Didn't get a chance to update yesterday, so here it is:
I went to my interview that was scheduled to start at 11.30. I'm always afraid of being late, so I left with plenty of time to make it there, meaning... I got there with an hour to spare.. I hadn't eaten yet, so I decided to stop in a little bakery, EAT. and ate a muffin and glass of milk while watching the activities happening on my road. After my breakfast, I made my way down to Prudence Cuming where I had my interview. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by Antony, who offered me tea, coffee, water, or carrot cake... yes, carrot cake. I declined. After he asked me a couple questions, he showed me around the studio. The tour ended in the break room where we met up with another head guy, Keith. After talking to Keith for a bit, he also offered me carrot cake. When I declined once more, he decided he wanted some for himself. He continued the interview while eating his piece of carrot cake... with a knife.
Everyone at the company seems very friendly. I'm very excited to learn all that I can and use the equipment that costs more than a house probably. The interview concluded with them telling me I start work on Tuesday at 9 :)
After my interview, I made my way back to Palace Court where I saw a group of girls getting ready to go on a tour down by Piccadilly. Even though I had just been there, as that is the area I work, I decided to go with. We wandered around Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly St, and Chinatown where the group split. My friend Julianne and I decided to take a little walk ourselves. We walked down through Trafalgar Square, down Whitehall, and concluded at Big Ben, Parliament, The London Eye, and Thames. Big Ben and Parliament was absolutely breath taking. The detail and architecture is unlike anything I've ever seen. We stood in awe glancing up at Big Ben for quite awhile. After many pictures and gaping looks, we decided to head back to Palace Court.
In the evening a couple girls and I walked down on Queensway, got some coffee and ice cream and talked before heading home and turning in for the night.
It was lovely weather all day... Perfect for sightseeing.
Today:
Another beautiful day... Perfect for exploring.
Phillip, the GR, offered to escort any who would like to come to Portabella Market (in Notting Hill!) He supplied the group with some maps and lead the way. While the Market was very cool, I don't do well in super crowed shopping situations... Never have. After wandering around and developing a headache for an hour I decided I had had my fill. I came back to homebase, grabbed my camera and book and set out for a journey on my own.
I picked up some lunch from the sandwich shop, Pret, and made my way to Hyde Park where I sat and enjoyed my sandwich and grapes and read my book. After laying in the sun for a bit, I decided to walk down to Kensington Palace. It was also breathtaking (like practically everything in London). I then wandered down a little farther and found a neat area with lots of shops. By this time, my legs were starting to get a little sore, so I decided I should start making my way back.... I knew the general direction I had to head, but the streets are anything but straight in London. I started wandering up random streets and happened upon an amazing neighborhood. The houses were all stark white with different colored bright doors. After wandering through the neighborhood (and pulling out my London A-Z) I found my way back to Bayswater, my road... Eventually.
For tonight, the girls are planning a little picnic in Hyde Park for dinner. Even though it's exactly what I did for lunch, I'm really looking forward to going again.
Now, I am going to plan out the rest of my trip so I don't run out of time to do everything I want to before I leave.
Cheerio!
5.28.2009
Pictures - Take One
I haven't had a chance to take my Rebel out yet, but I'm hoping to tomorrow...
Until I do though, you can look at these and see what I get to wander around in every day :)
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=26792&id=1159860020&l=ec87211a7a
Until I do though, you can look at these and see what I get to wander around in every day :)
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=26792&id=1159860020&l=ec87211a7a
Is this Real Life?
It's only 4 and I'm already worn out...
Left the flat today at 9 to go to class. This class was a vast improvement to class yesterday. Probably partially because I was prepared for an actual lecture and partially because it was over the current events in London, so it was very interesting.
After class I told my roommates that I needed to go find my internship building for my interview tomorrow and Julianne wanted to join. We got suddenly really hungry as we were walking to the tube station and decided to stop in at a little pub for some lunch... Dad, you will be so very pleased to hear that I tried the British favorite: fish and chips (with mashed peas)... Yes, I even ate (some of) the chips. The fish was deeeeeeeeeelicious :) and the mashed peas were shockingly good as well.
