waitwaitwait--!!!

   So, this is it.  Tomorrow is our last day here, and while I love London and am already planning a return trip (I'm thinking this would be a good place to stop by after getting done backpacking through Ireland...) I am ready to go home and get a good old US summer started.

   I've been pounding out my project (7 blog posts went up today alone) but there's still so much to do... like put up my pictures, finishing the video and finishing all the posts... *deep breath*

   CAPA (the international host program) is taking us all out to dinner tonight, as my first real meal in awhile, I'm excited.  Though I will be catching the tube during rush hour... which is... well take three cans of sardines and put them into one can.  That's kinda the tube during rush hour.

   So I best be off!
   There are so many stories to tell, and keep checking this blog every once in awhile for video projects I'll be doing throughout the year.

   A big thank you to everyone.  And please keep us in your thoughts on Saturday, hopefully we won't encounter the drama we had getting to London and we will arrive in the USA safe and sound (I'd say on time too... but I don't really care just as long as we get back.)

See you soon, Cheers!

Rags to Riches

   I feel so lost without my map, not only physically but it was also helping me plan out my days... ah, well.  I decided to try to find a vintage clothing shop I had heard about.
   I ended up on Brick Lane within in a cluster of graffiti and vintage shops.  I never did find the shop I set out to find originally, but I got a lot of great ideas for my project as well as some great browsing among the racks of clothes.  It was so cool to see the colorful artwork and storefronts.  Each had their own personality that spread across the bricks and metal security gates.

  After getting seriously lost (and almost missing the bus I needed) I made my way to Herrod's..... AH-mazing. Absolutely amazing.  I spent most of my time strolling through the jewelry and pens (beautiful calligraphy pens).  If I'm ever become a millionaire, everyone is getting something from Herrod's-- because I found gifts for everyone.
   It was fun strolling through the store, pretending I had even close to the amount of money I needed to get anything...or even someone to point out all the cool things to.  Seriously, awesome jewelry designs.  Including puzzle rings that could be personalized so each piece was unique to the owner(s).  It was awesome (I told the sales lady so).
   My feet started to hurt so I decided it was time to hit up United Colors of Benetton (because it's my favorite) before jumping on the packed tube home.

   Only three more days left!

5-4-3-2-1-->Summer!

   Well, here it is, our last week in London!  The time here has flown by (while some of the days seem never ending).  Regardless of how time has passed, I have had an amazing experience here.  And it has definitely secured my love of traveling, no matter how many obstacles present themselves... and this trip has provided many obstacles.
   This week is all about relaxation (yes, even more relaxing than this trip has already been!) Today is project day, starting with some internet time at CAPA (did you notice more pictures went up? No?  Scroll through the old entries, I added some visual aids).
   Then it's back to the flat for first round of organizing all of my stuff into 2 suitcases... Sarah, I already miss your amazing packing abilities (among other things).  As well as writing out blog entries for my project, which I hope to have entirely written out before I leave London so all I have to do when I get home is add pictures and the movie I'm cutting together.
   Really the only thing left on my list for this trip is to see the changing of the guard, which will probably happen tomorrow morning.

   I was so tired yesterday (so I apologize for the short entry).  The game was amazing though.  Here's the closest atmosphere I can get to... take a baseball crowd and put them at an (American) football game.  I know it's hard to grasp, but that's the best I can get words to describe it.  It was truly an awesome experience to gather with a bunch of fans on a lovely Sunday afternoon to watch a good game.  Every age was there and enjoying themselves, from young kids to the old men, all of them joined in the... chant(?) at every England try (think touchdown)

Twickenham: Take 2

   Today I made the journey back to Twickenham Stadium to watch the match between England and the Barbarians.  It was a great Sunday afternoon.  The atmosphere in the stadium was relaxed and at the same time everyone was totally into the game... ok, mostly into the game.
   After a few attempts we even got the wave around the entire stadium about 4 times, before England scored again and everyone got distracted.

