Madrid

Oh Madrid….

So Tuesday evening we arrived in Madrid and ventured onto the metro system- heading to our hostel. Our hostel was in a really sketchy part of town. I was really disappointed because the hostel looked really awesome online… yeah, it wasn’t horrible, but it was definitely the worst I have stayed in so far. Also, what was so odd about this hostel is that ¾ of the people there were in the country illegally and trying to find work under the table. I don’t get that. There were these two guys that have literally just been wandering around Europe and working horrible jobs for horrible wages and lying to customs in order to stay longer. It just seems so odd to me. They were Canadian, I don’t get why they didn’t just work legally in Canada and save up money to visit Europe legally… I don’t know- it just baffles me, but that’s okay.

Madrid was really fun. It was not as great as Barcelona to me, but there were some really incredible moments.

The best part of the trip by far, well of course besides seeing my sister, was this little hole in the wall bar called “La Solea” that I found randomly online. It was a traditional, old school, family run kind of bar where no one spoke English and little old men played guitars and sang tragic love songs in the traditional flamenco style. I LOVED IT! Oh and apparently I got married there. This waiter kept calling me his wife… haha it was very funny because he didn’t speak English and I only speak a little Spanish- I don’t think the marriage would have really worked out… but yes, that night was incredible. The old Spanish people loved Katy and I and kept calling up “guapa” and trying to get us to dance. It was a great night.

Katy and I had a lot of fun. We spent the majority of our time just walking around the city. We saw the palace, a beautiful park, the financial district, all the plazas and puertos and everything along the way. We went out at night, but other than La Solea- they were all just kind of generic and not too impressive. Oh, but Katy and I have now gone to an Irish pub in every city we have been. When we go to Paris in a couple weeks, we are going to make it a goal to find and Irish pub there.

Friday morning Katy and I met up with Amanda and her friends/co-workers Nick and Aman and Aman’s friend Michael who is Australian but is studying in Barcelona. Her friends are really great. Aman does not have a serious bone in his body and was definitely the weekend entertainment. Nick knows more random facts than anyone I have ever met in my life, and Michael is just an Aussie… but I try not to hold that against him….. no but really, was very nice as well as a great reference point for all us short people trying to stay with the group- his height was very helpful. So we met up and went to starbucks, as all real Spaniards do, and then went out to see the city. Friday night we had dinner at 9PM at this really expensive restaurant (thank you Amanda!) and at like 2 AM we ended up a dance club and somehow five hours went by without us knowing. I got to bed at 8AM Saturday morning. Let me just say- I have never stayed out that late in my life- and just so you know- Thursday-Sunday nights I got a total of maybe 10 hours asleep- and that is probably stretching it. I am so tired right now.

Saturday we walked to the palace and looked at some dead people in old churches. We ate lots and lots of food including a really good dinner at a place we just stumbled upon. Saturday night we stayed pretty low key- we went to another Irish pub with a live band and just hung out for a while. I got to bed at 4AM- at least a little bit better than the previous night.

So now I am at the airport getting ready to go back. Part of me is really ready to have a stable place for at least a week- and the other part of me is dreading going back to school and doing work- yeah, I definitely didn’t do much reading during my “reading week”. Alright- I am signing off now- time to write an essay.

Much love,
Rachel

Barcelona

Barcelona 10/11/09

Today is Tuesday, November 10, 2009. I am sitting in the Barcelona airport about to leave to go to Madrid. Barcelona was AMAZING.

We arrived Friday night at around 8 PM, made our way through a very easy going customs check, took a 12,00 euro bus to a metro station, bought a metro card that gave us 10 rides for 7,70 euros and made our way to the La Rambla hostel. Our hostel was situated near the Passieg de Gracia and the Catalunya metro station- our two ports to the rest of Barcelona.

After we arrived at the hostel, around 10:30PM Spain time (it is one hour later here than in London), we met 5 quite loud and giggling creatures, 4 American girls from San Diego and one Australian bloke named Owen. We all met up and after being handed a glass of Sangria and then dropping my glass of Sangria all over some woman’s luggage without even drinking any of it, we decided to go out. We walked around our area for a bit before stumbling upon a very smoky bar. It was sort of loud and filled with old men smoking, but we were tired of walking around and so we went there anyway. I, of course being me, ordered a diet coke (which is not diet coke in Spain but Coca-cola light… which does not taste like diet coke) and PAPASFRITAS (French fries). I think I have eaten 500 things of papasfritas this weekend- it is the only thing they serve at restaurants besides beverage that has no meat in it- Barcelona is not so great for vegetarians such as myself.

