September 29th, 2013So, this weekend was dedicated strictly to Oktoberfest, which we happened to plan way before we even got to London. On Friday morning, bright and early, Natalie, Rachel, Courtney, Casey, and I took off for Germany. It took us so long to finally get there, but once we did, we checked into our hotel (which was adorable and much like a bed and breakfast) and decided to check out the festival. It was not exactly how I pictured it in my head and reminded me a bit of a fair or carnival. There were bright and towering rides in every direction and many tents set up with cheering coming from inside. That night, we drank beer and wine, and it was a very fun evening. We met some Danish guys and also talked to them for a bit. On Saturday, we spent about 12 hours at Oktoberfest. I didn't drink too much the second day because I was literally so exhausted, and I knew alcohol would make me feel more sleepy. However, there were many adventures throughout the day: we rode an intense roller coaster, lost Courtney in the crowd, and I had some pretty decent food, which I was pretty thrilled about. Although I don't like traditional German food such as brats, I did manage to find this delicious pita bread open-faced sandwich, which had tomatoes, sour cream, ham, two types of cheese, onions, and more on it, and it was my favorite meal in the city. Saturday night, Rachel, Courtney, and I left early (sadly at about 9 p.m. to go back to the hotel). I was tired of the huge crowds of drunken people, and I kept almost stepping on glass, which wasn't pleasant. I'm glad I went back when I did because I was so tired today already that I can't imagine staying out all last night. Getting back to London today was very rough. I napped for a bit, grabbed dinner, then drank a milkshake. Now, I am about to fall asleep while I am typing, so I believe I should go try to lay down. Getting about 8 hours of sleep for three days is not healthy. I need to be focused on school this week as well. Woooo, traveling takes a lot out of you.
-L
September 23rd, 2013
I took off for Barcelona on Thursday with Natalie, Rachel, Jen, and Courtney, and all I can say is it was an absolute blast!!! We arrived and stayed at Amistat Beach Hostel for four nights, and it was actually a pretty nice place to stay. On Thursday, we pretty much got to the hostel and went to sleep, but Friday we got up super early to explore the city. We started off by going to La Sagrada Familia, which is a beautiful cathedral and was well worth the money to get in and the hour and half wait. We also decided to explore a beautiful park that was nearby and took some wonderful pictures. We then spent the evening checking out Barcelona's nightlife scene. We went to several bars, including an Australian one and an ice bar. It was quite the experience: that is all I will say. Haha! :) Saturday was our relaxation day, which we spent on the beach. By far, it was one of the best beaches I have ever been to, and the water literally sparkled with gold flecks. I couldn't believe it! We also went to a nice dinner to celebrate our trip, and then ended the night by watching fireworks on the beach. Yes, that's right, there was an impromptu beach firework show. It truly felt magical. Sunday, we got up early again and walked around La Rambla shopping district. This is where I got the majority of my souvenirs including a Spanish style dress, an infinity ring, and a beautiful hand-painted fan. After our light shopping, Rachel, Jen, and Courtney headed back to London, and Natalie and I checked out the Barcelona Music Festival, which was also quite interesting. Overall, I loved my time in this unbelievable city, and I can't wait to go back in the future. So much to see, and the weather was absolutely perfect. If you haven't been to Spain, I would highly recommend it. First trip was a success!
-L
September 15th, 2013
Pretty good weekend in London again this weekend. My dad and stepmom came to visit, and I showed them around for most of the time. On Thursday night, I went out pubbing for a bit, and then got up early to welcome Dad and DeAnna here. We went to a quick lunch at The Red Lion pub, and then explored Westminster Abbey. It was truly beautiful inside, and I didn't realize how many people are buried there. After, I showed them around the Big Ben/London Eye area, and we also poked around Trafalgar Square. They were exhausted after that, so I went out to a couple pubs on Friday night. Bright and early Saturday morning, we went to an England in a day trip to Stratford Upon-Avon, Bath, and Stonehenge. It was really all of London in a day. We mostly sat on the bus for multiple hours, but we got to see Shakespeare's birthplace and gravesite, which was really neat! Our bus driver also got a little turned around, so we didn't get to see the Roman baths, and we barely made it in time to see Stonehenge. We literally had like five minutes to look at it, and then we had to go because it was closing. Oh well, I loved seeing the beautiful countryside, so it was worth it. Today, my Dad, DeAnna, and I got up to watch the changing of the guards at Buckingham, but it didn't happen today, so we went to Harrods department store. It was literally so huge with like five floors, and everything was thousands of pounds! After that, we met for a Turkish dinner on Oxford Street, and although I was hesitant about it, it was actually pretty decent. Plus, it was like five courses. Pretty exhausting, but also enjoyable weekend yet again in London.
-L
September 12th, 2013
All I have to say is that yesterday was quite possibly the best day ever. I have never really seen anyone famous before, except at concerts, which don't count. And, I yes I got to see Prince Harry super close. He was attending an awards ceremony at The Dorchester hotel, so Rachel and I staked out the area and arrived just in time to see him exit his vehicle and enter the building. We then asked a newswomen when the event ended, and she said at 8:30 p.m., so we sat at a cafe and waited until that time when we personally got to see him up close and personal. Although we didn't talk to him, I'm pretty sure he saw us stalking him, and he was just so handsome in person. We couldn't handle it. Our pictures didn't turn out too great, but we didn't care!! We were just so excited to see him, and now our goal is to stalk him wherever he goes. We also learned from our hall warden that Harry once had a fling with a girl that attended Regent's! He needs to break up with that super skinny model and find his way back here. :) But, in all seriousness, best day ever!
Words Can't Describe!!!
-L
September 9th, 2013
It's the start of week two in London today, and although, I hate going to class, my weekend was quite perfect. I started off the three-day weekend by going to Buckingham Palace on Friday morning. It was incredible to see all of the immaculate rooms and even Queen Elizabeth's coronation gown. I bought many souvenirs from the palace because it was just that great! We kicked off the night be attending a Jack the Ripper tour through London. It was sponsored by Regent's, and basically a tour guide took us around and showed us where the murderer's victims were slaughtered. Sound terrifying? It was a bit creepy, but also a lot of fun, and I got to walk around a part of London I never would have found on my own. Saturday was Oxford day. The city was absolutely beautiful, and if I could live anywhere in London, it would be here. We toured Christ's Church, shopped, and even found some Harry Potter film areas. That night, Rachel, Kate, Courtney, Natalie, and I tried to find a good pub. However, this found to be very difficult. We tried to go to one, and it was so crowded that there was nowhere for us to sit. We went to a couple others as well, but they were closed for private events, so we eventually stopped at the Ye Old London pub and restaurant. It was ok, but we went in at about 9 p.m., and the only other group that showed up was a group of 50 somethings who kept giving us dirty looks. It was very odd! Yesterday, we went to the Harry Potter studio tour, and it was very magical. I was able to see scenes, sets, costumes, and props from the movies as well as ride on a broom! Today, it is back to the grind of classes. I have a field trip tonight at Westminster Chapel for Music Appreciation. Should be interesting...
Harry Potter Tree at New College
Drinks at Ye Old London Pub
Number 4 Privet Drive
-L
