Closing Time

Well....I've officially been in Chicago for around 5 hours now.

i've made too many friends in that amount of time. Also, a lot of people use Union Station to take pics for weddings. I saw an amazing bridal gown. The wearer was fierce.

An (Asian)  kid asked me if I had a home when I was sitting outside McDonalds in the train station...I was moochin' off of their internet.

The bus that I'm on has Internet...and a plug-in. I feel like today has been a day where I begin my crash of getting back in the American habit.

Comparisons:
The Underground drivers do not warn you about the gap :(
People do not know how to board the train.
People running the train assume that you do not know how to use the ticket machines....kinda been doing it for like 4 months....lol
People talk really loud.
My tummy has began its crashcourse to getting used to American food...and preservatives.


woah. my bus has started moving :)

I do already miss London. I cried multiple times...not really about leaving the place...mainly the people. It was truly heartbreaking. I almost balled my eyes out when I hugged Sarah goodbye this morning.


Also, Iberia. You are stupid...but I give you street cred.

So...I read some reviews of my airservice after i had booked it....I'm not gonna really say what I read....you can venture to look it up if you want a good laugh imagining what my reaction would be if it did happen to me.

I got to the airport at 5ish. I look at the screen....MY FLIGHT WAS CANCELLED!!!!!

I panicked. I then calmly went to the Iberia service desk...then got me a nonstop flight to Chicago that departed like 20 minutes after my original flight did. Success for me. I then went through Heathrow. My terminal was pretty snazzy. I got some kind of a bagel that had tomato, cumberland sausage, egg salad and cheese on it. So perfect. I want more!

I slept this time on my flight. The guy next to me was a dick. But I'm over it. I would be too to have his seat...the window seat in front of the restroom.

I watched Glee, 30 Rock and Big Bang Theory on my flight. This flight was pretty cool. I also watched Shrek....which I've been wanting to watch for quite some time. The meals were decent....they included Laughing Cow Cheese. nom nom nom.

I got to use my American cell phone when I got through Customs....who were actually quite rude. I understand the hours are long and stressful...but come on. I was gleeful to be back...don't rain on my parade customs lady. ugh.

well. I feel as if I've become a better person because of this. I feel like I was reborn once I touched ground in Chicago. I feel amazing....and tired...and hungry.

Goodbye blog. I'll miss you....kinda....I kinda forgot of your existence....its because you weren't saved in my tabs...my bad.

I love this moment.

 I will miss these people. Best picnic ever.

Also....birds will follow you if you feed one or five of them.

everyone loves chicken salad.

these are the coolest people in London.

I am however ready to go back to the States.

I am just a tad bit nervous about flying back...with the whole Osama bin Laden death and all...

Museum of London/Imperial War Museum (Assignment 3/6)

Dear Museums...

After seeing you in books and pictures....

you kinda bored me.

there isn't a lot to say. I honestly was bored. It might have been because I went when I was feeling a bit ill....but you still didn't impress me as much....you failed in the race against the Cabinet War Rooms. I'm sorry. Please forgive me.

Royal Wedding.

So, I got the fever....and camped out.

It was an amazing atmosphere. Honestly, I had no intention of caring about it. I basically got convinced to do it when I took fresh baked sugar cookies. Just walking to the group...the atmosphere was vibrant and loving.

So...I got supplies....games, pillows and blanket and marked my spot within the group. I held a sign for a bit....news crews loved it. I was interviewed and photographed for numerous things...because of the sign...and I'm from Iowa. They all started off with the same question...Did you come all the way here just for the Wedding?

haha. no...kinda...maybe....

so...basically...we waited out...and William and Harry did a random 'meet the crowd' thing. So beautiful. I got close enough to get really closeup pics w/o zoom :)

I also have a video of Harry. Damn, his voice is sexy.

So, we made friends with people around us. I couldn't sleep because I was on guard duty. Our program director Mark even came around...wearing this beautiful sequin Union Jack vest. I want an American one.

People partied in the streets. So much alcohol was consumed by the mass amount of people camping out.

So, morning hit. It was cold...and a little windy. But, the spirits were high for the wedding. Police and Royal Guards started appearing :) The Police had sacklunches. I only assume that the Queen was up all night making the lunches for them, putting all of her love into it. I also assume that Phillip put flasks of whiskey into each one...its only fair.

The Wedding procession started....Harry and William left....Then a bunch of people...then Camilla/Prince Phillip, the Queen and Prince Phillip and FINALLY Kate...in the most gorgeous gown....from ALEXANDER   MCQUEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The procession to Buckingham Palace was even better because they ditched the cars and brought out carriages.

The Queen and Kate looked stunning. Also, the Queen has SOOOOOO many horses. I love her so much.

