awesome.  Oh well, we bought pineapple at Strutton Ground and it was amazing!  Some of the best pineapple I've had.  When we got to St. Paul's Cathedral we didn't exactly know how to get in, so we went around pretty much the whole ceathedral, it's not small either.  We couldn't find a prochure either, so one of the group members took a peice of paper from behind one of the desks.  But shhhh, don't tell ;)  Also on our way to St. Paul's, since the Tube is underground there are many escalators that one has to go up.  I decided to be healthy, that was a bad idea.  I walked up a straight, very long staircase.  Very long; so long my thighs were litteraly hurting by the time I got up to the top.  I was out of breath for several minutes after too.  That taught me a lesson.  Don't go up huge staircases in tube stations.  When we were done and heading back to VH it was around rush hour here so the stations were very busy.  Once we got to the opening of Victoria Station, I was seperated from the rest of my group.  I went back to see if I could find them but I decided to head back because the place was very packed.  They got to VH shortly  after I did and we parted ways.  It was nice to meet more people in the program and talk to them for a little while.  Joel actually goes to Central and knows some of my friends and people I went to high school with.  Small connection there. 
I finally got to my room and took my shoes off when I was off to go to the grocery store.  I bought more food this time that should be good for me.  I bought two cheese pizza's (that are actually pretty good and don't take a long time to cook), I got four chicken breasts, pasta sauce, two things of cheese tortellini and a 2 litre of orange fanta (1 pound, I might add), and some cheese so I can make grilled cheese sandwiches.  After dinner I came up to my room and it was relaxing for the rest of the night.  Ah, I cannot forget, I borrowed a dvd from reception.  Little Britain, best British show ever.  If anyone reading likes a good laugh, with an accent, you need to find Little Britain somewhere and get it.  If my roommate hadn't been in the room or the walls so thin I am sure I would have laughed much louder.  Jenny and Morgan would have enjoyed that ;) 

I am getting anxious and excited to start our first classes this week.  It's been more than a month since I've gotten up and actually done stuff during the day.  Besides trips to Des Moines and around MI.  I am ready for the weather to warm up (it will be a while) so I can start getting out more and walking around this city I am calling home for the next few months.  Things are different in London and I am ready to face that head on (hopefully).  It's going to be a challenge, but that's a reason I'm here.  To learn more and to chellenge myself with new things.  I have to get out there on my own and start to learn to do things on my own.  As much as I would love to live under parents for a while, I know that won't be able to happen.  Sorry mom and dad ;)  Have a good day, evening, or night.  Until I write again.  Cheers

Thursday was a little more eventful than the day before.  I woke up a little earlier than Wednesday and got ready for the day.  I walked to Clinton Cards on Victoria Street, a couple stores down from Sainsbury, and got a valentines day card for Joe, and then saw one of the coolest birthday cards.  Which will go to Jenny, since I have a card for my sister already and I don't know who else is having a birthday soon.  I then headed over to Sainsbury to buy bread and peanut butter.  Once I got back to Vandon House I went straight to the dining area and made myself a sandwich.  Not too bad, the peanut butter is a little different and the bread is thinner and much softer.  At least with the bread I bought.
I sat around until Joe got on around 1 or so and talked with him for a while.  I took a short nap and I did not want to wake up.  I know I need to get into a better sleep schedule though.  Mostly because if I don't get some sleep on Tuesday nights, then Wednesday's are going to kill me! 
Again, for supper I had noodles.  This time I don't think I ate even half of them.  I really need buy some more food :s  After supper we got ready for The Lion King!  It was playing in the West End, so it should be good :)
We took the tube to the West End and only had to walk a little ways.  It was just slightly sprinkling when walking.  Not enough for me to get my umbrella out.  I have brought it with me, though, wherever I go.  I have it in the bottom of my purse, for emergencies.  Anyway, back to The Lion King...I really enjoyed there set and the costumes were fantastic.  I did get a picture of the curtain, so here it is.