After our filling meal of fried food, we took the tube to Green Park. We step out of the tube station and are immediately in awe of the part of the city we are in. The buildings are magnificent, and there are sings for Buckingham Palace all over the place... I was COMPLETELY unaware of the area I was going to be working in and I never would have expected it to be as brilliant as it is. It's much more New York City like than Bayswater... Julianne and I stumbled upon one part of town we dubbed the "Times Square" of London. After finding my possible place of employment, we decided to wander down towards Buckingham Palace. We explored there for quite a while... walking around in some of the gardens and such. We talked about going down towards Trafalger Square, but decided we would come back another day when we were more prepared and not so worn out. It's only about a 15 minute journey by tube.
I'm now back at 11 Palace Court and I'm going to take a quick nap before the night festivities begin. Nothing too big planned. Julianne and I have our hearts set on some Gellato for dinner since our Fish and Chips were so filling earlier, but I'm going to have to turn in pretty early so I can make sure I nail my interview tomorrow... Wish me luck!
Cheerio!
Left the flat today at 9 to go to class. This class was a vast improvement to class yesterday. Probably partially because I was prepared for an actual lecture and partially because it was over the current events in London, so it was very interesting.
After class I told my roommates that I needed to go find my internship building for my interview tomorrow and Julianne wanted to join. We got suddenly really hungry as we were walking to the tube station and decided to stop in at a little pub for some lunch... Dad, you will be so very pleased to hear that I tried the British favorite: fish and chips (with mashed peas)... Yes, I even ate (some of) the chips. The fish was deeeeeeeeeelicious :) and the mashed peas were shockingly good as well.
After our filling meal of fried food, we took the tube to Green Park. We step out of the tube station and are immediately in awe of the part of the city we are in. The buildings are magnificent, and there are sings for Buckingham Palace all over the place... I was COMPLETELY unaware of the area I was going to be working in and I never would have expected it to be as brilliant as it is. It's much more New York City like than Bayswater... Julianne and I stumbled upon one part of town we dubbed the "Times Square" of London. After finding my possible place of employment, we decided to wander down towards Buckingham Palace. We explored there for quite a while... walking around in some of the gardens and such. We talked about going down towards Trafalger Square, but decided we would come back another day when we were more prepared and not so worn out. It's only about a 15 minute journey by tube.
I'm now back at 11 Palace Court and I'm going to take a quick nap before the night festivities begin. Nothing too big planned. Julianne and I have our hearts set on some Gellato for dinner since our Fish and Chips were so filling earlier, but I'm going to have to turn in pretty early so I can make sure I nail my interview tomorrow... Wish me luck!
Cheerio!
5.27.2009
History of EU, Wicked, Cheese & Onion
Big day today! Went to class at 1... We were all expecting it to sort of be another orientation type thing where we learned what to expect for the next six weeks of class... So wrong. Turns out we have a full blown three hour lecture of the (ENTIRE) history of the EU. Very overwhelming. Afterwards, I headed back to Palace Courts, took a quick shower and went to dinner with one of my roommates, Juilanne, and a friend Janelle. We went to a Thai place on Queensway (a main drag very close)... I tried something semi exotic... Duck fried rice.... Pretty tasty. We wanted to try an 'authentic' British place, but apparently Queensway is the 4th Street of London. (For all you (dedicated) non-Bloomington readers/followers, 4th Street is the 'International Restaurant street' in Bloomington... and also my place of residence) I'll have to venture out to find some authentic British food soon... I'm prepping myself for the potatoes... Not even kidding.
After dinner, Julianne, Janelle and I took the tube to the Apollo Victoria Theatre to seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee WICKED. It was... Wicked (baaaaaaaaaaahahahahaha... I'm so funny) No, but seriously... the sets, the costumes, the talent: all brilliant. I couldn't stop smiling. Arcadia (the program) supplied tickets for all the students... I was somehow in the front of the group and got to sit in row 7! Awesome.
After the show, everyone was pretty worn out from the unexpected three hour lecture, and equally unexpected amazingness that was Wicked, so we decided to go to the nearest grocery, Spar, get some snacks and turn in for the night (I picked up some delicious Walker Cheese & Onion crisps that I am enjoying as I type.)