Honestly, before this trip. I was against the Monarchy and thought the Wedding was an overrated affair. After seeing the procession, I've changed my views. The sheer excitement and the affection shown towards one family is breathtaking. This event has totally brought the Monarchy back into the hearts of the world.

I certainly had one of the best nights/days of my life. So much screaming and picturetaking. J'adore. Also....Germans will invade your space and attempt to take over...guess things never change. (Long story...but some German lady tried to push her way into our/neighboring group...I almost watched her get taken down by a lady neighbor. It would have been fun to watch.

p.s. Camilla wore white. Everyone knows that NO ONE wears white to a wedding. How rude. Camilla....learn some wedding manners. please?

p.p.s. Your Majesty, if you're reading this, will you be my Grandma? I would make you so many macaroni art projects and color you so many pictures.

Easter

So, I finally have internet access after the stupid server crashed. God, I was bored. It's funny how about 10 years ago...I survived w/o daily internet access....my have times changed.

So, for my Easter Dinner...I made Pork Chops and Pancakes. They went quite well together I must say. I was pleased with myself.

I skyped the family for about 10 minutes...they had just got done with dinner and were going out to ind the easter eggs. Man, even though it was a brief moment...I got to see all of their faces and hear their voices. Damn, I miss this a lot. Only about 2 and a half weeks until I'm back home. I can sleep in a bed that doesn't have a dent in the middle of it. A window that isn't janked up. Having to be kicked out of my room so it can be cleaned. I can have a job so I can have so income. I will have shorts and flip flops. I can at least get some mail....it may just be bills....but at least it's something to read. I can catch up on all of my shows...see some old  friends. Have a car to drive. Have some grass within 10 steps of me....I can't wait to get back to Central and live in the apartment.

So yeah. Also, I found my American cell phone today. I forgot what all I had on it. Boy am I glad to be able to use it and text people. Also,  actually like that phone compared to the shit one I have here.

Nobody is here during break besides Jess, Emily, Patrick, Jason and myself. Jason leaves tomorrow and Emily will be with her sister for god knows how long. Patrick has his internship at Parliament and Jess usually stays in her room....
BUT...
other people come back for the Royal Wedding starting tomorrow. I'm not gonna lie....not to excited about the Wedding.

Brighton.

Theres not a lot that we did in Brighton.

We went to King George IV's pavilion...it was pretty cool....but I'm not gonna lie....I got bored listening to the little headset that tells you all of the information...

but...we went to the boardwalk. Saw so many games and food...but I didn't buy any :(


We then went down to the beach :)

We then went shopping in some pretty cool stores.

I have put some pictures up on Facebook. Sorry for not writing much...i'm exhausted and the internet is too slow to upload pictures. Sorry.

Under a month until I'm home. I'm craving a damn good steak....not gonna lie....and pickles...and hotdogs...and greasy hamburgers....

I'm going to gain all of the weight back that I have lost while here. ugh. ugh. ugh.

Directions = Not My Forte

So, I had to go to Camden Town in order to complete a visit to a place of worship for my Religion class...yea....

I ended up in Regent's Park...which is actually quite a ways away from Camden Town....possibly a mile....and I was walking....ugh ugh ugh...

Regent's Park, however, is beautiful. Its one of the prettiest parks that I have ever seen. They have a project where they have people bring things like rocks, sticks, plants...anything nature like...and you add it on in order to help build the habitat for animals. They have special signs marking where you should help build the habitats.





so...I missed my appointment....stood up a Reverend. I'm going to Hell.

But, on the way back....I found the Grant Museum of Zoology.

You have just witnessed a Beluga Whale Fetus.

thats pretty much my adventure....

my feet still hurt from all of the walking.

Rearing Towards the End.

So, its almost a month away from when I arrive back in the States. A lot has been on my mind....mainly when I try to sleep.

My directing show was accepted. I will be directing Samuel Beckett's Endgame. The show dates will be November 17-19, 2011. So, mark your calendars...because it will be a wild ride.

I'm thinking about getting two jobs over the summer...talking about brain kill...oh well. I'm looking at possibly Hot Topic or Rue 21. Some really cool place where I can sell fashion....     I'm also looking at a restaurant....idk,who knows. I really just want a lot of money so I can start saving for an apartment after school...and to have some money to start paying bills and so I can not be stretching money after school...ugh.

Dear Pop Culture.

When was it okay to make an opera about Anna Nicole Smith.

Yea, I understand the warped position of fame and how she died trying to keep it....

but yea....lyrics....not so much....


nice try.

Mid-term Reflections

So, I've been here for about half the time I stay here in London.

I'm not really homesick...but looking forward to getting back to the States.

I'll get to see my friends and family again.
I won't have to worry about money as much.
I'll be able to grill.
I'll have all of my clothes/shoes to wear.