   As we enter the last week here, I find that I have done everything I set out to do (and started a list for a return trip, a sign up list will be passed around for those interested in joining me.... in a couple years).  So this next week is for relaxing in the parks, and finishing up my project which you can see my actual project here.
  The project itself had to undergo a minor revision due to a... setback.

   All media (such as pictures and any video) will go up after I return home this Saturday (give me a couple days for jet-lag) but everything will be all uploaded before the end of June, as that is when the project is due!

   Thank you everyone for all of your support and well wishes.  This trip has presented me with many challenges and I have come up with some creative ways to solve them.



See you soon, cheers!

Sad Face and Happy Day

   Today I lost a dear friend, the map I picked up at the Heathrow airport when we first arrived 2 weeks ago.  Needless to say, I was very sad when I made this discovery in an area that I was already lost in...  Luckily my tube map has remained faithful and I was able to make it back to the flat.

   Other than losing my map, today has been a good day.  Lots of boats, walking, and relaxing in the shade.  I started my day at 5:34am (involuntarily) but I was able to watch the sun rise out my window.  I laid in bed until about 8ish then decided to get up and on my way to Greenwich.
   I was lost the moment I stepped off the tube, but did manage to get my bearings relatively quickly.  After wandering along the Thames (and finding really cool apartments) I found the Greenwich Yacht Club, it was still pretty early (for a Saturday).  So I took a couple of pictures then found a bus station (which was a big adventure).

   Getting off the bus, I found myself at the National Maritime Museum.   I wandered around the grounds with other early birds until the museum opened at 10am.  It was a lot of fun to wander the museum.  There weren't a lot of people there so it was nice to linger at exhibits on a Saturday morning.  I was able to even try my hand at a legit boat simulator twice, I didn't do too bad either.
   After wandering around the Maritime Museum I tried to find an antique market.  Instead I stumbled across a small boot sale set up in a parking lot... it was like a huge garage/independent artist sale.  It was cool to stroll through.  I then retried to find the antique market and came to the conclusion that it has been turned into a construction site... Instead I followed a clump of locals to the Greenwich Markets, which was an even bigger mass of artists collected together.  Which was totally awesome.  I met some really awesome vendors (and actually saw how the spoon/fork bracelets are made!)

   When I decided to move on, I followed the small (but steady) crowd along the street and ended up at the Cutty Sark, which was gorgeous.  I spent the next few hours exploring the area, and relaxing in the shade when I felt like it.  After a couple hours of that, I decided to find the foot tunnel to the other side of the river, which was 8 flights of stairs down, and a very long (I walked fast) way across, before more stairs up the other side.  It was cool, but at the same time I couldn't really think about where I was or I was going to start freaking out (I kept thinking, "Ok, what would I do if the walls suddenly gave away?"...Mom, you would not have liked it-- at all. I barely did it.)
   But once on the other side (and thankful that I didn't have to swim my way there) I wandered through Mill Wall Park before making my way to.... a park that I can't remember the name of... Mudchute! haha, I found myself wandering around Mudchute City Farm, and very much missing horseback riding (they had stables and bridle paths).

   After  Mudchute Farm, I kept wandering until I ran into a pond with a ton of sailboats on it, I FOUND BOATS! haha, I was so happy.... that I apparently forgot to keep track of my map =( so after watching sailboats and wandering around the quiet little city, I decided to go back to the flat.
   I ended up getting on a bus going the wrong direction than I originally wanted, but it ended up going past where I had been earlier so I got off, hopped onto the tube and was on my way.

   Now me and the only other flatmate who didn't go to Paris (or Ireland) this weekend are watching movies on tv (up now is Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers).



Only 6 more days here!

