End of Semester Holiday

Having left the manor with tears streaming down my face in almost uncontrollable sobs, I didn't want to admit that it was the end. If felt like a weekend and now although I hate to admit it, I know it's over. I'll be in the UK for less than 24 hours and then I'm back to America. How will I survive the boredom? 

Over the past week I have gotten to experience Amsterdam and a small town in a southern part of Holland. While staying in the small town of Cuijk with hosts that graciously took me around I got to experience many different cities and things. Whether I was trying Kapsalon or rainbow trout, I was constantly doing different things. I got to visit Bonn, Germany the birthplace of Beethoven and see his house and another German city of Aachen and see things Charlemagne had had built. It was amazing. Then I got to be in three countries at the same time. Belgium, Holland, and Germany all connect up on this hilly area and there are lookout towers and activities. It was pretty to look out and see Belgium one way a country I learned I loved this semester and then go back to Germany and Holland with just a few steps. 

I also got to see multiple cities within Holland and see the many different areas. I had experienced the canal city of Amsterdam and all it'e craziness but found that I liked the passing countryside much more and the smaller cities. 

Now as I'm heading back to London to retrieve the bag I left behind and head to Heathrow, I'm convinced that I'll never actually let this adventure end. I already have places I want to explore more or again. I want to show people the hidden gems of the cities I fell in love with. I have countless notes throughout the travel journal I have and I can't wait until I get to come back to Europe and use it as the best guide: my experiences that made me who I am now. I faced a lot this semester, whether it was missing a flight, train delays, traffic, crazy people, a fight with a friend, making new friends I'd have to leave, or climbing on top of an English manor, I know now that sometimes the craziest things that scare me the most will turn out to be my most treasured memories.

I won't treasure all the Megabus Chronicles but I will definitely remember how it got me through four countries in one day and that I met some weird people through it. I learned how to survive sleepless weekends and that when you don't want to use the grossest bathroom you've ever seen you can hold it for 4 more hours.

T-minus a day until I return to America and can't figure out what time it is anywhere for a week. I can't wait to have an ice cold fountain drink with free refills and Mexican food and the luxury of being able to drive. And until next time Europe. I will come back, it's not a question of will I but when will I? Who knows, maybe I'll find a way to study abroad again!! 

Bise Bise

Pains of Leaving

Driving away from the manor is the hardest when you don't know if you'll ever come back. We can hope and wish but you never know. 

Luckily last night was the perfect way to go out. With my roommates and a few other friends we scaled the roof and to the very top. And last night there was a meteor shower. It was do beautiful. I've never seen so many stars, let alone a meteor shower. I was so terrified because I was so high up but I was literally on top of a castle. I am so glad we climbed up there. #YOHO 

My war wounds from the stuff I've done the past week are reminders that even if there's nothing to do, there's something to do. My elbows, knees, legs, and a few spots on my face are proof that at Harlaxton you do things you'd never think. 

I had been studying for two days straight and the break from it and packing was much needed. My roommates were perfect. I couldn't have gotten a better luck of the draw. We all became so close at the end. And then I became so close with people from other schools. Telling them goodbye is the hardest part. It broke the dam. The tears still haven't really stopped. I don't know how to leave behind this semester. You can't just pack up Harlaxton in a bag. If you could it wouldn't be here. I'm so sad to be leaving. This semester had changed me so much. I'm excited for the adventures to come in the next week. They will be fun but also hard because I won't be returning to this beautiful manor. The journey I've been on has taught me a lot. 

This is a thank you to everyone who helped me along the way. I'm so grateful for this experience. 

Now onto Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Hopefully I find a map soon after arriving. 

Bise Bise

Does it have to end?

Today was the last day of British Studies. Our last SGA event is tonight. Everything is ending. Today the tears started because no one wants to leave. 

A few of us have started to pack, but we don't want to. We're having to check out. The bins for stuff we don't want or need any more are out ready to be filled. But why does it have to end? Why do we have to leave this amazing semester which has had magnificent weather? Why must we return back to our respective schools, when we have made such amazing friendships here? You can't make us leave. Even the raging goose that could probably kill all of us won't scare us into leaving. 

When I look back at all I've learned, it amazes me how much you can learn. This semester has taught me a lot about the world, myself, and others. I may have wanted to sleep through class on an occasion or two because I had stayed up late watching movies or just talking with friends or my roommates, but each day has taught me more and more. I guess we have to leave so that others have a chance to experience all that Harlaxton has to offer. Maybe we have to leave because we won't really know what we've learned until we're gone, but I think we have to leave because there's a larger lesson waiting for us. That although we never want to leave this gorgeous manor with amazing views, sunsets, and people, to return to a place that hasn't changed as much as we have, but enough to make everything weird. 

Having school five days a week will be hard. Not going to a new country or exploring a city will be even worse. What will be the hardest though, is knowing that here we got to do so much and still never did enough. I know that the travel bug has hit me hard. The thought of staying in one place for an entire summer even just makes me cringe. So someone tell me why I have to leave my castle on a hill? Tell me how to go back to America and live a life where I don't see a new country or befriend people from all over the world on at least a weekly basis. Then I may be coaxed into leaving. 

It's strange how any other semester we would all be dying for classes to end, but here we don't. We don't like the homework and exams but it means that the semester is over. Tonight we have Karaoke and after that there's only a few classes and exams. I'm excited for my travel after my exams but I'm so sad to be leaving. 

I'll either find a place to hide in the manor or accept that I'm not facing the world without Harlaxton, I'm just facing it after Harlaxton has changed me. 

Bise Bise

Winding Down but not Settling Down

This past weekend was the last weekend of the semester. Well we have finals this coming weekend so it was the last real weekend. It was crazy and fun but also humbling. It started with Thursday night at the Collegiate choir performance. It was all about the last time of this or the end of the semester. There were tears all around. It finally dawned on me that I'm in England. It's crazy that it took this long but it did. That night a lot of the college went out into Grantham. It was so much fun to hang out with everyone. The next morning was rough for a lot of people because we left at 8am to go on out London field trip. 

When we arrived in London I was given a tour of St. Paul's Cathedral by Dr. Kingsley. I didn't learn a lot for the exam but I learned a lot of fun information. Then I walked with two of my roommates down to the national galleries to see some portraits of people we've studied and since we had time to kill we got to see some of my favorite painters as well. Then I met up with some other friends to go to Tate Moderne and see some modern art. I didn't really like most of it but I saw some Picasso, Modrian, van Goh, and Monet so I was happy. Then we came back to the manor and I slept for what felt like days. 

Saturday was a blast. All day long the whole manor was getting ready for the costume ball. It was like getting ready for a formal, only better. We started with a reception to celebrate the Gatsberade and then got dinner. After dinner it was time to dance. Spice Girls to Cha Cha Slide to Cupid Shuffle to Kesha helped is dance the night away. Then a group of us went up to my room and hung out. After chatting for a while we hiked into the woods to find one of the bunkers that the British had used to hide from the Germans during the world wars. It was cold and dark but also a ton a fun. Then we rolled down a hill and it was the most perfect roll down a hill ever. Then I slept for hours and hours. Then I spent all of Sunday in bed watching ridiculous movies. 

