Finally got yesterday's post up, and it's a free morning, so we're slow in getting things going.
Yesterday we went to Ephasus (I'll add links to today's two posts later, to check out) after our 7 hour bus ride. Our hotel is something else. "Let's just say it could be called camping" is Marnie's response when I asked if this was a hostel or a hotel. Our phone does not work (no wake-up call), no electricity to re-charge things, no way to turn the air conditioning on different settings, no sheets, just raw blankets and what looks like my poppop's old hunting blankets to keep you warm at night, also no water. Meaning, no way to wash out the dirty socks I've been wearing the last 3 days in a row, no way to shower or brush your teeth, or even flush the toilet. I think I've been camping in better conditions, but we at least have a balcony, and the people at the hotel were nice enough to leave the key to the balcony door on the outside so that anyone who can get to the door can get it.
Last night we also went to a Hamam for a Turkish bath. I was rubbed down and massaged by sweaty, old, fat men. It was an experience to say the least!
Speacial shout outs to team Brad Lidge for 2 come from behind victories to take the ship!! And Audrey for scoring the game winning run!! Turkey Hill for all!! Wish I could be there!!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Extreme touring has slowed since the Active tour began
So happy to have slept in beds instead of a bus!
To the plane we go!
Back to Istanbul in no time to meet up with our tour, and I'm the only American in a group of Aussies. (Meg told me this was likely to happen) and of course our Turkish tour guide; but I'm totally OK with it (duh!). Everyone asks Marnie and I how we know each other, and when we tell them that we just met last week in Turkey, no one can believe it. I guess an overnight bus right really lends itself to some hard core bonding. We do a guided walking tour around Istanbul, do a bit of shopping in the Spice Market and the Grand Bazaar, where aggressive and pushy aren't strong enough adjectives.
Group dinner
The next morning, Marnie and I head to Basilica Cistern, an undergound city in Istanbul. It's increadible! There's rows of pillars coming out of the water holding up the vaulted ceilings. There's also two giant medusa heads that came from Egypt. They're huge, and I have no idea how they got them down there. The afternoon was a 5.5 hour bus ride that took us to Eceabat, a sleepy town compared to Istanbul. Tourism I'm sure is their main attraction, but I bet there's as many stray cats and dogs as there are people there.
In the Basilica Cistern
Basilica is the starting framework of the church, and Cistern is where water is kept.
(Oh, have I forgot to mention the strays all over Turkey?? The cats sit around when you're eatting dinner waiting for your scraps, it's quite disgusting. The dogs are a bit cuter, but they're still pretty dirty. We had a couple kittens in our room in Cappadocia, sneaking in through our open window with no screens to commendere the bread and cheese I snuck from breakfast. They were a bit cuter since they were kittens, but pretty gross none the less)
The kittens getting at my cheese
Most of our Day 2 in Turkey was spent traveling (Our actual touring has really slowed since we started this "Active" Tour) and we watch Gallipoli (with Mel Gibson 30 years or so ago) after dinner, since I'm the ignorant American.
Anzac Cove....Hiking and later snorkeling here
Gallipoli is something that all Aussies know about and learn about in school. I was reading over our itinerary and Marnie laughed out loud when I tried pronouncing it (gally-polly was what I said but guh-lip-uh-lee is the correct way). It was a battle (I feel like battle implies that it was short period of time, it was several months, I just can't think of a better word) that the Anzac fought during World War I that caused a lot of casualties and gained no progress or land for the Allies. Who are the Anzac you may ask, I did and got laughed at by everyone. I knew the question was going to be a stupid one so I tried to pull the tourguide off to the side to ask him privately, but apparently I wasn't quiet enough because everyone laughed in amazment when I asked. Anzac in the Australia and New Zealand Army Corp, hence why they learn about it in school.
Silliness on the beach
We hiked the state park and learned all about what happened at Gallipoli. There are tons of Anzac cemetaries and memorials all over the park, which I think is an amazing thing for one country to have memorials for other countries that were at war with them. These memorials are beautiful and all in English, so that it can be read by the Aussies and Kiwis. I'm sure it was much more inspiring to the Australians than it was to me, but even as an American, it was quite touching. Lone Pine was the big Australian Memorial, several Turkish Memorials, too. The views as we climbed up the mountain was increadible, and it was hard to imagine such brutal battles being fought there.
