A Daytrip to Greenwich

Saturday 2/13- Sonya, Chelsey, and I had a daytrip to Greenwich planned for a few days, so today we did just that. We woke mighty early to get on the tube and then bus ride to Greenwich, a little town and past residence of Queen Elizabeth. (**Also, where the prime meridian is, 0 degrees latitude & longitude) We had a full day ahead of us.

We first headed to the National Meritime Museum, covering everything about seafaring history. A lot of the museum is hands-on, interactive, with videos and displays. We saw a ship used to transport a queen down the Thames river, an old lighthouse, and a gallery of sea pictures. I enjoyed this museum a lot.

We then headed to the Queens House, which housed old portraits and other artwork. Inside, was a really awesome spiral staircase that was the first one made in Britain without middle support, or something like that. We weren’t supposed to take pics of it, but I managed to snap one. There was a really pretty room with black and white tiles that people can rent out for venues and parties. Cost: 10,000 pounds. WOAH! Costs a lot to hold a party in an old famous Queens house.

*outside the Queens house, front entrance

*looking at the backyard of the Queens house

We finished in time to head over to the Greenwich markets to eat and shop a little, which I was excited for! the markets have food and clothing, jewelry, scarf’s, paintings, ceramics, and other neat stuff. As far as the food stalls, there was one for every country imaginable, from ethipia, morocco, and thai, which I got b/c it had been 3 weeks since I had thai and was craving it. My meal was delicious! Some cashew and ginger chicken, yellow curry, some beef and veggies, noodles, and rice. YUMMM! For dessert, we headed strait to the fondue stall, where the guy dips in strawberries or bananas in milk or dark chocolate, and adds toppings of your fancy. I got marshmallows and some nuts. Again, it had been 3 weeks since I had marshmallows (they don’t have them here…and I just had to have them, and they were divineee!) I bought some bracelets and other little stuff from the stalls. Being in the market felt like I was in a different country; it was really sweet.

*thai food stall..delic!

*me with my chocolate, marshmallow & nuts strawberry fondue

After the markets, we walked up a big hill which consisted of a gorgeous view of London, to the National Observatory, which is known as being the spot of the Prime Meridian. It was soooo awesome to be at two places (and times) at once, the Eastern & Western hemisphere…. 0 degrees lat/long. We were very giddy & excited when we arrived. After taking pics on the meridian, we tried to see an astronomy show, but didn’t realize it cost, so walked around the time museum a whilewhich I loved, b/c as you all know, I am a very time oriented person. We got to see how watched have transformed since thousands of years ago.

*me on the Prime Meridian!!!

When we got back to apartments, we were exhausted & planned for a “girls night in,” so we went and got brownie mix to make brownies in and watched a movie.

World art & artifact: day at the British Museum & Orchestra concert

Friday 2/12- A full day ahead of us in gorgeous London, with slight rain in the forecast, lead us to the British museum, founded in 1753. The building itself is magnificent; I could sit in the lobby and people watch for hours. We left after lunch and headed our way to the museum. It carries world art and artifacts; It’s organized by continents and has everything from Roman statues, 17^th century jewelry, pottery and ceramics, mummies, medieval stuff, and tons tons more. The museum is gigantic, it would be impossible to go through every wing in a day and take it all in. We did, however, manage to trot thru most of it in a full afternoon.

My favorite was looking at the jewelry from the 17^th century; it looks similar to jewelry now, and its neat thinking the designs of jewelry I wear now are reminiscence of jewelry from thousands of years ago. One of the pieces most memorable to me was an artwork that consisted of a lifetimes worth of prescription pills from an average British persons life. The table with the pills was huge; there were tons! It made me think about what we put in our bodies and the medical field.

After the museum, we ate a great meal at Regents (PS, I am loving the food at campus more every day…its delicious) and then me and Bri accompanied Andrew to the an Orchestra performance at the Royal Academy of Music, which is a two minute walk from our campus. The Orchestra consisted of the students from the academy and a professional lady, which was delightful. They were really good, and it was refreshing to listen to an orchestra. It was a nice evening of listening to a great orchestra and hanging with friends.

*the outside of the British Museum
*the inside of the British museum

Super Jazzzy jazzzy jazz club!

Thursday 2/11- Wow, do weekends come fast. Another one, already?!?!? With Rainey, Steph, and Dave gone in Amsterdam, there was a small group of us left. We decided not to do our usual Thursday night of cooking, but did a “bring your own meal.” After we said goodbye to the three giddily headed for Amsterdam, me, Bri, Andrew, and Zach hung in “the penthouse” for a while. I mentioned we should go to a jazz club, instead that turned into going to a piano bar. (also, with my flatmate, Sonya) We all brought out our handy laptops, and started to search for one. I found Piano Bar & Restaurant, and after we read good reviews posted about it, we decided to go there. I was really excited 1) I had been in sick for the previous 3 days 2) I have always wanted to go to a piano bar!!!

