Posts
So I am accepted to go to London. Very great. But I thought I'd blog really quickly about some of the prep work that goes into studying abroad in London.
First, I have had to write many essays this semester. I believe I needed six for the actual application. Then, I've written some for scholarships, my homestay form, and other various required Arcadia University forms. Plus, there are many online and snail mail forms that need to be completed. Studying abroad requires a lot of paperwork. I can't imagine what it would be like to apply to study in America if you are from another nation! I have a new respect for the people who fill out all the paperwork to get a US visa or green card.
On a new note, I'm having some issues with what to pack. I will probably be one of those people who pack too much and have suitcases too heavy to lift. However, at the moment, I do not want to "waste" my money on buying everything I need in London when my money could instead be spent on travelling. In my eyes, I have a lose-lose situation concerning whether to pack as much as possible or buy as much as possible. With that, I am also at a loss as to what styles of luggage I need - duffles, backpacks, spinner suitcases, etc.
I should additionally note that I leave for London in about a month and a half and I still do not know where I will be living or where I will be working. With that, I have been approved to take certain classes at City University, but I will not be scheduled for them until I meet with my advisor once I get to London. Therefore, I will not know whether I will have a three or two day weekend until after I arrive.
I have yet to figure out how I am going to do my banking while I am there. However, I was told to get a pay-as-you-go cell phone plan, because apparently they are notably more commonplace in England than in America. I heard you can even fill up your minutes at gas stations! Kinda random.
The last thing I want to mention is that I am having a difficult time deciding what travel guidebooks to take (and how many). Right now, I am leaning towards a pocket London book, a large London book (probably my Fodors London 2008 book), a large Great Britain book, and a large Europe book. However, those are a lot of books with a lot of weight. Also, it is very hard for me to figure out which Great Britain and Europe books would be best to bring because I keep getting conflicting recommendations (including from online reviewers). I have no idea who to trust about which guidebooks are best (and the least heavy).
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Sustainable Night Club
A new eco-friendly night club opened this week in London. Here is an article about it: http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSL0934834320080710?feedType=RSS&feedName=environmentNews&pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0
I'd want to check it out when I'm there next. Also, the article gives the names of two night clubs that the princes frequent. I wonder how expensive those are.
I'd want to check it out when I'm there next. Also, the article gives the names of two night clubs that the princes frequent. I wonder how expensive those are.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Westminster Abbey, Tea at Jolly Hotel, Souvenier Shopping, and My Flight Home
I'm writing this from Tucson way after-the-fact, but I feel like I need to finish talking about the last two days of my trip.
I decided to include a picture of the door to our flat.
So...we slept in very late on Tuesday morning and got a late start. Then, as we arrived at the tube stop, we realized they had it gated off and there were security guards standing in front of it. We really wanted to make it to Westminster via tube because it was pre-paid, so we asked what was going on. Apparently just one stop west of ours, someone had "fallen" in front of the train. I actually was really affected by that news. I had heard of that happening on the railroad tracks in Chicago, but it was never that close to me. I easily could have been on that train, or even seen it happen. That affected my emotions for a couple hours. Apparently it happens pretty frequently in London, accordinding to our airport cab driver. I can't imagine a more selfish and visual way to go. Not only do you take your own life, but you traumatize everyone who watches from the platform and the conductor to a point they may never recover, and you ruin the commute of thousands of people (since it happened at Monument station that has three or four train lines). I couldn't even decide if I'd rather think someone accidentally fell or really committed suicide.
So we were told to take the number 15 bus to Westminster instead, since our Oyster cards would still work with the bus system. So we go to the stop and a ton of other people are there. There was a boy from Kentucky (highschooler?) with his grandmother who randomly started talking to us who was also going to Westminster. We couldn't figure out which bus to take, since they were all labelled 15, and once everyone at the stop decided to get on one, not everyone could fit. Apparently the boy's grandmother got on the bus and he didn't make it. So he started freaking out since they didn't have a way to contact each other, and he got on the next bus with us. We didn't know what to do. We got off at St. Paul's Cathedral because the bus driver told us we should transfer to number 11. So then I randomly asked the boy if his grandmother would have gone back to Tower of London to find him again. Apparently it dawned on him that she would have done that, so he bolted away, crossed the street without looking very well, and got on a bus going the other direction. It was extremely weird, but I hope he found her.