Very cool set, like I said earlier.  As for the play, I actually did not like it as much as I thought I would.  The songs were very amazing, the group ones.  As Mark said the little kids weren't that good.  He would have expected more out of children in a West End musical.  It was a good show to see once.  I am glad that I finally saw it though.  I saw a sign while in a Tube station about the musical after The Phantom of the Opera.  I may have to try and get tickets to it.  It would be very interesting to see.  On Leicester Square they have a place that you can buy discount tickets, and since I am a student here I can get them for a little bit cheaper.  After the play we headed back to Vandon House where I settled in for the evening.  Got ready for bed at a reasonable hour (for me, haha).  Until next time. Cheers

A not so exciting day in London

Wednesday was a free day, except for the people who had advising meetings with Mark and Beth.  So, pretty much all day was a free day except from 4:15-whenever the meeting was done.  The night before my roommate and I didn't get to bed until about 3, so we definitely slept in.  I had set my alarm for 8:30 so I could maybe grab breakfast, but once it started beeping I turned it off and went back to sleep.  Of course with this alarm I actually have to shut it off and not just hit the top, so the alarm went off again.  Not happy.  Kylie finally got up around 10:30 or so.  I laid in bed until she got out of the bathroom then slowly lifted myself to a sitting position.  That was probably around 11.  Still pretty groggy so I sat in bed for a while.  Turned on the telly and surfed some internet.  Around midday (noon) I got up and finally showered.  Joe got online around 2 so we chatted for a bit. Around 3:40 I went and got my computer checked out by an IT guy.  I have the good anti-virus software.  Go BV!  It's the anti-virus software his company recommends and uses.  I'm awesome like that.  My computer is now set up to print to the building so that's handy.  I took my computer back to my room then headed for my interview.  I got there a little early so I decided to check out the conference room at the end of the hall.  There are about 4-5 bookshelves full of books.  I got quite excited.  I popped my head into the hall a few times to make sure the girl ahead of me hadn't left yet.  She was still in there talking, even though it was past 4:15, eh.  I went back and checked out more of the books.  One shelf is full of English literature books, almost like heaven.  Though I haven't read even half of them.  I was eyeing all the ones that I want to read.  Around 4:30 I head back to the hall and sit in the chair, waiting to go in.  Finally the girl leaves and I head in and sit.  I tell them about how it's hard for me to adjust because I don't know anyone there.  And some people already have friends here and have known for a while.  Of course there are people here that don't know anyone, but they're much better at making friends and just going out and talking.  I'm hoping that once classes start it will get easier, maybe even after a few trips we take it will get easier.  Fringers crossed!
Mark went over my schedule with me and on Wednesday's I have three classes.  Two are at London Metropolitan University (LMU) and the other will be at an art gallery somewhere around this city.  Guess what my schedule will be like?  LMU in the morning, off to an art gallery, and then LMU back in the evening.  Yay.  So I will probably have about a 12 hour day with classes and traveling.  At least I'll get to know the city more.  I also asked if we could borrow books from the conference room, we can!  When my meeting is over I grabbed Rosenvrantz and Guildenstern are Dead by Tom Stoppard and then head up to my room and back down to the dining room since I really hadn't eaten all day, whoops.  I make myself some noodles (again).  I sat by myself at first since I was the only in there, but more girls come in to cook, they did invite me to sit with them, so that was nice.  After dinner I went up to my room and just relaxed.  Looked through more of my books on London, wondering where I should go and what I should do.  I have started a list, I just have to go out and do things now.  I sent some emails to people from back home.  I sent one to Nancy Marshall who i work for at school, checking up on Student Services and telling her about my time here and then one to Jerry Johnson, one of my professors at school.  Around 9:30 I head to the conference room to talk with my parents via skype.  I left so I wouldn't have to bother Kylie.  After talking with my parents I talked with Joe, then he took his computer over to my old suite and I got to talk to Jemy!!! (Jenny ;)  Saw Carrie, and made a full of myself when I called Dani, Cassidy.  Uh Oh.  That will take some time.  Later on in the conversation I got to see Tricia as well.  Nice to know that the girls are the same ;)  Miss them!  After talking for a little bit longer it was "past" my bed time.  I need to get into the habit of going to bed at a decent hour and not sleeping in so late.  :s  I'll work on it.  Neighbors loud again, so I had to use my earplugs so I could actually get to sleep!  Hopefully it gets better, or hopefully I get the courage to tell them to please quiet down or go to the lounge.  We'll see.  Hope whoever is reading this has a fantastic day!  Cheers