Tomorrow we have another lecture (though this one is only supposed to be about two hours) then I'm going to go find where my interview is going to be on Friday and explore the area a bit. Hoping to post some pictures tomorrow.
Hope all is well in The States, let me know how things are going over there!
Pip-Pip, Cheerio!
After dinner, Julianne, Janelle and I took the tube to the Apollo Victoria Theatre to seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee WICKED. It was... Wicked (baaaaaaaaaaahahahahaha... I'm so funny) No, but seriously... the sets, the costumes, the talent: all brilliant. I couldn't stop smiling. Arcadia (the program) supplied tickets for all the students... I was somehow in the front of the group and got to sit in row 7! Awesome.
After the show, everyone was pretty worn out from the unexpected three hour lecture, and equally unexpected amazingness that was Wicked, so we decided to go to the nearest grocery, Spar, get some snacks and turn in for the night (I picked up some delicious Walker Cheese & Onion crisps that I am enjoying as I type.)
Tomorrow we have another lecture (though this one is only supposed to be about two hours) then I'm going to go find where my interview is going to be on Friday and explore the area a bit. Hoping to post some pictures tomorrow.
Hope all is well in The States, let me know how things are going over there!
Pip-Pip, Cheerio!
5.26.2009
Day Two
Started out early today: Had to be ready to leave the flat at 7.40. Not surprisingly, it was rainy and gloomy... but it's London. After the group is assembled, we leave the flat and head out to the tube station. My first tube experience, in one word: terrifying. I stuck as close to Phillip as possible because he warned us that if we get left behind, he's not coming back to find us... it's our duty to make it to our meeting on time... We, as a group, didn't end up making it to the meeting on time, however, as Phillip got us lost as we were trying to find the right building at the university (London streets are terrible)
At the meeting we went over a couple basic things about the class/our interviews/final project. I have my interview on Friday, and it seems to be a pretty easy trip on tube. I'm hoping to go explore the area a little and map out my route, tomorrow or Wednesday. My coordinator said the area I'm working in is a beautiful area. The company is one of the most respected photography studios in England and is used frequently by the royalty! I'm definitely excited to start.
After all the meetings were over, most people just wanted to head back to Palace Court, but my friend, Lacey and I decided that we wanted to explore the university/Islington area a little. London A-Z's in hand we braved Islington, and found our way quite nicely. We even took the tube back... no troubles at all. Islington is a very nice area, though much less populated than Bayswater (my area) There aren't as many shops or people, though we may not have seen the right area.
As for now, we just got back from buying some bread and lunch meat at a local grocery store and I think I'm going to take a nap or rest a bit before our meeting later tonight. Hope all is well back in America!
Oh! I almost forgot one very exciting bit. I signed up for a couple of group excursions today as well. Next weekend, I am going to Cotswolds: characterised by beautiful rolling hills and river valleys, and the small villages in them... or so the pamphlet says. Then the next weekend I'm taking a trip to the Royal Ascot: a horse race the Queen and other royalty attend. Very excited for both.
I think that sums all of the days activities up...
Cheers!
Things I ate: This morning, Phillip packed breakfast bags for the tenants including a chocolate muffin, apple, water, and orange juice. For lunch, Lacey and I split a BLT sandwich, and for my early dinner I had a pepperoni pizza roll... sorry, nothing too exotic... yet.
At the meeting we went over a couple basic things about the class/our interviews/final project. I have my interview on Friday, and it seems to be a pretty easy trip on tube. I'm hoping to go explore the area a little and map out my route, tomorrow or Wednesday. My coordinator said the area I'm working in is a beautiful area. The company is one of the most respected photography studios in England and is used frequently by the royalty! I'm definitely excited to start.
After all the meetings were over, most people just wanted to head back to Palace Court, but my friend, Lacey and I decided that we wanted to explore the university/Islington area a little. London A-Z's in hand we braved Islington, and found our way quite nicely. We even took the tube back... no troubles at all. Islington is a very nice area, though much less populated than Bayswater (my area) There aren't as many shops or people, though we may not have seen the right area.