After a quick tube ride, we hopped off and literally walked about 20 yards to the place. We headed up a narrow stairway and entered. To the right was the bar, and the left was the seating. In the back, was the piano. The lighting was dim, candles on the tables, and a sexy vibe overall made this place a place we ended up loving. The singer/player was mediocre, I liked him better when he started to play more “jazz” style. The luring of the music, candles, and atmosphere may have been a reason why we were surrounded with couples. (Great date spot, PS) Overall, we all enjoyed the place and I plan to go back.

*the outside of the place...doesn't look like much from the outside
*me, Zach, Sonya, and Andrew (Bri took pic)

*some of the interior and the guy playing at the piano in the back

Sickness in London...whatatt?!?! :(

Sunday 2/7- Ew. Woke up feeling sick with an achy body, sore throat and a headache, so I could not go with the others to our usual Sunday church hopping experience; today was St. Martins in the Fields. I relaxed all day which was much needed after these very busy past two weeks! I managed to go for a walk to get some fresh air and went grocery shopping…I got ingredients to make fajitas and stir-fry, my favorite foods, which I am very excited to cook!

I am seriously loving London. Every day, I experience something different about London, learn something new, or see something in a new light. The thought of me moving here has definitely come across my mind a few times…………..

Monday 2/8- Wednesday 2/10- I am still trying to recover my sickness… I did not do much at all but try to recover and go to sleep early. Being sick gave me a lot of time to relax and re-cooperate from the busy, busy previous weeks I have had!

I am loving London!!!!!!

Shakespeare's Birthplace & Warwick Castle

Saturday 2/6- Waking up early was bittersweet- the excitement of our first day trip, about a 2 hour coach drive away, and my tiredness! The agenda: Stratford Upon Avon and Warwick Castle. To inform ya’ll…Stratford upon Avon is William Shakespeare’s birth and homeplace. ROMEO & JULIET IS MY FAVORITE LOVE STORY OF ALL TIME, so it was sweet bring there!

It’s a market, shopping, and leisure town dating back to 800 years ago with buildings that are still alive today. I saw Shakespeare’s birthplace, as well as his mom’s.

It cost too much money to do the tours of the houses, so I didn’t decide to do that. Louis (met her in my bio class) and I had a fun time exploring the town. When we first got there, we ate at “The Food for Love,” (line form Twelfth Night) in which we had yummy paninis.

*Me and Louis in the streets of the town

We then headed another half hour to Warwick Castle, a medieval castle in Warwickshire, that is right beside the River Avon. It was built by William the Conqueror in 1068. It was really neat exploring the outside and inside of the castle. We had 3 hours there, which was too much, so Louis & I sat and talked in the restaurant of the castle.

I think only pictures can explain the beauty of the castle…

Mexican Fiesta with Margaritas! & Lebanese Food Experimentation

Thursday 2/4- WEEKEND! (After a long and tiring day of classes) We had planned to go to a Mexican restaurant, Café Pacifico (a restaurant/bar in a fun, lively, and very loud atmosphere) for Zach’s birthday to continue with the celebration, and to carry on our “Taco Thursday” theme. It is in Covent Garden, an area not too far form ours that is famous for shopping, restaurants, street performers, and theatres.

By the time we got there to seated was two hours long! Us girls headed to H&M (yes, a disgrace because they have them in the States), and I don’t know where the boys headed while we waited the long wait. When we go back to the restaurant, we realized we still had about an hour. We ordered some chips and salsa and nachos to tide us over until the meal.

I thought the food was pretty yummy for Mexican food, but the Margarita pitcher we ordered was only decent. However, I tried Andrews mojito, which was excellent!

*Group shot minus Dave at Cafe Pacifico

Friday 2/5- Today may or may not have been (probably so) the nicest day outside in London. I wanted to take advantage of the weather, so I walked around and explored Regent’s Park and my neighborhood for a few hours. It was good to have some “alone” time and explore on my own.

I think its so neat walking beside all the people of London going to/from work. I feel like an official Londoner…like a part of “them.” after all, I am an official Londoner for another 3 months.

After that, me, Chelsey, and Sonya (flatmates) and some other girls went out in our “Labanese” neighborhood to find a Mediterranean restaurant. After we all ordered, we tasted everything from each other, like a mini taste testing extravaganza. One of my favorite things one got was melon juice. I asked the server it is fresh fruit using real fruits before we ordered…he answered “yes” but seemed a little confused with my question. When he brought out the melon and raspberry juices, we noticed it was literally freshly squeezed of those fruits…they were amazing. I will order a strawberry one next time. I love Mediterranean food, especially hummus, kabobs, and their warm yogurt sauce with lamb which I tried the first time. Pretty yummy!

After dinner, ME, CHELSEY, AND SONYA BOOKED OUR FLIGHTS FOR IRELAND THE LAST WEEKEND IN FEBRUARY. We are very, very excited! We are flying out from London early morning Friday and leaving Sunday night

***Message for Jillian O. – I cant wait to talk to you all about Ireland, what to see, where to go…etc…………….

Piccadilly Circus...the name says it all!