Saturday was really fun. Owen, Katy and I walked around this amazing Gaudi cathedral called Saggrada Familia or something like that. It had a beautiful park surrounding it, and when it began to rain, we all ran under trees in the park and stumbled upon a little pond with a stream running around it. Us, being the adventurers we are, skipped around the stream- hopping from rock to rock, and Owen, being the gentleman he is and trying to help me my next rock, ended up falling into the stream. Unfortunately it wasn’t too bad- he only got his leg wet. It would’ve been funnier if he would’ve fallen on his butt…. Oh well.

After the cathedral, we walked to Las Ramblas, watched street performers, gushed over the cute little animals that they were selling everywhere (tons of street vender/pet shop things with chickens, pigeons, doves, turtles, frogs, fish, chipmunks, chinchillas, rabbits, hamsters, mice, ferrets, and tons more random animals), looked around this massive outdoor food market, and then headed back to the hostel so Owen could catch his train. That night we met up with some other American study abroad students at Queen Mary for some food and drinks and then called it a night.

Sunday was incredible. We slept in, ate some good breakfast of toast and cereal (I am stuffed with carbs from these few days), and then headed to a Catholic choral mass at Santa Maria del Mar which was beautiful and wonderful. It was basically 3 men singing in Spanish about Jesus- what more could you want? The Cathedral has some really cool history too. It was apparently from like 500 AD or something ridiculously old like that- was in ruins, was discovered and then rebuilt thousands of years later. Yeah… not really sure on the dates- but its old and rebuilt to look old- so its awesome. Basically- it was just massive and gorgeous.

After mass, Katy and I went and wandered around the city- we decided to get lost and it was an awesome decision. We just walked wherever our little feet would take us and ended up finding a really awesome park called Parc de la Ciutadella. It was SO green and had tons of palm trees and other tropical plants. There was also a little kid’s birthday party going on… and let me tell you… Spanish kids are the cutest things in the entire world. They were all adorable and tan and running around screaming and laughing in a different language- it was adorable. Next we walked around and stumbled upon the Arc de Triumph which was gorgeous and basically just a massive arch.

Next Katy and I headed to the coast and found this awesome port called Port Vell. It had an IMAX theatre, an aquarium (which we couldn’t afford but went to the gift shop), a mall, supposedly lots of night clubs (but Monday night we couldn’t find any), and lots and lots of boats and seagulls. We sat on the edge and looked out into the Mediterranean Sea- wow, so beautiful! There were tons of cruise ships, fishermen, sailboats, and adventurous kayakers moving in and out of the port. We headed back as the sun was going down. Sunday night just stayed in and played rummy with a Lithuanian guy named Rokas, a Frenchman named Romain, and a Brazilian girl named Renata. Katy was the only non “R” named person playing- we almost didn’t let her J. That’s the thing I love about hostels though- you meet so many people from all over the world- it makes the world seem a little bit smaller, which I love.

Monday was my favorite day, though Sunday is a close second. Monday, Katy and I had a brilliant idea. We headed back to Las Ramblas, the road with all the animals, and went to the street market. There we bought loads of chocolate, fresh fuit, a loaf of bread and butter. Then we took the metro the Parc Guell- the most beautiful place I have ever been! We hiked up this MASSIVE hill (which luckily on our side was partly covered with escalators, then walked up another massive hill, and then finally we made it to the top of the Hill of Three Crosses. Basically- the name says it all- it is a little mountain with 3 stone crosses at the very top. Let me tell you- the view from this place was phenomenal! So of course, we had our picnic up there and enjoyed true Spanish chocolate (some of which was good, some of which was terrible) which looking over one the most beautiful cities in the world. After our picnic and a bit of sightseeing, we walked around the rest of the park. The park was designed by Gaudi and was filled with mosaic art and more adorable Spanish children. Katy and I did some Christmas shopping at street vendors and little hole in the wall shops, bought some green beans at a market, then headed home for dinner.

Monday night was really “interesting”. We met two more American girls at the hostel, also from San Diego (apparently it was San Diego goes to Barcelona weekend) and went to and Irish pub with them. We were supposed to be meeting up with one of their friends who was studying abroad in Barcelona, but he ended up bailing on us. However, we ran into some of their friends from Denmark where they were studying abroad, and decided to meet up with them later at a club named Apollo- bad decision. We got so lost on our way there and ended up walking through the sketchiest part of Barcelona until we came to a very wise decision of catching a cab back to the hostel. Not the best night in the world but at least Katy and I can honestly say now that we saw ALL of Barcelona.