As for now, we just got back from buying some bread and lunch meat at a local grocery store and I think I'm going to take a nap or rest a bit before our meeting later tonight. Hope all is well back in America!
Oh! I almost forgot one very exciting bit. I signed up for a couple of group excursions today as well. Next weekend, I am going to Cotswolds: characterised by beautiful rolling hills and river valleys, and the small villages in them... or so the pamphlet says. Then the next weekend I'm taking a trip to the Royal Ascot: a horse race the Queen and other royalty attend. Very excited for both.
I think that sums all of the days activities up...
Cheers!
Things I ate: This morning, Phillip packed breakfast bags for the tenants including a chocolate muffin, apple, water, and orange juice. For lunch, Lacey and I split a BLT sandwich, and for my early dinner I had a pepperoni pizza roll... sorry, nothing too exotic... yet.
5.25.2009
Welcome to London - Part Two
Found a converter.... Details.
The flight went pretty well. It ended up being only about 7.5 hours (instead of the predicted 8) and we had to fly around Heathrow for about 30 minutes because they didn't have a landing ready for us.... so it would have been even earlier! I got a solid three-ish hours of sleep, but then I remembered it was an entire day that had gone by... and realized it wasn't that good... obviously, I'm suuuuuuuuuper tired currently.. It's going to be an early night.
After we got to Palace Court, a couple of people who were also on the group flight and I went exploring around town where I picked up my shampoo, sheets, etc. I then came back and met my two roommates (Julianne and Rachel) and took them to get their sheets, etc. Around 4 we had a house meeting and got our schedules for the next week. Phillip (our housing resident - who loves saying 'cheerio') took us on my third walk around the neighborhood. A couple other girls I met at the meeting/dinner and I explored a little more and took a walk through Hyde Park. We're all reallllllllllllllly tired now though, and we have to be up and ready to go for the day at 7.45 am tomorrow! Crazy. Cool news though: They gave us tickets to go see Wicked on Wednesday night! I'm suuuuuuper pumped for that.
Alright, I'm going to organize a little bit more then hit the hay. Lots of love...
Eating update for Dad: On the plane we had pasta and chicken (was surprisingly good... I was really hungry) For breakfast they gave us an egg, ham and cheese muffin. Once I got here, I ate some crisps, and for dinner we had Dominos pizza... needless to say, I dominated that.
The flight went pretty well. It ended up being only about 7.5 hours (instead of the predicted 8) and we had to fly around Heathrow for about 30 minutes because they didn't have a landing ready for us.... so it would have been even earlier! I got a solid three-ish hours of sleep, but then I remembered it was an entire day that had gone by... and realized it wasn't that good... obviously, I'm suuuuuuuuuper tired currently.. It's going to be an early night.
After we got to Palace Court, a couple of people who were also on the group flight and I went exploring around town where I picked up my shampoo, sheets, etc. I then came back and met my two roommates (Julianne and Rachel) and took them to get their sheets, etc. Around 4 we had a house meeting and got our schedules for the next week. Phillip (our housing resident - who loves saying 'cheerio') took us on my third walk around the neighborhood. A couple other girls I met at the meeting/dinner and I explored a little more and took a walk through Hyde Park. We're all reallllllllllllllly tired now though, and we have to be up and ready to go for the day at 7.45 am tomorrow! Crazy. Cool news though: They gave us tickets to go see Wicked on Wednesday night! I'm suuuuuuper pumped for that.
Alright, I'm going to organize a little bit more then hit the hay. Lots of love...
Eating update for Dad: On the plane we had pasta and chicken (was surprisingly good... I was really hungry) For breakfast they gave us an egg, ham and cheese muffin. Once I got here, I ate some crisps, and for dinner we had Dominos pizza... needless to say, I dominated that.
Welcome to London
Can't do a very long update since I've yet to find a power adapter BUT
I made it in! It's awesome so far. Got a phone and some shampoo (and blankets). Palace Court is adorable. My roommates seem sweet and I met some cool people on the flight. I'll update more when I find a converter...
Cheers!
I made it in! It's awesome so far. Got a phone and some shampoo (and blankets). Palace Court is adorable. My roommates seem sweet and I met some cool people on the flight. I'll update more when I find a converter...
Cheers!
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