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| Crowd at Speakers Corner |
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| Italian Fountains |
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| Peter Pan Statue |
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| River Serpentine |
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
Pictures from Sunday at Hyde Park
Here's the pics that didn't work earlier this week!
starting school...
Sorry I haven't posted in the past few days. The internet at our apartment wasn't working. It was a very disheartening experience!!
So to back track a little bit, Monday: The first official day of classes. I started my morning at 9 with class. The lectures are different here because they meet for 2 straight hours but only once a week. It is hard to stay focused and sit still for that long of a time (especially when classes are back to back) but it is convenient for scheduling. (my Monday through Wednesday classes). The classwork isn't too overwhelming, although two of my classes will have big group projects which can sometimes turn into a hassle when you have to meet outside of class and I want to be traveling on the weekends. The study abroad students aren't given much direction either. Orientation might have the right idea but the group size was just too big and no ones questions really got answered. I am now feeling much better about the everything than I was on Monday!
After class, I went to Saddlers which is the workout facilities that are near campus. It is going to cost me 22 pounds a month ugh, but what can you do?! The building is fairly small. There is a cardio room that overlooks a weight room and a basketball gym. When I asked for a map while I was signing up the man laughed and said turn around and I will point haha! He then told me the the ladies locker room was upstairs. I went up the stairs and was just about to turn the handle when luckily another man walked out and told me that was the gents! I was very embarrassed. Now I know to go allll the way upstairs for the locker room.
Then Monday nigh I came home to an internet-less home and just read my book the rest of the night.
Tuesday: I have FULL day on Tuesdays. I start at 9 and my last class finishes at 6. I do have a 2 hour and 1 hour break in the middle. So I got to go to Saddlers on my break (and yes I used the ladies locker room). After class I had to go pick up some packets and hand in some paperwork. Tuesday night we decided to go to the American sports bar called City Bar. It turns into a dance club on Monday and Tuesday night and they don't charge a cover for students. It was another fun and late night! My feet were killing me from the heels. I don't think I will ever get used to that feeling!
Wednesday (today): I slept in until about 11. I had class at 2. I stopped by the boys place to figure out some weekend trips and stuff. It's really hard to organize with everyone having such different schedules. Not much was decided on but hopefully by next week we will all know when we are done with classes/have exams/projects due and be able to book some flights. Tonight I am doing some laundry and reading for school.
I don't have any classes tomorrow or for the rest of the weekend :)! I am planning to go to Harrods! It is a world famous department store. I guess it is just unimaginably huge!! I'll post pics, no worries!
That's all for now! Hopefully our internet will be continuously working so I can post soon!
So to back track a little bit, Monday: The first official day of classes. I started my morning at 9 with class. The lectures are different here because they meet for 2 straight hours but only once a week. It is hard to stay focused and sit still for that long of a time (especially when classes are back to back) but it is convenient for scheduling. (my Monday through Wednesday classes). The classwork isn't too overwhelming, although two of my classes will have big group projects which can sometimes turn into a hassle when you have to meet outside of class and I want to be traveling on the weekends. The study abroad students aren't given much direction either. Orientation might have the right idea but the group size was just too big and no ones questions really got answered. I am now feeling much better about the everything than I was on Monday!
After class, I went to Saddlers which is the workout facilities that are near campus. It is going to cost me 22 pounds a month ugh, but what can you do?! The building is fairly small. There is a cardio room that overlooks a weight room and a basketball gym. When I asked for a map while I was signing up the man laughed and said turn around and I will point haha! He then told me the the ladies locker room was upstairs. I went up the stairs and was just about to turn the handle when luckily another man walked out and told me that was the gents! I was very embarrassed. Now I know to go allll the way upstairs for the locker room.
Then Monday nigh I came home to an internet-less home and just read my book the rest of the night.
Tuesday: I have FULL day on Tuesdays. I start at 9 and my last class finishes at 6. I do have a 2 hour and 1 hour break in the middle. So I got to go to Saddlers on my break (and yes I used the ladies locker room). After class I had to go pick up some packets and hand in some paperwork. Tuesday night we decided to go to the American sports bar called City Bar. It turns into a dance club on Monday and Tuesday night and they don't charge a cover for students. It was another fun and late night! My feet were killing me from the heels. I don't think I will ever get used to that feeling!
