Half Term

In my last post I mentioned that this week would be half term, and all the students are granted a reading week to study, which is mostly just used to travel. So, for the past eight days I was in Central London with my mom, dad, and twin sister. I still can't believe my family came to London! It seems so unreal that I got to see them during my semester abroad. I find myself incredibly lucky. 

Unfortunately, the hotel we stayed in did not have free wifi, so I haven't been able to share all of the things we've been up to. I'll do so in a series of posts this week because there is just so much to say about this past week in one post today.

Day 1: Sunday, October 28

Taking the 'tube' into London

I woke up early from a near sleepless night. I was so excited to greet my family at the airport! I hopped on the X26 bus to Heathrow with my backpack packed for staying at the hotel with my family. The bus ride was longer than I expected, so I was getting nervous. Well, more nervous than I already was. finally, when I arrived at Heathrow airport, I jumped off the bus and headed to... wait... I didn't know where to go. I asked a worker where to find my family's Delta flight and he directed me to terminal 5, but I was in terminal 1. After much confusion, and a lot of backtracking, I got to the correct terminal about thirty minutes before my family arrived. I stood there waiting with a giant grin! I was prepared to see them by wearing my bright red sweater so I would be the first person they see after walking into the terminal. Except, just as I settled myself outside the arrivals door, a large group of teenage girls walked through... all in bright red hoodies. Uh oh! Now my family had nearly 40 red sweaters to look at! I watched intently for them to come through, but never saw them walk out after their plane had landed. Finally, I see my sister running towards me past the group of red-sweatered girls. At least they found me! I rushed to hug my sister and walked back to my parents. We hugged and said hello, but we all really wanted to get to the hotel. 

Unfortunately, we couldn't check into the hotel for a few hours, so we decided to leave our luggage and head into the big city - Central London. It took us about 45 minutes to an hour to get to Westminster tube station, and I think my dad may have fallen asleep on the tube at one point. I tried to stay upbeat while my sleepy family got to look at all the things they've only seen in pictures and postcards. I took them to see Big Ben and the houses of Parliament, then we walked through Leicester Square to Covent Garden where we saw a large number of brilliant street-performers. After Covent Garden we went to Kings Cross, so they could get their pictures with Platform 9 and 3/4. It was dark by this time so we searched for a place to eat, but the best we could find was a Subway. After arriving at the hotel late that night, my family and I crashed. It was a much needed sleep. 

Street performer in Covent Garden

Also, today is Guy Fawkes or Bonfire night. I'm hoping to see some fireworks or a bonfire tonight!! I'm not used to seeing fireworks in November, but I've seen a few private displays this week already and I've been just loving it! And really good fireworks are sold here. 

Central London

Well, I went to London yesterday! I'm still excited about it too. I was so exhausted when I got home I didn't have time to write a post about it, but now that I've slept and had my tea, I'll tell you all about it.

I woke up early on Friday because I had NO IDEA how to get to the train station. Naturally, I used Google Maps and trusted that it would take me to the right place. It did. Of course, I chatted with a nice woman at the bus stop to make sure I was getting on the right bus. Hopefully at the end of this trip I won't feel like so much of a tourist, but for now I guess I'll be asking a ton of questions. 

Catherine and I on the train to Waterloo Station

Okay, so I found my way to Surbiton Station and met with some friends there. Before boarding the train to Waterloo though, a stranger approached us to ask us first, for some money, but then upon hearing we are American, began to question us about US politics. I knew the English were very interested in American politics, but this was my first time actually discussing it with a stranger. He was very opinionated and I actually loved sharing a conversation with him. It was great to hear another nations thoughts on our own upcoming elections.

A View of Big Ben and the London Eye

After arriving in Waterloo Station, the CMU girls and I were practically jumping in our seats when we saw the London Eye and Big Ben in the near distance. And, in an instant, the thrill of London was all around us. We joined the bustling crowd and snapped some very tourist-y pictures.

Westminister Abbey

First, we made our way to Big Ben. WOW! It was SO beautiful. I've always dreamed of seeing this, that finally being there was almost surreal. Of course, it didn't end there. Next, we saw Westminister Abbey, and I think this was my favorite of all the stops. I don't know much about architecture, but this building was breathtaking. Take a look.

After some lunch, we made our way to Buckingham Palace and spent a while there. We even had our photo taken with a random stranger. Yay for tourists! We made our way through Hyde Park and I wished I could stay there for ages. I love parks! Well, we had many other stops to get to, so we made our way to the National Gallery, but first some of us got distracted by a ritzy street packed with high-quality shops such as Louis Vuitton, Coco Chanel, Burberry, Tiffany &Co, and Prada. Let's just say I felt a bit underdressed. Not to mention, it's fashion week here in London.

Feeling like a tourist

We ended our London trip on the London Eye. It was a pretty pricey ride, but also super enjoyable and being able to see over the whole city was priceless. 

Finally, we arrived back in Kingston and visited our new favorite Pub, the Kings Tun, we got a meal and a nice, cold drink. It was the great end to a great day. Until I had to find my way back home. It took me a couple of tries, but I found the right bus and crashed in my very welcoming bed when I got home. 

Four (4) Days

It seems a bit unreal that I will be boarding a plane in four days. Sleep is not easy. I mean, why can't I just get to England already?? At least I've been keeping myself busy. With my last day working at the cinema tomorrow, I'll have two days to spend with just my family before I leave. I'm not exactly prepared for a farewell, but I just know these next three months will fly right on by and I'll be home again before I know it. 

I can't wait to share all of my adventures on this blog! I fully intend on posting photos of me doing awesome things like this. 

Source

Or maybe even something like this. 

source

But who knows what I'll be up to? 

I am so excited to dive in to a new land and culture. Of course, I have no way of predicting exactly what's in store for me and I absolutely love that bit of uncertainty. It does become difficult when trying to pack however. I came across this dilemma about a week ago.

PICK ONE