So we got on a double-decker and rode it to Westminster. We rode on bottom, so I can't tell you what riding on top is like. But when we got to the bus stop, we walked along-side the Parliament building until we reached Westminster Abbey. FYI...it's another place that a student should bring his or her ID, because you get a discount. I forgot mine at the flat and felt bad.
Westminster Abbey is so cool! You can't take pictures anywhere inside the abbey, so I have no photographic proof that I went there. You get a map and an audio guide when you walk in. However, there's a ton to see there, so the audio guide kinda gets old fast as you get crowded in among all the people in the chaples listening to the same thing very loudly in languages you don't understand.
There are several highlights to the abbey, though. I really enjoyed Elizabeth 1's tomb because the audio guide said the face plate was molded from her real death mask and is the most accurate portrayal of what she looked like. She had a rounded, bent nose.
I think it's so weird that queens would have their tombs made to look how they wanted themselves to look instead of how they really looked back a long long long time ago. Where they really that insecure that they wanted to go down in history as looking like someone else? I also really enjoyed the different things they had with King Edward 1...like the coronation chair he stole from the Scots that is still used today. Yeah, that's my bloody and conquering great-something grandfather for ya. Another cool thing is that I saw the oldest door in England...from the 1000's. Also, there's a really cool circular room that has very old paintings on the walls and is a place where monks would sit in the mornings. Finally, make sure to go to the gardens. The oldest cultivated garden in England is there, and you can only go on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays the audio tour said. It's pretty. Here's a picture of me pretending to listen to my audio tour in the "college garden":
So we went through the entire abbey and never found King Edward 1's tomb. The abbey was closing up, but we decided to ask to see if someone could tell us where it was at least. We were pointed by an old woman in a green robe to a monk (I know they're called something else now) who helped us out. He actually un-did all three gates that had been closed up in order to show us. The reason why we missed it was because his tomb was just a large box. According to the monk, Edward 1 willed himself to be moved from his plain tomb in the abbey to Edinbourgh as soon as England counquered Scotland. However, England's never conquered Scotland so he remains in his non-ornate box. I also saw the tomb of his wife, Eleanor, which actually has a statue on top. The monk said that's most likely not what she looked like but how she wanted to look. The best part about the whole thing was that he took us into a chaple that's closed to the public in order to see the tombs up close instead of from the walkway. I think it was called Saint Edward the Confessor's Chapel. I felt priviledged.
After Westminster was closing, we decided to go try to find a place where we could get high tea. We stumbled upon a hotel a few blocks away that turned out to be beautiful. It was called the Jolly Hotel I believe. We ordered tea and I found out I actually like English tea with milk. Usually I hate black teas. But my heritage is British so it makes sense I suppose. We drank tea and ate almost all of our pastries, sandwiches, and scones. Overall, it was a terrific experience.
The hotel was really cool too! It had a gorgeous ceiling, and when we read about it's history, the pamphlet said there is an underground tunnel connecting it to the House of Parliament. That is because Lords and Representatives have stayed there often over the years. However, the tunnel is closed now it said. Sad. But exploring the rest of the hotel was fun, and they had a fake Number 10 Downing Street which I think was someone's office. Of course, I had to take a picture with it since I'd never get that close to the real Number 10 Downing Street.
After we left the hotel, we walked to Trafalgar Square where we found souveneir shops that were still open (many things close early there). We bought a lot because the prices were pretty reasonable.
The next morning, I woke up at 3:30 in order to leave by 4:50 for the airport. It was so early, but I didn't feel tired because it was like I took a rejuvenating nap. However, I DID get tired on the plane and slept most of the ride home. I had wanted to watch another movie, but I just ended up watching the end of Penelope. I wish I had watched the whole thing because it's not something I'd probably spend money on renting, especially since I know the end. But I really wish I knew what happened in the beginning. Overall, though, the actual flight itself was uneventful. However, going through Heathrow airport is a nightmare. Even at 5am the baggage check line took forever. Then we had to go through tons more security then I went through in America. Then, I walked through the duty-free shopping where I wish I could have spent more time (haha I'm such a girl). But we had to go because it takes FOREVER to walk through Heathrow. They literally told us to give 2o minutes for our walk to our gate. Then, once we got to our gate, we had to go through security AGAIN. It was overwhelming and I never once had anyone in England stamp my passport. I question if passport stamps are a thing of the past.
Ok that's all I can think of now about my trip to England. If I think of more pointers or things to remember, I may post again. Until later, cheers!
I decided to include a picture of the door to our flat.
