Dreaming My Dreams

So looking back on past blogs I’ve realized I haven’t talked much about my town nor the people who live in it and figured now would be a good time to debrief you on this, if that’s what you want to call it.

            I live in the town known as Surbiton, has a cute little center of town with trendy thrift shops, cute little café’s and a decent amount of pubs. You also can’t forget the McDonalds and Starbucks, of course. The only downside to living here is the fact that I am the farthest from literally everything. I need to catch a bus to get to Uni and a bus to get into town to do anything. This showed to be most unfortunate last night when I was trying to catch the bus and the road was under construction which left me completely at a loss as to where to catch another bus without walking back to campus. 

        The upside to this nice little town is the fact that I am two minutes away from the Thames, which if you do not know, is the largest river here in England. Recently I took a walk along the Thames and with all the ducks swimming in the water and the trees that dress the path, the sight is pretty beautiful, I’m just sad it’s taken me a month and a half to take advantage of this beauty.

Along with the beautiful scenery you have the people that live here. I must discuss the fact that everyone here, young and old dresses topnotch and has left American’s looking like they’ve just stumbled out of a garbage can. Not to offend anyone, we do have a fair share of decently dressed individuals, but even the worst dressed is the best dressed here. If the men in the states could take a second to think about what they look like when they step out of the house, I’m sure they’d be scoring big with the ladies. I have yet to see one badly dressed person, they make the ugliest outfits work somehow, sometimes I swear it’s without them even trying. Even the older ladies know how to put together an outfit, and half the time they look ten times better than I do, what’s that saying?

The people here are also super friendly, you have your occasional person who seems to be a little tough around the edges but for the most part, they tend to show more kindness in their actions.  Maybe it’s just my perception of Jersians but everyone is rather enjoyable. The only thing that I still have a hard time dealing with is the fact that literally no one say’s excuse me when they walk by, they literally just plow right into you with no regard. Forget it if you apologize for hitting them, they look at you as though you have two heads and stammer a quick it’s alright or no worries, they tend to look taken back when I say sorry. It utterly confuses me.

 There’s also a greeting that is a bit difficult for anyone coming from the states to adjust too. This statement is: Hey you alright? While that seems like such a little thing to adjust to it honestly is posing to be the most difficult. In America if someone is asking you if you are alright you automatically feel utterly pissed off or like you need to spill all your feelings until your hearts content, maybe maybe not, but by asking if you’re alright they are simply asking what’s up? My biggest problem with adjusting to this phrase is how to respond to that sort of statement. I feel quite silly saying I’m alright you alright, so the natural response is yes, which in turn makes me sounds like a complete idiot, but you try it out and see how you’d respond. Not so easy when you think about it.

I’m honestly finding a hard time with hating it here. I wonder when’s the day I’ll wake up crying to go home because I can’t take it here but I honestly never see that day coming. I do truly miss home, my family and friends, especially my CAR, I’ve never walked so much in my life, but anyone that’s ever been abroad can relate when I say that life is just so much more relaxed and enjoyed over here. Everyday I wake up feeling more blessed than the day before, I finally feel like I’m living life the way I was meant to and that is such an awesome feeling.

            So with that being sad thanks for reading the words above, seeing as it had no relevance to anything and was just random opinion. I’ll be sure to give a run down on oxford later in the week.

Till next time.

A howling monster...

Warning, this post is quite mundane and boring.

On the 15^th of February I took a trip to Central with my British Life and Culture class to take tours of both Parliament and the Globe Theater.

Parliament is a very antique building with many beautiful rooms attached inside. King Henry VIII was the last king to actually inhabit this “palace”. Walking through the doors we stood in a corridor that was over a 1000 years old, I was utterly confused and quite scared as to how or why we were standing under this structure but marveled at the sight of the angels perched up along the archways.

            While we ventured through Parliament we were able to see the beautiful structures and designs that adorned the ceilings. We came upon the room in which the Queen get’s ready when she has called a meeting with parliament. The site was beautiful. The room in which she prepares herself before adressing parliament was also once the room of Queen Victoria. Her initials were painted into stain glass that were than placed along the ceiling where they still lay today.
 I suddenly became very excited when I was told that inside this room was the seat in which Queen Victoria would sit. You may ask yourself how one could become excited over a chair, but I mean come on tell me you wouldn’t be, this chair was quite old and held the markings of being used by a great ruler and a very big historical figure. It was a very beautiful chair and was quite small in size; she was a little thing, that’s for sure. Paintings of both her and Albert were hung on either side of the wall and the sight was pretty awesome.

            We were able to take a tour of both the House of Lords as well as the House of Commons. The queen herself cannot actually walk into the House of Commons so having this opportunity was neat. If you fancy finding out why she cannot step inside do so, it’s quite an interesting story and what she must do now in order to ask for an audience with members is quite comical. 