So now I am at the airport and it is Tuesday afternoon. I am so excited to head to Madrid. Barcelona was tons of fun- but I am ready to see what else Spain has to offer. Also, I am super excited to meet up with Amanda on Friday in Madrid. We are staying at this renovated palace and it is going to be INCREDIBLE. More to come. Love you guys!

-Rachel

Living the Dream...

So I was told I was a bad blogger by my best friend, CeCe Brooks, so I thought I would make a quick little blog tonight before heading to bed.

This picture: some of my favorite people in London. The red headish girl is Katy my adorable flat mate and best friend here, the gorgeous blonde is my sorority sister Sam who I love with all my heart, the white boy (haha easiest way to describe it) is Taylor- my favorite British boy, and then there is my dear flat mate Baba who is ridiculous fun and from Nigeria... oh and then of course there is me- all of us crammed together in our dorm's elevator.

Lately- life is INSANE!! But I am loving every minute of it.... I don't think I have slept more than 5 hours a night, but when you are 21 and in London- who cares? haha so happenings in my life lately... let's think.

1. I sang for the worship team this last Tuesday and, well in my opinion, it went really well! Matt, the acoustic guitarist/singer is only like 18 and has a KILLER voice- it was awesome getting to do BV's with a guy so young and so talented. Also- I love all the guys in the band! There is Matt of course, Jonny the lead guitarist, Tim the bass player, and Chris the drummer. They are so chill and really God fearing men- something you don't find very often. But before you all get your hopes up- most every guy my age/under 30 at our church is married or on their way to being married... haha - I say that for your benefit mother/ Aunt Tricia- but no worries, God is good and all is in His timing. But really- it was just great to give back to God what is rightfully His- my talents that he so graciously gave me. I love singing for God. There is just something about doing what you love to do for the one you love the most that is so fulfilling!

2. I have had some really growing experiences. Needless to say, I have had some fun while I have been here- but I am learning more and more that I am not so much the "club" kinda girl. Yes, I enjoy going out with my friends- but the more I am experiencing it- the more I really don't love it. Every now and again is fine... but I think I am going to start hunting for coffee houses instead of pub clubs... that's more my scene!

3. I have fully learned the British guy way of doing things. I swear- these boys are so smooth, but they are little heart breakers. So all you girls thinking that British guys are so much more gentlemanly here than they are in the states... I hate to break it to you- boys are the same across the globe!

So enough about boys and clubs and all that annoying stuff....

My parents are coming into town tomorrow- haha and greatest of all, they are bringing along my amazing and crazy Aunt Tricia and her best friend- who I know will LOVE this city. I can't wait to see them. I actually should be in bed right now because I have to wake up in 5 hours to go meet them at the airport, but I am waiting on some clothes to dry.

Also- fun times- Will Butler from Belmont is coming to London on Monday! I can't wait to see him! It will be so great to have him and my family here! Haha- i have no idea when I will do homework, but oh well- it can wait. I mean... you only live once!

Anything else?.... hmm.... well classes are going really well. I am super- excited about all of them- it is going to be a really great semester! My movement class is called "The Actor and the Body" and is doing some really cool stuff. Martin, my instructor, is really down to earth and knows so much about fluidity in the body and such. And he is bringing in local artists to work with us- the first being this week and I am so excited to see what she has in store!

Oh and I went to see As You Like It at the Globe and it was INCREDIBLE! The best show I have seen in a VERY long time!! Gotta love some Shakespeare!

So most all of my trips are planned for the rest of the semester:

October 16-19 Scotland with the fam

October 23-16 Adventure weekend in Wales

Halloween- Dublin with all my American mates

November 7-13 I think Italy... but still need to plan that

November 13-15 Wonderful weekend in Madrid with my sister Amanda :)

November 27-30 Paris with my flatmate Katy

Super excited!!!

Okay gotta get my laundry and go to bed.... NIGHT!!

Love you all,

Rachel

I have been a horrible blogger...

Because this has been the most eventful week of my life and I haven't written about it!

So... where to begin? Okay so moved into Feilden House last Monday- about 8 days ago and immediately got thrown in to the most diverse living arrangement ever! My flat represents 6 countries: S. Korea, China, Germany, Nigeria, UK and America- my closest friends in the flat being Baba from Nigeria, David from Germany and Katy from Minnesota. I love my flat so much but it is SO FUNNY.