So...we slept in very late on Tuesday morning and got a late start. Then, as we arrived at the tube stop, we realized they had it gated off and there were security guards standing in front of it. We really wanted to make it to Westminster via tube because it was pre-paid, so we asked what was going on. Apparently just one stop west of ours, someone had "fallen" in front of the train. I actually was really affected by that news. I had heard of that happening on the railroad tracks in Chicago, but it was never that close to me. I easily could have been on that train, or even seen it happen. That affected my emotions for a couple hours. Apparently it happens pretty frequently in London, accordinding to our airport cab driver. I can't imagine a more selfish and visual way to go. Not only do you take your own life, but you traumatize everyone who watches from the platform and the conductor to a point they may never recover, and you ruin the commute of thousands of people (since it happened at Monument station that has three or four train lines). I couldn't even decide if I'd rather think someone accidentally fell or really committed suicide.
So we were told to take the number 15 bus to Westminster instead, since our Oyster cards would still work with the bus system. So we go to the stop and a ton of other people are there. There was a boy from Kentucky (highschooler?) with his grandmother who randomly started talking to us who was also going to Westminster. We couldn't figure out which bus to take, since they were all labelled 15, and once everyone at the stop decided to get on one, not everyone could fit. Apparently the boy's grandmother got on the bus and he didn't make it. So he started freaking out since they didn't have a way to contact each other, and he got on the next bus with us. We didn't know what to do. We got off at St. Paul's Cathedral because the bus driver told us we should transfer to number 11. So then I randomly asked the boy if his grandmother would have gone back to Tower of London to find him again. Apparently it dawned on him that she would have done that, so he bolted away, crossed the street without looking very well, and got on a bus going the other direction. It was extremely weird, but I hope he found her.
So we got on a double-decker and rode it to Westminster. We rode on bottom, so I can't tell you what riding on top is like. But when we got to the bus stop, we walked along-side the Parliament building until we reached Westminster Abbey. FYI...it's another place that a student should bring his or her ID, because you get a discount. I forgot mine at the flat and felt bad.
Westminster Abbey is so cool! You can't take pictures anywhere inside the abbey, so I have no photographic proof that I went there. You get a map and an audio guide when you walk in. However, there's a ton to see there, so the audio guide kinda gets old fast as you get crowded in among all the people in the chaples listening to the same thing very loudly in languages you don't understand.
There are several highlights to the abbey, though. I really enjoyed Elizabeth 1's tomb because the audio guide said the face plate was molded from her real death mask and is the most accurate portrayal of what she looked like. She had a rounded, bent nose.
I think it's so weird that queens would have their tombs made to look how they wanted themselves to look instead of how they really looked back a long long long time ago. Where they really that insecure that they wanted to go down in history as looking like someone else? I also really enjoyed the different things they had with King Edward 1...like the coronation chair he stole from the Scots that is still used today. Yeah, that's my bloody and conquering great-something grandfather for ya. Another cool thing is that I saw the oldest door in England...from the 1000's. Also, there's a really cool circular room that has very old paintings on the walls and is a place where monks would sit in the mornings. Finally, make sure to go to the gardens. The oldest cultivated garden in England is there, and you can only go on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays the audio tour said. It's pretty. Here's a picture of me pretending to listen to my audio tour in the "college garden":
So we went through the entire abbey and never found King Edward 1's tomb. The abbey was closing up, but we decided to ask to see if someone could tell us where it was at least. We were pointed by an old woman in a green robe to a monk (I know they're called something else now) who helped us out. He actually un-did all three gates that had been closed up in order to show us. The reason why we missed it was because his tomb was just a large box. According to the monk, Edward 1 willed himself to be moved from his plain tomb in the abbey to Edinbourgh as soon as England counquered Scotland. However, England's never conquered Scotland so he remains in his non-ornate box. I also saw the tomb of his wife, Eleanor, which actually has a statue on top. The monk said that's most likely not what she looked like but how she wanted to look. The best part about the whole thing was that he took us into a chaple that's closed to the public in order to see the tombs up close instead of from the walkway. I think it was called Saint Edward the Confessor's Chapel. I felt priviledged.
After Westminster was closing, we decided to go try to find a place where we could get high tea. We stumbled upon a hotel a few blocks away that turned out to be beautiful. It was called the Jolly Hotel I believe. We ordered tea and I found out I actually like English tea with milk. Usually I hate black teas. But my heritage is British so it makes sense I suppose. We drank tea and ate almost all of our pastries, sandwiches, and scones. Overall, it was a terrific experience.
