Upcoming

...so yes, I've been slacking on this blog, but have no fear I will update! here's a list of things to come:

- victoria and albert museum, british museum

- after the dance (play)

- stonehenge

- grace kelly exhibit

- tosca the opera

- portobello road

"WALES? I thought we were in Scotland!"

Wales, Wales, Wales...my new favorite country. I'm not lying. Me and three of my friends (Kaitlin, Marcus, and Eli) decided to go to Wales for the weekend - just Friday to Saturday. The night before we booked our tickets for the train ride and for the hotel. We decided to take a two hour ride to Cardiff, a quaint, cool city in Wales.

After getting up at 6:45 the next morning, I showered and was ready to go. We all met up with our bags packed, hungry stomachs, and smiles on our faces - we were excited.

We got to Paddington station where our train would depart from and had time to spare so we got bagels from a stand. Hint: Never get a bagel in a foreign country - especially when they mess up your order. After that fiasco, we headed to our train and noticed tickets on the backs of all the seats. Turns out, in Europe (or this particular train line) you have to reserve a seat, and if you don't you have to run to one specific unreserved car and hustle for a seat. Luckily we found seats, but we cut it close.

Once we got to Wales, we were so thrilled. We got a cab and were excited to head to our hotel. Once we gave the (female) driver our address she told us that the hotel was "three hours away." And when we then asked her for ideas for things to do in the city she told us to "figure out what we were doing." Not nicely, may I add.

So basically, because this was the busiest day in Cardiff ever (a rugby game, cricket game, concert) all hotels were booked and the nearest one that was open was three hours away. Yea, maybe we should have confirmed the location of the hotel first...In any event we were in Cardiff and going to make the most of it.

I really wanted to go to the rugby game, but no one else did. So we walked around, got a feel for the city and then went to lunch at an Italian restaurant. Good food, and good drinks. We decided to have a little fun with the waiter and told him that up until four minutes ago we thought we were in Scotland. He got a laugh, but also thought we were serious. That became the running joke of the trip - "wait, we're not in scotland?" "i thought they spoke japanese in japan?!"

After our lunch we headed to the Cardiff Castle which was so much fun. It was so old and just so medieval. I really enjoyed seeing it. There were protests going on in the city that day and so a helicopter flew overhead and was saying something along the lines of "evacuate" and "disperse." Which, to us, we thought there was a bomb in the castle or something of that sort. Needless to say, we were freaked out until we asked one of the workers. They just mentioned the protests.

After the castle we headed around the city, wandered a bit, shopped, and then decided to just head back to London since there was no where to sleep. Overall, it was one of the best trips and some of the most fun I've had since being here in London.

Off to the Market...

Camden Market that is. Camden is this cool market in the northern part of London that is extremely hip and indie. At first I was a bit overwhelmed by the enormity of the entire place, but after a few minutes I took it all in, got used to it, and realized I loved it. Back home we don't really have cool markets like this - giant ones that sell anything from clothes to Mexican relics.

(The Market)

Afterward, we got something to eat in a really cute pub called the Elephant's Head. Then we wandered around the market again, this time near the ones by the river. It was so cool. I think in the movie What a Girl Wants they were at this market. So awesome!

I also purchased a pair of shoes which were shown earlier. I couldn't help myself. We all were getting pretty tired so we decided to leave and on the way I stopped at this homemade orange juice stand and it was the most delicious orange juice I've ever had.

Camden Market was one of the best times I've had in London and I would absolutely love to go back.

(The Orange Juice)

(Some of the shops)

These Shoes Were Made for Walking

So I couldn't help it. As much as I did not want to make an extravagant purchases here I couldn't resist. I saw these shoes in Harrod's on Thursday when me and the girls went and I fell in love.

They're from the brand All Saints which is a new up and coming store/brand that recently opened a store on Newbury (bad news for me and the bank account.) I didn't buy them, but I kept thinking about them.