Australia day

Yesterday was somewhat eventful, at least part of the morning.  Ok, only for a little bit.  In the morning we had orientation at London Metropolitan University.  We take the tube there and it's about 2 tube changes.  Also, takes about 30 minutes to get there.  We are led to one of there lecture rooms I'm assuming.  Seating is very different.  The seats are stuck so you can't move them.  Think about it like movie theater seating.  But the seats are about a foot wide and if someone is sitting right next to you, you can't move.  Not very fun.  I'm assuming other rooms are like that since that room was that way.  If that makes any sense.  They had a presentation for us which took about 45 minutes, a paper to fill out and some papers to hand out.  On our way out we picked up our packets with a little handbook in and our student ID card.  I am coming back to the states with tons of papers and cards.  Hopefully some little knick knacks too.  After orientation Kylie and I did a little "exploring".  We hoped a bus outside the building and went to find Upper Street.  Which supposedly is a nice street to walk on.  A lot of different shops and such.  We got lost before we made it there though.  We got off the bus at the Highbury & Islington station stop.  You can't see a street sign for Upper Street when you get off so we kept walking.  Finally we crossed the street and headed down Canonbury Street, I think it's a street.  We found a map and then found out we were just a street over from Upper street.  We walked down that and made it to Angel Station so we hopped onto the tube and went back to Victoria station where we got off.  Once Kylie and I got off at Victoria we made our way to the Carphone Warehouse.  This is where we bought ourselves phones for 4.95 pounds (don't know where to find the sign). 

Of course, it was a little more because they added 10 pounds, it's like a pay as you go sort of phone.  We then headed down Victoria to Strutton Ground. But first we stopped at Boots, a beauty, pharmacy place.  I got a comb, because I forgot one :s and then a hairdryer!  At Strutton Ground they have a small market.  They had a couple fruit stands, food stands and a guy selling cheap purses, someone selling clothes and two stands selling shoes.  I may have to invest.  I did tell Gretchen I wouldn't come back wearing tight jeans and boots, but I do need to invest in something, maybe new shoes.  At the end of the market, or that block there is a fish&chips shop.  I told my dad I would eat some for him so I went in and bought some.  I ended up getting cod and chips.  I didn't know what type of fish so I stuck with that one.  On our way back up the street Kylie got some fruit and off we were back to Vandon House.  I went straight to the dining room when we got back because I didn't want my fish and chips getting colder. 