The hotel was really cool too! It had a gorgeous ceiling, and when we read about it's history, the pamphlet said there is an underground tunnel connecting it to the House of Parliament. That is because Lords and Representatives have stayed there often over the years. However, the tunnel is closed now it said. Sad. But exploring the rest of the hotel was fun, and they had a fake Number 10 Downing Street which I think was someone's office. Of course, I had to take a picture with it since I'd never get that close to the real Number 10 Downing Street.
After we left the hotel, we walked to Trafalgar Square where we found souveneir shops that were still open (many things close early there). We bought a lot because the prices were pretty reasonable.
The next morning, I woke up at 3:30 in order to leave by 4:50 for the airport. It was so early, but I didn't feel tired because it was like I took a rejuvenating nap. However, I DID get tired on the plane and slept most of the ride home. I had wanted to watch another movie, but I just ended up watching the end of Penelope. I wish I had watched the whole thing because it's not something I'd probably spend money on renting, especially since I know the end. But I really wish I knew what happened in the beginning. Overall, though, the actual flight itself was uneventful. However, going through Heathrow airport is a nightmare. Even at 5am the baggage check line took forever. Then we had to go through tons more security then I went through in America. Then, I walked through the duty-free shopping where I wish I could have spent more time (haha I'm such a girl). But we had to go because it takes FOREVER to walk through Heathrow. They literally told us to give 2o minutes for our walk to our gate. Then, once we got to our gate, we had to go through security AGAIN. It was overwhelming and I never once had anyone in England stamp my passport. I question if passport stamps are a thing of the past.
Ok that's all I can think of now about my trip to England. If I think of more pointers or things to remember, I may post again. Until later, cheers!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Tower of London, Harrods, and Chinese Food
Since 2:30 today when I last blogged (but didn't finish), I went to the Tower of London, Harrods, and to a Chinese restaurant. I will write about them later, but for now I'm going to bed. It's almost 12:30 am and tomorrow I will be going to Westminster Abbey.
-updated-
Let's start with the Tower of London. I liked it a lot, especially because I've recently watched Elizabeth: The Golden Age and The Other Bolyn Girl, where both movies have main characters that stayed/were beheaded in the Tower of London. Next time I go, though, I want to go on a complete tour by a beefeater (who I learned are very noteworthy retired armymen who can actually live on the Tower of London complex). Julia wasn't liking it much because he talked about a lot of the gorey history...but I kinda got in to it. However, we kinda decided to explore for half of it. I went to see where Sir Walter Raligh stayed for 13 years and began his book, The History of the World (which is there in a glass case). I also got to see where the young princes stayed...there was a whole exhibit devoted to the mystery of their murders.
A cool thing about the complex is that they have a glass monument that's supposed to be on the spot where all the famous beheadings took place. Not that I think that the beheadings are cool at all...but I really like the mood the artist decided to make for the scene. There's a pillow on top of two glass circles: one circle is a list of the names of the famous people who died here (who sometimes weren't guilty but just fell in disfavor of the monarch), and the other glass circle had a prayer for their souls.
-updated-
Let's start with the Tower of London. I liked it a lot, especially because I've recently watched Elizabeth: The Golden Age and The Other Bolyn Girl, where both movies have main characters that stayed/were beheaded in the Tower of London. Next time I go, though, I want to go on a complete tour by a beefeater (who I learned are very noteworthy retired armymen who can actually live on the Tower of London complex). Julia wasn't liking it much because he talked about a lot of the gorey history...but I kinda got in to it. However, we kinda decided to explore for half of it. I went to see where Sir Walter Raligh stayed for 13 years and began his book, The History of the World (which is there in a glass case). I also got to see where the young princes stayed...there was a whole exhibit devoted to the mystery of their murders.
A cool thing about the complex is that they have a glass monument that's supposed to be on the spot where all the famous beheadings took place. Not that I think that the beheadings are cool at all...but I really like the mood the artist decided to make for the scene. There's a pillow on top of two glass circles: one circle is a list of the names of the famous people who died here (who sometimes weren't guilty but just fell in disfavor of the monarch), and the other glass circle had a prayer for their souls.
Also in the grounds, there is a British soldier who guards the door to some important governor-type guy's house who lives at the Tower of London. Then, there's a really cool chapel that we got to go in when we were back with the tour. It holds tribute to the many people who died at the Tower of London, and you can only get married there if you were baptised there...and the only people that can be baptised there are grandchildren of beefeaters. So I'm guessing it's an honor to be baptised and married there, since it means your grandfather served the country with high honor, but I still think it would be weird to be in the presence of people who were beheaded while saying your vows.