Tuesday 2/2- After last nights somewhat-stressful-yet-exciting- booking of the Spring Break flights, late night trip to Somerfield for chips & salsa, and flatmate chocolate tasting party, we could finally relax a little after SB plans were partially finalized. This evening took me, Chelsey, and Sonya to explore Picadilly Circus (really toursity) area of town, where 5 roads meet and video displays & neon signs mounted everywhere. Its often compared to “Times Square” of NYC. However, I would not compare it to Times Square as it is much, much livelier, colorful, neater, and more stuff to do (of course, it’s in London)

We strolled the streets, after Sonya and I shared a piece of pizza from a mini pizza café, explored, wondered, and took pics. We also came across Soho, China Town, and Oxford Circus, as they are all really close.

*Me and Sonya
*China Town

Wednesday 2/3- Normal day of classes and cooking dinner eventually lead to the celebration of Zach’s birthday at The Victory (pub across street). Im starting to like this pub a lot, as its right across the street and very convenient. Fun night of laughter and fellowship with new friends :)

A Week and a Half Reflection

Its crazy that I have only been here about 1 week and a half. Somehow, it feels longer. I am getting accustomed to the British culture and starting to know my way around. London is definitely not what I thought. I thought it would be more like America, however those assumptions were 100% wrong. Although they speak English here and people compare London to America, it is not anything close to it!

Beautiful church service at St. Pauls & Spring break plans have been partially finalized

Sunday 1/31- Sunday morning church lead me, Bri, Andrew, and Zach to St. Pauls Cathedral for their 10:15 service. It was very formal, with the service outlined in the brochure. The amazing choir walked out, including little boys to older men, and sat down. The best part was being surrounded with God’s presence in the Cathedral. It is so gorgeous inside; I was in awe the whole time. The actual sermon was only about 15 minutes, so most of the 50 minutes service consisted of the choir singing and two hmyns for the congregation to join. It was very peaceful going to church, as I had not been to church in a few weeks.

The rest of the day consisted of relaxing, grocery shopping, and laundry. We hung out in the Penthouse (the guys flat) for a while at night, I skyped with Susan, and went to bed with the thought of a second week of classes ahead of me.

THOUGHTS:

It is VERY very, very different being in this extremely secular campus. At my home college, Olivet Nazarene, I am surrounded by other Christians, professors praying before class, and psycho rules! (curfew, no boys/girls in each others rooms, no drinking, psycho dress code...). Here, there are no rules of that sort! ANYONE can be ANYWHERE at ANYTIME and practically do ANYTHING. I definitely feel my freedom here. I do not at Olivet. (If you are wondering and dont know this, I hate Olivet...) All in all, I LOVE REGENTS! It's a REAL college. (this is not implying I am doing those things. i am not, ps)

Monday 2/1- I will admit it is amazing having my own room. I am very lucky I have not gotten a new roommate yet, and I don’t think I will! I stayed on campus in the afternoon until dinner time. I got some homework done and walked around Regents Park with Andrew and attempted some pics to show yall how beautiful the park and campus is. After much planning and preparing, I BOUGHT MY PLANE TOCKET FOR SPRING BREAK TOUR D’ ITALIA!!

Here’s whats goin down:

It will be me, Sonya, and Chelsey (two of my flatmates) (Sonya might meet up with us half way through) We are flying out of here to Pisa, Italy (b/c cheaper) and taking a train to Florence. We will spend about two days in Florence and about two in the countryside, more North, of Italy to San Gimignano (small hill side fairy-tale medival-like town in providence of Siena, Tuscany Italy) OR another little town. We will then take a train to Rome, and spend the remainder of spring break there. (10 day trip). That’s the plans so far! We are excited!! Its kind of funny because everyone at Regents is talking about spring break. At home, I hear “florida this and florida that”. Here, I hear everything from Prague to Greece to Switzerland for spring break. Its crazy!

Pretty green area 5 miles from central London...Hampstead Heath

Saturday 1/30- With a sunny day in London ahead of us, we decided to go to Hampstead Heath, one of Londons grandest & greenest parkland spaces, with ponds, paths, hills & playgrounds. Parliament Hill occupies it, which magically overlooks the skyline of London. The area of Hampstead is adorable, with cute shops and cafes all around. (including a café called “Alices House”).

*Houses across the pond at park

We stopped in a cozy bakery to get coffee (for Steph) and some treats before we headed for our walk through Hampstead Heath. I will definitely be going back when it’s a little warmer outside to enjoy the surrounding more. There were a hundred runners doing a race through the park, covered with mud from the dirt path. It was funny to watch. That night we stayed in the Penthouse, talked, and hung out.

*London skyline from Parliament Hill
*Me and Bri on a stairway in the park

*Some neat graffiti across the tube railway at West Hampstead tube stop

*Giggle of the day: Bri and Stephanie sharing their chocolate éclair.