Nek Cemetary....AMAZING views!
We then rode down and snorkeled Anzac cove over a sunken battle ship. Pretty cool! This is what I was doing as everyone back home was starting their nine-to-five. I was thinking of you all :)
That night, we took the Ferry over to Canakkle to check out the Trojan Horse that they used in the movie Troy.
This morning we were up early for another long bus ride. Thank God for Wifi and Marnie's laptop :)
OK so when the websites are in a different language, it's a bit difficult to post, so I had to wait until today to get things figured out.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
True tales from the over-night bus. (Where is the Knight bus when I need it Harry??)
So in the last 3 nights I've slept a total of 4 hours in a bed. Night 1, an hour in London before catching the night bus, train and the first morning flight to Istanbul.
As I last left you, we were starting our journey to Cappadocia...
The man at the hotel said 25 minute,s 30 MAX to the bus station. So off we go into the steep terraine and cobble stone streets of Istanbul with our big packs on our back and our day packs on the front. This is where the journey to our over-night bus adventure begins. And oh what an adventure it was!!! To quote from Marnie's travel journal.....
"After what was supposed to be a half-hour journey to the bus station, it actually took us one hour with a 20 kilo day pack on. We got onto the bus, which to easily describe, was a local bus that had not one english-speaking person on there, but two; an Aussie and an American. The Turkish squeezed between 4-6 people between two chairs, so the bus was filled to the brim. Just to get your bag on the bus was push-and-shove. Almost impossible unless you were a Turk. The bus ride actually took 14 hours. We had to stop to go to the toilet which was a ceramic hole in the ground, a hose to flush water, and doors that don't lock, they just swing right open when the next Mouslin lady decides it's her turn. Toilet paper is a myth here. Except of course, one euro for one 10cm x 10 cm square. We finally arrived at our hotel at 11am after finally figuring out what bus stop to get off at."
What claimed to be an 11 hour bus ride took us 15 hours door-to-door. The entire time I'm riding the bus I'm remembering after telling my dad that we were taking an over-night bus, him saying, "Oh, that shounds like fun" I've been on a lot of long rides before, for this one, there was no uno-champion, there was no car sickness (thankfully), there was funky smells, and there was not much sleeping. It was terrible, but I suppose it could have been worse. At least Marnie and I at least got to sit next to each other and, there was only 2 of us in our two seats. Night 2: zero sleep in a bed.
We didn't have much time here in Cappadocia (before our dreaded return to the overnight bus) so, we were off to walk through town and head to the Open Air Museum. What should have been a 15 minute walk from our cave hotel, turned into 1.5 hour hike heading on a huge loop on the outskirts of town on the dusty streets in the heat of the mid-day without any shade in site. The signs we were following for the Museum was a car detour, don't worry we found the "short cut" on the way home. We lounged by the pool to cool off and relax from our rough journey and got to eavesdropping on some other hotel guests who were talking about their cheap flights back to Istanbul. Marnie turns to me and asks, "How much would you be willing to spend on a flight back instead?" We immediately went inside to do research and decided to stay in Cappadocia for an extra night, fly back and chalk our already paid for tickets up to a great story, and something we never wanted to do again, especially with just one night in between!!
After getting all of our tours, trip and extra night details squared away, it was getting late. We asked a solo travelling Chinese-American who just arrived to join us for dinner. Whereas I would have much rathered it had been Kelsey Cheng, Sophie has continued to provide with good laughs. She's quite the character and stereotypical Asian tourist (don't worry, we have been quite sterotypical tourists ourselves-nothing screams tourist like having backpack straps tan lines)!! Late to bed and next thing I know, I'm woken up to the sounds that Marnie's only told me about. The 4 am Mouslim prayer, sung through loud speakers that spread throughout the city. Night 3: 4 hours of sleep in a bed
Today, our real wake-up call was shortly after the prayer at 4:15 so that we could take a hot air balloon ride (Don't worry Mom, it's the safest method of air travel). The sky was full of everyone in their hot air balloons and it was awesome to get to see the whole town from above. After our morning adventure, we proceeded on with a day tour, and guess who's there, but that we had to turn bacl around to get....Sophie!! We went hiking through Rose valley, visit a Turkish Greek city, see the fairy chimnys, eat a proper Turkish lunch, see one of the rock castles, and visit an underground city. Sophie showed up late for the bus in 3 of today's 6 events (4 if you include the start) and only because the other 3 were done as a group, with her camera clicking wildly the entire time. She's great :)
I couldn't be happier to get a good night's sleep tonight in a real bed. The next 12 day's agenda is going to be quite busy!