Wednesday (today): I slept in until about 11. I had class at 2. I stopped by the boys place to figure out some weekend trips and stuff. It's really hard to organize with everyone having such different schedules. Not much was decided on but hopefully by next week we will all know when we are done with classes/have exams/projects due and be able to book some flights. Tonight I am doing some laundry and reading for school.
I don't have any classes tomorrow or for the rest of the weekend :)! I am planning to go to Harrods! It is a world famous department store. I guess it is just unimaginably huge!! I'll post pics, no worries!
That's all for now! Hopefully our internet will be continuously working so I can post soon!
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Sunday Stroll
Last night Sally and I went with the boys to some of the more local pubs within a few blocks of our place. Nothing too crazy, just went out for a pint. The pubs atmosphere is nice because it's so laid back and just about relaxing and conversing with friends.
This morning I woke up and ventured to Hyde Park for Speakers Corner. There is some great history about the origin of Speakers Corners, but I won't bore you with it. Feel free to google to find out more. Basically, a bunch of radical political and religious people gather and yell to declare their views and they are the best over others. I saw a fully covered Islamic woman toe to toe with a extreme American Christian (from the South, with cowboy hat to prove it). Another man came right in the center of crowd and screamed, "I will be louder than any of you!" I liked his message at first, but then his radical nature came to surface when he was questioned by and older man. It was an interesting experience to say the least.
I walked around most of Hyde Park/Kensington Garden. It was very beautiful! Lots and lots of green space to sit and read a book on a warmer day. But it was a pretty cold day and my feet began to hurt. I just got home and took a little nap and look forward to a skype date with my parents in a few minutes!
The pictures aren't uploading for some reason but I'll post as soon as it works again.
This morning I woke up and ventured to Hyde Park for Speakers Corner. There is some great history about the origin of Speakers Corners, but I won't bore you with it. Feel free to google to find out more. Basically, a bunch of radical political and religious people gather and yell to declare their views and they are the best over others. I saw a fully covered Islamic woman toe to toe with a extreme American Christian (from the South, with cowboy hat to prove it). Another man came right in the center of crowd and screamed, "I will be louder than any of you!" I liked his message at first, but then his radical nature came to surface when he was questioned by and older man. It was an interesting experience to say the least.
I walked around most of Hyde Park/Kensington Garden. It was very beautiful! Lots and lots of green space to sit and read a book on a warmer day. But it was a pretty cold day and my feet began to hurt. I just got home and took a little nap and look forward to a skype date with my parents in a few minutes!
The pictures aren't uploading for some reason but I'll post as soon as it works again.
Saturday, 25 September 2010
Wohoo Dublin!!
I just booked my flight to Dublin! I am so excited! I got to video chat with my parents and Erin a little bit today. I wish Erin could make it out too. Darn school! Anyway, I am leaving for Dublin on Wednesday (the day after by birthday) and staying through Sunday. It should be an awesome trip! It seemed like some of the guys are interested in coming over that weekend too!
Last night I went to my first real dance club. It was really fun! My feet were KILLING me by the end of the night, but it was worth all the pain. The nightlife in London has not let me down.
Today was mainly a recovery day. I slept in and bummed around. Sally and I were going to go back to Oxford Street today but the tube wasn't operating so we decided just to walk around instead! We ended up at St. Pauls Cathedral. It was remarkable. There was so much detail in all the statues and architecture. On the walk back to our place we also picked up school supplies for Monday.
Last night I went to my first real dance club. It was really fun! My feet were KILLING me by the end of the night, but it was worth all the pain. The nightlife in London has not let me down.
Today was mainly a recovery day. I slept in and bummed around. Sally and I were going to go back to Oxford Street today but the tube wasn't operating so we decided just to walk around instead! We ended up at St. Pauls Cathedral. It was remarkable. There was so much detail in all the statues and architecture. On the walk back to our place we also picked up school supplies for Monday.
Friday, 24 September 2010
one week milestone
Last night I just relaxed at home. Watched some tv and movies online. I went to a sushi place that is right around the corner for dinner. The restaurant was neat because it was also a sushi chef school. You are able to order specific or cooked items but the rest of the options come around on a conveyer belt. You just take off whatever you would like and and pay for the plates at the end. It was really good! This morning was the last day of our orientation. It could have been completed in an email. It was ridiculous. But I was approved for the schedule I arranged that only meets Monday thru Wednesday! That will give me 4 days off per week to travel and sightsee, which I am very excited about! On our walk home we stopped at The Gubberie! Its a nice sandwich shop that's right along the walk to campus and is very reasonably priced.