Then on Friday when we went to Camden Market (don't worry, I'll blog about it.) I found an All Saints store, and well this time I couldn't resist. I wore them out last night and they are magical. These shoes were meant to be worn and seen and I promise to wear them with style, grace, and everything in between. Wow, that's super corny. It's sad that shoes make me so happy, but they do. I. Love. Shoes.

So magnificent. So worth it.

I spent the night, with a lady of the night...

just kidding. But not really. On Tuesday we went to see "Mrs. Warren's Profession" a play written by Bernard Shaw. We happened to have read the play during our class and then went to see it on the west end.

It was really nice seeing a show in an intimate theater. While I don't particularly like the show that much, seeing it on stage was much better than reading it.

That's really it, not too much to this post. But oh, in case you were wondering, Mrs. Warren owns brothels.

Hence my title.

Cheerio!

Day by Day

The days go by so fast here. We're already at the half way mark and I feel like I just got here. It's insane. I've been spending the weekdays in class, then trolling about London taking in as much as I can i.e. shopping, food, culture - what have you. Then after doing work, we'd all go out at night. To pubs, to clubs, anywhere in Londontown that sounds fun/strikes a fancy in one of us. It's so nice.

It's hard though, being in such a huge group. Different people want to do different things and it just gets tough. I've really been learning how to deal with all different types of people in close capacities. It's an interesting experience to say the least.

I've also made some really really great friends. One is already planning to come visit me this summer, and I know that the other friends and I will still be great friends though school. This is such an awesome experience, with some awesome people. I'm really glad I came.

(Me and my friend Hanna who goes to BU but lives in London. We met up! oh and Rich in the b.g.)

(Me and my sorority sister Kaitlin who is also here with me!)

(Me, Miranda, Alyssa, Rachel, Bella)

(Rachel and Me! Love her!)

(Me and Anne! She's coming to visit this summer!)

(Me and Miranda! She's awesome!!)

Who gives a **** about an Oxford comma....

great song by Vampire Weekend. But in all seriousness, on Friday I went to Oxford and fell in love. I want to go to University there. I want to live there. It was like candy to my eyes.

It is a city, but feels more like a town. It has modern stores, mixed with old historical buildings. It felt like Hogsmead, and the university itself felt like Hogwarts. It was splendid.

(a little piece of Oxford)

First, we woke up around 10 to get ready. We took the tube to Notting Hill Gate and then took the bus to Oxford. It was an hour and 40 minutes on the bus, but worth it. The scenery was beautiful. I sat next to my friend Alyssa and had a weird dream when I fell asleep, a dream that has become the running joke throughout the flat (since we told it to everyone else...) Once we arrived, I was so enthralled. My friend Miranda knew her way around and acted as our tour guide since she had studied there 4 years ago. It was nice having someone know where we were going.

The first thing we did was see where she lived. It was down a really quaint road that had legit cobblestones and centuries old buildings. Something out of a postcard.

(Miranda's old street)

Then, we made our way to an indoor market where they had shops, restaurants, butchers, shoe makers, cakes, you name it and they had it. We went all around and saw some awesome things. Like this milkshake place called "moo moo's" and they had the most combinations for shakes that I have ever seen. We all got shakes there later in the day, and they were delicious. We decided to eat at one of Miranda's favorite spots before really hitting the town. It was called Georgina's Cafe. We ordered at the counter and they brought us our food. It was so cheap and so utterly delicious. I had the omelette with cheese and tomatoes, plus a salad and bread, and to drink I had cranberry juice. It was awesome!

(Georgina's Cafe. Cool Decor)

(Kaitlin and Rachel awaiting food.)