It's also getting to that time where people are starting to annoy people....I hope that I'm not annoying anyone....

I feel like I fit into London pretty well...people ask me for directions....I feel bad when I know that I point them in the wrong way....

I'm still upset about a boy....I wish that I was able to visit him during first semester. I think that might have changed things....maybe....hes not that far from Iowa City...maybe him and I shoulda met over the summer...but I was a good boy...and stayed home :(

I've began to appreciate nature and the outdoors a bit more. It doesn't mean that I'm going to go out, hike and  camp...but maybe I'll buy a hammock when I get home....

Also, Patrick and I have decided that we are going to have grilling parties. I miss the grill so much...and steak.

I've learned that I can actually survive on less than what I thought I could....

I miss having a job during the day. It gives me something to occupy myself with instead of sitting around on the computer all day...also...I get money :)

Also, I've decided that when I get home, I'm going to drive around....maybe go to Blakesburg....visit my old stomping grounds.  Go back to the house I spent half my life in....see if I can remember where I buried treasure....idk....attempt to walk the pasture....Warner would love that....the kid of the jackass that punched him in the face...on his property....go to Sunnyacres....lay out on my car and watch the stars shine at Grandma and Grandpa's old lot....who knows....I just want to roam....being stuck in the middle of London makes me want to get away into the countryside.

To Bath and Beyond: How Do You Put On These Headphones?

Bath, is an amazing place...known for its beautiful scenes and most notably for the Roman Baths.

So, we went to Dyrham Park. Its a proper estate owned by the National Trust because its so expensive. The scenes are AMAZING and BREATHTAKING.

I have too many pictures. Also, Matt decided it would be a great idea to pick some flowers...apparently it is illegal to pick them because they are endangered...go him.

When we got to Bath, we toured the Roman Baths. So amazing to learn about how the civilization utilized every part of what was found...mainly the Hot Springs.

Then Saturday, Mark and Beth got us a bus tour instead of the boats. I loved this. Apparently Nicolas Cage lives in Bath...I have a picture of his supposed apartment.

Then we went to Victoria Park. It was amazing. So beautiful. The sun was out, so we did a little sun bathing.

Then we went to the playground portion. We got so many pictures of the playground. It was so jungle like. So many kids...so much playground stuff.

This place is beautiful and so peaceful. I want to live here.

The Hostel that we stayed in was pretty legit. Matt and I got a bunkbed that was obviously not made for people so damn tall. We were going to make a fort or seven....but our plans were ruined....fail fail not happy fail.

We then packed up and left to our next destination Lacock (lay-cock). It's known for its rich history....a traditional English village. Its also wealthy because of the wool industry.
It's also known for being used in the Harry Potter movies.
They were having a flower sale everywhere....I'm glad Spring is finally happening...I hope Iowa is gorgeous when I get back.
There was also a cute guy working in one of the craft shop. He was checking me out. He totally wanted me. So...yeah....um....grandma told me to not bring back a boy....but....I was so close....

We finally got back to London. I didn't really miss it. Someone decided that we were hatin' on London...but it was impossible to not....the weekend was gorgeous. It was perfect.

Bath = J'adore!

Things learned on this trip:
- Don't pick pretty flowers.
- Asians love taking pictures.
- Asians will go next to little children...and take pictures with them.
- Drunken old Rugby players will be creepy.
- Beth has troubles working clippy headphones.
- Beth owns a pair of flats.
- YMCA Hostels might have memory foam pillows.
- Matt jumps on...three kids fall off
- Brie and Ham Panini...yum

The Only Legit Reason...

to procrastinate



http://thedesigninspiration.com/articles/70-cutie-baby-animals-bring-your-a-good-mood/


-check it out....its better when you have work to put off...trust me-

We Can Realize Culture.

So, after a long process...Megan Overturn and I have realized that Madame Kaplan wears so many heels and two-piece suits....because shes French and its a European thing!


Yay.


but yea...

the fashion students are pretty amazing here. I talk some fashion stuff with them and chat it up. Also, they have the cutest shoes ever. I love them so much. Sadly, they will not be here when I have Spring Break.

Sad panda.

Schießen, We're At A Hipster Church.

For my Religionsey class, we took a field trip today.

We went to this church called "Church on the Corner" or "COTC" for short.

I was initially surprised when we had gotten there. The congregation was casually dressed and very informal. Also, there was one person who looked over the age of 35 there. I then realized....we were ironically in a hipster church. I'm in love.

The sermon was very informal, yet structured. It also was a very loose Christian one.

I was instantly transported back to my youth. I had grew up in a church EXACTLY like this. Everyone came dressed in casual clothing...and just worshiped God...nothing fancy about it. I felt at home while being there.