I would also like to give a shout-out, a year ago today I got the celebrate the marriages of Joanna&Dylan, and Edie&Chris in Mobile, AL, congrats guys!! Fun times :) Also, happy anniversary to Mom&Dad. Sorry, no card.
All covered up heading into the Blue Mosque
As I last left you, we were starting our journey to Cappadocia...
The man at the hotel said 25 minute,s 30 MAX to the bus station. So off we go into the steep terraine and cobble stone streets of Istanbul with our big packs on our back and our day packs on the front. This is where the journey to our over-night bus adventure begins. And oh what an adventure it was!!! To quote from Marnie's travel journal.....
"After what was supposed to be a half-hour journey to the bus station, it actually took us one hour with a 20 kilo day pack on. We got onto the bus, which to easily describe, was a local bus that had not one english-speaking person on there, but two; an Aussie and an American. The Turkish squeezed between 4-6 people between two chairs, so the bus was filled to the brim. Just to get your bag on the bus was push-and-shove. Almost impossible unless you were a Turk. The bus ride actually took 14 hours. We had to stop to go to the toilet which was a ceramic hole in the ground, a hose to flush water, and doors that don't lock, they just swing right open when the next Mouslin lady decides it's her turn. Toilet paper is a myth here. Except of course, one euro for one 10cm x 10 cm square. We finally arrived at our hotel at 11am after finally figuring out what bus stop to get off at."
What claimed to be an 11 hour bus ride took us 15 hours door-to-door. The entire time I'm riding the bus I'm remembering after telling my dad that we were taking an over-night bus, him saying, "Oh, that shounds like fun" I've been on a lot of long rides before, for this one, there was no uno-champion, there was no car sickness (thankfully), there was funky smells, and there was not much sleeping. It was terrible, but I suppose it could have been worse. At least Marnie and I at least got to sit next to each other and, there was only 2 of us in our two seats. Night 2: zero sleep in a bed.
We didn't have much time here in Cappadocia (before our dreaded return to the overnight bus) so, we were off to walk through town and head to the Open Air Museum. What should have been a 15 minute walk from our cave hotel, turned into 1.5 hour hike heading on a huge loop on the outskirts of town on the dusty streets in the heat of the mid-day without any shade in site. The signs we were following for the Museum was a car detour, don't worry we found the "short cut" on the way home. We lounged by the pool to cool off and relax from our rough journey and got to eavesdropping on some other hotel guests who were talking about their cheap flights back to Istanbul. Marnie turns to me and asks, "How much would you be willing to spend on a flight back instead?" We immediately went inside to do research and decided to stay in Cappadocia for an extra night, fly back and chalk our already paid for tickets up to a great story, and something we never wanted to do again, especially with just one night in between!!
After getting all of our tours, trip and extra night details squared away, it was getting late. We asked a solo travelling Chinese-American who just arrived to join us for dinner. Whereas I would have much rathered it had been Kelsey Cheng, Sophie has continued to provide with good laughs. She's quite the character and stereotypical Asian tourist (don't worry, we have been quite sterotypical tourists ourselves-nothing screams tourist like having backpack straps tan lines)!! Late to bed and next thing I know, I'm woken up to the sounds that Marnie's only told me about. The 4 am Mouslim prayer, sung through loud speakers that spread throughout the city. Night 3: 4 hours of sleep in a bed
Today, our real wake-up call was shortly after the prayer at 4:15 so that we could take a hot air balloon ride (Don't worry Mom, it's the safest method of air travel). The sky was full of everyone in their hot air balloons and it was awesome to get to see the whole town from above. After our morning adventure, we proceeded on with a day tour, and guess who's there, but that we had to turn bacl around to get....Sophie!! We went hiking through Rose valley, visit a Turkish Greek city, see the fairy chimnys, eat a proper Turkish lunch, see one of the rock castles, and visit an underground city. Sophie showed up late for the bus in 3 of today's 6 events (4 if you include the start) and only because the other 3 were done as a group, with her camera clicking wildly the entire time. She's great :)
Hot air balloons are going up everywhere!