The last cool thing I saw at the Tower of London was the crown jewels. I picked out the one I want on the off chance that everyone in England dies and my connection to Edward 1 gets me crowned. It's this cool sable with a giant diamond on the top. I'm not quite sure what I'll use it for yet, but I'm sure I can find some daily use for a heavily bejeweled staff. Oh- word of advice: don't plan on buying anything at the Tower of London gift shop unless you want to drop way more money than whatever the item is worth. Think about your willingness to pay for every object...then multiply it by four (which partly includes the unfavorable exchange rate) and you'll get the prices at the many Tower of London gift shops.
Also- note to students: bring your student ID to every tourist attraction where you have to pay money. Many of them give student discounts to full-time students (which really add up).
After the Tower of London closed and we had to go, we grabbed an ice cream cone at Ben & Jerry's right outside the complex. We decided it wasn't too late to go to Harrods, so we hopped on the tube at Tower Hill and be-bopped over to Harrods via one line change. The tube stop ended right next to Harrods...which was awesome because you basically walk out of the tube and walk right in.
Harrods was beautiful! The aesthetics they've mastered are noteworthy. However, the frugle shopper that I am, I decided to do a price comparison. I went to the Origins counter (since I have all of those prices memorized) and found that with the currency conversion, you'd pay $50 for a $36 exfoliator. From that price, I concluded that everything in the store I could buy in America for cheaper, so I decided not to buy a thing. I'm pretty cost-conscious on this London trip, because I'd rather save up for travel expenses when I come back next spring. So, instead of making a purchase, we took pictures. I got a picture with the giant bear in the gift shop that would take up my entire room in Hinsdale. We also went to the Princess Diana memorial...which was really awkward to take a picture at because I'm just smiling and it's a really sad memorial. Finally, the last thing to mention about Harrods is their bathrooms. They're so cool! Very nice and you can spray yourself with purfume. I was all over that, and spritzed myself with some Valentino rose-something-or-other purfume that smelled amazing. I'm sure it was unthinkably expensive.
We left to go home when Harrods closed, and were very hungry. We wondered a little bit to find food, since most places stop serving food really early in London. Even pubs stop serving food at 9! But we finally found a classy Chinese food place that was open. I ordered my chicken in black bean sauce, and it was delicious until I ate a super hot chile (with its seeds) that I thought was a tomato and wasn't supposed to be in there. I downed three glasses of water in thirty seconds, and the waitors weren't understanding that I needed refills immediately. I was crying and laughing and I felt like my tongue was covered in a layer of acid. However, it started subsiding after about four minutes. It hurt to eat for about ten minutes, and then I started tolerating the pain more and more until it was all gone. I'd never done that before, and I can't understand how those crazy Americans eat their hot chile peppers. Eating out is so expensive in London, by the way. If you're trying to conserve money, only do it if you have to.
The last cool thing I saw at the Tower of London was the crown jewels. I picked out the one I want on the off chance that everyone in England dies and my connection to Edward 1 gets me crowned. It's this cool sable with a giant diamond on the top. I'm not quite sure what I'll use it for yet, but I'm sure I can find some daily use for a heavily bejeweled staff. Oh- word of advice: don't plan on buying anything at the Tower of London gift shop unless you want to drop way more money than whatever the item is worth. Think about your willingness to pay for every object...then multiply it by four (which partly includes the unfavorable exchange rate) and you'll get the prices at the many Tower of London gift shops.
Also- note to students: bring your student ID to every tourist attraction where you have to pay money. Many of them give student discounts to full-time students (which really add up).
After the Tower of London closed and we had to go, we grabbed an ice cream cone at Ben & Jerry's right outside the complex. We decided it wasn't too late to go to Harrods, so we hopped on the tube at Tower Hill and be-bopped over to Harrods via one line change. The tube stop ended right next to Harrods...which was awesome because you basically walk out of the tube and walk right in.