Belated still counts

Mother's Day Project

   That link goes to one of my best project thus far.  A little late for Mother's day, and yet, I got it done (and sent it to mom before releasing it to the "public")

   Here's a little behind the scenes for those who might be curious at how I accomplished this:
Self-taught Stop Motion.
   aka. I arranged the letters, took a picture and then rearranged it into the next image and took another picture.  So on and so forth.  I then put it into iMovie, got rid of the default (and very annoying) Ken Burns effect, played with the timings of the images, and Ta-Da!
   It didn't take that long at all, and it was a nice little project to have during our relaxing evening/night in London.  Plus, I was just excited to do this project.

   Hope you enjoy it!
And stay tuned for more London adventures!




(just a heads up, the next blog entry will be posted on Saturday evening (afternoon/evening for you guys) so no body freak out when you don't hear from me the next two(ish) days.  Remember what the teachers told you about 6th grade camp, "No news is good news!")

See you Saturday, cheers!

Long Days

   Oh goodness, where to start?

   Yesterday, I went to the zoo.  Saw some penguins, a really cool animal show and a lot of awesome exhibits.  The animal show was really cool.  The handlers were really good at interacting with the (many) little kids that were there.  Not to mention, we got up close and personal with the birds... meaning we had to duck as they flew- literally inches away-- over our heads.  It was really cool.  I tried to get as many pictures as I could as they flew over me, and I actually succeeded a couple of times!
   300 pictures and 3 hours later I decided it was time to return to the flat.  As I walked through Regent's Park I was jealous of all the Londoners who had emerged to soak in the sun's rays in the park.  So when I got to the flat I suggested we have a "picnic" in the park.  So 5 of us made the trek down Edgware Rd to Hyde Park, where we found a little spot to join in the sun bathing.
   We had a great time taking pictures of each other and people watching.

   Today, all of us went to the Globe Theatre to see All's Well That Ends Well in Gujarati I didn't understand a single word, but the actors were so awesome that their facial expressions alone told an amazing story that was universal.  Combined with amazing music and dancing, I can't wait to go back next week to see another play!

   Afterwards I went wandering along the river and took some pictures as the sun was setting.  It was nice and relaxing.  I wandered down some back roads, following men in suits and literally stumbled across a huge boat, a cathedral and dozens of really cool looking pubs.

   Tomorrow is more wandering around starting at Trafalgar's Square and ending at Westminster Abbey.  I'm looking forward to relaxing on Friday  and another weekend adventuring!

   Pictures coming soon, cheers!

Museum Explorations

   Today was re-exploring the Natural History Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum, as well as some more gift shopping (only two more to go!)  It was a lot of fun to take in all the details of both of the museums.  The Natural History Museum was full of little kids on field trips, but still good fun.

   It was just a short walk to the V&A Museum.  Which I was really excited to spend some more time in and explore more of the rooms.  At the Natural History Museum I rescued a hedgehog (stuffed animal) to have something to take pictures of (instead of just taking a bunch of myspace pictures of myself- which there are still plenty of)  He spent the entire time in the museum perched on my shoulder, we got many double takes and lots of smiles.  And after walking past a security guard a couple of times (I was going in circles through the whole museum... which is like a giant maze) he smiled, asked how I was doing and asked me what his name was.  I had to then explain that I had just gotten him and was still working on a name.  He smiled understandingly and I continued on my way.

   The rest of the week the weather is supposed to be really nice, so I plan on spending tomorrow in Regent's Park and possibly going to the London Zoo (which is supposed to have a special penguin exhibit!)  I'll try to get more pictures up, but the internet is really slow.  They will def. go up as soon as I get home, so look for all of them in a couple of weeks when I get home!

   Hope all is well with everyone!

cheerio!