So we have this flat mate who we haven't seen like at all- I saw her when she moved in and then I caught a glimpse of her this morning when I first woke up- it's like seeing an endangered animal or something.... seeing her is SO RARE!

Also- being from six different countries, we all have very different opinions on things- which has only gotten out of hand once, but when multiple governments are represented- you know there is going to be some clashing (especially between Baba and me).

So my favorite day so far has got to be this last Saturday. Katy, the Minnesotan, and I went to the London Zoo and the Regents Park.... can I just say WOW! The zoo was incredible. You know those butterfly houses some zoos have where you walk through and butterflies just fly all around you? Well they have that and one for monkeys and another for birds- it was INCREDIBLE. I got attacked by a massive white butterfly and Katy got stalked by a little bird. They also had lots of little baby animals like baby lion cubs, stingrays and meerkats.

And then.... Regents Park is the most beautiful place in the entire world! It's like a movie or something- I swear, I am in love with it! Connected to it is Primrose Park which has this massive hill that you climb up, and at the top, you can see the entire city! It was the most romantic place I had ever been! Too bad I was just with Katy- haha!

Speaking of Romance.... haha I will tell you about that one later. Let's just say- British boys are pretty awesome!

Moving on... Yesterday was Kate's birthday and I and some others threw her a kind of surprise birthday dinner. It was so much fun! Marc made chicken, Deanna brought over a cheese plate, I made a vegetable plate, got ice cream, and did all the decorations and such, Katy made brownies (which were gluten free and DELICIOUS) haha and Oliver helped blow up and hang up the balloons. Sam then got her a great bouquet of flowers and chips and dip and we partied it up all night in Kate's flat until we moved on to Drapers bar about 10. It was an awesome night.

So classes for me started today. I had two of them- Costume Drama and Presentations of London in Literature, Film and Fine Arts. The first was really cool and I am super excited about it. The second was very lecture-y (I think I fell asleep a few times) but its cool because Marc, Kate, Jenny and Nate (all Americans from Arcadia) are in the class- which makes it awesome. I also went to my first theatre club meeting tonight and I am really looking forward to getting involved in that.

Other big news from this week... I am now a worship leader (well BVs but still cool) for the student program at my Church. I am super pumped about getting to do that again! Umm.... and bad news bears- I am uber sick right now. My throat is throbbing and my lymph node or however you spell it is swollen to like the size of a golf ball. I am going to go to the health clinic tomorrow. So needless to say- I am staying in and resting tonight. I'm sure I will get some much needed sleep.

Oh and I can't forget... two more things: I got to see War of Ages! My boys played in London and it was so great to get to see them again! Also- I went to platform 9 3/4 and Ron and I are totally a couple now! haha okay maybe not- but I felt cool anyways... does that make me a nerd?

Okay guys- well you know I love you and miss you all. Also- please excuse my typos- I totally don't proof read this. LOVES!

Orientation Week

If I had to put this week into one word, I would call it “busy”.

Orientation started on Monday and I was in desperate need of some cash for a cab- well, Sunday night I found out my bank had put a lock on my account because there was unusual spending- most of which was a mix-up. I told the bank that I was going to be in England- but I guess they didn’t realize how much I would be spending in England. Generally, my account has maybe $100 in it and I take out like $20 each withdrawal. Haha- yeah, now having to pay for trips, taxis, all meals out (as we have been living in a hotel) etc, I have 10 times the amount in my checking account and I am taking out a proportionate amount.  They freaked out a bit.

Oh, but the worst part was that the bank tried to trick me! So I call the fraud office and an automated voice told me to “please verify your last 3 transactions”- this is Monday morning now. Well the first one was for that day- thinking, “well, I still have my bank card, no one stole it, I guess I will just assume a check went through or something” I pressed that I did spend that- and then I approved the latter 2 transactions- well, here is where the trick was, I really hadn’t made a transaction that day (but I didn’t know that until later)- and since I pressed yes, it wouldn’t fix my hold, so I started to freak out- I had to catch a cab in like 15 minutes- Finally, I had to call again, 100 times later, go through the process again, say that I didn’t make the transaction, talk to a fraud representative and spend all of my international minutes telling the people that I didn’t really make a transaction that day. Why would they do that? UGH!!!

 So during this whole process, I began to look online for a cab that would take credit cards, and finally I found one. So, I got in a cab from Jon’s house and took the confusing ride to Euston Thistle with my 3 bags (total weighing approximately 110 lbs.