(Moo Moo's shakes...so delicious)

(My meal. so yummy)

After we got our nice fill of food we hit the town. Oxford was so magnificent - both the university, the boys, and the city itself. I couldn't help but buy an Oxford University sweatshirt. It made me think that I would love to apply there. Just for kicks, but if I did get in...then hey, I wouldn't be opposed. We were shown to more of the cool local attractions, and then went into the gardens/land of the church. It was stunning. They even shot the hallways and the staircases for the Harry Potter movies at this church. We were on a schedule so we didn't pay and go inside the church but the outside was great!

It was definitely a place I'd like to see again. Both the church and Oxford. After that we went to outlet's outside of Oxford. The cab ride there was one of the funniest cab rides I had ever had. We were all tired/delusional and just being silly and crazy. I definitely did not stop laughing. Then when we got to the outlets it was like being in Connecticut. Afterwards we were on a mission to find the bus and were freaking about being stranded in Oxford. It was a moment that was similar to the way most romantic comedies start, except I was with a group of people so my male costar did not appear...sigh, he's in this country somewhere...but back to the story. We ran to the bus, met an extremely RUDE bus driver who probably has Billy Elliot syndrome (where all he wanted to do was dance as a kid but then his dad said no so he grew up to be a scrooge of a bus driver) and eventually we made it back to the bus that would take us to London.

All in all it was one of the best days I have had here so far. I went with a great group and had so much fun. Taking pictures, laughing, shopping, taking in all the history. Oxford is a place that people definitely need to see once in their lives.

That's all for now,

Jenn

Shopping...

the shopping in London is spectacular. Except, the price exchange is absurd so I have to be careful with my money...however, there is a place in which one can go...a unique place, that is cheap, and pretty good. I of course am talking about Primark.

Primark is like an urban outfitters with forever 21 prices. So fantastic. I got a cute bathing suit, two dresses, a belt, two purses, and I think I'm forgetting something...all for only 40 pounds. Not bad!!!!!

I haven't even scratched the surface on London shopping. I can't wait to explore the markets and more of Oxford Street. I've got a couple more weeks here, and that's plenty of time to shop till I drop.

Eye See London...

From the top of the city! I kid you not. Me, the most acrophobic person I know went on one of the tallest ferris wheels in the world. But it's more than a ferris wheel, it's like these rooms that float above London. CRAZY! I literally almost shit my pants. It was so scary.

(The London Eye. Magnificent.)

However, it was worth it. I'm still scared of heights, but I saw a view of London that one would never imagine seeing. It was so gorgeous. We went at the sunset time, hoping to see the sunset, however it was cloudy. Bummer. Anyway, the room is glass, with a hard floor, so you can literally see 360 degrees and even below you. I was not feeling looking down into the Thames river. "Thank goodness I can swim" was the only thing that went through my mind while I was in the room - just in case the glass broke and we all fell out. I have a wild imagination, don't sue me.

Then after I succeeded in making it safely off the London Eye it was gorgeous looking across the Thames at Parliament and Big Ben.

(View from the ground. Cell phone shot)

It was definitely an experience of a life time, but an experience I'm not keen on repeating. One scary giant ferris wheel thing is enough for me.

Until next time,

Jenn

Let's Talk Food...

I thought I'd come to London, and lose weight/not gain weight since they have a lot of take "away" and fried fish that I don't particularly enjoy. WRONG-O!

How you could not gain weight when they have things like the most delicious cookies ever, the best candies, AND fro-yo? So let's talk food.

Some really great pubs near my residence with good food! This past weekend I had beef wellington for the first time. Let me just say, not only is it delicious, but it inspired me to write a new screenplay. It will be featured. But seriously, I mean food inspiring me? Not the first time. No siree.

Next, Ben's Cookies, as discovered today, are the most delicious things ever. I disappointed myself by buying two, and then further disappointed myself by eating both of them. They are uber gooey in the middle and are heaven in your mouth! I kid you not! They ship them too, but only to the UK. Debbie downer much?

This is what they look like:

did I mention that you can get a cup of MILK to go? How cool is that?!