I then began to think during Communion about what I have given up in the past to be where I am today. I have cut off all but minimal ties with my biological father. My relationship with God is very very very thin. I can thank a certain pastor for that. All of the lies I've told, the poisoned I've spewed...

Why is London making me think about myself? I guess it's one of the benefits? Why? Who knows.

I've started missing parts of home...realizing that homesickness happens to everyone.

I miss my family. I miss my friends. I miss my lack of independence. I miss the theatre. I miss Central (never thought I'd say that)....I miss my freedoms that I had in the US when it came of everyday stuff...like food and clothes....GOD I MISS MY WARDROBE.

I'm starting to be disgusted with my clothes that I  have brought here.....I miss my platform boots.

But, I've met new people. People that I have found while on this program. Although Central boosts that you get to interact with people that are native to London....it's primarily false. We do not live on a campus like much of the other Study Abroad students do...which actually makes me sad. Ugh. Central...why must you lie....ugh ugh ugh

Also, I've found a new love for tea and also grilled cheese sandwiches. Thank you Momma for teaching me how to cook.

For more information on "COTC", please visit: http://churchonthecorner.org.uk/

British Comedy.

So, I am currently watching a show called "Russell Howard's Good News" on BBC three.

It is pretty much like the American show "Tosh.0" but its more politically fueled.

Basically it takes the news...and messes with it by making comments and using the worse news possible....even Fox News....thank you for using crap news to entertain me.

Also, I just watched a mouse use a mousetrap hinge to weightlift to the 'Eye of the Tiger".

You Americans Love Jumping in the Air, It Must Be A Cultural Thing. (Assignment #5)

Today I experienced a British breakfast today. It was a Bacon Roll. It was basically a bun....with bacon in it. But, the most extreme part was the "brown sauce". It was basically A-1 Steak Sauce. I want it for steak.


We started at 10 a.m.
I am barely awake.
We get on a boat. Honestly, I hate boat tours. Boat tours are overrated and are only good while in Paris...I need to go to Paris.

When we got to Greenwich (Gren-itch) it was sunny and beautiful.

We decided to walk up this hill...that I dubbed "The Hill of Death".

On top of this hill, there was a marker that separated the East and West Hemispheres. So, I was in two places at once....AMAZING.

Royal Observatory. Pretty view of Greenwich itself. They had an impressive collection of telescopes and timekeeping devices.

Visited the Queen's House. It's a gallery. It had some AMAZING portraits.

Maritine Museum. Boats and shit. 

We visited the Old Royal Naval College. They had a Painted Room. It was GORGEOUS!

We visited the Greenwich Market. Its quite fascinating. It's quite a great place to get artsy stuff such as paintings and jewelry.

We went under this janky tunnel...which went under the Thames River. The view on the otherside was breathtaking. The Thames is quite beautiful despite the 1000 years worth of sewage, trash and dead bodies in it...

We got on the DLR....not really a fan...its slow and stops way too much.                                               

Library Card.

I went to the library today. Got a library card. I can check out books on my own...it was Harry Potter :)

Also, there is a machine that I can use to actually check it out myself w/o using a librarian. so chill.

Jack The Ripper

You were a mystery.

I took your tour today. You killed a lot of people. I want to commend you for never being caught...you were very sly in what you did.

It's people like you who make me love the gruesomeness of death/murder.

Just wondering about your symbolism and what/why you murdered all of those prostitutes.

I wish I could just meet you...and ask you why...and your meanings...and etc....

wow. that was morbid.

The East End (Assignment #2)

So, Matt, Ashley and I decided to travel to the East End. The main interest for me was the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, where the Liberty Bell was cast.

The passage their lead through the Indian/Pakistani shops...mainly barbers and restaurants. It was odd, because the places that we walked through were really sketchy...yet the restaurants that we saw were rather ritzy...

Here are examples to help you realize what the path sketch factor was like:

 Also, the food smelled delicious...but this was no time to stop and eat. I WAS ON A MISSION!







We got there and it was marvelous....in a petite sort of way.
The parts that weren't gift shops were very small and limited.

Yet, one of my favorite parts was the diorama
 of how bells were cast. It was quite interesting. Apparently they have to make sure they are carved out completely even after using a mold to make them.

I didn't get a lot of pictures because a good portion of the Bell Foundry was information and a lot of it wasn't for public view...which is rather depressing.

But just being in a place where American iconography was produced while in a foreign country was quite cool.

Family, Children, Marriage and Religion. (Assignment #7)

So, as instructed for my British Experience class, I needed to interview some people about the family situation here in the UK.

As Matt and I were walking through St. James Park looking for our 'victims'.

I found a small family in the child's playground area of the park. So, I stopped and asked them for their opinions.

I asked them about their children's schooling.They told me that their children, being 5 and 7, are both in school.