Harrods was beautiful! The aesthetics they've mastered are noteworthy. However, the frugle shopper that I am, I decided to do a price comparison. I went to the Origins counter (since I have all of those prices memorized) and found that with the currency conversion, you'd pay $50 for a $36 exfoliator. From that price, I concluded that everything in the store I could buy in America for cheaper, so I decided not to buy a thing. I'm pretty cost-conscious on this London trip, because I'd rather save up for travel expenses when I come back next spring. So, instead of making a purchase, we took pictures. I got a picture with the giant bear in the gift shop that would take up my entire room in Hinsdale. We also went to the Princess Diana memorial...which was really awkward to take a picture at because I'm just smiling and it's a really sad memorial. Finally, the last thing to mention about Harrods is their bathrooms. They're so cool! Very nice and you can spray yourself with purfume. I was all over that, and spritzed myself with some Valentino rose-something-or-other purfume that smelled amazing. I'm sure it was unthinkably expensive.
We left to go home when Harrods closed, and were very hungry. We wondered a little bit to find food, since most places stop serving food really early in London. Even pubs stop serving food at 9! But we finally found a classy Chinese food place that was open. I ordered my chicken in black bean sauce, and it was delicious until I ate a super hot chile (with its seeds) that I thought was a tomato and wasn't supposed to be in there. I downed three glasses of water in thirty seconds, and the waitors weren't understanding that I needed refills immediately. I was crying and laughing and I felt like my tongue was covered in a layer of acid. However, it started subsiding after about four minutes. It hurt to eat for about ten minutes, and then I started tolerating the pain more and more until it was all gone. I'd never done that before, and I can't understand how those crazy Americans eat their hot chile peppers. Eating out is so expensive in London, by the way. If you're trying to conserve money, only do it if you have to.
One more thing I'll mention before I stop. It is very rare to find paper towels in any public or restaurant bathroom in London. It's a very hand-dryer friendly place. So...you might want to carry a little tissue (both kleenex and toilet paper) with you if you plan on going to pubs or other less-nice places in case they're out of toilet paper. You don't want to be cought with nothing at all.
Monday, June 23, 2008
London Eye, Camdon Lock, City University, Buckingham Palace, and lunch in The City
It's 2:15 on Monday, and I have a lot to write about. I was so tired when I got home last night that I didn't feel like blogging and wanted to go straight to bed.
So yesterday Julia and I took the tube from Tower Hill (where we've finally found the quickest way into the station, versus the first few days we crossed the street several times which is actually unnecssary because of a closer entrance) to Embankment and then switched to the Northern line and took it to Waterloo station. The trip was very easy. Luckily we bought tickets in advance online because the eye was PACKED. I mean, we went on a sunny Sunday so I should have expected it. But even though we already bought tickets, we probably stood in line for a good 45 minutes. My legs got very tired. Julia, being the positive person that she is, kept saying that it's just like as if we were at Disney World, so we just have to put up with the crowds and the waits and enjoy the experience. For anyone else, I'd recommend going on a week day.
I definitely could see why they said to come on a sunny day, though! The views were amazing! You can see so far. I took a video which I will try to post back home when my internet connection is better. Basically, you are in a big glass time-capsule-looking room with ~24 other people. There's a bench in the middle, but with so many people it's almost impossible to sit down and still see. The aerial pictures you can take are wonderful, and you can see the river Thames (pronounced tems) very well because you're just circling above it. We had the misfortune of having someone in our car with BO, but it wasn't a trip spoiler or anything. Overall, it was really cool and I have several pictures. Here's several for you to enjoy:
After the eye, we took the Northern line up to Camdon Street, where we had read about the Camdon Lock market that goes on every weekday. I'd never been to a market before, which became obvious when I thought that the stores right outside of the tube station were the market. Julia knew better, though. She asked a man at ALDO (I had to stop in because they were having a sale...but it was packed) where the market was. When we walked there, I definitely realized why she wanted to take me to one. It was REALLY cool! It's located right along a canal, and there are all these jewelry, scarfs, crafts, and other art stands to enjoy. There's fun ethnic restaurants, too. I didn't buy anything because of how much money everything was, but I'd love to go back when I have more money to spend (it wasn't EXPENSIVE per say, but I'd rather save up for traveling). Overall, it was great to experience a European market like that.
*my comment: it was nothing like the markets in Nogales. The vendors put a lot less pressure on you, and it's very laid back and cultural.
After leaving the market, which closed at 6, I went to a London shop and bought a really cool sweatshirt I saw from the sidewalk on my walk through town from the tube stop to Camdon Lock. In fact, it was so cool that Julia decided she wanted to buy the same one. Then she also bought a similar one for Alexa since we knew she'd be jealous. So now we get to be the funny matching family.