Then, there is this fro-yo place called SNOG! It was exciting except for the fact that I'm sort of a fro-yo pro back home. 16 Handles, Red Mango, etc...It's totally fetch though. I really love it.

Lastly the candy. My FAVORITE are called Phizzy Pig Tails by Marks&Spencer. SOOOOO delicious. So good. I can't even describe it.

Overall, these delicious items, along with other delicious french and italian dessert cafes and pub food, I don't know how I'll manage. The good thing is I walk a lot. Now I might just walk more. hehe. I've gotta cut back, I know this, but the temptation is just so prevalent! Have no fear....I will succeed!

Love from London,

Jenn

So the Madge Doesn't Live In London....

as I found out on a tour. She visits frequently, and I know which hotel she stays at, however she does not live here. So my desire to stalk her will have to be suppressed. However, Rupert Grint and the Harry Potter crew are still afoot in London....hehehe

This past weekend was FANTASTIC. My Daddy surprised me by coming out to London for the weekend! How awesome is he? So I spent Saturday and Sunday with my parents. Saturday we went shopping at Herrods! And visited Buckingham Palace. Lemme just say - it could use some flowers. No sign of prince Harry. But have no fear, I WILL find him.

(Buckingham Palace)

Then we went out to dinner and to see Love Never Dies, the sequel to Phantom of the Opera. As a visual show - stunning. As a stand alone show - stunning. As a continuation of the first show - was not a fan. I did not like the character development or the arc of the story. There weren't really any songs that stood out immensely. Beautiful show, just not a fantastic continuation. Oh well.

(Great Advertising. Cute Cabs too!)

Sunday I was a full on tourist. My parents and I did one of those 'bus tours' and we went all around London. It was the perfect weather to do it. We were at the top of the double decker bus and honestly, it was such a great vantage point. Seeing London via bus is something I would definitely recommend if you're new to the city. Especially on a beautiful day! There are such cute streets and things you could only see in London.

(Big Ben...that's the name of the clock. Great view right?!)

(So close to the marquee! This is where Phantom of the Opera is playing!)

I really enjoyed just being a tourist for a bit! Then we got off the bus at the Tower of London and explored a bit. It was so cool being in such an ancient building. I mean people I read about in text books and studied in class had walked the same halls I was walking. How incredible!

Overall it was such a great weekend! I had such a good time!

I have arrived!

I never thought that I would make it! But alas, here I am. Courtfield Gardens in London! How exciting!

My flight arrived this morning at 6:40 am, and after a quick trip through immigration and baggage I was in the cab on my way to my new residence. First of all, these accents are just yummy. Second of all, driving on the opposite side of the road sure is weird. But, funny at the same time. It's so different over here, but yet there are some similarities to back home. And so far, I'm in love.

I arrived to my building around 8:15 and once I buzzed in and met housekeeping I brought my bags to my room (a quad) but luckily not bunk beds. I tried not to wake my roomies and I placed my stuff down and plopped onto my bed. I managed to sleep for a bit before waking up for my class at 11.

Class, needless to say, was interesting. My professor is totes cool, but probably will be a hard grader. The class shouldn't be that bad. I realize I have to do the work, that's why I'm here after all. But sometimes it's hard to remember especially when we have so much free time to do things like go eat at quaint cafes and explore London. Today, a group of my classmates/flatmates/new friends headed to Covent Gardens in London. Let me just say: fabulous.

It reminded me of Fanieul (spell check?) Hall in Boston. Lovely, simply lovely. It's a nice outdoor area of shops and cafes and whatnot. I loved the cobblestone streets and the weather made it a perfect day for shopping. Oh, and I've already spotted my first celebrity: Ty Pennington. Yes, of Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Didn't get to meet him, he seemed like a man on a mission.

Besides that we found this quaint little area tucked away behind the buildings. So cool right? (picture not by me, have to upload my pics later.) Anyway I suggest definitely going to Covent Gardens.

So I made myself some dinner. I'm gonna wash up, and then get ready for the night! More to come!