Up we go!!!
Stopping at a cave church during our hike through Rose Valley
Going through the underground city!
Notice Ed's not missing out on any of the fun!
Being deleriously silly through the underground tunnels
(It's been a LONGGG day!)
I couldn't be happier to get a good night's sleep tonight in a real bed. The next 12 day's agenda is going to be quite busy!
I would also like to give a shout-out, a year ago today I got the celebrate the marriages of Joanna&Dylan, and Edie&Chris in Mobile, AL, congrats guys!! Fun times :) Also, happy anniversary to Mom&Dad. Sorry, no card.
Friday, June 24, 2011
The real backpacking begins!
I was spoiled last week to have such luxuries of fellow native english speakers (even though I sometimes still needed a translation) but after only an hour's worth of sleep last night, a 2:30am night bus full of annoying drunks, a train ride, a budget airline flight, a shuttle ride that took twice as long as it needed because my driver didn't know where he was going. I have arrived in Turkey!!! It's nothing like I imagined. The views are unreal! And the mosques are very interesting. I can actually see the Blue Mosque from the window of the hotel room right now. Beautiful! Marnie and I went in to have a look, and wrapped ourselves up in scarves to cover our hair and our knees. It's neat to experience such a different culture. We also toured Aya Sophia, built several times and has been both a Christian Church and a Mosque, very unique that there are symbols from both religions there. We leave shortly for an overnight bus to Cappadocia, going out to enjoy the rest of the time we have here now!!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
You know I like my chicken fried, a cold beer on a Friday night
...or a warm vodka drink on a Wednesday night. The Europeans are not a lover of ice. I think my mother would die here.
Speaking of my mother, aka my #1 blog fan, she told me that my pictures weren't opening, so I was able to fix them this morning and they can now be seen. :) I might be able to load a few more pictures tonight as Meg and I trade our pics from the week, so stay tuned...
Yesterday was a late start, but I made it to the museum. I thought I'd make it into more than one, but it was a no-go. I spent the entire day in the Natural History Museum, and loved every minute of it. Can we say field trip next year....????!! I could have probably spent even more time there, and then would have happily moved on to the others, but we needed to shop for dinner and try to make it to Hyde Park in time to see Zac Brown Band. We didn't see his entire set, but we did catch the last couple of songs. I'm sure the mood was nuts when he played Chicken Fried at Kenny last weekend, but the London King's of Leon fans, didn't quite have the same reaction. I loved it though. I'm also pretty sure that's probably what they probably closed with on Saturday, but last night they closed covering Limp Bizkit. The Brits seemed to enjoy that one a bit more than Chicken Fried. We had a legit picnic for 5 packed. Blankets, cheese, bread, dips, veggies, chips, vodka in water bottles, it was great. Nicole spent almost an hour trying to find us since Meg gave her a poor location on our blanket, and almost left, but we finally got a hold of her. The concert was PACKED!!! I only knew about 2 of their songs, but it was a good time still. I enjoyed myself a lot.
Today's agenda is an interview at Hogwarts with Professor McGonagall, maybe I won't be coming home after all :). One-Nil. A bit of shopping at the Camden Market, and the pound shop (K, No Holla Dolla's over here!) Next, going to hit up a British museum, as I think that would be most appropriate on my last day in London. Taking Ed downtown to River Thames tonight so he can have a few photo ops, and then dinner with Meg and Nicole on the river. My flight leaves tomorrow morning at 6:30 (it's in military time again, but I think I can handle this one) so I'll be public transporting in the wee hours on not too much sleep. finally meeting Marnie tomorrow and starting our Turkish adventures!
Speaking of my mother, aka my #1 blog fan, she told me that my pictures weren't opening, so I was able to fix them this morning and they can now be seen. :) I might be able to load a few more pictures tonight as Meg and I trade our pics from the week, so stay tuned...