I informed them about No Child Left Behind and then asked if they had anything like that here in the UK. They replied saying that they have a program known as Every Child Matters. Instead of the school losing funding due to low test scores, the school receives additional funding in order to correct the problem of low test scores. It also focuses more on the individual student rather than the class.

We then went on to talk about the schooling systems and how their children ask about the family system and what not...

Maybe too quick...

Today was rather an adventurous day...I guess.

I was woken up by my favorite neighbor Matt....at 3:15 pm. I was not happy. I wanted to sleep more...but I guess I had enough sleep. So, I decided that I would do a little grocery shopping. I went back to Brixton. I guess I was too fast to judge it. I got some amazingly giant grapes from one of the fruit stands for about £1 and 6 seedless oranges for the same price. I then walked further into the stands and found a fabric shop on the side. It was rather awkward having the owner follow me around...its like there never has been a male within a fabric store before.

Anyways, I got back and made a pizza that I had bought...

Talked with some fierce chicks in the kitchen...

We talked about how we are starting to hate our wardrobes due to the fact that we have a limited selection of clothes to choose from. This is a big change for me...because if any of you have realized....I have a large variety of clothes. However, my mom is sending me a shirt or two....I should have her send my see-through trenchcoat....I miss it dearly....and my platform boots....i can't wait to slip those babies on when I get home.

Almost a month has passed since I have arrived. I shall write a special blog reflecting and stuff....so yeah....

The Sun is Down, It's Getting So Dark.

So, tonight/this morning, I took a walk. Just my camera and I. My destination...somewhere with lights.

I ended up walking towards Big Ben and The Eye of London.

One thing that still fascinates me if the clock tower that Big Ben is in. Many people actually refer to Big Ben as the clock tower...actually the tower is part of the Palace of West Minster and the bell inside the clock tower is Big Ben.

The base lights were off when I went...yet...it was just so beautiful without that baselight because the moonlight illuminates the base. I sadly couldn't get the clockface to show properly in my photo...but that doesn't matter to me..it's still gorgeous in person.

The other part of my journey was spent on taking pictures of the Eye of London. The Eye of London is a giant ferris wheel. It is the largest ferris wheel in Europe. It is quite gorgeous in person...so I had to add it to my collection of photos. (it's actually called the London Eye...but Eye of London sounds classier to me.)

The color blue that radiates off of the ferris is just as breathtaking as the clocktower is. These two things inspire me just simply because of their man made beauty and how the resonate in the night.

I hopefully will be riding on the London Eye....I believe it is a group activity in the near future....God be with me.

Lamb.

So, I had lamb again tonight.

I actually quite like it.

We had our first Family Meal tonight. Basically everyone in the program comes together for a dinner that is paid for by the program.

We had Shepard's Pie and Bread Pudding.

I am in love.

The lamb tasted much like hamburger.

It was nice.

Also, I had M&Ms from here at the theatre last night. They were the only good thing about the play we saw. Anyways...the M&Ms have more chocolate in them.

In a week, we will be here for a month. It doesn't feel like it has been a month though. I love it here so far.  Life is expensive though. shit. I assume with groceries and the tube tickets, its about $100.00 a week. However, We don't buy food in bulk and cars are kinda useless. A lot of people have them...its just better to use the tube and walk...so yeah...but i love it here sooooo much

The Beauty of Religion

So, I went to the West Minster Cathedral today. I really didn't have a choice...it was a class project. So, I went reluctantly. As many of you know...I'm not a huge religious person, yet I have my beliefs. When I got inside, I was glorified with art.

West Minster Cathedral is know for their elaborate mosaic decorations. I believe that you don't need a church in order to praise God, however it is a place glorifying God and paying tribute to him.

The art is just so beautiful and it all pays homage to God and the stories of in the Bible.The most breathtaking part was the Main Alter. Just the way that the colors and lights reflected off the gorgeous mosaic artwork just lit a fire in my soul.

However, my favorite mosaic is most likely the most gruesome on there. It was in the side chapel known as the "Holy Souls Chapel". It was a portrait of a snake with a skull in his mouth and he was attempting to devour Adam. The Latin text translates to "Just like Adam, All will die" (im not sure about the literal translation...this is what the professor said).

I find this so amazing because there is such a difference in everyones beliefs...yet we will all physically end up the same in the end, dead.


I plan on taking more pictures and I will update you on my class trips.

Supersize my Culture.

Its been a while since i've typed. Whoopsie Tootsies

I went to my first fast food restaurant with this cool kid named Patrick. We were cool and chose McDonalds.

It was interesting because I wanted to compare it towards it in America...since it basically runs the States.

It was a rather nice atmosphere. Kinda ritzy...and it had a lower level accessible to the public....weird.

So, the menu...had about 8 choices of what to eat. In America...its like 20.