This afternoon I also tried to go for a run outside. Not very successful! The roads are very confusing and I was scared to wander too far away from home! Plus the weather is less than ideal, it was raining, windy, and about 55 today. On top of all that, running outdoors doesn't seem to be very popular! I felt like everyone was staring at me and the roads/sidewalks are so narrow that there really isn't enough room to share. I have looked at maps and the nearest decent size park is almost 2 mile run one way. So, my conclusion is that I have to cave in and purchase a gym membership near school for 22 pounds a month. The bonus to this is there is a sauna there!!
After my run, I met up with some other students to go to Oxford Street. That place is just crazy! There are people and stores everywhere!! There are 3 H&M stores within two blocks of each other. They have this store in London called TopShop. It was 6 stories high!! The store even had eyebrow threading, hair extensions, and an entire floor devoted to shoes! It was almost overwhelming.
This afternoon I also tried to go for a run outside. Not very successful! The roads are very confusing and I was scared to wander too far away from home! Plus the weather is less than ideal, it was raining, windy, and about 55 today. On top of all that, running outdoors doesn't seem to be very popular! I felt like everyone was staring at me and the roads/sidewalks are so narrow that there really isn't enough room to share. I have looked at maps and the nearest decent size park is almost 2 mile run one way. So, my conclusion is that I have to cave in and purchase a gym membership near school for 22 pounds a month. The bonus to this is there is a sauna there!!
After my run, I met up with some other students to go to Oxford Street. That place is just crazy! There are people and stores everywhere!! There are 3 H&M stores within two blocks of each other. They have this store in London called TopShop. It was 6 stories high!! The store even had eyebrow threading, hair extensions, and an entire floor devoted to shoes! It was almost overwhelming.
Thursday, 23 September 2010
The Queen's Crib
Last night we went to the a party for the "freshers" at City. At first I really hated be constantly called a "fresher" because in the states, the title freshman usually has a negative connotation, but it's not the same here. The rugby team was the organizer of the event. They had 1.75 beer and snakebites at the union and we played beer pong and flip cup. Beer pong was a little different because play with teams of four+, fill the cups full, and when a person is chugging they sing this song. I am not sure what happens if they finish the song before you finish drinking or what the lyrics were, but I know it was something about an ugly girl!
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| Christina and me. I am not sure what is the story behind the fireman hats . |
This morning came early but orientation was pretty relaxed. They gave us some information about picking out classes tomorrow. Then we took pictures for our student ID. We had the rest of the afternoon to do a London Safari. They provided all the students with a free tube pass for the day. Unfortunately, today was the first day of rain and not the most favorable conditions for sightseeing. We decided to tour Buckingham Palace for a nice in door activity plus the queen is moving back to the Palace next week, so tours only run through Oct 1. It was pretty remarkable. The decor was all extremely over the top. The paintings were huge! In fact everything was huge! Was it worth the 15.50? I am not sure. But at least I can say I did it! The bummer part is they wouldn't allow you to take pictures inside. I do have some pretty nice ones from the outside and the large yard in the back.
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| motionless guard |
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| entrance gates |
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| Buckingham Palace |
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| overpriced cafe we ate at afterward |
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| Even my coffee's cinnamon was royal |
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| Backyard of Palace |
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| my student ID |
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| Patrick and me |
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| scenic walk back to tube from Buckingham |
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Orientation
This morning was the first day of orientation for City University. I had to wake up early even though I had a hard time falling asleep again last night. It seems like everyday I am getting a little more adjusted to the time difference though.
Orientation was off to a pretty slow start. Lots of powerpoints in an overcrowded and under air conditioned room. Then we went on a walking tour of the campus. The poor girl leading us was just a tiny little thing and had to repeat herself numerous times because our group was over 60 students. After a mediocre lunch at the cafeteria, we went back for more powerpoints and lectures. The last portion of our orientation was a walking tour with one of my future professors. It was the best part of the day! I am really excited to take her classes. They are called Historic London and Performing Arts in London. Historic London is basically a walking tour class. So each week we meet at different locations and she gives us the history of the architecture and landmarks.