It was not as good as I was hoping.  So it is nothing like Long John Silvers!  haha  It wasn't too bad though. I should have got some ketchup for the chips though.  And it needed a little more salt.  After eating I washed my dishes and headed up stairs to my room.  I took out my phone and put the battery in and messed around with it for a while figuring it all out.  Then eventually I got a little tired, so I took a nap, as did Kylie.  We slept for a very long time.  I slept for at least a couple hours if not maybe more.  Pasta for supper, I used butter tonight instead of that sauce. When I finished eating i came back to my room and relaxind some more.  Yay for relaxing!  That night it was somebodies birthday and Australia day so some of us went to the Walkabout bar.  It was a long wait, at least 45 minutes.  Some people went to a pub instead, someone had to get up early for an interview.  I wasn't really looking forward to this club.  It would have been fun except for waiting out in the cold (again, we don't get along) and then when we got in we had to pay 7 pounds, that's a lot of money.  At the coat check it was 1.50 pounds.  Not cool either.  I didn't buy anything to drink, because, well, I spent enough money getting into the place.  The floor was ridiculously sticky and gross.  Parts of the place smelled, pecifically by the men's restroom and it was grounded up the wazoo.  Some people danced and I tagged along to the dance floor where I pretty much shifted my wait from foot to foot.  I was tempted to just leave.  Finally one of the girls I kind of know, Chelsea suggested we get in line for coats, since the band was only playing a couple more songs and it would have gotten crowded.  The line was already long but after 5-10 minutes we finally got our coats and were on our way to get back.  We were going to take a bus since we thought the Tube would be closed.  So we crossed the street to one bus stop, figured we had to be at the other bus stop down the street and across it.  So we crossed again and went to that bus stop.  A bus stopped and we asked the guy about what bus we could take to get back, and so yet again we were about to cross the street one more time when I did notice people going into the tube.  So I mentioned that to everyone and off we were to the tube.  Which was open, fantastic!  Much easier and much warmer :)  Finally we made it back to Vandon House.  I messed around on my computer some, since people were slowly trickling in and being quite loud, I wouldn't have been able to get to sleep anyway, besides that long nap in the afternoon.  After it settled down a little I headed to bed.  A good nights sleep it was.  Until next time.  Cheers

My new home...

My second day in London wasn't too bad.  We had orientation in the morning, just across the way.  That was almost two hours.  Mark, the director, talked to us about the programme and what to expect.  A metropolitan police officer came and talked to us for a little while as well.  He was pretty funny and I enjoyed listening to him.  After our orientation some of us headed to a tube station to fill up our oyster cards.  They are the cards we use to get onto buses or the tube.  I like them a lot more than what people use for the metro and the subway.  Then it was lunch time.  They had rolls, ham, and various vegetables and salads that we could make sandwiches with.  I stuck with my roll and ham.  At 1:30 we headed out for a little walk of London.  We went to St. James Park station and got on the tube to Tower Hill.  We got off there and met up with a tour guide.  There were supposed to be two tour guides but one got a bloody nose at the last minute and it wouldn't stop.  So one guy showed us around and talked to about 52 of us.  A little difficult to hear at times, and he had some very interesting things to say!   We walked through some park in front a building :s Yikes!  I wish I could remember names.  It was right across the street from Tower of London.  So amazing.  Our tour guide actually has an ancestor who escaped from the Tower of London, and one that was also killed.  Awesome roots none the less.  We also saw a little stone square, I'll call it a small stone court.  Where I believe they used to cut peoples heads off at, they had stones that had the names of the people killed at that spot and the year they were killed as well.  Then off we were to get closer to the Tower of London, very big.  I didn't realize how huge it was.  Then we walked the bank a little to get closer to the London Bridge.  Which is actually the fifth London Bridge.  And...the bridge that Shakespeare walked on had nine pillars into the water.  The river used to be much wider then, hard to believe.  We walked a little courtyard area a little off from the bridge, it was by a church, and in the courtyard they actually had snoes from the 3rd and 4th bridges.  I believe those are the right numbers.  I got a picture of the stone that came from the bridge Chaucer and Shakespeare walked on :)