So, I got a double quarter pounder meal and a vanilla milkshake.

the milkshake was delicious. and the burger was small to what I was used to. It was about the size of a Happy Meal Hamburger. Also, they use less mustard...which was great for me...because that shit and I hate each other. Also, it wasn't as greasy and the fries weren't as salty.

I ordered a larger milkshake...and got the equivalent of a medium American sized drink...

Dear America. Please learn from this so we drop our obesity rate.

Edginess @ Camden Market & Sketchiness @ Brixton. (Assignment #1)

 Today, I took a trip to Camden Market and Brixton Market. I was quite pleased when I had gotten there because I was alone and no one had to help me. I guess I'm learning fast. As I step out of the Tube station, I realize that I'm in Heaven.


Camden Market is known for it's edgy fashion and culture. Think of Boy George and Amy Winehouse.  The place is extremely filled with tattoo parlors and fashion boutiques. So, I walked through almost everyone that I could. 


My first was a small little kiosk that sold jewelry. My weakness. Most of what they sold was covering in spikes and pyramid studs. I want them all.


I then left and entered this giant labyrinth of clothing kiosks. I found the most adorable shirt of Heidi Klum topless and flipping the bird. Another weakness, R-Rated shirts. Along the walls, there were shoes galore. Sadly, all the good ones where either females or not in my size. I then got lost in the damn maze. The thing had to be twice the width and three times the length of my parents house in North Liberty....so...yeah.

I then went to my favorite place of the day, this gaudy looking shoe shop. I stepped inside was was instantly lead by a sales person to the mens section. I was then sat down, handed a shoe horn, and he was putting the most gorgeous shoe on me.He told me that it was from a special line in America..yet didn't tell me what line. It was a gold leather snakeskin print...exactly my size, exactly my style. Damn this guy was good. To prove to me that it was leather, he took out a lighter and ran it down the side of the shoe...i thought it was funny...because I'm not that big of an idiot....there are fake leathers that are damn good against heat. They actually weren't a bad price. Apparently they were originally £120. However they were on sale for £20. Yet...he saw in my eye that I wasn't going to pay that price...and didn't have the money. So, he pulled out a calculator...and typed 15 in. I still didn't have the money...so...he typed in 12....still broke...his final offer was £10. I lied to him and told him that I left all my big money at home...he told me to get out of his store...wow....i'm still going back to get those shoes...i think...maybe...hopefully.


I then realized that bartering was a common thing. I found it rather interesting because markets are a big thing within London...were in the US....they really aren't and it's quite depressing. 


I also went into a coat store. They had these nice leather coats. The guy obviously didn't understand that the coats he was trying on me were really nice...but not what I wanted. I told him that I was looking for an edgy grunge look...and he brought me a nicer than then last looking coat. They did look nice on me...but the jackass lied to me when I asked what the material was. He told me that it was a leather....a cheap one...i'm pretty positive that it was faux-leather. The coat just didn't feel right.


btw. if you haven't gathered. I went with maybe £5 all together, just so I wouldn't buy anything and I could get a look at the Camden Market culture before I go and make any purchases. I love it so much though. I could see me living in a place like that. So much edgy. So much fashion. So many amazing deals.


 I've already planned out with some girls about shopping adventures so I can live my fashion life vicariously through them.


I then went to Brixton. I actually found this place a little to sketchy. I think a lot of it depended on where I walked. I mainly walked next to the meat vendors...not the best choice. WOW. However, Brixton is home to a very Afro/Caribbean culture. I found the colors and prints of everything inciting. I also found a lot of hair salons. It was actually rather cool. I wish we had things like these in the US. 

Drinks and Transportation.

(This is going to be a post about alcohol...so feel free to not read this post and skip over it...or just read it...go on...)

Tonight was quite an experience. So, I went into a pub with a group of friends. I decided that tonight I would get my first alcoholic drink from a bar/pub. I, being the skittish person that I am, I got up in the line...highly anticipating the moment that most people back in the states wait for until they are 21. I decided to go with the highly recommended Strongbow. I paid the bartender and anxiously rushed back the entire 5 feet to my seat. As I took the first sip, I felt a wave rush over me. Somewhat of that 'adult' feeling where I was aloud to drink legally in front of people...and no one gave a damn. It was quite nice...and after I had finished that delicious Strongbow...I didn't feel the need to get another. I felt quite content with it being a social drink. But, I could understand why people in London drink so much....i'm assuming because Strongbow is quite tasty.