Yesterday was a late start, but I made it to the museum. I thought I'd make it into more than one, but it was a no-go. I spent the entire day in the Natural History Museum, and loved every minute of it. Can we say field trip next year....????!! I could have probably spent even more time there, and then would have happily moved on to the others, but we needed to shop for dinner and try to make it to Hyde Park in time to see Zac Brown Band. We didn't see his entire set, but we did catch the last couple of songs. I'm sure the mood was nuts when he played Chicken Fried at Kenny last weekend, but the London King's of Leon fans, didn't quite have the same reaction. I loved it though. I'm also pretty sure that's probably what they probably closed with on Saturday, but last night they closed covering Limp Bizkit. The Brits seemed to enjoy that one a bit more than Chicken Fried. We had a legit picnic for 5 packed. Blankets, cheese, bread, dips, veggies, chips, vodka in water bottles, it was great. Nicole spent almost an hour trying to find us since Meg gave her a poor location on our blanket, and almost left, but we finally got a hold of her. The concert was PACKED!!! I only knew about 2 of their songs, but it was a good time still. I enjoyed myself a lot.
Today's agenda is an interview at Hogwarts with Professor McGonagall, maybe I won't be coming home after all :). One-Nil. A bit of shopping at the Camden Market, and the pound shop (K, No Holla Dolla's over here!) Next, going to hit up a British museum, as I think that would be most appropriate on my last day in London. Taking Ed downtown to River Thames tonight so he can have a few photo ops, and then dinner with Meg and Nicole on the river. My flight leaves tomorrow morning at 6:30 (it's in military time again, but I think I can handle this one) so I'll be public transporting in the wee hours on not too much sleep. finally meeting Marnie tomorrow and starting our Turkish adventures!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
ogre's, summer solstice, and Wimbledon, oh my!
"Shrek was well good, daddy" That's what we overheard the little girl in a princess crown say, and she was right!!! Our proper Sunday roast was well good, too! Meg's English friend spent her entire day cooking a whole chicken, veggies, potatoes, yorkshire pudding, gravy, fatty deliciousness! Not quite as big as a Thanksgiving Dinner, but certainly more than anything I'd like to cook on a hung-over Sunday. We spent the evening eating and drinking and chatting around the table in an adorable little English row home, my favorite kind, painted a plain color with a brightly colored front door! :)
Monday I did a day trip to Stonehenge and Bath. Stonehenge was gearing up for a big day, since the Summer Solstice was taking place on Tuesday. Thousands of people would be showing up for a huge festival. 2 years ago the solstice fell over a weekend and 30,000 people came to Stonehenge for this event. If I had planned it better, I would have stayed overnight for it, too, but we got out of there before too many people arrived. It was neat to see especially so close to the summer solstice, which is when the sun lines up perfectly with the stones. The Roman bath's were neat too, but I really like the city better than the actual baths. All the buildings in the city are made of local limestone and the consistency of the building materials makes it quite beautiful. The rain didn't start until it was almost time to go, so the day was quite nice. It was also nice seeing the country side on the way home. We rode through Pennsylvania. It consisted of 21 homes, a bed and breakfast, and a gas station. Since my bus home dropped me off at King's Cross, I stopped by platform 9 3/4 so that Ed could get a pic. It was a bit disappointing compared to the last time I went, since the station is under construction. No doubt it's a MUST for HP fans, but I hope the sticker of fake bricks is temporary and they open the old one again soon.
Yesterday was a busy day to say the least!! I was up and out the door again with Meg, but I was on my own with public transportation for the day. I rode out to Greenwich, which was adorable!! I was there before everything opened, but it was great to walk around the town and the park, they had great views and it was a really nice day. Greenwich keeps the official time and is home to the Prime Meridian, so I checked those out and the museum once everything opened. A trip on the tube and a train ride later, I was in Brighton Beach. Brighton is very busy with a long pier, rides, arcades, etc. It reminded me some of OCMD, Meg says it reminds her of Coney Island, you get the picture. The most interesting part about it though, is that instead of sand, the shore is made up of stones. After Brighton, another train and tube ride (With switches and everything-I'm getting really good at this) I met back up with Meg, and we were off to Wimbeldon for day 2 of the 125th Championships. The queue to get in was estimate 1-1.5 hours...!!! We went for it. It was moving the whole time at a good rate, it was just THAT long. We made it in in just under an hour. The grounds are BEAUTIFUL. We only got grounds tickets, but we were able to sweet talk our way into one of the bigger courts. We had strawberries and cream with wine for dinner and saw a good match. We then wandered out and sat in the grass to watch another match on a big screen that they had set up. While we were there, I saw some guy with a Phillies shirt on and went over and talked to him, but he was from Africa and had no idea who the Phils really were. Oh well, it was funny still. As it was the longest day of the year, and England is quite north, it still wasn't completely dark at 10! Crazy!