Pretty awesome, no?  Off we were then to look at the statue they built in memory of the Great Fire.  Now, I remember reading some guys diary about the day the Great Fire started.  If anyone can remember please let me know!  Thanks!  I want to say Sam something...Peeps? :s  We took the tube then to Embankment where we got off and walked through a park that actually used to be part of the river.  Oh, and we also saw the oldest thing in London, Cleopatra's Needle, I need to go bank, not because of that but what I am about to say.  We then headed up to Covent Garden where the church in the square, St. Pauls' Church :s, was where Eliza Doolittle might have sat.  By the pillars of the church.  Then of to part of the theatre district.  That is why I am coming back there!  The street we walked down had a whole bunch of books shops, for antique books and I think newer books.  Fantastic, it was!   The guide showed us where we can buy discount tickets for shows, I may have to use that sometime :)  We walked to Trafalgar Square, didn't spend much time there, but we'll be back, and take a picture on the giant lions!  We walked by Gordon Brown's house, well kind of, we saw the back of it, he lives at 10 Downing St.  Nothing like where Hugh Grant lived in Love Actually.  I can't remember what building it was by, something to do with the guards and soldiers.  Horse guards I think...Horse Guards Parade.  Also walked by the Cabinet War Rooms.  We walked through part of St. James Park, up through (ahhh, boy does this London map come in handy! Thanks Rachel.) Anne's Gate I believe it is.  Named after Queen Anne.  Then we headed back to Vandon House.  It was a nice tour and I enjoyed it greatly.  I can't wait to go and explore more of the theatre district and Leicester Square.  Pretty much just go and explore more. 

When we returned to Vandon House we all went our seperate ways.  After relaxing a bit.  A few girls and myself made our way to the grocery store.  I got a bag of noodles, butter, Honey Cheerios, and creamy sauce for lasagna that I used as alfredo sauce.  It's not very good.  I should eat it anyways though :p  After that I came to my room sat around a bit looked at some maps and read through some booklets then I headed downstairs to see what was going on in the lounge.  We watched Glee, a very old episode, and then we switched to Hell's Kitchen because nothing else was on.  They do not censor here :s  A lot of F-words!  Oh well.  I'm out for now, I'll update you about today later!  Cheers

Day 1 photos...

Saying goodbye to my family.  Or really, see you later.  Rachel and I.

Matt, me and Amy.

Mom and I before I left for my plane.

On to London :)

Part of Buckingham Palace.

Part of the giant fountain in front of Buckingham Palace.

Big Ben and the London Eye, in the background.

Big Ben and a bridge.

Part of the House of Parliament.

The London Eye, on the south bank.

More to come of course!  I am thinking I won't take too many pictures the first few days.  I'll wait until I go exploring more later.  There is so much I want to see, as well as go other places.  Oh how the time will fly. Cheers

London calling...