This being the last week of classes ad I don't like it. I don't want to leave this magical place. I don't want all the new friends to disappear or my roommates and I to have different schedules. I'm going to miss cuddle puddles and group nap time and just going for a hike in the woods at 1am because we're bored. 

This semester is almost over but the impact of it is only just beginning. 

Bise Bise

PICTURE UPDATE :D

Throwing with the Eiffel Tower. NBD. 

Trocadero

Spring time in Paris is beautiful

Louvre photo shoot 

 A light for my loved ones passed away

smug mona lisa selfie

I MET CINDERELLA AT DISNEYLAND PARIS

Throwing photo session at Eiffel Tower

Life's a Beach

Well it's April. Any other year that would be a welcome statement. Actually probably any other time the months changing would be ok. Except here. Time has gone by so fast. We can count the days no problem in how many we have left. So we're making the most of every second we have. There's so much to soak up and experience. SO MUCH. Like exploring all the areas of London we didn't know existed. Seeing the amazingness that is the north sea and just being in England. 

Friday was a shopping day. I actually probably shouldn't go shopping but I did really good. Like really good. I just got the things I needed. Which were presents for other people and one thing for me. I was so proud of myself. The problem is that London is so cute that you just want to buy every single thing and then you realize after being in a store for about 20 seconds that you're about to buy over $100 worth of stuff that you don't even like. Luckily I walked away from everything. I didn't even have to think about it. I've gotten to a really good point with my addiction to shopping. Like I'd rather handle finances planning a trip than in the store Primark. It's like crack for a shopaholic like myself. Also we avoid the kids section because everything is too dang adorable and it's so easy to think of a cute little kid that deserves all the dresses and shirts and leggings and shoes, etc. After visiting a super neat west end area of London that had some cute boutique style shops it was time to face Oxford Street. If you know anything about London you know that Oxford St is shopping heaven and tourist craziness. Literally the streets were packed at 1pm on a Friday. What? Don't you people work? Oh wait you're tourists. Gah. (More about that feeling later) Then after Oxford St it was time to go to a nice calm book store that made life easy again. Something that could be faced and handled. It was glorious. You walked in and could hear yourself think and breathe more than anything. It was wonderful. I wanted to buy all the books. That's why my Kindle is my best friend because I just get a bunch of free books and read all those. I read so fast that owning books is not ideal. I can read a book in hours rather than weeks for most people. But I just loved sitting and reading an actual book in an actual book store in London. It was so peaceful. Then it was come back and read books so that my mind could just be stress free. Planning out life is hard and trying to plan life in the US when you're in the UK is harder. 

So we were taking the Tube to the train station and this guy dropped his ticket and I had already placed my Oyster card on the sensor so the turn style locked up on me and I had to explain some dude had gotten me locked out to the worker and he fixed it but for real #LondonTourists. This guy like I know how to work the tube, come on. Stop being a tourist. (I feel like my life is complete when I feel like a local in a different country.) People asked us for directions and we were able to lead them there no problem. It was a great day of blending into London. Especially enjoying Chipotle because oh how every person at Harlaxton misses Mexican food more than anything. 

Saturday was nice in that I just woke up and went off. I went to Skegness with Madeline and loved it. Literally that city is so quaint and relaxing. We considered riding a ferris wheel and that was the excitement of the day. Just walking through sand and in the North Sea was glorious. I may have picked up a few too many sea shells up. Maybe 30. I literally said in all seriousness that 'I may have been a mermaid in a past life.' Which is not what Buzzfeed said but alas I feel that I was. But we continued just enjoying the life that was beach life. I did a message in a bottle and it was so fun trying to chuck a bottle out past the tide. I did :) then I walked under a pier. Which is one of those things you see people do in movies but does anyone actually do it? Well I did because You Only Harlaxton Once. Then it was time to see if we could find Madeline a dress or something for the costume ball coming up. Unsuccessful shopping lead to hunger which led to dinner. Then we figured when the next train back was and realized we could visit the beach once more. It was stressful and I was nervous we wouldn't make it but we did. I'm so glad we did because it was more gorgeous as the sun was beginning to start setting. It was marvelous. The water is freezing because well, it's the North Sea and is way too north to even think it could be luke-warm. The train ride back was fun and entertaining as we just laughed the whole way back. Then I finished reading a book and got to catch up on  my sleep. It's so nice to wake up without an alarm clocking quacking at me. 

Today in a secret event, that can later be discussed, we went outside. I decided to take a selfie with a goose. Well apparently you aren't supposed to look a goose in the eye. First mistake. Second breaking off eye contact. Third being with people who were afraid of geese. Well the goose decided we were all up in his space and decided to charge at us. When that happened the like 7 people I was with all fled in different directions screaming and jumping onto things. Apparently they had forgotten geese can fly. That goose continued to follow us around outside and then could sense us through the windows of the manor and was ready for us to come out and he would attack. Yup I now know that if a goose attacks they would try to eat me and that I am never looking a goose in the eye again. 

Well after all the excitement and loveliness of this weekend I should do my homework. Maybe or take another buzzfeed quiz or two. Oh wait I saw something earlier I wanted to look at... 

That's what this semester is, exploring buzzfeed while exploring the world. 

Bise Bise

City of Lights... and AMAZINGNESS

I would put this post all in French, but then no one would read it. Also, I'm so tired that I'd probably use the wrong grammar structures. But I'm so tired because everyday was packed with the beauty and culture that Paris has to offer. Each day I crammed a lot in but still had leisure time. I may have had a herd of sheep following me that didn't know why I was excited about things, but I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the city of Paris once more.

To get to Paris the school bused us to the train station in town, then the train took us to London, we then went across the street to the international train station to head to Paris. The travel was fast and efficient, well as fast and efficient as 40 Americans can be in place that most of them have never been to before. We got to our hotel and headed out to get groceries so that we could have dinner and settled in so that we could wake up early and explore the city. In the morning I started off by teaching everyone a little French so that they could buy a carnet so that we could take the metro. We started off on the Champs Elysees and found out that a Chinese diplomat or important person of some kind was in Paris and was having a parade of sorts for them from L'Arc de Triomphe. Then we saw the Arc de Triopmhe, from there we walked through a cute neighborhood were I found EXKI, my favorite cafe place from Belgium, and we had to stop. Next stop was Trocadero and seeing the Eiffel Tower. It was magnificent, partially because it was gorgeous out, but also because I WAS IN PARIS. After taking a ton, I mean a ton of pictures, of le Tour Eiffel, we went on to the Hotel les Invalides, where Napoleon's tomb is. We didn't go in because we are broke college students and I'm pretty sure no one wanted to pay to see a dead man's tomb. After that we went to Place de la Concorde and Tuilieries, the gardens outside the Louvre, and saw a lot of the pretty spring that was happening around us. From there we walked through the gardens stopping to take breaks to sit in the iconic green chairs and look at the flowers, fountains, sculptures, and gorgeous city around us. We then took photos outside the Louvre and were able to play around a little. Then we walked along the Seine to the lock bridge and took more pictures. After seeing all the locks we went to Notre Dame. My favorite and I got to see the gorgeous cathedral in the spring time as the sunshine shined through the stained glass onto the walls. It was magnificent. From there we walked past Hotel de Ville, the Centre Pompidou area, and then window shopped on the way back to the hotel. For dinner it was another picnic of sorts to save money, and after having thoroughly exhausting the group I lead around it was bed time.