We learned today that the saying, "take one for the road". Dates back when people were sentenced to be hung, they were first allowed to stop at the local pub and have one for the road". It's a morbid thought, but fun trivia none the less.
The Performing Arts of London course will consist of 5 different evening theatrical performances ranging from opera to ballet to Shakespeare. Needless to say, these classes will be my favorite!
We got a lot of booklets and hand-outs at the orientation so as soon as I came home I sat down and made a list of all the destinations that I hope to see both in and out of London! I hopefully will be able to cross them all off and have wonderful pictures to share!
That's all for now -C
Orientation was off to a pretty slow start. Lots of powerpoints in an overcrowded and under air conditioned room. Then we went on a walking tour of the campus. The poor girl leading us was just a tiny little thing and had to repeat herself numerous times because our group was over 60 students. After a mediocre lunch at the cafeteria, we went back for more powerpoints and lectures. The last portion of our orientation was a walking tour with one of my future professors. It was the best part of the day! I am really excited to take her classes. They are called Historic London and Performing Arts in London. Historic London is basically a walking tour class. So each week we meet at different locations and she gives us the history of the architecture and landmarks.
We learned today that the saying, "take one for the road". Dates back when people were sentenced to be hung, they were first allowed to stop at the local pub and have one for the road". It's a morbid thought, but fun trivia none the less.
The Performing Arts of London course will consist of 5 different evening theatrical performances ranging from opera to ballet to Shakespeare. Needless to say, these classes will be my favorite!
We got a lot of booklets and hand-outs at the orientation so as soon as I came home I sat down and made a list of all the destinations that I hope to see both in and out of London! I hopefully will be able to cross them all off and have wonderful pictures to share!
That's all for now -C
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
Today was a very relaxing day! I got to sleep in again, but it is my last day for that because I have orientation for school tomorrow which will force me to wake up at 8:30! After I showered (in and out coldness and warmness) I went found a map the English version of a Walgreens, called Tesco. There I got some staple items like dish soap and laundry detergent. I walked around my neighborhood a little more just to get to know some of the local shops. I also picked up some post cards that I will be dropping in the mail tomorrow :)
Tonight we met up with the boys and took the tube down to Big Ben, Parliament, Trafalgers Square, and Westminster Alley. We stopped at an "American Italian"pizza place, but none of the food was very American. I think the most American thing on the menu was CoorsLight.
Here is a list of things I have learned so far about being in London:
1. Everything is terribly, terribly overpriced.
2. The cross walks are never lit up. Not even the locals seem to know when it is okay to cross the street. I think I have almost been hit like 3 times now.
3. There are no open intoxicant laws.
4. Black is the only color in anyones wardrobe.
5. Locals don't leave there home on Sundays, most shops and especially restaurants aren't open!
6. Everything is terribly, terribly overpriced.
Below are some pics from my trip tonight. They didn't turn out that well but I do plan to go back during the day to ride the Eye and get better pictures!
Tonight we met up with the boys and took the tube down to Big Ben, Parliament, Trafalgers Square, and Westminster Alley. We stopped at an "American Italian"pizza place, but none of the food was very American. I think the most American thing on the menu was CoorsLight.
Here is a list of things I have learned so far about being in London:
1. Everything is terribly, terribly overpriced.
2. The cross walks are never lit up. Not even the locals seem to know when it is okay to cross the street. I think I have almost been hit like 3 times now.
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| Westminster Abbey |
4. Black is the only color in anyones wardrobe.
5. Locals don't leave there home on Sundays, most shops and especially restaurants aren't open!
6. Everything is terribly, terribly overpriced.
Below are some pics from my trip tonight. They didn't turn out that well but I do plan to go back during the day to ride the Eye and get better pictures!
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| London Eye |
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| Parliament |
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| Big Ben |
Monday, 20 September 2010
Camden Market
I slept in pretty late again today, but I couldn't fall asleep last night so I am using that as my excuse. But once I finally did get out of bed, I took a decently warm shower and got ready for the day. After I was ready for the day I met up with Patrick and Parker to figure out the whole cell phone situation. It was a semi-long ordeal, but I am now the proud owner of a "3" phone that is skype compatible.