I am finally here!  Well I've been here since the AM, but I am now writing to you all.  First I will start with yesterday (the 23rd of January).  For the past week I had the things I was going to bring with me laid out.  Of course, I didn't start actually packing until Saturday morning.  To anyone who is planning on being out of the country for four months, pack in advance!  We had trouble with weighing issues, but we figured it all out.  We ended up not leaving the house until about 12.  Which was later than we were planning.  Of course no troubles with security at the DSM airport so it would have been fine to not be so early.  I said goodbye to my mom, Rachel, Matt and Amy.  Then headed off on my adventure.  Once I got to my gate I called my dad and Joe.  We boarded and I read some and slept some on the two hour flight to Detroit.  Once in Detroit I went to my next terminal, found where my gate was and went in search of food.  I called my dad again to let him know I was safe, called Joe and tried Gretchen, but she was stubborn and didn't answer ;)  She called me back though.  I ended up getting McDonald's, I didn't even eat all of it.  I took it on the plane with me though and munched on it while we were taxi-ing. (right word?)  I went through the list of movies that were available for us to watch, so many good ones!  I ended up quickly texting a couple people telling them I might not end up sleeping because they had a lot of movies to watch.  The plane finally took off and I started watching the movie Adam.  Very good, look it up.  During that movie we got our supper.  Teriyaki chicken, with mashed potatoes, salad, roll, and a cookies 'n cream brownie.  Also, a three ounce water, strange.  The chicken was ok, I forgot that there were mashed potatoes, so when I saw other people eating them I thought it was cheese.  It was a long day, don't judge.  I then watch Four Christmases and then Love Happens.  Both good movies, both happy endings.  Just what I love.  After those movies were over we still had two hours of the flight left.  I decided to try and sleep.  I don't know how well it actually went. 
After finally arriving into Heathrow airport you have to go through the UK Border.  Well, since I didn't turn some things in with my visa application, whoops, I was then refused a visa.  The UK Border Agency finds that suspicious.  I had to sit on some benches next to some Indian kids who were also having trouble.  the guy eventually got back and I got to go through.  I need more paperwork of some sort though.  I'll have to remember to email someone about that.  The good thing about having to wait, I didn't have to wait for the luggage to come out.  It was already waiting for me.  I left the baggage claim area and ran into a couple other people who were headed to Vandon House as well.  One, Hannah, I met over facebook and recognized her so that helped.  We got on a shuttle and off we were into London.  We arrived safely to Vandon House, got our packets and went to our rooms.  I am on the first floor, so that is nice.  Only one flight of stairs, well two but they're both small.  I met my roommate today and she seems very nice.  I think we'll get along just well.  Our room is big, with little storage, unfortunate.  We have our own bathroom, and it even has a tub, that I can straighten my legs in!  No shower though, but it's right across the hall which is very handy.  I didn't fully unpack until this evening.  I was tired and worn out.  A few of us girls decided to go for a little walk around London.  We are about 200 metres away from Buckingham Palace, it's beautiful!  We then walked part of St. James Park, which has a lot of ducks, pigeons, and pelicans in.  Then we headed off toward Big Ben, Westminster and saw Parliament and the London Eye.  We walked along the south bank of the Thames for a bit and then crossed back over the river to find our way back.  Kind of confusing :s  I'll get the hang of it once I walk around more.  It was 2 PM when we got back so my roommate and I took a little nap.  Well sort of.  I awoke around 4 because the girls next door are a little loud :s and these walls must be paper thin because I can hear them talking now.  I woke my roommate up at 5 so we could go down and eat.  We had Dominoes pizza.  Not enough cheese, also the Sprite tastes different here.  I'll get used to these things though.  We ate and sat in the lounge because there were too many for the dining room area.  At six we met up with the head guy, Mark Simmons, who took us around the "block", not a block at all.  He showed us places we can get food, phones, and other things we want.  Vandon House really is in a great location.  I love be able to go outside and know that if I walk 5/10 minutes in one direction I will be by the river around amazing sites.  After our little walk we went to a pub.  Most people got Strong Bow, which is a cidder, that I'd tried before, so I went for something else.  I tried Pimm's and lemonade.  Pimm's is a drink my cousin brought around at Christmas and told me they drink it here, so I thought I would try it.  I got back to my room maybe around 8 PM my time and decided to unpack.  Which is good because my suitcase was lying right by the door so you couldn't open it very far.  We are now just lying in our beds, not that tired anymore.  I may turn on the TV, I want to see what British television is like.  Here are some pictures below of what I've seen, and what I hope to see more of!  I will add pictures later.  Cheerio!

Leaving on a jet plane...

I woke up about 8:30 this morning, figuring I'd get up and finish packing and shower and such.  That didn't happen.  I have yet to finish packing.  It's going to be one of those things where I'm freaking out at the last minute because I hope I won't forget anything.  We'll see.  If not, I'll be back in March for my brother's wedding.  I think I do have enough energy in me for now to get the rest of my laundry upstairs and to rush packing and showering.  Yikes!  I should be in London the next time I write.  Hope everyone has a good day.  Mine is going to be long.  Cheerio