Today's plans include museums and Kings of Leon in Hyde Park. Zac Brown Band is one of their opening acts, so I'm excited about that! The concert's outside, so keep your fingers crossed for no rain! Tomorrow, I'll be getting everything wrapped up and an early night, since I have such an early flight on Friday morning. Marnie's already on her way to Turkey!!
Monday I did a day trip to Stonehenge and Bath. Stonehenge was gearing up for a big day, since the Summer Solstice was taking place on Tuesday. Thousands of people would be showing up for a huge festival. 2 years ago the solstice fell over a weekend and 30,000 people came to Stonehenge for this event. If I had planned it better, I would have stayed overnight for it, too, but we got out of there before too many people arrived. It was neat to see especially so close to the summer solstice, which is when the sun lines up perfectly with the stones. The Roman bath's were neat too, but I really like the city better than the actual baths. All the buildings in the city are made of local limestone and the consistency of the building materials makes it quite beautiful. The rain didn't start until it was almost time to go, so the day was quite nice. It was also nice seeing the country side on the way home. We rode through Pennsylvania. It consisted of 21 homes, a bed and breakfast, and a gas station. Since my bus home dropped me off at King's Cross, I stopped by platform 9 3/4 so that Ed could get a pic. It was a bit disappointing compared to the last time I went, since the station is under construction. No doubt it's a MUST for HP fans, but I hope the sticker of fake bricks is temporary and they open the old one again soon.
Yesterday was a busy day to say the least!! I was up and out the door again with Meg, but I was on my own with public transportation for the day. I rode out to Greenwich, which was adorable!! I was there before everything opened, but it was great to walk around the town and the park, they had great views and it was a really nice day. Greenwich keeps the official time and is home to the Prime Meridian, so I checked those out and the museum once everything opened. A trip on the tube and a train ride later, I was in Brighton Beach. Brighton is very busy with a long pier, rides, arcades, etc. It reminded me some of OCMD, Meg says it reminds her of Coney Island, you get the picture. The most interesting part about it though, is that instead of sand, the shore is made up of stones. After Brighton, another train and tube ride (With switches and everything-I'm getting really good at this) I met back up with Meg, and we were off to Wimbeldon for day 2 of the 125th Championships. The queue to get in was estimate 1-1.5 hours...!!! We went for it. It was moving the whole time at a good rate, it was just THAT long. We made it in in just under an hour. The grounds are BEAUTIFUL. We only got grounds tickets, but we were able to sweet talk our way into one of the bigger courts. We had strawberries and cream with wine for dinner and saw a good match. We then wandered out and sat in the grass to watch another match on a big screen that they had set up. While we were there, I saw some guy with a Phillies shirt on and went over and talked to him, but he was from Africa and had no idea who the Phils really were. Oh well, it was funny still. As it was the longest day of the year, and England is quite north, it still wasn't completely dark at 10! Crazy!
Meg and I enjoying strawberries and cream, a Wimbledon must.
At Wimbledon on the grassy hill.
(Yes it really is cold enough to wear jeans and sweaters, even during the day.)
Today's plans include museums and Kings of Leon in Hyde Park. Zac Brown Band is one of their opening acts, so I'm excited about that! The concert's outside, so keep your fingers crossed for no rain! Tomorrow, I'll be getting everything wrapped up and an early night, since I have such an early flight on Friday morning. Marnie's already on her way to Turkey!!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
I missed my first flight to London....one-nil!