Chuffed to Bits

   Today was the Heineken Cup Final in Twickenham!  Lauren and I couldn't get tickets so we decided to find a pub near the stadium and watch the game there (which was considerably cheaper as well).  We ended up in an uncrowded sports bar watching the game on a big screen tv.  Granted, it was nice watching the game from comfortable leather chairs and we did get up to the stadium for a bit.
   I suppose now I just have a reason to go back and watch a match from inside the stadium!  It was a totally awesome experience despite the frustration within the group.  I loved being in the crowds (and I mean CROWDS) of people walking on the streets.  Lots of mounted police officers strolled along the road, making sure everyone stayed in line.
   The game itself was pretty awesome, luck of the draw I picked Leinster and Lauren picked Ulster... Leinster had a sweeping 42-14 win.  Ulster just wasn't playing well and couldn't break the blue wall that was the Leinster defense, and the Leinster team seemed to find all the holes in Ulster's defense.  Regardless, a good game by both team and an enjoyable time.

   The rest of the weekend is for exploring markets, relaxing and working on the project- which has gotten a slight make-over.  I don't really know exactly what I'm going to do, I have a lot of ideas so at some point I'll be putting it all together into a project... I'm having fun exploring the city in the meantime.  I know the project will form on its own so I'm not really stressing about it.

   As always, I'll keep you updated!



cheerio!

Re-direction

   The following  was written today on my journey to Hyde Park:

All you need is a net,
a ball,
and a few good mates to play with.

--------

   Explore Hyde Park on a weekday afternoon.  Sit down and watch a pick-up game of football.  Choose a team to root for and sit back to watch some free entertainment.  Be careful of where you choose your seat though, the boundary lines tend to be flexible.

   The pigeons are great characters, but don't be afraid of being protective of your food.... but do feed your guard pigeon.  On one of my walks, I encountered a pigeon wearing a crust of bread around it's neck, you could tell it was a special bird.
   The hardiness of these birds fascinates me.  It's fun to watch males chase uninterested females and puff up their feathers to defend their territory.  A pigeon with a broken foot still hobble around, pecking at the ground in search of a stray crumb.  Their persistence in their unending search for food is something to be marveled at.
   So watch the pigeons for a little while on a quiet Thursday afternoon in Hyde Park... or wherever your favorite pigeon watching spot may be.

   Walk all the way around Hyde Park- don't cheat and bike it.  I did this by accident by following the bridle path to what I hoped would be the Hyde Park Stables; I didn't find those but I did end up where I started- at the little food kiosk at Speaker's Corner.
   I ate my lunch at the little tables out front and watched the pigeons.  Now it's time to get back on the tube and head back to the flat.

----------

   Tonight, a few of us went to a pub in central London to hear a band play.  They weren't too bad.  But the adventure on the tube... well the tube is always an adventure.  With too many memories to write down, and there's barely enough room in my head to remember them all.
   Things are starting to look up.  We're all looking forward to not having to get up for class tomorrow.  These beds are just too comfy, plus the underground in the morning is a pain.  We're at the last stop on the line, which means when the tube gets to Edware Rd (our stop) it sits there for a good 10 minutes before it gets going in the other direction... not to mention there's a good 15-30 minutes between trains arriving in the station.  It'll be nice not having to deal with all that hassle, plus the morning traffic.

   Tomorrow brings probably an adventure to another park and then to Twickenham for rugby in the evening.  Saturday Lauren and I are spending basically the whole day in Twickenham for the Heineken Cup Finals (rugby).  I'm so super excited, it should be a really good time.  Plus Lauren's friend Alex id coming with us, so we'll have a guy to protect us! Yay!

   Haha, anyway, more adventures to come later!

