1 Day...And Here's Where the Tears Begin

December 14th, 2013
1 day. 1. That is all I have left in the city I have called home for the last 4 months. I can't even begin to describe this semester. I have done everything I set out to do in London, and I was able to travel to over 7 countries, which is unbelievable. I have changed so much as a person as well. Today, I had to say goodbye to one of the best friends I made here, Jessica. It was extremely difficult because I don't know when I will see her again, even though I plan to visit New York very soon. She has been there for me these last few weeks, when I felt like no one else here was, and I am so glad that I had her through so many rough patches. So, this post is a thank you to Jess, and probably my last one before I leave tomorrow morning. I'm expecting more tears tomorrow as well as I pack up everything, leave Regent's, and drive by London one last time. But, tomorrow night, I will be among my family, and that makes me feel so much better. I have loved London, but it's time for me to get back to where I'm from.

-L

Another Week, Another Movie Premiere

December 12th, 2013
Jess and I heard that the stars of the Anchorman 2 movie would be attending the red carpet premiere in Leicester Square, so naturally, we had to go check it out. I had never seen the first movie, though, so we watched it a couple days before the premiere. It was hilarious, and I was so excited to see the movie's main actors: Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, David Koechner, and James Marsden. There were several other stars there as well, and get this, the carpet was burgundy colored since it was Ron Burgundy's carpet. Haha! We waited outside for about three and a half hours for them to arrive, and sadly, we weren't in the front row so we weren't able to get any selfies with the stars, but I still was able to get some pretty good photos. They all came over for a brief bit to take pictures and sign autographs, except for James Marsden, which I was quite sad about. They all seemed pretty nice too, even though I didn't talk to them one-on-one. I was also lucky enough to get at least one of the news casts' autographs: David Koechner.  I am going to miss being able to attend royal premieres when I leave in 3 days. Here, it is just a normal occurrence! At home, in good ol' Wash, MO, you would never see anything like this. How can I be expected to go back to living a normal life. Ahhh!

Paul Rudd

Steve Carell

Will Ferrell

James Marsden

-L

Royal Premiere...Plus a Strange Coincidence

December 7th, 2013
I was fortunate enough to attend the red carpet premiere of Mandela, which is a movie about Nelson Mandela's life, on Thursday night with Rachel and Jess. Basically, we arrived and waited outside the theater in Leicester Square to watch celebs arrive on the red carpet. We didn't know very many people on the red carpet since this movie is an independent one, but we did get to talk to rapper, Eve who was attending the premiere. And, after waiting outside for over 2 hours, we finally were able to see Prince William and Kate Middleton attend the event. They simply came out of their car, and glided down the red carpet before walking inside. Prince William even gave a few waves. I was starstruck, and Jess and I couldn't help freaking out!! We stayed outside for a few more minutes just to watch them from inside. Haha, I know we are very creepy!! The weirdest coincidence ever, though, was when we got back to Regent's, we saw that Nelson Mandela had passed away. It was very sudden and happened while we were at the premiere. Also, his daughter was at the premiere that night, and I was just thinking I bet they had to stop the movie to tell her. It was just so odd that we had stalked out a movie premiere for Nelson Mandela's autobiography, and he just so happened to pass away that night. Jess, Rachel, and I couldn't believe it. However, we enjoyed the premiere, and we hope to see the movie in the U.S. when it comes out next November.

                                        Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

 