SOOO if any of the readers out there don't have skype, then you should download it to your computer! we can talk like instant messaging, but i will be a bit slow bc i'll be typing off my phone!! but please add it if you can :D
After the cell phone ordeal was all figured out we went to Camden Market. It's pretty famous (where Mary Kate & Ashley's movie was filmed!). There are lots of little neat shops! I didn't buy anything, but i do plan to go back sometime soon! I posted some pictures. We went on a Monday so it wasn't that busy! I can't imagine going during a weekend bc there would just be so many ppl around.
After Camden I came home and watched some TV to help me get more used to the british accent bc it is really hard to understand the ppl on the streets!
Then I went back to the boys house to hang out before we headed out the The Castle for dinner and some pints! I tried a lot of beers that I have never before like London Pride, Peroni, Blondie, Red Stripe, Blue Moon, and Heineken. No worries, i didn't get a pint of all these, they offered free shots of any beer to try before you bought it. I still don't know if I prefer a Lager to an Ale but I hope to know the difference before I leave! lol
Tomorrow is my last day of nothing-ness before school starts on Wednesday! I don't have much planned other than to maybe go to Germany for Oktoberfest this coming weekend?? I hope it all works out but I am not sure
SOOO if any of the readers out there don't have skype, then you should download it to your computer! we can talk like instant messaging, but i will be a bit slow bc i'll be typing off my phone!! but please add it if you can :D
After the cell phone ordeal was all figured out we went to Camden Market. It's pretty famous (where Mary Kate & Ashley's movie was filmed!). There are lots of little neat shops! I didn't buy anything, but i do plan to go back sometime soon! I posted some pictures. We went on a Monday so it wasn't that busy! I can't imagine going during a weekend bc there would just be so many ppl around.
After Camden I came home and watched some TV to help me get more used to the british accent bc it is really hard to understand the ppl on the streets!
Then I went back to the boys house to hang out before we headed out the The Castle for dinner and some pints! I tried a lot of beers that I have never before like London Pride, Peroni, Blondie, Red Stripe, Blue Moon, and Heineken. No worries, i didn't get a pint of all these, they offered free shots of any beer to try before you bought it. I still don't know if I prefer a Lager to an Ale but I hope to know the difference before I leave! lol
Tomorrow is my last day of nothing-ness before school starts on Wednesday! I don't have much planned other than to maybe go to Germany for Oktoberfest this coming weekend?? I hope it all works out but I am not sure
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| Some of the crowd in Camden |
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| This bridge reminded me of Milwaukee, but much prettier and in a very awesome part of town! |
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| Shopping in Camden Town! |
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| All the horses made me think of Becky!! |
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Day 2&D
I cannot believe I slept until 11:00 this morning! I am usually a semi-early riser and 11 is pretty late for me. After waking up I decided to shower. This shower was however exceptionally quick and cold!! I don't know if it was operator malfunction or just out of warm water but the water was unbearably cold!
Once I was dried off, I went to Argos. Which is a downtown verison of a WalMart. It has just about everything, but you have to look your items up in a catalog then go to the desk to check out and they go in back to retrieve your item. It's strange but an efficient use of space I suppose.
After my shopping trip I didn't have many other plans for the day. I still need a cell phone but most of the shops are closed on Sundays.
I just hung out at my flat for a little bit, then I heard from the other Madison boys that they had arrived. They are in a flat this is right around the corner! We showed each other our places, played some cards ( I taught them how to play euchre, I know you're proud M&D). After cards we went to dinner at the only restaurant that was open on this side of London! It was called Ghandi's and it was a just so-so, Indian place. I ate my meat, but I probably wouldn't go back again! The server ripped us off when it came to the rice and Parker was pretty pissed out it! HAHA
After dinner we stopped by a convenience store and got some beverages. We went back to the guys place to play more cards and chat. And now I am back at home.
It was a good day. I am feeling more comfortable about my living situation and area around London. I am very excited to travel around Europe though and it sounds like the other guys are looking forward to seeing some other cities as well!
That's all for now! Love, C
Once I was dried off, I went to Argos. Which is a downtown verison of a WalMart. It has just about everything, but you have to look your items up in a catalog then go to the desk to check out and they go in back to retrieve your item. It's strange but an efficient use of space I suppose.
After my shopping trip I didn't have many other plans for the day. I still need a cell phone but most of the shops are closed on Sundays.