5 days

Today was quite eventful.  For the past few days I knew that I had something from the British Consulate in Chicago.  The package had been waiting in Des Moines for me for a few days now since no one was at home to sign for it.  I get the package...well I have my passport finally.  No visa, how dumb, long story.  Oh well, I just can't do an internship now.  I am trying to look on the bright side of things.  Some good things of not having an internship: not having to dress up, possibly a free day :)  A bad thing though, I don't get that awesome experience of working somehwere abroad, and I spent a lot of money applying for that visa.  Now, I can explore more of London, except I do kind of dislike wandering around places by myself.  Maybe this trip will help me grow a little in that sense.  I'm getting excited.  I was looking through the calendar for the spring.  We will be doing some pretty awesome stuff that I am very excited for.  Except a couple I won't be able to make.  Three things that I would have loved to have done.  I am not able to though because I have to come back for my brother's wedding.  I'll eventually get over the fact that I am unable to go on a ghost walk, have an Indian meal with all the students and take a tour of Parliament!  I am sure I will have another Indian meal and probably pay for a tour.  I am not sure if I'm able to do that.  We will see though.  I am quite excited to go to Canterbury.  After reading Chaucer's Canterbury Tales a couple different times I think it's only fair that I go visit.  Also, Brighton, mostly because it's mentioned in Pride and Prejudice.  I doubt Mr. Darcy will be there, but one can only hope. 
I've started to lay things out that I am planning on taking with me.  Right now I don't think it's a lot, but I'm sure there will be more to come.  It's going to be an interesting few days, packing and all, but it will probably go by fast.  For now, it's time for me to watch some Family Guy and then off to bed.  Wow, 5 days and I'll be in London!  Cheers

So close...yikes!

I have a little more than one week before I head off to the somewhat cold city of London.  I received notice that my visa has been sent back to me, since my sister works during the day and no one else is at the house, the visa is going to be waiting in Des Moines for me to pick up, within 5 business days.  Also, my computer should be back to me Friday night!  2FIX called me this afternoon saying it was done and I am having Vince bring it down to me when we all go to Morgan's for her birthday party. I will now hopefully be able to have a webcam when I'm in London, so I can talk to people and actually see them!  I had to get a new hard drive, but all worth it. 
I am not sure I want to go back to Newton, that means that I leave in a week.  I'm already missing my friends, and wondering what they're all up to this "fine" January.  I know I'll make new ones, but I like the ones I have already ;)  It's going to be a good semester though :)  I am excited to travel and see new places, maybe old ones.  I wouldn't mind going back to Paris, or even to see my friend David, though I don't know what he'll be up to this spring.  I definitely would like to see more of Germany.  Ok, I pretty much want to see the whole world, but that will come soon enough ;) 
I think this is all I will write for tonight.  It's not much, and kind of a meaningless entry.  But my night was not how I expected.  I got to see The Money Pit though, with Tom Hanks in, hilarious!  I recommend it, definitely.  Cheers for now!

2 weeks

I leave two weeks from today.  That's kind of nerve racking.  I am trying not to think about it.  I have things to do before that time arrives.  I got a very nice call the other night, my mom had found an article about a movie studio Holland, MI.  I had decided to send them my resume for a possible internship in the summer.  That was back in November or early December.  I hadn't heard anything, until a few nights ago.  The guy who I sent my resume to was looking through all of his emails and he had stumbled upon mine.  He called, and perfect timing as well.  I'm in MI for another week!  I have an interview set up for Tuesday the 12th.  Only bad thing, I had to buy clothes for it :s  I didn't know I'd have an interview so I only brought jeans and t-shirts, no nice clothes. 
I'm enjoying my time in St. Joseph.  Today my parents and I went cross country skiing.  It had been years since I had done that, one of the last times I was in Wisconsin, and that really has been years.  I will be nice and sore tomorrow.  I did go on ahead with my dad and one of his work friends to do the red trail.  There was a hill that went down and then curved.  You can't really turn in cross country ski's.  I walked sideways for part of it then eventually skiied the rest of the way down.  I did pretty well on the other hills though; I'm a pro! ;) 
I'm ready to get back to Newton, but I'm going to miss relaxing.  Can't wait until I graduate :p but then I'll have to get a job. (boo)  So really I can't wait until next January ;)  Heading home Friday so I can make it to my friends 21st birthday party.  Pretty excited, but not looking forward to leaving a day or so earlier.  Then the next week is full of packing and getting things organized.  Heading to Des Moines so I can get some money exchanged to pounds instead of dollars.  Then some more little things I need to do.  I did get some new luggage, but I may be taking a much bigger suitcase than the one I got :s  I don't know.  We will have to see how many things I take.  Stupid packing for four months.  Not fair, haha.  All right, I'm of to finish watching Gladiator with the parents.  Ah, Russell Crowe ;)  And of course fighting!  Cheerio everyone, stay safe. :)