At the hotel I met lots of other Queen Mary students (as well as students attending other universities like Goldsmiths, Kings, and London NOW) and felt a bit more at home- though we did have to wait in the lobby for more than an hour before they would check us in.

My roommate at the hotel’s name is Taryn. She is a delightful person! She was super sweet about my messiness and forgetfulness. The hotel would only give us one key between the two of us and I was constantly wondering off with it- not even thinking about her not being about to get back in- I have always had multiple keys for a hotel. However, she was super sweet about it all and I think her and the receptionist got on a first name basis with all the new keys she had to get made- oops!

Day 1 of Orientation I met my new “group”- 5 boys from Northwestern University- Ryan, Yanni (I think that’s how you spell it), Marc, Steve and Nate. Ryan is a tall, red headed guy who plays sports and is in Phi Delta Theta back home. Steve, Marc and Yanni are fraternity brothers (SAE) and are the most hilarious people I have ever met. Yanni, whom I have mistakenly given the nickname of “balls”- which he now hates but the boys still call him that (again- another oops), is super sweet and I would say the most “sensitive” of the guys- though he will never admit he is actually a nice guy. Marc is the “gossip queen” of the group and loves knowing everything about everything. He is from California and fittingly worked for E! this summer- doing, of course, gossip writing. Steve is the sarcastic one. Though all of them are pretty sarcastic and tease me mercilessly, Steve takes the cake. However, he still has his sweet moments. Nate, the last of the group, is also a theatre person. He is a performer/director/set designer at Northwestern and I have no doubt in my mind that he is bursting with talent.

These boys have been my primary companions this week. Of course I am hanging out with Sam, Kate and Carolyn- but these boys also come along for the ride.

As I said, this week has been extremely “busy”. Monday night we all went out to a local pub called “The Rocket” where I really got to know my new cohorts. Tuesday was full of meetings and then that night, a new experience for me- watching “True Blood”- a show about vampires I am positive I will never watch again. Wednesday was another day of meetings- one of which was the Harry Gibney, my advisor and least favorite person in this country as of late- hopefully that will change. Wednesday night we went to see “La Cage aux Folles” or “The Bird Cage” and it was AMAZING! The story is about a couple, two men- one homosexual and one transsexual who own a drag club and their relationship as they deal with their son getting married to a woman who’s dad is trying to close down all the drag queen shows in the area. I was so impressed with the acting and singing, but especially with the dancing! I have never in my life seen men move that way!! After the show, we went to a really awesome pub/club called “The Motion”- this club was so awesome! There were 3 levels, loud music, tons of dancing, and great company as like 15 of us all went out together. This was definitely the best night of the week.

Thursday began home stay- and my group was headed to Woking, a town about 25 miles south of London. I was assigned to be the group coordinator- meaning that I just had to make sure everyone was alive- I am writing this from my home stay house, but so far- no deaths that I am aware of. However, that statement was almost not true on the way up to Woking. Our bus driver was CRAZY, and that doesn’t even begin to describe it. He barely spoke English, had to ask ME for directions (apparently my blatant American-ness was not evident to him) and made me get out of the car multiple times to ask people on the street how to get Brewery Car Park (our final destination). He missed the car park, despite everyone in the bus’s urgent cries to turn left, made horrible U-turns that made me feel like I was going to die, and got us there about an hour late.

When we arrived to Woking, I was told that they had switched my host home. I had, just the day before, spent about $50 on gifts for teenagers, only to find out that I was now to be staying with a single, retired grandmother. But hey- I guess I have a Christmas gift for my little cousin now- I hope she likes hand-made funky jewelry. However, Jenny, our host mom is super sweet. She makes us lots of food (though she didn’t know I was a vegetarian which has caused some problems), watches English soap operas with us- the big one being “East Enders”, and is more than happy to cart us around. There are four of us girls staying here- including me, Taryn, Terra, and Julie. They are totally sweet girls and this arrangement is really working out.

Thursday night we just really stayed in after the horrible bus ride. Friday, however, we headed to Winsor. The Winsor castle is BEAUTIFUL! I loved walking around my future home! Haha- I wish! But really, it was breath taking. I even got to make a guard laugh! For all of you who told me to do that while I was here, I achieved that goal- he could hardly keep his mouth closed, I thought the guard was going to pee his pants- 3 crazy American girls and 2 crazy American guys cracking jokes and talking about how attractive the guard was (a very true statement).

Friday night we got to see the local nightlife in Woking. We met up with a bunch of the guys staying here- including all of the “group” except for Nate at a pub called O’Neills. It was fun- but I am just really ready to head back to London and move into my dorm tomorrow.