Cheers,

Jenn

The Plane...

Wow, so I'm currently sitting on the plane. Yes! We are that much closer to London.

I've already heard so many deliciously cool accents. I can't wait to touch down in London and just be surrounded by them.

Also, there is a man sitting a row behind me and I am convinced he's someone famous. He's nice too - helped me put my bag in the overhead compartment since I'm to short to do it myself. Thank God for tall people.

We're about to take off. I'll write once I'm settled and what not. Bon Voyage!

- Jenn
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

I just can't wait...

to buy a mug like that. To get to London. Tomorrow is my flight. After thinking about it, yes, I've missed some things but I've got 6 whole weeks to make friends, memories, and fall in love with London. I'm excited for the journey ahead. I cannot wait!

Not so Fast...

My flight was delayed on Sunday thanks to that Volcano no one can pronounce. Now, the best hope I have of getting to London by the end of this week rests on a Wednesday night flight. The only one that was open. The catch? I don't have a seat assignment. Hopefully I do get one and I can rest easy knowing I will be in London soon.

It's just nerve wracking. I hate being late to things. I get anxious when I feel like I'm behind everyone else. That I haven't bonded with everyone yet, so I feel left out. Out of the loop. It's annoying, and I hate feeling like that but it is what it is. I don't want to go to London and be lonely, when I can just be lonely in America. Ya feel me?

I'm just antsy. I want to get to London. I want to make new friends. I want to have fun. I want to stalk Madonna. I want to have the best 6 weeks of my life. And I can't do that from the couch in my house.

Hopefully I get to London before my head explodes. I only have to wait one more day...it's the waiting that's the worst.

I'll update later if I can get through to the airline to find out my seat assignment. Cheerio.

- Jenn

Good Fortune...

So I found a book in Anthropologie called: Name Fortunes. Or something like that, but in any event I looked up my name and this was my fortune:

Jennifer (Welsh):

You are due for a change of scenery. Don’t fight it The result will be a pleasant one.

how about them apples?

I See London...

I See London...
Almost. Sunday I leave for London. The big city across that big pond. I’ve never been to the United Kingdom before, and I’m sort of freaking out a bit.

Okay, I’m freaking out a lot. Before it actually hit me that I would be leaving my home to go to a foreign, I just thought it would be like New York City except everyone had accents.

Wrong-o!

Not only am I preparing myself for massive culture shock, my one good friend from London has told me to prepare to not understand anyone. Yes, it may seem that we speak the same language, but in reality we’re speaking totally different languages. (Did you know that a lift is an elevator? And Dosh means money?) I mean, talk about another world.

But, I have faith. I have seen enough Harry Potter and googled enough “British phrases” to hopefully make it from the airport to my hotel. Cross my fingers though, just in case.

So why the blog? What’s the deal? Simple. As some of you may know (jennwithoutmen) I have caught the blogging bug a couple of months ago and now, I very much enjoy sharing my thoughts with the world, regardless if people read it or not. So I thought that I’m going to London, I’ve never been before, it should be funny. So why not share my hilarious adventures in an unknown city with the world.

I’m heading to London to take two classes through my university’s abroad program. 6-weeks in a new city, 6-weeks with foreign men. YES! So this blog will be a collection of my adventures in London, outside of London, meeting new people (men) and getting to know my fellow classmates better.

I’m nervous but eager. It should be an adventure. I plan to search for Rupert Grint, and the Princes, hell maybe even catch a glimpse of the Madge herself…and I’ve made it my goal to discover if Tea actually is all around. :)

I’m currently in the midst of packing, and it’s a disaster. I just want to get there already.

I’ll let you know how it goes, how the flight goes and if that stupid volcano Shkwhwihfkhfwiehfwkefh messes up my flight.

Stay tuned for the sure to be hilarity that will happen when this (fetch) girl goes to London.

Cheerio (that’s british),

Jenn