***I will edit more later. It's time to go to the Tower of London!***
-updated-
After we went to Camdon Lock, we took the tube from Camdon to Old Street, which we thought was the closest stop to City University - where I would take classes when I study abroad next spring. I now know that I would advise anyone traveling to not assume that you will find something if it is not on your map. City University was just off the map on each map that we were carrying and every map in the tube stations. Luckily, a woman directed us to go back to the previous tube stop, Angel, which was slightly closer to City. However, when we got off at Angel we still couldn't find it. Where it said City was on my map didn't even exist. So we went to get Thai food at a restaurant we found.
While eating some yummy Thai food, we decided to ask the couple sitting two tables away from us if they knew how to get to City. The man smiled and said that he used to work there for 10 years. Lucky us! They literally were the only other people in the restaurant other that a foreign couple. Fate was on our side. He directed us, and when we set out we actually found the campus! It's rather small, but pretty. The buildings are brick and Northampton square looks very old, in a good way. After we walked around the square where the campus is, we decided to head home because it was getting dark and we don't like to ride the tube at night.
Then, the next morning we woke up early enough to get to Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard! We got there about 45 minutes early and still couldn't see well. I'd recommend to anyone that they get there over an hour early and sit on a curb along the cobblestone street. Also, preferably get a curb closer to the palace unless you want the palace in the background of your pictures. But the closer you are to the palace the more things you're likely to see. Luckily, even though I couldn't see over the tall Asian-Americans in front of me, I was able to raise my arm up to take a clear video every time the soldiers marched by. One more thing you should remember, though: make sure you give yourself enough time to watch the whole ceremony. I had no idea the ceremony lasts an hour or more!! We had to leave half way through so I could make it to my lunch with Candace. Since we couldn't see well, we weren't totally bummed about leaving anyway.
We took the tube back to Tower Hill and walked back to the flat. I had pleanty of time to find Caffe Nero, where I was supposed to meet Candace. But, since Julia wanted to work, I decided to go find it about a half hour early just in case I couldn't. Of course, I found it right away so I ordered a mocha (which they covered in whipped cream...all of which I scraped off because it was taller than the amount of coffee they gave me. Tip to remember: if they ask if you want cream, it means WHIPPED cream and LOTS of it). Then, I sat in the window, people watched, and did the one thing I know you're not supposed to do in public- counted my money. Basically, I did that because 1.) I felt a little safer in the financial district that no one was really looking at me and everyone was just trying to get to their next meeting, 2.) I wanted to know how much money I had left to see if I needed to cash my last traveler's check at HSBC right next door, and 3.) I wanted to look at my coins cuz I had no idea what was what. It worked out, too, because I ended up being able to lighten my wallet by paying for my entire lunch in coins when Candace came.
Meeting with Candace was really cool. I got to hear all about where she had gone and what her life was like studying at City and working in her internship in The City (the financial district). Even though she probably thought I was asking way too many questions, she really helped me get a feel for what she was experiencing. I hope the rest of her time in London turns out as cool as what she's experienced so far!
One more quick thing I want to put out there before I take off- I haven't figured out whether I need to tip cab drivers or not in London. Greg told me no, and our cab driver from the airport said he didn't expect a tip, but I read in my travel book that they expect a 10% tip. That's definitely something I need to figure out.
So yesterday Julia and I took the tube from Tower Hill (where we've finally found the quickest way into the station, versus the first few days we crossed the street several times which is actually unnecssary because of a closer entrance) to Embankment and then switched to the Northern line and took it to Waterloo station. The trip was very easy. Luckily we bought tickets in advance online because the eye was PACKED. I mean, we went on a sunny Sunday so I should have expected it. But even though we already bought tickets, we probably stood in line for a good 45 minutes. My legs got very tired. Julia, being the positive person that she is, kept saying that it's just like as if we were at Disney World, so we just have to put up with the crowds and the waits and enjoy the experience. For anyone else, I'd recommend going on a week day.