So today is Saturday and so far all I have really done is take an ice cold shower and write this massively long blog.  I think we may head back into town today and do a bit of shopping/finding an internet café.

However, my eyes are on the prize- my dorm room. I cannot wait to meet my new neighbors and get my stuff out of a suitcase and into drawers. I cannot stand carting everything around, lol but that burden is totally outweighed by this awesome experience.

God is really awesome and has blessed me so much with this opportunity. I have had the chance to really think a lot since I have been to London- and I am really learning a lot more about God and myself every day. I have an awesome life! I have wonderful parents, beautiful siblings, amazing friends, and now the experience of a lifetime!! 

Orientation Week

If I had to put this week into one word, I would call it “busy”.

Orientation started on Monday and I was in desperate need of some cash for a cab- well, Sunday night I found out my bank had put a lock on my account because there was unusual spending- most of which was a mix-up. I told the bank that I was going to be in England- but I guess they didn’t realize how much I would be spending in England. Generally, my account has maybe $100 in it and I take out like $20 each withdrawal. Haha- yeah, now having to pay for trips, taxis, all meals out (as we have been living in a hotel) etc, I have 10 times the amount in my checking account and I am taking out a proportionate amount.  They freaked out a bit.

Oh, but the worst part was that the bank tried to trick me! So I call the fraud office and an automated voice told me to “please verify your last 3 transactions”- this is Monday morning now. Well the first one was for that day- thinking, “well, I still have my bank card, no one stole it, I guess I will just assume a check went through or something” I pressed that I did spend that- and then I approved the latter 2 transactions- well, here is where the trick was, I really hadn’t made a transaction that day (but I didn’t know that until later)- and since I pressed yes, it wouldn’t fix my hold, so I started to freak out- I had to catch a cab in like 15 minutes- Finally, I had to call again, 100 times later, go through the process again, say that I didn’t make the transaction, talk to a fraud representative and spend all of my international minutes telling the people that I didn’t really make a transaction that day. Why would they do that? UGH!!!

 So during this whole process, I began to look online for a cab that would take credit cards, and finally I found one. So, I got in a cab from Jon’s house and took the confusing ride to Euston Thistle with my 3 bags (total weighing approximately 110 lbs.

At the hotel I met lots of other Queen Mary students (as well as students attending other universities like Goldsmiths, Kings, and London NOW) and felt a bit more at home- though we did have to wait in the lobby for more than an hour before they would check us in.

My roommate at the hotel’s name is Taryn. She is a delightful person! She was super sweet about my messiness and forgetfulness. The hotel would only give us one key between the two of us and I was constantly wondering off with it- not even thinking about her not being about to get back in- I have always had multiple keys for a hotel. However, she was super sweet about it all and I think her and the receptionist got on a first name basis with all the new keys she had to get made- oops!

Day 1 of Orientation I met my new “group”- 5 boys from Northwestern University- Ryan, Yanni (I think that’s how you spell it), Marc, Steve and Nate. Ryan is a tall, red headed guy who plays sports and is in Phi Delta Theta back home. Steve, Marc and Yanni are fraternity brothers (SAE) and are the most hilarious people I have ever met. Yanni, whom I have mistakenly given the nickname of “balls”- which he now hates but the boys still call him that (again- another oops), is super sweet and I would say the most “sensitive” of the guys- though he will never admit he is actually a nice guy. Marc is the “gossip queen” of the group and loves knowing everything about everything. He is from California and fittingly worked for E! this summer- doing, of course, gossip writing. Steve is the sarcastic one. Though all of them are pretty sarcastic and tease me mercilessly, Steve takes the cake. However, he still has his sweet moments. Nate, the last of the group, is also a theatre person. He is a performer/director/set designer at Northwestern and I have no doubt in my mind that he is bursting with talent.

These boys have been my primary companions this week. Of course I am hanging out with Sam, Kate and Carolyn- but these boys also come along for the ride.

As I said, this week has been extremely “busy”. Monday night we all went out to a local pub called “The Rocket” where I really got to know my new cohorts. Tuesday was full of meetings and then that night, a new experience for me- watching “True Blood”- a show about vampires I am positive I will never watch again. Wednesday was another day of meetings- one of which was the Harry Gibney, my advisor and least favorite person in this country as of late- hopefully that will change. Wednesday night we went to see “La Cage aux Folles” or “The Bird Cage” and it was AMAZING! The story is about a couple, two men- one homosexual and one transsexual who own a drag club and their relationship as they deal with their son getting married to a woman who’s dad is trying to close down all the drag queen shows in the area. I was so impressed with the acting and singing, but especially with the dancing! I have never in my life seen men move that way!! After the show, we went to a really awesome pub/club called “The Motion”- this club was so awesome! There were 3 levels, loud music, tons of dancing, and great company as like 15 of us all went out together. This was definitely the best night of the week.