The next morning we had less to see because we had seen a lot already. So we started at Sacre Coeur. After climbing up the steps - because it is necessary to enjoy the view and delicious treats at the top - we went into the gorgeous basilica that has an amazing mural over the altar. After I saw all of the pretty church it was time to explore Montmartre, the artsy and lovely part of northern Paris. All the shops were adorable and had amazing souvenirs but the best place was the ice cream shop that had dairy free sorbet. I enjoyed it a lot. Then I wandered to Moulin Rouge to see the famous red windmill. After seeing the large windmill it was time to head to the Galeries Laffayette to see the massive shopping center. I may not have known exactly where this place was, but with all the directions in pieces from people who didn't tell us the whole story, eventually we got there. It was massive and gorgeous but also extremely expensive so window shopping it turned into. Then from there we went to Musee d'Orsay. Two of the people I was travelling with wanted to go in regardless of whether or not we had to pay. Being a student with a British ID got us in for free, thanks Harlaxton ID. After seeing most of my favorite paintings and sculptures we headed back to the hotel for dinner before we'd head out to the Louvre. We got into the Louvre for free as a student after 6:30pm on a Friday night. It was nice to see it for free, especially with way less people. Then after wandering around we found a place to sit right outside the Tuilieries gardens to watch the Eiffel Tower light up on the hour. It was perfect, as usual. Then bed time because we were once again exhausted and the next day would be Disneyland Paris.

The next morning was little chaotic when trying to figure out where we would get picked up at by the bus but it was amazing after we realized the bus didn't have stop it just kind of stopped along the road at a point that it said was its stop. A 45 minute bus ride and we were at Disneyland Paris. The little kid freak out never stopped, well it did on the massive scary ride, but for the most part I was so excited to see everything. They had flower sculptures of so many Disney character sets it was perfect. And the castle was pretty. The first thing on the agenda was Princess Pavilion. It was a 2 hour wait to see princess and we survived it. As we were waiting for our turn to take the photo, Cinderella switched to one of the Princesses we got to meet. You only got to meet one so luckily it was worth while. After n amazing day it was bed time so that we could survive the trouble of travel nextime.

The final morning was a quick photo session at the Eiffel tower so that we could saying goodbye.

A bientot Paris, I'll return soon hopefully, after A LOT of sleep.




Bise Bise

Toora Loora Part 2

Because I loved Ireland so much I went back with a friend who hadn't been. It was just as magical. No matter what an Irishmen tells you about their singing habits, they sing: A LOT. 

I got to go on a PaddyWagon tour to the cliffs of Moher. I love, love, loved it. Seriously go on one. It's totally worth it. You see A TON of Ireland with the comfort of Wifi to upload pics to Instagram as you go. I took Megabus to Dublin and of course was exhausted from the late night connections and changes. But luckily the ferry had a really comfy leather bench for us to pass out on. When we got to Dublin, we had about an hour to kill until our pick up time. In case you were wondering not a lot of places are open before 6am. Luckily we found a Starbucks and got to get some caffeine and get freshened up. Then we loaded up on the big green bus with our bus driver John. It was peaceful to just relax and watch the millions of sheep graze as we drove across Ireland. We saw so many places, and my favorite was the baby cliffs. They're a smaller version of the iconic, massive cliffs of Moher. They're so much fun because you can go right up to the edge and feel the ocean spray. After plenty of pictures and grabbing a rock or two we set off for lunch. We ate in an adorable fishing village were they had a gluten, dairy free soup option. Luckily it was also meet free since Lent had started and it was a Friday. 

After lunch it was off to the actual Cliffs of Moher. They're so much bigger than you think. And the climb up to them is breathtaking both literally if you try to go fast and visually. The ocean spray hits you, you hear the waves crashing, see the birds flying and the change of colors in the water, and you want to lay in the long grass forever. After seeing the main event we made our way back across Ireland and saw more beautiful villages and sights. When we got to out hostel we planned to shower, take a quick nap, then head out. It was 8pm. We just showered and passed out. Unfortunately we didn't bring towels or an extra hand to keep the water on while showering, but we survived. 

The next morning we headed out under my guidance to O'Connell St to start off our adventures. We saw the castle, played in the gardens, took a gazillion pictures, got lunch, explored Trinity College, saw all the shopping and bought  some stuff. After a while of wandering all over Dublin we found a place to treat ourselves to a nice and much deserved actual meal. We sat and talked and enjoyed not toting a massive backpack around. Then we walked along River Liffey (also known as River Sniffey at some points) to the bus stop. We got there early so we ran into the pub across the road and tried some Irish Whisky and then got on the bus. When we got on the ferry boat I supplied the supplies for a message in a bottle that my friend would throw into the ocean. This super creepy, extremely drunk guy started talking to us. After we ran away he chased after us and eventually we sought refuge in the women's restroom. Then we hurried onto  the bus with the whole one other person that was on it besides the driver. We headed back to London with our adrenaline running. Eventually we got some sleep. Then we got to our train a few minutes before boarding, got to Grantham, caught the taxi, got back in time to shower before lunch, ate then crashed. 

Overall although exhausted for most of the trip it was magical and magnificent. I cannot wait to go back at some point. I love the city and countryside. I especially love the traditional Irish folk songs that play as I dream of the sheep in the log green grass and the bustling people around the lively pub with live music. Until I return Ireland, I shall return lassie I shall. 

Bise Bise

What I Saw in Scotland & Belgium

Parc de Cinquatenaire - Brussels, Belgium

Grand Place - Brussels, Belgium

Night View of Edinburgh 

Princes Gardens - Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

Field of Lights - Edinburgh

Spontaneity at it's Finest: BELGIUM

I made a spur of the moment decision last Monday to do a solo trip to somewhere by bus. There's an awesome bus service called Megabus that will take you all over Europe at a really, really cheap price. So I decided to go to Brussels, Belgium.

Thursday night I left for London. I then stayed up all night in London - if you ever try this, rethink your life and don't do it. But if you do ask me for tips because I know where you can go that you can be safe and warm and have a free bathroom. Which is really important to wash up in. Also, when the police leave in a haste to go to a potential stabbing nearby, make the correct decision as I did to stay in the Starbucks and not leave until daylight.

It was a fantastic thing and I'm so glad I did it but as an extrovert in a country that's first language wasn't English I was struggling. I wanted to be able to freak out at people. I want to live in Brussels. It has everything - international politics, they speak French, it's a gorgeous city, and there's a ton of art. I loved it - except for my struggle to find Gluten free food. I didn't really think that part through, but I found this awesome cafe Exki. They had the best green tea and they also had gluten and dairy free food options. I just ate anything that was gluten and dairy free that I could find because it was so hard to come by.