I definitely could see why they said to come on a sunny day, though! The views were amazing! You can see so far. I took a video which I will try to post back home when my internet connection is better. Basically, you are in a big glass time-capsule-looking room with ~24 other people. There's a bench in the middle, but with so many people it's almost impossible to sit down and still see. The aerial pictures you can take are wonderful, and you can see the river Thames (pronounced tems) very well because you're just circling above it. We had the misfortune of having someone in our car with BO, but it wasn't a trip spoiler or anything. Overall, it was really cool and I have several pictures. Here's several for you to enjoy:
After the eye, we took the Northern line up to Camdon Street, where we had read about the Camdon Lock market that goes on every weekday. I'd never been to a market before, which became obvious when I thought that the stores right outside of the tube station were the market. Julia knew better, though. She asked a man at ALDO (I had to stop in because they were having a sale...but it was packed) where the market was. When we walked there, I definitely realized why she wanted to take me to one. It was REALLY cool! It's located right along a canal, and there are all these jewelry, scarfs, crafts, and other art stands to enjoy. There's fun ethnic restaurants, too. I didn't buy anything because of how much money everything was, but I'd love to go back when I have more money to spend (it wasn't EXPENSIVE per say, but I'd rather save up for traveling). Overall, it was great to experience a European market like that.
*my comment: it was nothing like the markets in Nogales. The vendors put a lot less pressure on you, and it's very laid back and cultural.
After leaving the market, which closed at 6, I went to a London shop and bought a really cool sweatshirt I saw from the sidewalk on my walk through town from the tube stop to Camdon Lock. In fact, it was so cool that Julia decided she wanted to buy the same one. Then she also bought a similar one for Alexa since we knew she'd be jealous. So now we get to be the funny matching family.
***I will edit more later. It's time to go to the Tower of London!***
-updated-
After we went to Camdon Lock, we took the tube from Camdon to Old Street, which we thought was the closest stop to City University - where I would take classes when I study abroad next spring. I now know that I would advise anyone traveling to not assume that you will find something if it is not on your map. City University was just off the map on each map that we were carrying and every map in the tube stations. Luckily, a woman directed us to go back to the previous tube stop, Angel, which was slightly closer to City. However, when we got off at Angel we still couldn't find it. Where it said City was on my map didn't even exist. So we went to get Thai food at a restaurant we found.
While eating some yummy Thai food, we decided to ask the couple sitting two tables away from us if they knew how to get to City. The man smiled and said that he used to work there for 10 years. Lucky us! They literally were the only other people in the restaurant other that a foreign couple. Fate was on our side. He directed us, and when we set out we actually found the campus! It's rather small, but pretty. The buildings are brick and Northampton square looks very old, in a good way. After we walked around the square where the campus is, we decided to head home because it was getting dark and we don't like to ride the tube at night.
Then, the next morning we woke up early enough to get to Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard! We got there about 45 minutes early and still couldn't see well. I'd recommend to anyone that they get there over an hour early and sit on a curb along the cobblestone street. Also, preferably get a curb closer to the palace unless you want the palace in the background of your pictures. But the closer you are to the palace the more things you're likely to see. Luckily, even though I couldn't see over the tall Asian-Americans in front of me, I was able to raise my arm up to take a clear video every time the soldiers marched by. One more thing you should remember, though: make sure you give yourself enough time to watch the whole ceremony. I had no idea the ceremony lasts an hour or more!! We had to leave half way through so I could make it to my lunch with Candace. Since we couldn't see well, we weren't totally bummed about leaving anyway.
We took the tube back to Tower Hill and walked back to the flat. I had pleanty of time to find Caffe Nero, where I was supposed to meet Candace. But, since Julia wanted to work, I decided to go find it about a half hour early just in case I couldn't. Of course, I found it right away so I ordered a mocha (which they covered in whipped cream...all of which I scraped off because it was taller than the amount of coffee they gave me. Tip to remember: if they ask if you want cream, it means WHIPPED cream and LOTS of it). Then, I sat in the window, people watched, and did the one thing I know you're not supposed to do in public- counted my money. Basically, I did that because 1.) I felt a little safer in the financial district that no one was really looking at me and everyone was just trying to get to their next meeting, 2.) I wanted to know how much money I had left to see if I needed to cash my last traveler's check at HSBC right next door, and 3.) I wanted to look at my coins cuz I had no idea what was what. It worked out, too, because I ended up being able to lighten my wallet by paying for my entire lunch in coins when Candace came.
Meeting with Candace was really cool. I got to hear all about where she had gone and what her life was like studying at City and working in her internship in The City (the financial district). Even though she probably thought I was asking way too many questions, she really helped me get a feel for what she was experiencing. I hope the rest of her time in London turns out as cool as what she's experienced so far!
One more quick thing I want to put out there before I take off- I haven't figured out whether I need to tip cab drivers or not in London. Greg told me no, and our cab driver from the airport said he didn't expect a tip, but I read in my travel book that they expect a 10% tip. That's definitely something I need to figure out.
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