I haven't posted anything in a while, partly because I've been lazy and partly because I was without Internet for four days, so I couldn't actual post anything. I want to get back on track, so I'm going to try and make sure I post at least daily so you guys know I'm actual alive and haven't fallen off the face of the planet a la Taken, which I do not suggest you ever watch before traveling to Europe!
I've done so much over the past couple of weeks, so I'll try to do a week in review for last weekend and this weekend, probably in the form of a video so it won't be as long-winded. This time I'm going to make bullets of what I actually want to talk about so I don't blabber on for 10 minutes like I did in my last video.
Tomorrow I'm off to Stonehenge and Salisbury City on another school-sponsored day trip. I have to cut this post a little short because I need to go sleep and wake up early tomorrow. I will definitely post pictures soon though!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
My College!
Here's some pictures of my campus. I still need to take some pictures of the courtyards and gardens inside the college, but the area surrounding it is absolutely beautiful! You forget you're actually in a city. Tuesday was the first day that it was sunny so I decided we had to go out and walk around the park a bit, we barely even scratched the surface of all the park has to offer. I can't wait until I see how it is during the spring when the flowers are in bloom.
The Main Entrance to the College
The gate to Regent's Park
Regent's Park! The college is hiding in the trees!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
First Day of Classes
Yesterday was my first day of classes, and I think it finally clicked with me that this isn't just a vacation, but I actually am here to do work, unfortunate as that sounds.
On Mondays, I have two classes, a Theater class called Topics in Theatre: Shock of the New, and a Marketing course. The Theater class seems really interesting, though I am a little bummed that I couldn't take the British & American Musical Theater course instead. Instead of dealing with musical theater, this course deals with dramatic plays, but we'll be going to 8 different plays over the course of the semester which includes a play directed by Danny Boyle of "Slumdog Millionaire" fame. The only part I'm nervous about is the fact that I don't have much of a background in dramatic theater, and nearly everyone in my class has a strong theater background.
I actually really enjoyed my Marketing class, because it featured not only Regent's American College students, but students from all over Europe and the world. I really like the professor's teaching style, and I introduced the class to the genius that is Panera Bread when we were discussing brands that we love.
After our classes were over and we had dinner, my Lindsey and Caroline wanted to go out, especially since they just got in on Sunday. We went to a local pub called The Volunteer which felt like our first actual pub that wasn't geared for tourists. It had a cool atmosphere and we chatted with some locals as well as a group of friends from Yugoslavia. I'm glad I finally had a chance to talk to people outside of Regent's College. It was a great night to top off a great first day of classes!
I'm about to go to dinner so I've got to go! Cheers!
On Mondays, I have two classes, a Theater class called Topics in Theatre: Shock of the New, and a Marketing course. The Theater class seems really interesting, though I am a little bummed that I couldn't take the British & American Musical Theater course instead. Instead of dealing with musical theater, this course deals with dramatic plays, but we'll be going to 8 different plays over the course of the semester which includes a play directed by Danny Boyle of "Slumdog Millionaire" fame. The only part I'm nervous about is the fact that I don't have much of a background in dramatic theater, and nearly everyone in my class has a strong theater background.
I actually really enjoyed my Marketing class, because it featured not only Regent's American College students, but students from all over Europe and the world. I really like the professor's teaching style, and I introduced the class to the genius that is Panera Bread when we were discussing brands that we love.
After our classes were over and we had dinner, my Lindsey and Caroline wanted to go out, especially since they just got in on Sunday. We went to a local pub called The Volunteer which felt like our first actual pub that wasn't geared for tourists. It had a cool atmosphere and we chatted with some locals as well as a group of friends from Yugoslavia. I'm glad I finally had a chance to talk to people outside of Regent's College. It was a great night to top off a great first day of classes!
I'm about to go to dinner so I've got to go! Cheers!
Monday, January 17, 2011
First Vlog!
This is my first ever vlog. I'm sorry it ran a little long but in time I'll get better! *Fingers Crossed* Enjoy!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
First Weekend In London!
Eventually I will actually post videos and pictures on here, but I'm still trying to settle in and figure everything out. I swear you will be able to see me in person soon!
My first few days in London have been amazing so far. Aside from the awful jet lag I had the first day, it's been a pretty smooth transition living in a different country. It still hasn't hit me that this isn't just some vacation or an amazing dream. Its a dream come true, as corny as that sounds.
Don't get me wrong, there are some things that I still need to get used to, and I'm sure in a week or two I'll get accustomed to the differences in foods and currency. There are so many different coins that I can't even keep track. Some of them actually have substantial value, and I'm not used to pound or two pound coins yet. The food, for the most part so far, can at times be a little bland, but its not nearly as bad as I expected. I'm definitely eating a lot smaller portions of food, so its no wonder why near everyone in London is so trim and fit. I've done a lot of walking so far, and I'm thinking of running around Regents Park in the mornings if I have the motivation to.
