Experiences, People, and Views

5-22-11 

Today was just a great day overall. It was our free day. It started out amazing. I went on a morning run down Caledonian like I normally do. Didn’t get to run as far today because my knees were hurting but it was still nice. Then comes the fun part. Dr. Browning, Lori, and Dr. Gerlich and I went to Abbey Road. We took a cab there and had all of our points planned out. Apparently there was a pre production meeting I missed out on but none-the-less it was awesome. 

We got there and took a few pictures of Abbey Studios where the Beatles recorded. It also reminded me of parent trap. Other American’s were there trying to take the same picture but were failing. When we got there, they had already planned out how they were going to do it, so all I needed to do was snap the shot. When our time came, we ran out and I took two snaps of the shot. We got a good picture but they wanted to try again. The second shot was even better. They loved it and if i do say so, it looks amazing. My three teachers walking like the Beatles. We then took a cab to the first Hard Rock cafe ever built.

It was great company for lunch and we had a few others join us. We went to Hyde Park this afternoon and it was simply amazing. To me, it’s amazing how the people here live in the moment and so simple. They lounge in the grass and just talk and enjoy others company no matter what is going on around them. We happened to stumble across a huge soccer convention which turned out to be the English Premier league convention; loads of advertisements were there. The first tent we went to was the Heiniken one and we ran back in to our teachers. We shared some good company and  nice beer while playing some of the games. As we walked around we visited other booths and took pictures with the giant soccer ball promotion Wembley stadium and the Olympics. Needless to say , I was in soccer heaven. We then went by the river and just sat there taking in the breathtaking view. 

We then traveled the tube to Trafalgar square. This was where they had a beautiful fountain and it was home of the National Museum. Inside were beautiful paintings and lots of history. Later we went back to Nido to rest and get ready for the night. 

Tonight was actually spectacular. We left at 8 to go to the London eye which is the biggest Ferris Wheel. We wanted to get there at sunset so we could have an awesome view and that is what we had. The sunset was absolutely gorgeous and we got some amazing pictures and memories. 

The quad is turning into such a good friendship. Everything we do is so funny. Not to mention my teachers are hilarious. Today Dr. Browning ordered chips and salsa at the Hard Rock not remembering that the British think chips are fries. I haven’t laughed so hard in a long time. 

 It’s so great to just have good company.

My time is is coming to an end. Two more days. Two short days and I feel so immersed in the culture. I love everything about it here and everything I am learning to go along with it. I cannot wait for the next few days and the experiences I will have. Cheers for now! 

Stonehenge, Bath, and Learning

5-21-11

So Today was absolutely amazing. I mean, I wasn’t expecting our day trip to Stonehenge and Bath to be life changing. I slept on the bus there from being pretty tired. When we got to Stonehenge though, going up to it, you could see the amazing british countryside. Everything is so green and hilly and beautiful. It was like a dream being outside of London because I thought it was mostly city. 

Stonehenge was a guided tour by a little phone that told us everything about stonehenge.  We got to listen to the history and the myths behind it. It was so interesting to see and hear how it was built and what the theories are. The landscape around it was absolutely gorgeous. I enjoyed the history behind it as well and how men and woman had a life so simple back then but managed to move rocks that weight tons and tons. 

We then took off for an hour bus ride to Bath. Words cannot describe the awe I had when we were pulling up to the city. Everything in this city was romantic and historical and so beautiful. The stone in the city is the same all the way around because they wanted to keep the old feeling but it was so eccentric. We toured the city and saw all the amazing architecture and buildings. We then had time to go into the ancient Roman Baths. These were spectacular. Natural water coming from the ground to make these baths. The pillars and statues inside were amazing. I could only imagine what life was like for the Romans that used to bath in those. We had a funny time when Dr. Browning was joking around with the dress up Roman characters. The baths were absolutely spectacular. It was like being right in Rome. You could see the water bubbling up and it was just so amazing to think that years ago people built these amazing baths. 

Tonight we went to the Big Chill. Lori and I wanted to go to the Bizarre Magazine exclusive party but it was so expensive so we didn’t. The Big Chill house had a DJ and loads of people were there. We met some pretty cool british guys and danced the night away. Another top night London.