Necessities

First off, I am not one for packing light.  What does studying abroad consist of?  Packing light.  So, when I finally decide to start packing it is going to be tough.  I can't bring along my Best Friend Bear (those of you who have been in my room or on my bed know of whom I'm speaking of), I can't bring my collection of hooded sweatshirts or my amazing piles of t-shirts.  I just can't.  As much as I would "love" to drag 3+ giant suitcases with me to London, I highly doubt that is allowed.  Yesterday while lying on my parents leather couch in Michigan, multi-tasking between watching the snow fall, the television, and the computer, I started to write myself a list of things I needed for my trip and what I was going to take along.  I am cutting back on t-shirts, I don't think many people in London where regular t-shirts; I decided to take 5-10.  Reasonable number, yes?  I hope so.  As for jeans, I have too many of those, but I'll take the ones that don't have holes in undisclosed areas, I swear I don't know how the holes got there.  The other things are nicer clothes that I'll bring along. 
While searching for an adapter at Target today, I came upon compression bags for packing.  I got so excited I bought a pack.  A family pack to be exact.  I hope they work and I am ready to try them; hopefully they live up to their expectations, from me at least.  We didn't get an adapter, so I believe my dad will go hunting for one with my mom and I this weekend.  Another, sort of, necessity would be a webcam.  I have siblings, and some friends, I would love to Skype with here in the states.  Of course when I tried to install the one I, recently, bought on January 1st, no such luck.  Well, I could install, I just could not install the camera portion.  Which is pretty much the main part.  After having Joe and William try for hours to get it fixed, nothing.  Not even installing my parents webcam would work.  We decided that a trip to best buy was in order, so they could hopefully figure out what was going on.  Something was definitely messed up with my usb drives.  After the very nice gentleman at the geek squad desk spent two hours looking at my computer, uninstalling and reinstalling drives, we figured out what was wrong.  Stupid Windows.  Something is wrong with it.  It will read what you put in the usb, but it just won't work.  Grrr indeed!  After talking with two very awesome friends of mine who work at 2fix, they believe they can fix my Windows problem, so off to the post office tomorrow to send in my 50 pound computer to school so they can fix it.  Awesome.  Hopefully it doesn't break on the way there, or even the way back.  And, hopefully they can fix it and not have to give me a new hard drive. 
This post kind of ended up as a way to get out my frustration on the stupid webcam, but none the less I have purchased some of the things I'll need for London.  Yet, I still have tons to do :s  Goodness gracious how the time flies.  19 days now, but still so much to do...Cheerio for now :)

3 weeks

I have exactly three weeks before I leave for London.  I have a lot of mixed up feelings about that.  I am quite excited.  I know that this is a great opportunity for me; I can't help but still be scared.  I know no one that is going to London with the program.  I have one connection with a girl though.  My friend Jessie attends Central College where one of her friends from there is also going to London, so that will be nice.  For my next two weeks in the states I will be enjoying two of those weeks in St. Joseph, Michigan with my parents.  Getting over this cold, purchasing things for my trip, and just relaxing.  Then I'll be back to Newton for my last week, packing most likely.  How I dread packing, especially thinking of having to pack for 4 months.  I always tend to over pack :s  Not a good thing.  I also have two good friends who are studying abroad as well.  One in Vienna and the other in Rome.  I am hoping to be able to go an see them, but of course money is tight.  We will see though.  I am excited to go traveling.  I have heard from many people to go to Wales, Scotland and Ireland.  I would definitely love to get back to Germany and visit more of the northern part of the country, as well as many other countries as well.  As for now, it is supper time.  Cheerio everyone :)