Without a Destination

   Today I literally stumbled upon the British Museum, it hasn't been my favorite museum, though it does have some cool pieces.  I then wandered the streets until I hit the next tube station.  I was going to go on a film walk, but I forgot to write down the streets so I couldn't do that.  I'm going to try to find another walk to go on soon.
   Now I'm settled with some paperwork.  Probably going to a park or other such outdoor events tonight.

eenie meenie miney mo

   Today there was nothing in particular that I wanted to get done, except write some postcards and take a nap.  I was going to kill two birds with one stone and fall asleep as I wrote the postcards but alas, as I ventured into my neighborhood to find postcards by adventure took me underground and onto the tube.  I picked a stop that I liked the sound of, turned on my iPod, opened my magazine and then found myself in the middle of Trafalgar's Square.  I found the first place selling postcards, picked some up along with a loaf of pepperoni bread for lunch.  Settling down on the steps in front of the National Gallery it started to drizzle, but not enough to send people inside.  As I ate the pigeons strolled, half-hoping I was one of those people that ignored the "Do Not Feed the Pigeons" sign... I wasn't.  The sun came out as I started writing postcards, I got through about 3 before it started drizzling again... then it turned to big drops of rain.  A quick glance to the sky told me it was about to pour.

   I Gajewski walked back to the underground and got back on the tube.  I only stayed on for one stop, just wanting to jump ahead of the rain.  As I stepped out of the station a quick glance showed me 2 bookstores next to each other.  I avoided the rain following me by hiding in the first bookstore and then found a story about exploding sheep (I'll let you know how it is... the first chapter was in a sheep's point of view- kinda excited.)  I browsed a couple tourist shoppes before getting back on the tube and going back up to Camden.

   There were a couple specific things I wanted to go back and get when I returned.  I found the stall and luckily the woman running it was there waiting for another customer (she's usually only open on the weekends) so I was able to get what I wanted.  I plan on going back up to Camden Markets on another weekend so I can grab a couple more gifts for people.

   By this point I was ready to go back home.  So I hopped back on the tube, turned on my iPod, opened my magazine and made my way home.

   Now I'm showered, dinnered and relaxing watching cricket in the common room while naptime presides over the flat.  Might be going to the International Student House tonight for, I believe, a quiz night... something like that, should be fun though.

   Tomorrow brings more adventuring and work!

 

Hope all are doing well!

Those walking shoes.

   First trek in the new Pumas today!  They survived the London morning clouds and drizzle.  We spent the morning in class getting resources (CAPA has an awesome library-- Finally something to read on the tube!) and a talk from a police officer... who was sarcastically hilarious and informed us all of the ways British people can tell when Americans get drunk (the final stage being singing along to "Don't Stop Believin' and "Sweet Home Alabama"... which are apparently our favorite songs)  as well as some useful tips and some warnings to keep in mind while we are here.

   After class a few of us ventured to the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum (Megan, you would LOVE the V&A museum- especially the jewelry room)  Both museums were absolutely amazing and I'm planning on spending another day in the V&A again soon.  It was seriously amazing.  I got lost on my way to the Theatre and Performance exhibit, but when I did get there it was seriously awesome!  (the exhibits I passed on the way were equally cool.)  But there were TONS of models of different sets and such and they broke down each part into its own little area.  It was pretty awesome... like epically awesome.  I can't wait to explore the rest of it.

   Then we all got together for dinner and relaxation after our days.  A couple of us did some more exploring of our neighborhood tonight and met some pretty interesting people.

   Tomorrow brings more exploration and adventures, but for now, it's time for bed =)




See you tomorrow!

Just keep your eyes open!

Things checked off the "Things to do List" in no particular order:

   -get stranded at an airport

   -eat at a pub

   -go to Westminster

   -see Buckingham 

(get tips on the best way to watch the changing of the guard)

   -get lost

   -take the tube

   -get lost in the tube station

(after having a line close down for the weekend)

   -walk through Primrose Hill

   -go shopping in Camden market

   -have afternoon tea

   -forget what you've done the past two days

   -get homesick

   -get lost in a taxi

   -study maps in the middle of a sidewalk

(think epic tourist)

   -dodge traffic

   -learn to look left THEN right

(but sometimes only left and sometimes only right... the ground usually tells you)

   -go grocery shopping

   -drive across London and Tower Bridge

(and learning to tell them apart)

   -stay up late to talk to people from home

   -watch weird late night tv

-fall in love with the city you're living in.

   (priceless)

We're Here!