Thursday began home stay- and my group was headed to Woking, a town about 25 miles south of London. I was assigned to be the group coordinator- meaning that I just had to make sure everyone was alive- I am writing this from my home stay house, but so far- no deaths that I am aware of. However, that statement was almost not true on the way up to Woking. Our bus driver was CRAZY, and that doesn’t even begin to describe it. He barely spoke English, had to ask ME for directions (apparently my blatant American-ness was not evident to him) and made me get out of the car multiple times to ask people on the street how to get Brewery Car Park (our final destination). He missed the car park, despite everyone in the bus’s urgent cries to turn left, made horrible U-turns that made me feel like I was going to die, and got us there about an hour late.

When we arrived to Woking, I was told that they had switched my host home. I had, just the day before, spent about $50 on gifts for teenagers, only to find out that I was now to be staying with a single, retired grandmother. But hey- I guess I have a Christmas gift for my little cousin now- I hope she likes hand-made funky jewelry. However, Jenny, our host mom is super sweet. She makes us lots of food (though she didn’t know I was a vegetarian which has caused some problems), watches English soap operas with us- the big one being “East Enders”, and is more than happy to cart us around. There are four of us girls staying here- including me, Taryn, Terra, and Julie. They are totally sweet girls and this arrangement is really working out.

Thursday night we just really stayed in after the horrible bus ride. Friday, however, we headed to Winsor. The Winsor castle is BEAUTIFUL! I loved walking around my future home! Haha- I wish! But really, it was breath taking. I even got to make a guard laugh! For all of you who told me to do that while I was here, I achieved that goal- he could hardly keep his mouth closed, I thought the guard was going to pee his pants- 3 crazy American girls and 2 crazy American guys cracking jokes and talking about how attractive the guard was (a very true statement).

Friday night we got to see the local nightlife in Woking. We met up with a bunch of the guys staying here- including all of the “group” except for Nate at a pub called O’Neills. It was fun- but I am just really ready to head back to London and move into my dorm tomorrow.

So today is Saturday and so far all I have really done is take an ice cold shower and write this massively long blog.  I think we may head back into town today and do a bit of shopping/finding an internet café.

However, my eyes are on the prize- my dorm room. I cannot wait to meet my new neighbors and get my stuff out of a suitcase and into drawers. I cannot stand carting everything around, lol but that burden is totally outweighed by this awesome experience.

God is really awesome and has blessed me so much with this opportunity. I have had the chance to really think a lot since I have been to London- and I am really learning a lot more about God and myself every day. I have an awesome life! I have wonderful parents, beautiful siblings, amazing friends, and now the experience of a lifetime!! 

First Weekend

Today is Sunday, September 13 and I have just completed my first weekend in London.... and WOW what a weekend!!

I arrived in London at 7:00AM- the plane ride was great but I didn't sleep at all. When I got there, we went through customs (which was a breeze- I was very surprised). They did not even check my acceptance letter- all they did was look at my passport and ask why I was there and where my school was located. I guess I don't really look intimidating. 

After getting my bags and cash at the airport, I took a really sketchy cab ride (the cabby gave me his number) to Victoria station. There I met up with Jon and got some coffee and walked around Buckingham Palace until Carolyn, Kate and Stevo met up with us. We then headed back to Jon's flat, got ready, and headed back to central London for a night of pub hopping and having fun :)

Saturday we went back to Buckingham Palace, annoyed some guards, went to the National Gallery and hung out in the park. It was a beautiful day and I really got to see the prettier side of the city. Then the boys and I went downtown to a fun little club- they had a live cover band and we had tons of fun!!

Today was lovely as well. We woke up about noon, went to Victoria station, had a good lunch and then went to an amazing church service at St. Mary's. I think I am really going to like that church and am excited to get involved there.

Weekend 1 was GREAT! Orientation starts tomorrow and I am really looking forward to making new friends and getting started with "Uni" :) 

On the Plane

Today is the day…. Heading to London. I am currently on the plane but will recount my day.