The first day I was there  I got extremely lost because again, I didn't have a map. Well I never got a map but I got a metro map and that's kind of the same thing right? I knew about where my hotel was and I knew about where I was based on the metro map so I just wandered. Seeing as I was soaked, exhausted, and starving; common traveling states in Europe for me apparently, I just stayed in my hotel to get dry and sleep. I found a grocery store that had Gluten and dairy free food so I was happy.

The next morning I started out by exploring Parc de Cinquantenaire. It is my favorite place so far. I loved it. I would have gone in but I wanted to see more of the city. The next stop was the Royal Palaces and their gardens. Which were gorgeous. Then I went to the Grand Place area and the Grass Market areas as well. Eventually I had seen everything I wanted to so I went into a museum. It was only 2 euro to get in and I got to see a lot of art. I would have to stay up until 12:30 to catch my bus so it was a long day. I found a place that was open 24 hours and was able to sneak in and just hang out. It was the bar of a hotel and I just sat there and let the time pass by reading a book and using their Wifi. I was able to then go meet my bus.

The bus was not as restful as I thought it would be. We left late and at about 3am were woken up to go through border control. We weren't even back in the UK we were still in France. I DON'T UNDERSTAND. My passport only got stamped for France. It was so weird. Then we got on a ferry. I HATE FERRIES. It was the closest I had ever been to motion sickness. I hated it. I could feel the water rocking the boat - it was torture. Then I slept for about another hour on the bus. So in total only like an hour and a half. Then when I arrived in London I ventured towards the train station. I got breakfast and waited for my train. I should have booked an earlier train. I hopped onto an earlier train and got back in time for lunch. Then I showered and put off sleep until that night. I slept like a log and am still exhausted.

Time to go work on a group project after a field trip today. Sometimes I forget that homework is part of this semester.


Bise Bise

A Wee Trip to Scotland.. A Wee Late of a Post

So I went to Scotland the weekend of February 21st through the 23rd, so I may be a bit behind on this whole blogging as I go. However, to be fair, this semester is starting to fly by. Every time I wake up I feel like a week has flown by and really it has. It's crazy. We travel, get back into the school week, then we travel again, and then we get back to school, then we travel. It's a crazy whirlwind. I can't believe it.

When I went to Scotland, I traveled by train by myself from Grantham to Edinburgh. Then because I like going to cities without a map, I got extremely lost and turned around. I was on the complete opposite side of town from my hostel. Eventually I found my hostel and had to wait about an hour for the school trip to get to check-in. I was going to switch rooms with someone traveling in the school group. It all worked out so that I only had to pay for one night in the hostel and got to stay there two nights. As a bonus it was in a room with people from Harlaxton that I didn't know so that I got meet people but not stay with weird men in wrestling singlets.... (There were like 60 of them in pink singlets in the hostel WEIRD) Eventually I went off to get dinner at Pizza Express because I knew I could eat there. Then I was able to get Wifi and find friends to travel around with. We then started exploring a little bit to find places and see Edinburgh. The next morning we woke up, ate breakfast and then went to explore for a while. We attempted to find a place I could eat after going to the National Gallery. That didn't go so well. For some unknown reason the only places that served Gluten Free food were Italian restaurants. I am starting to like Italian food more and more because they tell you what you can eat. It's AWESOME. So after we went shopping on Princes St and the surrounding areas, we headed back to the hostel to get Wifi, recharge, and find a place for dinner. We found a pub near this light installation piece I wanted to see that had Gluten Free food. After dinner we went to the square where the light installation was. It was so amazing. The most peaceful serene spot I have ever been at around 9 o'clock at night on a Saturday. It was gorgeous. I loved the simplicity of it, yet the huge impact it made on the city.

The next day I got to explore Edinburgh all by myself. Since I had already seen the Royal Mile, the Castle, the museums, gone shopping, walked around A BUNCH, I had to pick between climbing a mountain and just enjoying the warmth of local cafes as it rained. So I chose to enjoy the cafes. I sketched, drank tea, people watched, and when I got bored, I relocated to a different area of town. It was fun. Then I caught my train at 7pm. I was tired and hungry when I go to Grantham around 11pm and was ready to just get to the manor. Well lucky me there were no cabs and I had no spare pence. Luckily I scrounged some money to call a taxi - it would be a 40 minute wait. I decided to give it a few more minutes then I would walk the hour and half back to the manor. Thankfully, a cab pulled up as I made up my mind. I hopped in and was ready to just fall into bed. I then passed out as soon as my head hit the pillow and woke up to face the week.

This whole weekend to see a country or area is really hard and exhausting, but it's totally worth it. Now to post about this past weekend....


Bise Bise

My Irish Eyes Viewing of Dublin

The Bram Stoker - Our Adorable Hotel

Outside of Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle as the storms roll in

The Special Olympics fountain

What can I say? I'm in the princess closet of the Disney store!

The spire in the middle of the shops

St. Patrick's Cathedral! 

Toora Loora Toora Loo

This past weekend I ventured to Ireland and had an AMAZING time. Just as I expected I would. The night we got there was super chill and we just went to the local grocery store and got dinner. OK, real serious for a second, why is Europe so full of Gluten Free food and so well educated? I am able to eat and find things with little to no trouble here. Seriously everywhere I go they know and understand. It's fantastic. We just hung Thursday night enjoying some time to relax and just breathe. The next morning we set off on 'a bit of a hike' towards the train station. I didn't expect the walk to take 20 minutes but we were walking along the coast and it was nice and sunny out so I didn't mind too much. Then we took the Dart into Dublin, which is the commuter train for the suburbs. Then we explored. I just picked a spot and got off leading my friends and I where ever our feet took us. The first major place we explored was the Temple Bar district and it was super cool. During the day there are artsy things and cute shops. Then we got lunch at the place called KC Peaches and it was cheap and delicious. After feeding our extremely hungry stomachs we went to explore Dublin Castle. It is gorgeous. Not only is the Norman castle huge but it also has some culture that comes from modern times. Attached to the old stone is bright buildings that make any heart smile. There are some beautiful gardens you can play in and explore. From the gardens I heard an Irish man singing some old Irish songs which made my Irish eyes smile. :) Off the gardens is the Chester Beatty Library. It's cool and has some really old books. Finally we decided to try to find a place to shop. It only took a few minutes to find a market area and then we just kept wandering finding all of these adorable stores. Including the Disney store. As the majority of us would be going to Disneyland Paris in a little under two months we were so happy to be in there. Then we wandered our way back towards the train to get back to our hotel. As we were headed back it started raining really hard and the wind got super intense. It was a struggle to walk into the wind towards our hotel.