The set up for both the house of commons as well as the house of lords is simple, multiple benches on either side facing each other so they can square off when discussions are to begin. Unfortunately there were no members in wigs, but I did see a man wearing a wig and black suit later during the week, the sight of this was hysterical.

After we finished with Parliament we set out to the Globe Theater, which was quite brilliant, Sam Wanamaker constructed the new Globe.  During the tour they discussed the recreation of the theater, which has been done to the best of their knowledge with the use of writings and descriptions during Shakespeare’s time.

The stage is very grand with two trap doors, one in the floor for those coming up from “hell” and one in the ceiling to represent “heaven”. The tour guide gave us a break down on how a play would be conducted back in the day, and just how much it was more important to listen to the words as opposed to solely paying attention to the acting. I was most excited about seeing the Globe Theater when I signed up for this culture class so the atmosphere was great.

Unfortunately I spent the weekend stuck in bed sick, worst weekend since I’ve been here. Just wanted my dog to snuggle with and make me feel better but atlas I had to be without.

When Monday rolled around Tricia and I were both feeling slightly better so we decided to take advantage of the nice sunny day and head into Central on a whim. Once we got into Central we decided to just get off at Waterloo and venture out. Little did I know that my quick decision to step back and take a picture of Big Ben before I crossed the street would cause me to be hit by a bicycle. Poor Tricia was across the street and the poor man riding the bike almost fell completely off. Here’s hoping his bike suffered no damage and still worked afterwards. I simply asked if he was alright, looked around with a shocked expression and booked it across the street laughing so hard I couldn’t breath.

After that whole incident occurred we ventured towards Piccadilly Circus and Chinatown, as well as Covent gardens where there was a LOVE display. Huge letters were stretched three dimensional, and were decorated with metal hearts that people had decorated with sayings of love, declaring their feelings for one another or just simply drawing pictures. It was a pretty cool display and seeing it in the nighttime made it ten times better, all the light was reflecting off of the metal. There was also a man playing guitar and sounding a lot like James Taylor so it was a nice display/market to come upon. 

Tuesday was also a picture perfect sunny day so it was spent walking around and ending up at Hampton Court Palace, once lived in by King Henry VIII, which is set along the Thames with a beautiful park along side it. Many boats lined the river and the water was gleaming with sun, I was half tempted to just dive right in.

Today I attended my first football match to see Chelsea play against Sparta! It was an intense match, but such a great way to dive into the culture here. I honestly had such a great time and cannot wait to go again. Hearing the chanting and listening to the songs, made it that much more enjoyable and was a completely different atmosphere from any Philly game I have ever attended. Next time though, I have to make sure better seats are chosen, so we can at least see the whole field.  

Off to Oxford this weekend, so I’m sure I’ll have much to report. Till next time.

-Tally-Ho

On a completely random note I just have to let you all in on the horrific moment Tricia and I experienced while I was cooking lunch. A pigeon decided he wanted to come join us and tried flying in my window, literally scared the crap out of me and thought we were going to die. The birds are seriously out to get us here, I can promise you that.

Coffeeshop Soundtrack

I’ve literally written and rewritten the start to this post so many times, I’m at a lost as to where I should begin, I feel like so much has happened in the past week that there’s really no correct way to begin it I suppose. 

            In the past week, I’ve been to three different countries, heard a different language spoken I haven’t heard so fluently spoken before, had true Belgium Chocolate as well as a Belgian waffle, and got a little bit of an eye opener strolling through the red light district (let’s just say the set up is the same as how animals would be on display at an animal rescue, this time with humans.)

            Last Friday was a very very long day filled with about a two-hour ferry ride into France as well as a 6-hour bus ride through Belgium into the Netherlands, where we set up camp for the weekend. The bus ride through the country side was just beautiful the lush green grass, little sheep grazing along the river and the old style houses making everything feel real. When we reached our final destination of Amsterdam we were put into an awesome hotel, the room and view were just beautiful.  It was a bit complicated trying to figure out the lights I must say, you had to place your key card into a slot in order to get any sort of power or heat in the room, Tricia and I had quite a bit of difficulty trying to figure this out naturally. If America thinks they are a head of the times with technology and saving energy, than they have yet to be to Europe, that’s all I have to say. 

Enough about my room, now to the nitty gritty. We regrouped with the tour group we came with and set out for the main central part of Amsterdam. Walking out of the train and seeing the sight in front of me was crazy. In the span of two days I saw to Geisha’s riding bikes as well as someone dressed as the Joker and a smurf. The nightlife was in full effect and the old buildings along the water were just a sight to see. Due to Amsterdam being a “swamp” there were canals at every corner, with many buildings directly inline with the water, only inches from the windows. 