So far everyone I've met at school has been really nice and I'm excited to make new friends. There is a lot of American students at the moment, but in a few weeks there will be students from all over Europe and the UK. I can't wait to meet some locals at the pubs or just striking up conversation. I definitely have noticed I'm a lot more outgoing here and I feel a lot more comfortable at this college than I do at Nichols. I definitely am made for the city.
The college sponsored a few social gatherings the first couple of days, which was a great way to hang out and make new ways. The first night we went to a pub on Marylebone Rd near the school called The Met. It was good because there so many people from the school there at the time, but it wasn't the classic pub you think of. We also went on a Jack the Ripper tour, which was a good way to walk around parts of London we hadn't seen yet. The most memorable part of the tour was a homeless panhandler that claimed that Jack the Ripper was dead and that he was (and I quote) "Jack the Nigger" I wouldn't suggest going on the tour that we went on, but I'm sure there's some entertaining night tours of the darker parts of London.
To top off the weekend we went to our first London club called Tiger Tiger. It was in Piccadilly Circus, which is equivalent to Times Square in NYC. The area is a bit touristy, but the club was really cool and was filled with tons of Brits. They featured four or five different "rooms" that played different music, so it was fun to migrate to the different rooms and see the different crowds that were there.
Sorry for the extremely long posts. I promise I'll get the hang of actually vlogging and taking pictures to post on here. I'll be sure to take some pictures of the campus and the park surrounding the school. Its like a little oasis in the hustle and bustle of Central LDN.
I'm off to the local pub with some friends that I made here to cap off a great weekend! Cheers!
My first few days in London have been amazing so far. Aside from the awful jet lag I had the first day, it's been a pretty smooth transition living in a different country. It still hasn't hit me that this isn't just some vacation or an amazing dream. Its a dream come true, as corny as that sounds.
Don't get me wrong, there are some things that I still need to get used to, and I'm sure in a week or two I'll get accustomed to the differences in foods and currency. There are so many different coins that I can't even keep track. Some of them actually have substantial value, and I'm not used to pound or two pound coins yet. The food, for the most part so far, can at times be a little bland, but its not nearly as bad as I expected. I'm definitely eating a lot smaller portions of food, so its no wonder why near everyone in London is so trim and fit. I've done a lot of walking so far, and I'm thinking of running around Regents Park in the mornings if I have the motivation to.
So far everyone I've met at school has been really nice and I'm excited to make new friends. There is a lot of American students at the moment, but in a few weeks there will be students from all over Europe and the UK. I can't wait to meet some locals at the pubs or just striking up conversation. I definitely have noticed I'm a lot more outgoing here and I feel a lot more comfortable at this college than I do at Nichols. I definitely am made for the city.
The college sponsored a few social gatherings the first couple of days, which was a great way to hang out and make new ways. The first night we went to a pub on Marylebone Rd near the school called The Met. It was good because there so many people from the school there at the time, but it wasn't the classic pub you think of. We also went on a Jack the Ripper tour, which was a good way to walk around parts of London we hadn't seen yet. The most memorable part of the tour was a homeless panhandler that claimed that Jack the Ripper was dead and that he was (and I quote) "Jack the Nigger" I wouldn't suggest going on the tour that we went on, but I'm sure there's some entertaining night tours of the darker parts of London.
To top off the weekend we went to our first London club called Tiger Tiger. It was in Piccadilly Circus, which is equivalent to Times Square in NYC. The area is a bit touristy, but the club was really cool and was filled with tons of Brits. They featured four or five different "rooms" that played different music, so it was fun to migrate to the different rooms and see the different crowds that were there.
Sorry for the extremely long posts. I promise I'll get the hang of actually vlogging and taking pictures to post on here. I'll be sure to take some pictures of the campus and the park surrounding the school. Its like a little oasis in the hustle and bustle of Central LDN.
I'm off to the local pub with some friends that I made here to cap off a great weekend! Cheers!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Settling In
I apologize for not being punctual with my posts, but everything has been a little too chaotic at the moment. I hope to keep you updated more frequently but tonight I'm out to grab a bite to eat at a local pub then going Toger Tiger with everyone from Regents College. It's free cover so I can't pass it up! Have to get ready but Ill keep everyone updated soon!
The Flight In
My flight to London was eventful to say the least. I planned to pass out and sleep the whole flight but alas that did not happen. Between all the in flight entertainment options on my seat back, the girl sitting behind me that did not stop talking for the entire six hour flight, and my lack of finding a comfortable position, I did not get a wink of sleep on my Red Eye flight to London.