(Transportation part)

So, I realized how important the Tube (subway) was today. After having a few troubles and worries about getting to and from a place was, I realized how dependent Londoners were on the Tube. I recall having a conversation with Mark (the programme director) about how he commutes about 25 mins on the tube to work from his home. He then spoke about Beth (the assistant programme director) and her location distance from Vandon House (where I live). He said that she walks to work and it's a rarity that you were able to walk to work here in London. I found this interesting, because I know my mom has about a 30 min commute ad my father about a 20 minute commute...yet we live in a different city than their location of employment..where are London is one big city full of villages. I then realized that America is very dependent on cars/trucks/vans in most places. So, it makes sense. London is different from Iowa City...more than just size. Wow. I just wish Mr. Feeney were here to making all of my unanswered questions more just answers. Because without questions, we just have answers...and an answer would just be a statement. (Thanks to Mayor Adam West for that line). 

Dear UK Apple Juice,

I love you more than the American stuff.

Much Love,

Jason

London Theatre...and Wicked

We departed to Wicked. As we are in the lobby of Vandon House, Mark informs us that we kinda sorta overdressed. I was too lazy to change. So I went all dressed up.

I was weird to me. I actually rather liked it. In the US, it's more of a luxury.

I saw people wear a lot of jeans and tennis shoes. It's more of a family outing much like a cinema.

Also, it seemed that Wicked in the UK had more of a Rock N' Roll edge. Which was rather different from when I saw it in Chicago about 5 years ago.

I think I like it.

cultured seminar for one please.

How do I perceive myself as an American over in the UK?
How can I make the most out of my adventure here?
How can I better myself as a living person in this world?

We took a 3 hour culture seminar today. I sat there in a somewhat quizzical set of mind. The above questions are what I thought of.

I will be using this blog as my journal that is required for a class. Please as any questions that you would like and I will answer them. You can register online through blogspot if you would like. You could email me via seabaj@gmail.com or facebook.

Day One

So, I begin in London. Jason and I go down to breakfast. I love the yogurt. Not as think as yogurt in America. I also love the Raspberry jam that was served.

We then have to go to orientation....apparently time goes by fast here in the UK...because I did not feel like it was 3 hours...it felt like 30 mins. Mark Simmons (the study abroad head honcho over here) gave us some sweets (candy) that was popular in the UK...it was worth it.

We then broke for lunch. We went to the post office...which was insanely busy and even had tickets that you have to take then wait for it to be called. Never seen that before.Then we went to the Tube so we could put money on our Oyster (Tube) cards.

Then, more orientation. This time it was a tour. I'm not gonna lie. It was pretty awesome. We traveled through some parts of London. We went to the London Bridge, Thames River, the site of the Great Fire of London...and so much more. I started spotting theatres with shows that I want to go see...many of which...will be amazing.

Then we settled back home....for another hour of orientation....then we were done for the day. Sarah, Mary, Jason and I went to a little restaurant that served Fish and Chips. I however do not like fish...so I got a Hamburger and Chips meal. I then learned that Chips (French Fries) are not a finger food...so I used a fork after being slightly embarrassed. We then found a grocery store and I got an Alarm clock...that quickly will be replaced due to its annoying and shitty nature.

Copenhagen to London

So...I arrived in Copenhagen. Nothing much happened...flight was a little delayed...

Got on the plane and arrived in London.

Well..the Tube (Underground subway) was shut off when I got like half way through it...so...I had to take a taxi...great. it cost around 25 to 30 pounds....lovely.
 Finally got here at 6ish.
Jason (my roomie) was here already. We chatted....at M&Ms...and fell asleep...

Chicago to Copenhagen

 So, I began my journey at 5 am this morning. I got no sleep at all because of all the excitement. So, on the road we go. Mom and Tori decided to sleep…so Dad and I started talking about movies, reboots, Crowley, etc etc. Once we hit Illinois, the roads became a bitch. Not one, but two cars spun out of control directly in front of us. Thankfully, they both walked and no one was hurt to my knowledge. Then, after fighting the assholes in the traffic…we got to Chicago. Our hotel was nice. They receptionist told us that there was a free “All You Can Drink” Cocktail Reception. So, obviously I look over 21…go on…I took an hour nap…to get me ready for the adventures that lied ahead.

We walked to the train…looked like idiots as we stared at the train pass machines as if we were in the 1950’s and we saw a flat screen television. We finally got on the train. Dad decided to be him loveable self and sit next to me. We would give sarcastic ass remarks about things or people we saw…and we both talked a lot about how cool the graffiti was on the buildings as we passed through them. I might have also been texting a really good looking guy…flirting back and forth…did I mention that he made my heart stop….he told me some sweet things…my god…my heart is still fluttering…Finally after 45 to 60 mins…we were at the Magnificent Mile.