Amsterdam is very keen on saving the planet so they bike everywhere. When I tell you I have never seen so many bikes in my life I am not lying. They were chained on every corner and they even have their own bike paths, that if you dare cross, you may not survive, they are quite ruthless.

The next day I awoke to a nice breakfast and beautiful top floor scenery of the city, coated with snow. It was a spectacular view, and breakfast was mighty good. Next on saturdays agenda we were setting out to visit some traditional Dutch towns in Holland, Edam and Volendam. Edam was a place for me, they are famous for their cheese so I was excited to get the chance to take a bite into some freshly made, later I wouldn’t be too excited when I was literally scooping it out with a spoon because I forgot to purchase a knife. 

When we arrived at Edam I walked with a content feeling, the little town was very quite and very antique looking so it was hard to not feel something. Yet again there were canals along the city center and with the snow, it just painted a picture more beautiful as you walked further. This was literally someone’s home town so as we casually strolled through the streets we came across an elderly couple sitting at a table by a window relaxing, reading the paper and just eating breakfast, but it honestly had to be the sweetest thing I have ever seen and honestly made the whole experience a little bit more magical.

Next on Saturday’s journey we set out to a little harbor town called Volendam. This town was set along the water, kind of like back home with a fancier boardwalk. Volendam is known for having the best fish and their main dish is fresh RAW Herron. I made a deal with myself before I came to study abroad that I would try any odd foods that seemed to be the main dish, so naturally I was set to shovel some down. I honestly hate fish, I’ll eat the occasional salmon on tilapia but this is raw fish we are talking about here. I put on a brave face and just went for it, and when I tell you it was good, I tend to even surprise myself. They covered the fish in onions so it was able to have a little seasoning, but that was all they offered. I was shocked I was able to eat the whole thing but I did and was honestly proud of myself, accomplishment of the weekend. 

Once we finished up with visiting the towns we were dropped off at central and were able to do what ever we pleased. The one museum I was most excited to see was Anne Frank’s house. The house in which Anne Frank hid was right along a canal, the outlook I’m sure beautiful back than, even in the midst of the chaos she experienced. Once we were inside there were no words to express just how one feels in this situation. I was overcome with an overwhelming amount of sadness for this little girl as well as her family. They had writings from her diary set up on the walls as you walked through as well as many pictures of what the place looked like back than. When we reached the rooms in which her family and friends hid it just became surreal. In one of the rooms there were original pictures of magazine clippings she had cut out to decorate the room still lining the walls, as well as a section of the wall specifically to keep a growth chart of the children living inside. The rooms in which they lived were very small and when you think of how many years they spent in hiding it was quite crazy. 

At the end of the tour they had many of her journals on display and being able to see her words, in her hand writing, was just an awesome experience, even though in the end she was not able to make it through, she did accomplish the one goal she was set on completing, becoming a well known writer. 

When the tour was over, Tricia and I set out along the city walking around the shops and just exploring the city, the thrift store we found was by far the best. We played it smart that night and called it in early, we needed to be to the bus by 8:30 or they made it clear we would be left. 

Sunday morning there was more snow on the ground and an even prettier view as I sipped on my coffee and ate some yummy breakfast yet again. As we all piled on the bus we began our journey to the town of Burgee, Belgium. This too was also a great city. The town center held all medieval type buildings and was also set along canals. There was a strong aroma of chocolate through out the city and a wind chill of freezing. This had to be the coldest I have been while living abroad so it was tough to fully enjoy the impact of this beautiful city, but all in all it was a beautiful sight to see. 

One thing I did realize while on this trip was that for the first time I actually missed my new home, my small flat with an airplane sized bathroom. This was a great realization because it made me feel as though I was finally believing this was my home, I guess it should be now for in two days time I will have officially been living abroad for a month. Can you believe it? I know I can’t. 

Tomorrow I am taking a trip to Parliament as well as the Globe Theater so I’m very excited. Until next time. 

-Cheers

Here Comes the Sun

When you picture Abbey Road, what are your first thoughts, a non crowded street with four Beatles walking by? Well I hate to crush your dreams, but the times have changed. The amount of traffic that now runs through the street had me at times fearing for my life, it’s amazing to see the difference through the years. While mayhem in sued I must say I was still in awe walking across the same road the Beatles once did, trying my best to replicate their strut across while having cars stare me down because I may not have been walking fast enough. It was quite comical watching all the tourist recreating a picture, I’m sure at the time, was not believed to be a moment in history. Sometimes it baffles my mind just how much we let things of this nature become something we get so excited over, I guess it’s all about the little things. It was definitely something I had been looking forward to doing since I found out I was coming here, so it was such a fun experience. 