I have to admit I was a little nervy when we were departing JFK because it was the first time I flew without my parents, and it was my first international flight. To top it all off I did depart the same day of a blizzard, but luckily the snow did not accumulate nearly as much as it did in New York as it did in Mass or RI. It definitely was one of the most turbulent flights I've been on, which didn't exactly calm my anxiety but I made sure I just closed my eyes and reassured myself that everything would be ok.
I definitely have nothing but praise for Virgin Atlantic Airways. The check in process was quick and easy, the flight attendants were friendly and attentive, and to top it all off I had a complimentary headset, pillow blanket travel kit and meal that included a rather strong and equally delicious rum and coke.
One of the many distractions that prevented me from sleeping was the multitude of movies music and television shows available at the touch of a button. I decided on Watching Going the Distance, which I thought would be simply a funny movie but turned out to hit really close to home especially having to say goodbye to someone I really care about - for four months at least. It might have been my exhaustion or the rum and coke but I definitely shed a few tears during the movie.
On that happy note, I bid thee adieu as I have a long, jet lagged day ahead of me.
I have to admit I was a little nervy when we were departing JFK because it was the first time I flew without my parents, and it was my first international flight. To top it all off I did depart the same day of a blizzard, but luckily the snow did not accumulate nearly as much as it did in New York as it did in Mass or RI. It definitely was one of the most turbulent flights I've been on, which didn't exactly calm my anxiety but I made sure I just closed my eyes and reassured myself that everything would be ok.
I definitely have nothing but praise for Virgin Atlantic Airways. The check in process was quick and easy, the flight attendants were friendly and attentive, and to top it all off I had a complimentary headset, pillow blanket travel kit and meal that included a rather strong and equally delicious rum and coke.
One of the many distractions that prevented me from sleeping was the multitude of movies music and television shows available at the touch of a button. I decided on Watching Going the Distance, which I thought would be simply a funny movie but turned out to hit really close to home especially having to say goodbye to someone I really care about - for four months at least. It might have been my exhaustion or the rum and coke but I definitely shed a few tears during the movie.
On that happy note, I bid thee adieu as I have a long, jet lagged day ahead of me.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
The Eve Before My Flight
I can't believe tomorrow, (well technically today), is the big day! I finally make that flight across the pond that has been on my mind for over a year now. It still hasn't sunk in that I'm actually going to be calling London my home for the next five(ish) months, but I'm sure once I get there it will be an entirely different story.
Unfortunately, my flight won't be going as smoothly as hoped. As my luck would have it, a blizzard is forecast to come roaring up the coast on the day I'm supposed to take off, cancelling my original flight from Logan to Heathrow. On the upside, I did manage to book a flight out of JFK for 10:25 pm tonight. I'm a little nervous, but at least I have my double mint twin to hopefully calm my nerves. I'm so appreciative that her parents offered to drive us to JFK so we can make our orientation. By this time tomorrow *fingers crossed* I will be ecstatic, albeit jet lagged, and walking around my new found "Hometown Glory".
I guess it's time to get back to super-late, super last minute over packing for me!
Ciao!
Unfortunately, my flight won't be going as smoothly as hoped. As my luck would have it, a blizzard is forecast to come roaring up the coast on the day I'm supposed to take off, cancelling my original flight from Logan to Heathrow. On the upside, I did manage to book a flight out of JFK for 10:25 pm tonight. I'm a little nervous, but at least I have my double mint twin to hopefully calm my nerves. I'm so appreciative that her parents offered to drive us to JFK so we can make our orientation. By this time tomorrow *fingers crossed* I will be ecstatic, albeit jet lagged, and walking around my new found "Hometown Glory".
I guess it's time to get back to super-late, super last minute over packing for me!
Ciao!
Monday, January 3, 2011
First Blog Post Ever!
Hey Everyone,
I'd like to welcome you to my blog about my upcoming travels and experiences in London. 2011 feels like it's going to be a memorable year. I feel like the friends and memories that I make in London will last me a lifetime, and I'm excited to share these experiences with my friends and family. It still hasn't hit me yet that I will be actually immersed in British culture and become a Londoner, at least for at least a few months.
In addition to written posts, I plan on vlogging and posting pictures of my travels. Hopefully I can keep up with it, make goals and meet my personal deadlines, but we'll just have to wait and see!
Here's to 2011! It's a fresh start and a chance to grow and expand my horizons. Look for more updates in the coming weeks.
I'd like to welcome you to my blog about my upcoming travels and experiences in London. 2011 feels like it's going to be a memorable year. I feel like the friends and memories that I make in London will last me a lifetime, and I'm excited to share these experiences with my friends and family. It still hasn't hit me yet that I will be actually immersed in British culture and become a Londoner, at least for at least a few months.
In addition to written posts, I plan on vlogging and posting pictures of my travels. Hopefully I can keep up with it, make goals and meet my personal deadlines, but we'll just have to wait and see!
Here's to 2011! It's a fresh start and a chance to grow and expand my horizons. Look for more updates in the coming weeks.
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