First stop was the Disney Store so we could please Tori.  One of the guys that worked at the store began to flirt with me…as I began to flirt back…I was cock blocked…thanks Mom…

We decided that food was required…inward ho! TGI Fridays would end up being our nesting ground. The waiter…well….let’s say….kiss kiss glitter….and unattractive…I think he was trying really hard to get a good tip….I think he tried flirting with me….just like a Magikarp splashing…it was ineffective. I got a 3 course meal deal for like 16 bucks. Mozzy sticks, Parmesan Chicken and Peanut Butter Cup Pie…the Former and latter we AMAZING and worth the money…the chicken however was dry….but that’s just my taste…it was also a bit burnt….I didn’t want to take it home because I knew that it wasn’t worth saving…but Dad and his soft heart….didn’t want to hurt the waiter/cooks feelings and had it boxed up.

We then went on the hunt for a Bears Jersey…mission failed. I’m pretty sure some guy grabbed my ass as we walked into the Nike Store…I can get used to Chicago guys!

We got back into the train…got to the Hotel…I showered…We headed to the airport. The shuttle guy was nice. He looked like Joel Grey…I was a fan. Just then….my stomach hit me…I got nervous.

We got to the airport. I started to rush….knowing that I had been there an hour earlier than the normal amount of time that is kosher…got my ticket…we stopped at the food court because it was the farthest we could go before Security.

Got through Security…that was fun. No frisks involved…damn.

So I sat and walked around the terminals for like 2 hours. Got a few double takes from some cuties….I might have proved that I had a little staring problem. I bought M&Ms for the trip…mmmmm…I guess I’ll share with Jason (my roommate).

Got on my plane…I’m at the freaking back…in the middle aisle…middle seat…shit. But…the passenger on my right was a no-show…or the seat was empty…there were a few empty seats…so…there is a seat between me and this jack-ass older Asian business man. The flight is in two languages…German and English. I feel bad because the flight attendants speak German to everyone else…but English to me…I feel bad because I know how to say a few things in the German language…like: welcome, thank you, shit, my mister….and whatever words I can gather as I listened to my Cabaret Broadway Revival Soundtrack. Win for me. One of the flight attendants looks like Uli Hezzner (spelling?) from 3^rd season of Project Runway…you know…the one who should have won instead of that jack off Jeffery Sabelia (spelling?)…another one looks like Yoko Ono…there’s also a mother of a 1 year old in front of me who I had a brief conversation with…she was nice.

The food was pretty tasty. I have a pic or nine…I forget how many…I’ll post them for y’all. For dinner we had thicker beef stew, mashed potatoes, mixed steam veggies (which weren’t half bad), a small iceberg lettuce salad w/ cherry tomato, a roll that came with some Brie Cheese spread J and a cheesecake square…I also got the two cute little cans of Coke with it…I should have saved them…but I can’t start pack ratting yet. I felt fancy eating…I highly doubt anyone has realized that I am American…besides my use of the American English language…

So…for entertainment…we have touch screen tvs in the back of each seat. You can watch some movies…I watched “Big”, “LOTR” and “Ratatouie”. There is a remote that also turns into a game controller…so I played some puzzle game…it wouldn’t let me play Mahjong…damn. I did however manage to get an hour nap in too…I’m too excited to sleep. I started listening to the radio…like…24 channels…each segregated into their genre…I tuned into the “Showtune” one…”Springtime for Hitler” was on…I wanted to sing out loud…in honor of TJ and Luke…but I feel like that wouldn’t have went down well….

Another amazing thing about the flight to Copenhagen…there is a map that you can access and is always on the main hanging screen that shows the plane flying over a map…as I type this…we are flying over the Atlantic Ocean between Greenland and Ireland….SOOOOO CLOSE. Also, there is a function that lets you see though two cameras on the outside of the plane; one viewing forward…and one viewing below the plane…which made takeoff so freaking amazing. The main tv was on the front cam…so I turned my tv on the bottom cam and glanced back and forth…so pretty I can’t wait to get to England though. I need friends…air…adventure...and stuff. I have it on now so I can watch the sunrise. So pretty.

Packing

So, I've been packing the last three days. shit.
I have packed, emptied and repacked my suitcase FIVE times. Is that healthy?
I am waking up at 4 am to shower, get dressed and finish packing my carry-on...which will be near empty...just in case I get something in Chicago...i hope that it will work for the plane...

I ate an amazing meal with my fabulous Grandparents tonight. We all went out to Roadside Bar and Grill. It's on the outskirts of Columbus Junction. Cheap and AMAZING food. I got the Triple By-Pass Burger. Damn. I love greasy bar burgers.

Whelp. I must tuck in and attempt to sleep....but my excitement might keep me up.

I might blog before and after my first plane....I leave Chicago at 10 pmish. Arrive and wait for an hour and a half in Copenhagen...then arrive in London. I shall ride the tube all by myself and get to Vandon House...hopefully.

Au Revoir.

Prologue: The Early Beginning.

exactly one week until I fly off on my plane.