I just hung out at my flat for a little bit, then I heard from the other Madison boys that they had arrived. They are in a flat this is right around the corner! We showed each other our places, played some cards ( I taught them how to play euchre, I know you're proud M&D). After cards we went to dinner at the only restaurant that was open on this side of London! It was called Ghandi's and it was a just so-so, Indian place. I ate my meat, but I probably wouldn't go back again! The server ripped us off when it came to the rice and Parker was pretty pissed out it! HAHA
After dinner we stopped by a convenience store and got some beverages. We went back to the guys place to play more cards and chat. And now I am back at home.
It was a good day. I am feeling more comfortable about my living situation and area around London. I am very excited to travel around Europe though and it sounds like the other guys are looking forward to seeing some other cities as well!
That's all for now! Love, C
Saturday, 18 September 2010
My First Evening
Sally and I went to this wonderful little Grille and Martini Bar for dinner. I had a spinach salad and yes I ordered my first Bellini. No ID necessary! After dinner we went to a grocery store that is about a 10 minute walk away. My plan for the rest of the night is to relax and go to bed early. Hope you enjoy the pictures!
Arrival
To anyone reading this blog, I am forewarning you, I am not a writer! but I did think this would be a neat way to compile my thoughts and whoever wants to check up on me would be able to....
This trip has been an experience I have been looking forward to for a long time, but when the time actually came to leaving I became a mix of emotions. I felt sad, nervous, excited, unprepared, yet ready all at the same time.
My parents drove me down to Chicago on Friday afternoon. We left pretty early and had time to stop at a seafood place near the airport. I don't think I said a word the whole time we were there. I just had no idea what to say. All I could think about was leaving, yet I couldn't come up with the words to describe my thoughts. We got caught in a little bit of traffic on the rest of the way to the airport but it wasn't anything terrible.
Once I got dropped off everything off things went pretty smoothly.
Note to fellow travellers: if you are flying United, no need to use the international terminal. You will just end up taking a train around the airport back to domestic flights.
My bag ended up weighing 70+ pounds but they didn't mention anything about an additional charge, but I am sure I will know when my parents get the credit card statement. Security was a breeze. Although apparently I look like I may be a potential terrorist because I had to step aside to do one of those full body scans.
I had about 2 and half hours to kill before my flight started to board. I did a little walking around but my carry on was pretty large and cumbersome. Needless to say I was one of the first people waiting in C15 and had plenty of time to people watch/read/etc. I think there were two other girls on my flight that were also studying abroad. One of them had her parents with her (I have to admit I was a bit jealous, have a security blanket would have been nice!). So I was just sitting there minding my own business when ~30 year old, bald, snaggle-tooth Greg sits right next to me! (For those of you that don't know, I have a personal bubble, especially with strangers, that I do not like interrupted.) Greg seemed nice enough, I heard all about his journey from a "holiday" in San Francisco (none of which I asked to know). Then he started trying to joke with me, and nudge me jokingly. (which, okay I can handle) then out of the blue starts asking me personal questions like if I am in a relationship. I stupidly said I was single. ugghhh and I thought I would be home free because I don't have a cell phone number to give him, even if I wanted to (which I didn't!) but he asked for my email!! I didn't know how to say no. Of course he didn't have pen and paper so he had to go up to the desk to ask. Luckily that gave me time to think of a fake email!
Sorry csjohnsen@wisc.edu, Greg will be emailing you to ask you to the cinema.
Thankfully, Greg was 7 rows behind me on the plane! Not that that stopped him from extending his arm as high as he could to wave to me when I was boarding.
After that lovely meeting, the rest of the plane ride went fine. I got soggy pasta for dinner and applesauce for breakfast before we landed.
After getting off the plane I had to go through Customs. By the way, I am so glad that I spent hours worrying about this stupid student visitor visa, because no one even cared to look at the thing. I had to fill out a half sheet of paper that asked for the address of my school and that was about the extent of customs.