Idris Elba (the film's star) being interviewed

                                                       Rapper Eve

Kate and Will

-L

2 More Weeks...Eek!

December 1st, 2013
I can't believe there are only 2 weeks left of this semester in London. It seems like my time here has gone by quite fast, but also very slowly. I know that I am ready to come home, though. This weekend showed me that. I have done everything in London that I wanted to, so that is how I know that it is time. This weekend started off terrible, and I will always remember certain memories about my Thanksgiving here, but I'm putting that behind me. I spent a lot of the weekend going around London, doing things I hadn't done yet. On Friday morning, I went to Abbey Road with Jess, Steph, and Rachel, and we took the most epic picture. It looks just like the Abbey Road Beatles cover, complete with a cigarette for Rachel who was supposed to be Paul McCartney. Then, Jess, Rachel, and I went to Chinatown and got dumplings, which were absolutely delicious. I will have to go back there before we leave for sure, and we decided to check out the British Museum, where we saw the Rosetta Stone and many artifacts from different countries around the world. Then, we got delicious butterbeer from Starbucks. It is on their secret menu, and we all became obsessed with it. That night, I watched Harry Potter with Rachel. I loved watching it because I recognized so many of the places in the movie since I have been to a lot of them, and I got to stare at Rupert Grint again. :) Saturday was another busy day! Jess, Courtney, and I went to a quick lunch at Chipotle, and then Jess and I went to the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace. I was able to see all of the royal carriages, including the gold plated coronation carriage. I really enjoyed going there, and we also walked through St. James Park before coming back. Later that night, we went out again for dinner at Giraffe and then Winter Wonderland. It was so crowded there, though, that we didn't stay for long because we literally couldn't move. Today, was a very chill day. I went to Camden Market with Jess and Steph where I bought souvenirs for friends! I have had a very eventful weekend, but now, I think I will lay in bed and relax for a while. Talk to you soon!

-L

A Weekend of Relaxation

November 26th, 2013
Lately, I have been focusing on rest and relaxation in London. I know I need to do as much as possible before I leave, but I also need to focus on me. So, last weekend, I took it easy. That's not to say that I didn't do anything, though. On Friday during the day, Jessica and I took a small trip to Greenwich, which is part of London, but only about 30 minutes away. I really enjoyed getting away from London for the day. We visited Greenwich College grounds, the Maritime Museum, the Prime Meridian separating the western and eastern hemispheres, and the Greenwich market, where we bought scarves. I liked being able to take our time during the day and not rush. On Saturday, I took the day for myself. I went shopping at Primark and Longchamp. That night, Stephanie, Jessica, Claire, Nick, and I all went to the Nightjar for a jazz performance. It was definitely an experience, and I am so glad that we went! Our drinks were a bit expensive but delicious. One of mine came in a glass shaped like a bird!! Then, Sunday, I lounged around a bit and went to Harrod's with Jess and Steph, but didn't buy anything. I had a great weekend, even though I didn't do too much. I can't believe I only have less than 3 weeks left, but I am ready to come home. Just got to get through finals first. So much to do in so little time. December 15 will be here before I know it though!

-L

The Day I Met Rupert Grint

November 19th, 2013
I don't typically write a new post more than once a week, but I believe this event is worth it's own post. Yesterday, I was having quite a terrible day for many reasons, which I won't name on here, but everything got 100 times better when I waited outside the play, Mojo in Piccadilly. I waited with three other girls to catch a glimpse of Rupert Grint, who is currently staring in the play. I had been once before and unfortunately it had been a press night, so he didn't come out. However, this time he did!!! We were in the front row, and he immediately came up to us and posed with us for some photos, even though the security guard said photos couldn't be taken. Rupert was so shy, but also really sweet. I was fangirling so hard when I asked him to take a photo. Now, I just need to actually see this play so I can hopefully wait again and get him to sign my program. I also saw a few other cast members from the play, but I didn't know them sadly. Overall, a wonderful end to a bad day. And, this is why I love London.

-L

My New Plan In London

November 18th, 2013
So, this last weekend I went to Paris with Natalie's family. We went to Notre Dame, the Orsay Museum, went up in the Eiffel Tower, and took a river cruise of the city. Although I loved Paris, I am so happy to finally be done traveling around Europe, and I have decided to spend these last few weeks focusing on me. I miss home so much, but I want to embrace this country before I pack up and leave for good. Basically, my goal is to enjoy myself no matter what happens. I have hit a rough patch, but that doesn't mean I can't pick myself up again. I want to walk around London on my own, find hidden places that no one knows about, and learn to be happy with me, myself, and I. I don't think this will be a hard feat, it just requires me to not let anyone else get me down. I love London, I truly do, and I feel like there is so much I haven't seen yet in this country. I've explored other cultures in different countries, but now it is is time to focus on my temporary home. <3 

-L