Our hotel was so cute and amazing. The staff was super friendly and helpful with anything we needed. The Bram Stoker is seriously my favorite hotel ever. It's not the Plaza but they are super duper helpful. We got bored and they were totally willing to help us find things to do that wouldn't involve enduring the insane winds again. We slept in a little bit Saturday morning to catch up on what little sleep we get all year long but still started out at a good time. We went back into Dublin and explored north of the River Liffey and saw the Spire (I don't really know what to tell you about that other than it's a really tall metal pointy thing in the middle of a road) and shopped. We found a shoppers heaven in that area and had so much fun just trying on outfit after outfit. Then we went to find my must see - St. Patrick's Cathedral. The rain had come back to life and was making the 12 ish minute walk cold and wet. However, the church was so pretty, well the outside was - I didn't want to force my friends to pay to go in with me. 

Saturday was one of my friends that I was travelling with birthday. So we went to go see the Dublin night life. Unfortunately some illness decided that Saturday was the night to make me sick but I fought it and decided it wouldn't me back the whole night from fun. We went to this place called The Church which is an old church that was converted into a bar and club. Arthur Guinness was baptized or married there or something. I didn't pay too much attention to that - the place was gorgeous. Then we headed back over the the Temple Bar area to go dancing. We had a blast and got back to our hotel around 2:30 and were passed out by 3am. That was probably too late seeing as we have an early flight; however, as one of our professors said we can sleep when we get back to America. While checking out the staff told us they would genuinely miss us and to come back soon. I am definitely considering it if I have money. 

Finally we made it back to the manor, cold, tired, hungry, and slightly rained on. I napped for hours and then had dinner and was back in bed. The Harlaxton Plague has been going around but I think my illness is a little worse than what everyone else has had but I am drinking a LOT of tea and sleeping a lot so hopefully I'm well before Thursday when I take off for the south of France!!!! 

Time to study for my first British studies exam and decipher how British identity has changed... It sounds like fun right??

Bise Bise

Whirlwind Adventure

This past week has flown by, I'm still in shock that it all happened so fast. Yesterday night I was in London seeing a show and now I'm in a different country. 

Yesterday I was taken to London to go to the Victoria and Albert Museum. The building itself was a museum and everything in it was amazing. Then we journeyed across London to Camden to go see Fuerzabruta. Seriously, if you can see it GO. It was the most incredible feeling ever. The show made me feel connected to not only everyone around me but also to the performers and the performance. I'm so glad I took theatre over here to enjoy all the shows. Once we made it back the crazy whirlwind adventure began. 

This morning I woke up and went to class and it felt like any other Tuesday or Thursday. It wasn't just a normal day. I am currently in Dublin, Ireland. I am seriously on cloud nine right now. I am in Ireland. My ancestors once left this country and journeyed to America and because of that I am here - enjoying the country they left behind. I have only seen the airport and the places we drove through in the dark but I'm already in loci with another country. 

Time for bed as I sing myself an Irish lullaby and drift off into slumber before I explore Dublin and the history of my family. Toora loora.......

Bise Bise 

From Ireland 

Four Days, Four Cities, Four Hundred Cups of Tea

It started on Wednesday afternoon when about 70 students and myself went 30 miles south of us to a little town called Stamford. It was an adorable little town and the professors had convinced the higher ups it would be educational. So we went for free. I was fine with that arrangement, getting to see cities for free is totally fine by me. So we went and started out at this amazing secondhand book store and taxidermy shop. Yeah, I don't really understand that one but it was cool. The store had AMAZING books. Like seriously amazing. There was as close to a first edition of Winnie the Pooh as you could get, they had illustrated copies of Cinderella from the early 20th century, and books that were from the early 1800's. I wanted a book so bad but the one I wanted was 65 pounds. That's over a hundred dollars. I settled on a the Girl Guide Manual from the early 1900's to complement my Girl Scout Manual from the same time period. I was super excited that I found it because it's the Girl Scouts of England and I'm a Girl Scout in England. (Geekish I know but I love it) We went in to a little cafe that was adorable and had a pot of tea after we had been antiquing. After buying the most adorable little Eiffel Tower bottle that I would later break by setting my purse down rapidly, I had 3 cups of tea to warm up. That wasn't even my dose of tea that day. The addiction is becoming severe.

The next day I had an exam which was crazy but I didn't have my afternoon class so I got to go into Grantham. After running a few errands we went and grabbed tea at a coffee shop to warm up and kill time before the shuttle picked us back up. We had to get things sorted out before our field trip the next day, including how to dress for super windy, cold rain. Friday morning came too early when we had to wake up and jet off to Lincoln for British Studies. A lot of people fell in love with England in Lincoln but I don't think many people did. It was cold and windy all day and started to rain and eventually poor on everyone. Luckily by the time it was raining I had had a pot of tea and was warm and only outside for a few minutes to climb up onto the Roman wall of the fortress/castle we were to tour. As we started to climb up people were unsure if we could even get up there. Well I took charge, a shock right, and started just going. I walked up the hill, and started going up the stairs. People freaked and were like 'I don't think we're supposed to do this' or 'What if the stair break?' Admittedly I had thought both of those but I am also operating under the mantra of Why not? You never know if you'll have the chance again. I at one point recall yelling "You either lead or you follow! I choose to lead, you can follow if you want to!" I was going to get up to the wall and see the view. I did and it was cool for like 5 seconds. We could only walk along parts of it because the majority of it was all under construction because everywhere is right now. Next year is the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta so all of the monuments are getting pretty. It's cool to think about all of these places being essential in the signing of it so I don't mind too much. Once I was sopping wet I went to find a warm cafe with tea. I did and luckily they had gluten free brownie - seriously almost every cafe here has something gluten free of there's one next door that does- and it was so nice. I sat there for over an hour getting back to a normal body temperature and had the entire of pot of tea myself. Then back to the manor. Riding by the professors is lots of fun. They tell you a lot even if you just listen to the random things they say.

Saturday was off to York to see a Panto. A Panto is a style of theatre here in England that involves a cross-dresser, contemporary music, contemporary costume, people that break character, and audience involvement. It was weird and yet amazing. I want to see a ton more. Before the Panto I got to explore York by myself and fell in love with the picturesque ruins and grounds of a garden. I loved walking through the Diagon Alley - ish streets of shops called the Shambles and seeing street performers and walking through a street market. I loved the freedom of just roaming and having a picnic lunch. Eventually after I had seen enough and the winds had picked up I found a cafe and settled in with a pot of tea and my iPod touch to check into the world with the free WiFi. That pot lasted me two hours and I managed about 7 cups out of it. I was so happy and warm. Then I watched the panto and fell further into love with England. I don't want to leave ever except to travel but I could live here forever and the rain and wind would never bother me.

Today was quite adventure filled itself. I got to sleep in late for once and enjoyed that. Then I went and shot archery provided by the school and loved having the opportunity. Then an exploration of the grounds a little and eventually I fell into a mud hole. The creek I started to explore is a little deeper than just my boot so I emptied my boots and then came inside to warm up with some tea. Tea solves everything. Even the hurt imagination of trying to come up with a story other than I wanted to use my wellies for some stomping and splashing. I did and ended up needing a shower after the exploration. Now I upload things and catch up and enjoy the afternoon. This week will be busy. I go back to London to see a show and then finally venture to IRELAND!!!!!!! I'm so excited to visit the country of my family! I know I'll love it and I can't wait for the adventure to take on full force!