   First official day!
   We found our way to the CAPA offices, an adventure that took us into the tube... it was... fun.  We could find the recommended station so we made up our own way.  We were about 15 minutes late, but we made it in the end.  We had orientation, afternoon tea and a 3 hour coach tour of London.
   Went to a pub for dinner and now back putting all the paperwork in order.  There's a lot of paperwork to get organized.  Not to mention really getting started on my project.

   We'll see how this goes!

Cheerio!

Well, tomorrow is the day this all begins!  I have gone to the doctor's, packed all my clothes into a carry-on suitcase and am preparing all the last minute packing items (including my computer).  But now, it's time to relax before going to an Indian's game with Sarah, Jon and Drew.  I'm trying not to think about, trying not to be nervous.  I know once I get on the plane on the way to Heathrow I'll be fine.  I'll be able to relax for a few hours then... tomorrow I face the airports, the security and possibly the most difficult part of the trip-- GETTING there.  I'm excited to be settled in the flat, in the neighborhood.  I'm ready to figure out where I'm going to be spending the next month of my life.

I could do this for the rest of my life.

I could spend the rest of my life living out of a carry-on suitcase... with a few weeks at home interspersed.  The traveling, the getting there, the unpacking, settling in, and then my favorite part: adventuring there.  Getting to know the ins and outs, the odd little overlooked spots.  And that's what's keeping me really excited.

That's what keeps the itch in my foot.  And, for now, I'm content to give up everything else to scratch it for a little while.

Next stop, LONDON!

Just a(nother) Day

    The dogs are napping, radio turned on, pile of London travel books and my research project taking up every inch of the kitchen table... did I mention I also have a list of chores to do?
   But my favorite song just came on.

   You've got to dance every once in awhile, it's a great de-stressor.  Doesn't really get rid of any of the work but it tires me out so I don't want to do anything else but just sit down and get some work done.  I'll be leaving in 2 days.... that's it.  That's all I have left.
   Drew took the job in Mansfield, so he'll be an hour and half away from home for the summer (only a half hour difference from what we usually are from each other anyway).  I'm proud of him, of course.  I'll be working at the concession stand all summer... than probably riding with the neighbors.  Work and ride, sounds like a good summer.
   Space is good, we're still figuring out that balance. I'm just trying to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life. Ah, well that's what everyone is trying to do I suppose.

   My next post will probably be from London!
And that's a whole other adventure.

Cheerio!

Set the clock to 7 days...

   One week, then we're off!  Jumping the big blue puddle for the second time (well, third if you count the trip back...)  I'm all moved in back home.  It's nice but I definitely cried when I left my room for the last time.  There were a lot of memories in Deming 313.... a lot of memories.  The dogs are all doing well, not enjoying the heat- but I don't think anyone is.  The house has retained most the coolness of winter so as long as we keep the doors and windows closed it's not too bad inside.

   I'm starting to pack... meaning I still have a bunch of stuff in boxes from the move back home and my suitcase downstairs in the basement.  Project work is going into full focus.  Giving myself a crash course in economics so it sounds kinda like I know what I'm talking about when I go... it'll be interesting. I'm still hoping to get a bigger memory card, but I'll make this one work if I have to. At this point I don't have many options left open to me.

   I'm really hoping this project becomes something good, that way when I put it into my portfolio I can say "I made this with a point and shoot camera, a small tripod, and iMovie; now hire me."  ...basically.  I figure if I can make something pretty decently good with these tools getting legit equipment will be like giving the ability to see color to color blind people.... that's kinda a bad analogy... but I couldn't think of anything.... better.  As well as the fact that I can work with the big kid's toys... I just don't have the money for my own... ah well, that's why people pay me to play with theirs.... hahahaha, that was bad.

   Anyway, it is time for a nap with a puppy, maybe getting some unpacking done then fiddling with the project before I go to bed.

*deep breath*

Here goes nothing!