I got up at 6:45 this morning- wide-awake with anticipation. However, this worked out well, as I was able to see everyone before they all left for work. After saying goodbye to Petra, Dad and I went for our last walk in the park- of course, taking Sammy along with us. It was great- he made sure I knew all the British catch phrases like “the rain in Spain falls mainly on the plane” and “Jolly good” etc.

After my walk with dad, I picked up my formal dress from the dry-cleaners and said goodbye to Chris -who I found out just recently left me this list of advice for my trip on my macbook:

In England:

- Drink at least three pints of real ale

- Try to go to a football match

- Eat cheesy chips from a kebab shop on the way home from a night out (mandatory three drinks consumed before eating at such places)

- Meet a nice British husband who likes cricket+ Liverpool FC

- Anything to do with country pubs or cricket = good

-Eat lots of chips with curry sauce

 

Haha- gotta love my brother.

 

Now I am just about an hour from touching down- I can’t believe I am almost there! Unfortunately, I haven’t slept a wink. I guess I am too nervous/excited to sleep. It might also be that it is currently only 10pm California time and I don’t go to sleep until midnight- I’m sure that doesn’t help.

 

However, I have been able to meet lots of cool people/ study abroad folks on this flight- like Jazz who is going to Austria for the year- Salzburg… WOW that will be gorgeous!

 

So plans for my first day in London: after my arrival I will take a taxi to Jon’s- then probably take a nap haha and then off to meet up with Kaitlyn and Carolyn (two girls from Belmont). Somewhere along the way I have to buy a cell phone, and then of course going out that night. I’m sure I will be tired all day, but somehow I think I will manage to be able to dance it up all night in some fun British club!! Who knows, maybe I will meet my duke J

 

So thoughts….. I CAN’T WAIT!!

 

Miss you all!

Lots of love,

Rachel

 

Tomorrow is the Day

Wow... I can't believe it's here. Tomorrow at 1:00pm West Coast time I will be on a plane heading to Heathrow airport, London. 

How am I feeling?

- I can't even explain it. I am nervous, excited, anxious, frustrated, happy, sad, hopeful, excited, and really mixed up. 

There have been some mix ups with my classes and thats the thing that has me the most worked up. Apparently, its cool just to change class times after registration there- something that has caused me a great deal of stress. However, I just sent the man registering me for classes 3 different schedules- lets hope ONE of them will work! I am already having to go to summer school for the second time this next summer and I would love not to have to do it for a third time after graduation! 

However, with all that being said- I am really looking forward to this trip! I don't know what to expect. I am sure I will find new friends, a new start, and who knows... maybe even new love. However, what I am even more sure I will find is that God uses every situation in your life for his kingdom and glory and that this trip will open up my eyes to new life and a new part of me that will help me better serve my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

So status on my packing and readiness: I am pretty much all packed- just got to figure out carry-ons and small things like that. I am all done shopping- thank goodness! I also just got a haircut and highlights and I am getting a pedicure later- so the grooming part is pretty much all done too! 

So here we go ladies and gentlemen..... we are off to London!!

Getting Ready to Leave

So I have just about another week until my departure to London. It's so crazy right now. All of my friends are already back at school, and I am still packing for what I believe will be the biggest adventure of my life thus far. There is one looming question still to answer: how am I ever going to fit all of my stuff into two bags? I have already packed and repacked probably ten times- I'm sort of OCD about these things. I feel like my life lately has been solely centered around this trip. I wake up, shop for london, pack for london, plan for london, work-out so I can be fit in London, and then make some phone calls to people about London. However, I have no doubt that my work will be paid off by experiencing the best four months of my life! 

Most everything about the trip, besides all the side trips I plan on going on, is planned. I am flying into Heathrow airport at 7:30AM London time on September 11th. There I will be meeting up with my good friend and fellow actor, Jon Windridge, who has been so gracious in letting me and my two girls Kaitlyn and Carolyn stay with him until our orientation starts on the 14th. The four of us together are going to take London by storm! Then on the 14th we will meet up with Samantha, my dear friend and sorority sister, and begin our academic experience in London. I am SO excited!

However, it is tough being away from Nashville. I am going to miss a lot this semester. I have already missed towering traditions (Belmont's version of Freshman Orientation) which killed me, and now I am going to miss rush and 3 amazing shows at the theatre. Of course though, the hardest part will be being away from the best friends and sorority anyone could ask for- you guys know who you are. 

With all of that being said, however, I am totally ready and in need of this journey. I am going there with an open heart and an open mind. This will be the first time in my life where I will not feel tied down by something far away from me- and I am so excited about that! Who knows what God has in store? All I know is that I am totally ready to live, laugh, grow and explore!