Off to dinner where we get a roasted meat and potatoes just like every Sunday. They like continuity here and it suits me just fine.


Bise Bise

Harlaxton Village and the Class

The Village and Town

On Wednesday, after our group photo, I went on a walk. I expected it to be just around the grounds or to Harlaxton Village, but I got a treat. We walked through the village, where Isaac Newton and Margaret Thatcher are from, and passes a medieval wall and through an amazing cemetery. It was gorgeous. Then we started using the public footpaths that are all over England. No matter where the path crosses, the land owner has to maintain a path. This involved sidewalks, a cemetery, fields, pastures, and farms. It being typical England having rained recently, the earth was all mud. So my boots were covered. And I almost fell; however, the view was amazing. We saw dogs, which we pet, a horse, and ducks in the ravine. I found oysters in the creak bed, I teased my friend by pretending I was going to push her into the ravine, and I got to glimpse the canal system that runs throughout England. All in all it was amazing and beautiful, next time I'll wear wellies. 

Then Thursday we celebrated Burns night. Robert Burns is a poet from Scotland. So down in the Bistro people read and sang his poems. He wrote Auld Lang Syne and we gave it a go. They also served haggis and a whisky punch. I couldn't try the haggis because it contains oats but I wasn't too tempted to try sheep intestine. It was so much fun though because we were singing folk songs and just hanging out with professors and other faculty and staff. 

Friday we had class so nothing too exciting happened but I needed to run into town for some groceries. I may never leave here. I paid £17 for a lot of food. I got gluten free bread, some nut mixes, free from everything brownies, clementines, strawberries, peanut butter, rice cakes, crackers, and dairy free chocolate. Oh and my addiction - diet Coke. I'm so happy!! Fruit and white bread and chocolate and diet Coke. When I got back I watched movies and just relaxed as most of campus jetted off. It was nice to just be. 

Saturday I finally slept in. I woke up at 11:00 am and leisurely got ready for lunch. After lunch I read a book and watched another movie. When dinner rolled around everyone was famished. I got two lamb chops and some potatoes. Everyone else got lamb stew on a plate. I was enjoying the gluten free life at that moment. Later when everyone was starving the manor got flooded with pizzas. On a last minute whim I went into town with some sisters to visit a pub. We walked up to the main road, about a mile, under the stars and fell in live with how clear the sky was and how many stars we could see. We couldn't see where we were walking and it had stormed earlier in the day so we choose the mud over large puddles. We got back and all fell into bed we were so tired. 

Then this morning I once again slept until 11 and didn't get to brunch until 11:50ish. But I didn't have homework or any reason to hurry. I checked out some French movies from the library, studied for a quiz, and started planning more trips. All in all I just enjoyed spending time in the manor even when the power kept flicking on and off. 

Off to bed now so I can wake up for breakfast before my 8:30 am lecture and face the week of traveling to three different cities throughout England. 

Bise Bise 

What's the opposite of procrastinating?

Today has been a weird day. One of my classes was cancelled and I literally didn't know what to do with myself. I decided to do all the trivial stuff I didn't want to do. I went and signed up for a trip just to do something. I willingly went all the way back downstairs and then hiked all the way back up just to go to a place to drink tea. I then decided to take a long time showering because why not? Then I did laundry - I HATE doing laundry. While doing laundry I read the play I have to read for theatre. I don't have to have it read until Thursday. I have completely finished reading it and wrote my response on it. I also went to the library and got books about travel, my research paper that's due in several weeks, and books to read for fun. I have a stack of books on my desk that I am about to dive into.

So I was sitting here doing all of this and cleaned my desk and am hang drying my clothes and wondering? What's the opposite of procrastinating? Had I ever done this before? Is the English air affecting my brain? It's weird. I accomplished so much and I watched a movie. I have stuff I could do and will do just to pass the time. I don't even understand it.

I could do homework, if I really had any more due soon. One of my classes, today was the first time we almost learned something. And then in British Studies, my six credit hour class, we've covered almost 1200 years of history in a week but it was things like the pre-Roman Briton and Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. So we have a lot we'll cover more in depth I'm sure but there weren't too many trivial things they taught us. My theater class is interesting but I don't have intense homework so I have a lot of free time. I'm honestly thinking about taking up pigeon shooting because it's allowed around here and it would kill some time.

Or someone send me yarn because I need to do something! I'm going stir crazy. Maybe I'll learn Latin... Something to do I guess.


Bise Bise

A Weekend in London

It started like any other Thursday, but after classes and dinner it was a mad dash to get the last minute packing done. With a friend who didn't know what all to take and the amount of stuff I wanted to take I'm proud that I only took my backpack and my weekender. I survived- barely but I did. We stayed at the Royal National Hotel and along with my two other roommates the room was quite quaint and cramped. The only place we had WiFi was in the lobby for 4 hours of use, but luckily almost every restaurant had WiFi if you sat inside which was nice. We took that up quite a bit so we could check in with places and stay up to date on Instagraming things and checking Twitter. Friday night it was raining on and off but we went exploring anyway because you only have so long in London right? Well we got a little lost but it was fun. When we got back to the hotel, we were cold and wet but we had explored London - especially Soho and it had been fun. We then went to bed because we wanted an early start the next day.

I decided it would be a smart idea to wear a dress because I was seeing a show later that night and wouldn't have time to change because I also had a tour of the Houses of Parliament in the afternoon. I loved feeling classy all over London. I do however wish I had been wearing shoes made out of memory foam that massage your feet as you walk. My legs were dead after one day of walking around. We thoroughly explored Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, the Embankment, some of Covent Garden, and a lot of Westminster. Then I went to go to my tour of the Houses of Parliament, it was interesting but we all wanted to break the British conventions and sit in the House of Lords just to sit down because we were all dead. After exploring the houses for almost two hours, I then raced across the Thames river to try to get to the National Theater on time to see King Lear for my theater class. I made it luckily, although hungry and tired, I made it. It was a long show and rather interesting but I barely understand Shakespeare in a regular accent let alone in a British Accent. Afterwards I ventured back to the hotel through the tube, always 'minding the gap' and fell into bed. I was so tired but again you only have so much time in London, so a friend and I went walking down the street to see what was happening.

The next morning we were ready to spend the whole day exploring and that we did. We started in Kensington Gardens and found the Peter Pan statue. Then we found this amazing little tavern called The Swan. I had my first cup of Earl Grey tea and loved it. The people mistook us as Australians and it was altogether the funniest time I've ever spent in a restaurant. Then we ventured to Buckingham palace and realized it wasn't all it was cracked up to be but still we took lots of pictures. After starving because I couldn't really find food that was gluten free that didn't cost an arm and a leg, we made our way towards Picadilly Circus hoping to find this restaurant called Leon which serves gluten and dairy free food. Yeah, there's not one in the Picadilly area. Thankfully along the way to finding this I had been distracted by the amazing shops and was so happy to find adorable things for amazing prices. Eventually I took a chance on looking at a Pizza Expresses menu to see if just maybe they had anything gluten free. Let me tell you, when I saw they did I was ready to jump up and down but I had less than no energy so I just went in and sat down. I then splurged on lunch by enjoying an entire meal, including a pilsner, of gluten free deliciousness. I was content and ready for more exploring. Oxford street was not too far of a walk so of course we had to go shopping. I literally died when I stepped foot into Primark because it's like Forever 21 only better and cheaper. After that we thought we might try to find a tea shop to feed my tea addiction but it was closed. So then we headed back to the hotel to change for our Big Night Out adventure. Almost all of the Harlaxton students decided to do an event called 1 Big Night Out and it was basically Harlaxton's big night out. It was fun but at 11:30 I was beat and ready to fall asleep because 7am would come too soon.