            Next on Saturdays agenda was to visit Camden Town, there’s a huge market in old Camden Stables. While there were some decent prices, there were just too many people for me to navigate around. I’m not much for crowds to begin with but when you’re running on a few hours sleep and freezing because of the wind chill, you’re just asking to be miserable. It was still rather enjoyable but I must say I could never visit the market again and be completely content with life. My friend Tricia and I were craving some decent Chinese food so we set out on a mission to find some after we pushed our way through the market. Finally we stumbled upon what we thought was an expectable place, but how wrong we were. They called this restaurant a buffet, and what I was expecting was just how it is back home, a thousand choices and real Chinese food, they didn’t even have General Tso chicken, how is that even possible? While the food wasn’t that great the ice cream machine they had was decent so I snagged some of that but I must say I’m missing my fix of Chinese food back home. 

            I must also state that the food is decent but totally bland, I’m piling my food high with salt and it seems to not make a difference. There’s two things I miss desperately Wawa hoagies and Wings, if I could have those two things within my reach here I would be set for life. I have also discovered they carry my Cadbury Egg’s all year round, now that makes me happy. I just want a decent meal, something that doesn’t have chips (fries) as a side.

Other than those two things, there isn’t much I miss about the United States, the life here is so much more relaxed, and time seems to pass slowly here. Three weeks in and I can already tell the English know how to actually enjoy their lives, in America it’s just go go go, which has it’s ups and downs, things close early here so there’s lots of sitting around, I’ll be thankful for it when I return back to normal life and need a break. 

I’m off to Amsterdam this weekend. I’ll be visiting Anne Frank’s house, which is something I am most excited about. Not looking forward to getting up at 5 am tomorrow with no decent coffee to give me the pick me up I need, but I’m just praying it will be worth it. This marks my first adventure outside of England since my arrival so I am truly excited. I will be sure to keep you all updated on how it went. 

Until next time. 

Behind Castle Walls

So it’s official. Today marks two weeks already, while it feels like I’ve been living here for a month, I can’t believe just how fast it has been. This week has also marked the start of home sickness, it’s kicking my butt, locking yourself in your room for three days and watching Dexter on repeat wasn’t helping in the least bit. I made sure to get myself outside and soak up the sun while it lasted today, the grass is still a lush green here, and can you believe it?

After tomorrow I will have officially completed my first week of “modules” here as well. While some seem like they may be a bit boring, politics and research methods, I’m pretty excited to learn a lot about the British culture. The way the classes are run here is something I need to get use to, 190 students in one class is a lot to take in.
I also would like to state that while I am making a conscious effort to make friends, no one seems to want to sit anywhere near me unfortunately, they can smell the American in me I guess. 

Last Saturday I had the chance to take a trip to Windsor Castle with my British Life and Culture class and I must say this place was breath taking. I say that with all honesty. I could not walk in to a room or a court yard seeing the sun shine through the castle alls without being in awe and having no other words but Wow.

 I have never seen anything more magical than this Castle and the fact that the Queen gets to call that home makes me seethe with envy. Seeing King Henry’s grave was a sight to see as well, finding out he was buried with his first wife came as a shocker to me. He’s burial held no monument not Cleary written marker but a little slab in the ground with his name and date of death. Cleary he was one of the most hated amongst the rulers. I was upset to find out that Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were not buried here but just outside, it has now become my mission to visit their memorial, how could you not? Their story is one for the books. 
If you ever fancy taking a trip across the pond, this is a place you will not want to miss. 

This weekend seems like it should be rather enjoyable, I’m going to ABBEY ROAD! it honestly can not get any better than that. I will be checking out Camden Town Market which shall be great as well, heard many things about this place, let’s see if it’s all its cracked up to be. 
Highlight of the week? Venturing to a club where there Friday nights are called the “Big Cheese” which plays mostly American music. What’s that saying about our culture? We make cheesy but danceable music, bittersweet victory if you ask me. 

I’ve begun to ramble and it’s turned into pointless babble and not very good. My excuse? Long day, tired and a low-key week so far, next week shall be rather interesting. 

So Life Starts To Begin

I'm new to this whole blogging down your thoughts thing but I figure, why not give it a shot.

It was a week ago today that I landed here in gloomy old England, a smile plastered to my face, this new found excitement for a life that felt like it was at a stand still, I've never felt more like I belonged somewhere than when I stepped out of the airport and realized where exactly I was. Seeing Westminster Abbey, Big Ben in all its glory, was more than words could describe. Anyone who knows me can tell you just how much I've longed to get this experience and live amongst the Brits. 

 It still hasn't fully hit me of exactly where I am, I'm sure the minute I start classes at my University and can finally no longer call myself a tourist is when I'll start to feel like I can call this my home.  With the weather chilly, never knowing if it's going to rain or snow, I couldn’t be happier than I have been in the best week. I've been dreaming of this chance for many years and to be blessed with this opportunity is more than I could ever ask for. While I will miss my family & friends more than I can even imagine this adventure that my life has now started to create will be something that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I can't wait to see what the months ahead will bring me.