Next I went to baggage claim and waiting patiently for my 70+ pound bag to arrive. Once it finally came I felt a huge relief because losing my luggage would be my luck. After I got my bag, I kind of felt like a lost puppy. I had really no idea where to go. So I wondered a while until I found the Heathrow Express. It is a direct train from the airport to Central London. I stopped at kiosk and inserted my 18 pounds, then was on my way. Once off the train I found my self a taxi to the housing office to pick up keys for my flat. That taxi cost me 16 pounds which isn't too bad. The people at the office were my first real conversation with an English accent. They talked so fast I had to listen really carefully to fully understand what they were asking me! Once I got my keys then I took another taxi to my flat. It is surprisingly large with a living room sleeping area kitchen and two full baths.
So far it's just me and Sally, a girl who is originally from China but also attends UW. There is a third bed, so I am not sure if we will be getting another roommate?
I am all unpacked and just relaxing the rest of the night. Sally and I are going to dinner together tonight as well. Pictures of the room are coming soon!!
Love C
This trip has been an experience I have been looking forward to for a long time, but when the time actually came to leaving I became a mix of emotions. I felt sad, nervous, excited, unprepared, yet ready all at the same time.
My parents drove me down to Chicago on Friday afternoon. We left pretty early and had time to stop at a seafood place near the airport. I don't think I said a word the whole time we were there. I just had no idea what to say. All I could think about was leaving, yet I couldn't come up with the words to describe my thoughts. We got caught in a little bit of traffic on the rest of the way to the airport but it wasn't anything terrible.
Once I got dropped off everything off things went pretty smoothly.
Note to fellow travellers: if you are flying United, no need to use the international terminal. You will just end up taking a train around the airport back to domestic flights.
My bag ended up weighing 70+ pounds but they didn't mention anything about an additional charge, but I am sure I will know when my parents get the credit card statement. Security was a breeze. Although apparently I look like I may be a potential terrorist because I had to step aside to do one of those full body scans.
I had about 2 and half hours to kill before my flight started to board. I did a little walking around but my carry on was pretty large and cumbersome. Needless to say I was one of the first people waiting in C15 and had plenty of time to people watch/read/etc. I think there were two other girls on my flight that were also studying abroad. One of them had her parents with her (I have to admit I was a bit jealous, have a security blanket would have been nice!). So I was just sitting there minding my own business when ~30 year old, bald, snaggle-tooth Greg sits right next to me! (For those of you that don't know, I have a personal bubble, especially with strangers, that I do not like interrupted.) Greg seemed nice enough, I heard all about his journey from a "holiday" in San Francisco (none of which I asked to know). Then he started trying to joke with me, and nudge me jokingly. (which, okay I can handle) then out of the blue starts asking me personal questions like if I am in a relationship. I stupidly said I was single. ugghhh and I thought I would be home free because I don't have a cell phone number to give him, even if I wanted to (which I didn't!) but he asked for my email!! I didn't know how to say no. Of course he didn't have pen and paper so he had to go up to the desk to ask. Luckily that gave me time to think of a fake email!
Sorry csjohnsen@wisc.edu, Greg will be emailing you to ask you to the cinema.
Thankfully, Greg was 7 rows behind me on the plane! Not that that stopped him from extending his arm as high as he could to wave to me when I was boarding.
After that lovely meeting, the rest of the plane ride went fine. I got soggy pasta for dinner and applesauce for breakfast before we landed.
After getting off the plane I had to go through Customs. By the way, I am so glad that I spent hours worrying about this stupid student visitor visa, because no one even cared to look at the thing. I had to fill out a half sheet of paper that asked for the address of my school and that was about the extent of customs.
Next I went to baggage claim and waiting patiently for my 70+ pound bag to arrive. Once it finally came I felt a huge relief because losing my luggage would be my luck. After I got my bag, I kind of felt like a lost puppy. I had really no idea where to go. So I wondered a while until I found the Heathrow Express. It is a direct train from the airport to Central London. I stopped at kiosk and inserted my 18 pounds, then was on my way. Once off the train I found my self a taxi to the housing office to pick up keys for my flat. That taxi cost me 16 pounds which isn't too bad. The people at the office were my first real conversation with an English accent. They talked so fast I had to listen really carefully to fully understand what they were asking me! Once I got my keys then I took another taxi to my flat. It is surprisingly large with a living room sleeping area kitchen and two full baths.
So far it's just me and Sally, a girl who is originally from China but also attends UW. There is a third bed, so I am not sure if we will be getting another roommate?
I am all unpacked and just relaxing the rest of the night. Sally and I are going to dinner together tonight as well. Pictures of the room are coming soon!!
Love C
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