After about an hour ride in the coach we arrived at Hampton Court Palace and were told to explore for over four hours. That didn't go over too well but eventually we all bucked up and had fun seeing the home of Henry VIII. For lunch I had pizza express again because trying to locate another gluten free option probably wouldn't have gone well in that little town. Then the ride back was utterly silent as everyone napped because the school had worn us out.

Now I sit at my computer trying to upload the several hundred pictures I took and am trying to convince myself to do my homework. I am so ready for some more sleep. I love London and can't wait to go back on the field trips I have there. Time to write this essay I guess, I mean school is why I'm here right?


Bise Bise

Exploring Grantham

This past weekend we had a few chances to explore the town that's only about 10 minutes away, Grantham. It has the nearest grocery store and supermarket. It's a cute little town and it has a market on Saturday mornings that has lots of fresh food and old books. It's so much fun. After having gone in Friday night to see the night life, we knew our way around for the most part. We had to ask a local at the market for instructions to ASDA, the British Walmart, but otherwise we made our way around quite easily getting to see the city. ASDA is basically Walmart only British. So the clothes are adorable, the food is different, and they don't accept American credit cards. The cards here have chips in them and since we have to swipe our credit cards, we have to ask the cashier to do so. So far people have had quiet the trouble figuring out how to do it. But we still end up getting our goods so it's quite alright.

Friday night we went into Grantham we experienced the night life. We started at a pub called the Goose and found it rather fun. It was lively and there were people of all ages. Then we went to this place called the Cameleon that a local lead us to. It was weird. It was a bunch of 50 something year olds dancing to old American music and then some swing dancing happened. We left rather quickly just staying for a dance or two and moving onto a club atmosphere. We danced for a few songs at Gravity, a dance club, but they started playing weird and unknown music. Then we just crossed the street to another club and were in there for about 3 minutes before we ran out from the smoke machines. It was crazy but altogether fun because we got to figure out the town. It's weird being legal here - we got carded to get into the clubs and we felt cool. We just wanted to dance and experience the night. Saturday night after a long day of going into town, waiting for lunch and dinner, we were all dead tired. So I went to bed but that only lasted for 15 minutes. Then I went for a walk with friends. We walked to the pub at the end of the road just to see if it was worth the while. It really wasn't. It closed at 11pm and we got there at 10:30 pm so we just sat and enjoyed the calm atmosphere. We were able to get ice in our drinks which was a nice treat because most places here don't serve ice.

Today though, I ventured into town to get some snacks. Almost every store here has a Free From section that is gluten free and sometimes dairy free. I found some really cheap snacks and was really happy! Like chocolate I can have and some cookies. I'm so glad. I can take some with me for our weekend trip to London. I still have to pack up though.

I barely was able to keep myself from going crazy in the stationary store that was right next to the grocery store. They had an amazing selection of pens and Monsters University things. I'm so excited to go back!!!! I got stickers to decorate things and send to people! Time to pack for London and decorate with my stickers. I can't believe in less than 24 hours I'll be in London.


Bise Bise

Pictures of the Grounds & the Manor

Me and some friends out in front of the manor. It's so much fun
to explore and take pictures. 

I have class in this room ^^^ and get to start out the windows
while learning British history. 

It's so pretty to look out at the English countryside from the grounds. 

Is this really my home for the semester?

There are flowers. In January. It's amazing.

The Day to Day Life in the Manor

Well classes started yesterday and all has gone well so far. I made it to every class, got my homework done, have started work on a group project, and have still had time to plan out trips, explore more of the grounds, and remember how hungry I am.

British studies is a class like no other. With lecture early in the morning, you have to sit close or there's a danger you'll fall asleep. Then I have an hour to watch more Downton Abbey (I'm completely addicted). Then seminar. My professor compared my name to the word tomato. He said, "You have to pronounce the 't' like in lettuce." To which I respond, I'm not a vegetable and how do you jump from tomato to lettuce? He then explained how to say his name. It's fun because it makes us sound more British. After British studies I have theater on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday. I get to see four productions all over England and learn about the behind the scenes aspects of productions. Today we started our Tuesday/Thursday class schedule. I have Modern British Politics. It's going to be a lot of fun; however, if we look tired, we get docked points and he notices. Uhhh it's the first class of the day, I'm tired as soon as I roll out of bed let a lone climb down over a hundred stairs walk down a corridor and then another smaller corridor to get to the class room. But I guess I'll have to start having morning tea to perk up.

Oh food. I wish I could say we weren't hungry all the time. Everyone finds themselves in a constant state of hunger. The food is good but bland. The weekend was the hardest because there weren't a ton of gluten and dairy free options. Now though, I eat a gourmet meal basically. Everyone wants to be gluten free to eat the food I get. I just have to ask and wait for it to be prepared on a plate and then I get my vegetables and go. I have eaten more vegetables in the past week then I've eaten in the past two years I think. I also drink juice or tea at every meal because they don't serve a whole lot of drink options. The meals are spaced so that after you trek back and forth to your room a few times you're ready to go eat a cow. But we'll survive I'm sure once we get used to the times.

Last night we got to enjoy some traditional dancers and it was super fun to watch them. They had bells on their legs, and flag things, and sticks for swords. It was entertaining and a nice way to pass some time. I can't wait for activities to start because I need something to do. I'm dying of boredom most of the time and I've already planned trips and so much more. I may join the choir just to have something to do for an hour a week. I applied to be in the student government here because I want to stay involved even across the pond.

We all say the lift and have started doing things a little more British. We learned what some common phrases are and went over stereotypes. It was amazing to find out that non-Americans find Americans friendly, outgoing, honest, and so many more. It's very true. The professors will not directly tell you that you should completely rewrite something, they'll suggest you should revise a few minor things, expecting you to understand them. I cannot wait to see what little British things I pick up here.

We were sorted into houses and I'm in Gregory. It's after Gregory Gregory the founder of the manor. We are currently winning the house competition, although it's only just begun. It completely fits my personality as a house of artists, leaders, and diplomats.

I get to explore London this weekend and can't wait. I get to see Trafalgar Square, the British Museum, Hampton Palace, Runnymede, and so many other amazing places including the Houses of Parliament and King Lear at the National Theater. I'm excited to try out Leon which are all over London. It's a fresh fast food restaurant that offers gluten and dairy free food. I also want to go to a tea shop and start my tea collection and enjoy tea time. I have found this place called Cookies and Scream that I really want to try. It's a vegan and gluten free bakery of sorts that is basically completely edible for me! Hooray!

Tomorrow I'll head back into town to grab some snacks at a grocery store and will have plenty to share about exploring town this past weekend and tomorrow!


Bise Bise

I LIVE IN A CASTLE

First thing first- the plane ride. Getting to the airport early and trying to get life together with all the chaos that was occurring in Chicago made life interesting. But after we boarded we thought the flight would take off soon right? Wrong. We sat parked for a little over an hour all boarded and settled, then took off an hour late. Then the plane was ridiculous hot, yes hot. Not cold like usual but burning up so much so that everyone was sweating and the person next to me almost got sick. I had an aisle seat luckily because I needed to stretch out after hours of just sitting there. With little to no sleep during the overnight flight we then landed in London and then ventured to the border and to claim our luggage. Since I had a bright Vera Bradley patterned bag I spotted mine easily and was ready to get out of my hot, dirty clothes. Well no luck there we sat and waited for a little over an hour for the coach to take us to the manor. I accidentally fell asleep during the ride but the countryside I saw was amazing and we saw some sheep!!!! 

Pulling up to the manor is a sight like no other. You look out the window and see the amazing and rather large manor, which you are sure is a castle, and realize : I LIVE HERE. This isn't real, someone pinch me. 

Then when you kind of accept it you get off the bus and meet the president of the school, then take a short walk through the main lobby to a great hall for a brief introduction all while trying to see every little detail of the immaculate ceilings and paintings and sculptures. It's so beautiful. Then we got to eat food and once we had a light, rather late lunch we got to see our rooms. I have three roommates, so four in total, on the top floor with a window that leads out onto a balcony we're not allowed to climb onto. One of my roommates I had met on the bus ride from the airport and I knew one already. Our room is GINORMOUS. It has so much space and a gorgeous patterned molding ceiling. Again the window has a view that is like no other of the word perfeci (perfectly in latin) and the English countryside. Once unpacked we got to explore the grounds and manor. It's rather easy to get lost but with a few days of practice it will become so easy. 

The grass is so green and fluffy and there are flowers still in bloom in the conservatory, there are lion statues all over which make me happy, plus trees galore and a pretty manor to admire from the outside. Although it's kind of chilly it's rather warm compared to the -50 I experienced last week. 

This weekend is about getting adjusted to the manor and all the people. The Bistro had open mic night which got people up and dancing and the days are spent with activities with our seminar groups going throughout the manor. Today we all enjoyed fish and chips and I even got a gluten free version. 

Off for more adventures and picture taking!!! 

Bise Bise

Nothing is Gonna Stop Me & The Essential Packing List

With all this "winter storm" talk, people are freaking out that I won't make it to England as planned. Pish Posh Tilly Wash. That's bologna. I will get to England as planned. There is simply no other option. There is a chance my flight is delayed (when do they ever take off on time anyway?) and we may sit on the tarmac getting deiced for a little while but I will be on that flight to London.

In other and more sunshine-y news, I am going up to the Chicago area early to shop. There may not be much room in my suitcase; however, my shopping obsession will not allow me to just drive by my favorite store and mall. As the final packing commences of cramming another umbrella, or just one more sweater into the exploding bags, I am rather calm. Although I thought I would be extremely anxious to figure out how to fit all this stuff in, I have the things I need and want packed. I need to find my umbrella though because rain is a thing that happens a lot in the UK I guess. Oh but I can't wait to dance in the rain in London and the grounds of the manor.

However awesome it might be most people are wondering how and what to pack. I being overly prepared have the list all ready for them when they ask. Things that I have as musts right now include a mesh shower caddy (I found one in the dollar section of target), a pocket hanging organizer (also an awesome find in the amazing dollar section), Command strips because who knows what amazing poster or print I will pick up, laundry detergent sheets that are all in one (Purex has some that are fabric softner, detergent, and a dryer sheet all in one & they're flat so they're easy to pack), an extra blanket because I assume it will be cold and that the blanket won't meet my standard of fluffiness, a stuffed animal because sometimes you need a cuddle buddy or an extra pillow, a small photo album to have pictures from home & faces you miss, scissors because you may need to cut off tags off your new clothes or cut your friend's hair, a tumbler and water bottle to have portable water for when you are traveling or in class, a pillow case for the extra pillow I plan on buying, and finally coloring supplies. It sounds like a crazy long list but all theses things will make my life easier.

This is really a fairy tale. Riding by coach to a Victorian Manor and having a carriage house and grounds to explore, and living and breathing the English air and life. I cannot wait for this journey to begin. Along with my five countdowns I have been mentally counting that this is my last whatever in the states before I live in what I refer to as a castle. I would love to pack up all of my friends with me and take them but luckily quite a few of my best friends will be there as well. How awesome is that? Travelling throughout Europe with your best friends?! I am so blessed. I CANNOT wait to go and experience it all!!!!

Soon I'll be boarding a plane and setting off to my fairy tale semester! I'm so ready!


Bise Bise

3 Bags versus 4 months of stuff

In just days I will board a plane, take off, and be flying to London. However unreal that all seems, the packing has taken over my life. I don't understand how to pack up four months of life into just three bags. THREE BAGS???!!!! How do I do that? This is why I hate the airlines. There is no way it's possible for someone to study abroad with just three bags. However, I guess people have because so many people tell me they have.

My brand new back pack is on the verge of exploding because I want to take all this art supplies and coloring utensils, and then I have to take school supplies I guess since I'll be at school. I mean I'll have to learn something in the torture that is traveling to London to see plays; including one of my favorite stories: Matilda.

My carry on bag, the fifth one I tried, is has finally decided it can hold anymore. What little it holds is hopefully enough to take some of the weight off of my checked bag. Which is literally filled to the brim. I couldn't but a feather in that thing without it tipping the scale to YOU'VE PACKED TOO MUCH. I may need to learn a lesson in the art of packing less but I remain a firm believer in the need for clothes because of the "what if" clause. What if I need to go to an extremely fancy restaurant? What if I NEED these shoes to match this outfit? Yeah I should probably take out anything that requires special outfits; however, I don't care. I want to take all of my stuff but I can't so I'll just cry about it.

Now that the melodrama of packing has subsided some what, I am planning my first weekend in London. Finding places that are fun, free, and me proof is actually really easy. I'm excited to visit a place called Cookies and Scream that serves completely gluten and dairy free foods. That sounds like perfection. It will make me want to move to London even more because they have donuts, but I'm so excited to have so many gluten and dairy free options. Also I am fan-girling over art that I will get to see at the National Gallery. Seriously though who wouldn't be if they got to see Van Gogh, Renoir, and da Vinci all in the same place and feel the paintings come alive?! As an art major it's extremely exciting, that may be because I've witnessed some of the landscapes architecture they painted, but I've also studied them as well. I can't wait to see Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, and the Underground. There's just so much to London, thank goodness it's so close that we visit at least once a month!!!!

Off to planning those awful trips to London for class, how ever will I survive such torture?! Hahaha, I'm sure I'll manage somehow.


Bise Bise