One-nil is a game that Paul Morris taught me last year. Paul Morris is Meg's bf, and Meg is a sorority sister that I'm staying with while I'm in London. One-nil is played by saying something everyone knows not to be true, and then when a person responds with a comment that seems to say: you're so dumb, how could you possibly even think that to be true, you respond with "one-nil" and then they're the dumb one after all. It's quite silly, but it keeps you on your toes.
So, I apparently can't read military time, and my flight was NOT scheduled to leave at 11:35 like I originally thought, but 21:35....BIG difference!!! Luckily our plane was late, so I was still able to check in and make it. It was a close one though!! Whew!
Since I've gotten to London, there's been a lot of catching up with Meg and Nicole. Nicole is another one of my sorority sister's that is working and living in London. They were my London reps when I did my Flat Stanley Project this past year, but didn't realize Flat Stanley was supposed to be colored....duh! Ed TheClam has now been making his way around town, so be on the lookout for him. :)
We went on a day trip to Windsor Castle yesterday. My favorite part was the doll house!! (Poppop, I'm ready to start making one, this fall!) Today's agenda includes Shrek the Musical and a Sunday Roast. the rest of this week will include Kings of Leon concert in Hyde Park, and Wimbledon at the very least, more I'm sure! The weather has been quite rainy and chilly. Luckily Meg's got warm clothes and umbrellas for me! Hoping it gets nicer soon.
Happy Father's Day!!!
XO
So, I apparently can't read military time, and my flight was NOT scheduled to leave at 11:35 like I originally thought, but 21:35....BIG difference!!! Luckily our plane was late, so I was still able to check in and make it. It was a close one though!! Whew!
Since I've gotten to London, there's been a lot of catching up with Meg and Nicole. Nicole is another one of my sorority sister's that is working and living in London. They were my London reps when I did my Flat Stanley Project this past year, but didn't realize Flat Stanley was supposed to be colored....duh! Ed TheClam has now been making his way around town, so be on the lookout for him. :)
We went on a day trip to Windsor Castle yesterday. My favorite part was the doll house!! (Poppop, I'm ready to start making one, this fall!) Today's agenda includes Shrek the Musical and a Sunday Roast. the rest of this week will include Kings of Leon concert in Hyde Park, and Wimbledon at the very least, more I'm sure! The weather has been quite rainy and chilly. Luckily Meg's got warm clothes and umbrellas for me! Hoping it gets nicer soon.
Happy Father's Day!!!
XO
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Today's the day!!!
....The sun is shining!!! The tank is clean!!
Waking up this morning was like Christmas, but I hadn't bought all of my presents yet...or wrapped them! There was no going back to sleep once the alarm went off. I ran around all day running errands, unpacking and re-packing, etc but I think I actually pulled everything off...and then some! Had a great visit with Mommom and a lovely lunch with the Nash's.
Waking up this morning was like Christmas, but I hadn't bought all of my presents yet...or wrapped them! There was no going back to sleep once the alarm went off. I ran around all day running errands, unpacking and re-packing, etc but I think I actually pulled everything off...and then some! Had a great visit with Mommom and a lovely lunch with the Nash's.
(I take after my mother)
My nerves have calmed and I'm ready to roll!! Packing the car, and shutting down...Next stop, London! See you soon Meg and Nicole!!!
XO all!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Just another American (Wednesday) night!
My nerves are starting to set in, now that I'm so close and I've had some time to think about it!!
The paper (and everything that goes with it) is finally finished!! My pack is full to the seam, even with some last minute cuts.
Sorry Elmo, I don't think TSA is going to approve!!
My last night in America for 6 weeks, and what am I going to do?! Kickball and the Italian Festival of course!!! If I didn't get to say bye yet, come find me tonight!!!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
T-one week to go!
This time next week I will be starting my voyage across the pond!! Backpack arrived this week, school ended, and summer has officially begun!! Went to the Greek festival last night (after a HUGE win, shout out to the kickball team!), and headed to the Italian festival next week, can't wait for the real deal!!!
My report is getting closer to being finished, and the packing list (well the initial draft) was made. I'm trying to make last-minute plans to see everyone before I go, but I still have SO MUCH to do!!!
I'll try posting pictures before I go to make sure I can do it without a problem. Hopefully you can meet Ed the Clam before I head off. Maybe I'll even find time (yea right) to try loading videos with the flip camera too!! (great win on that one Dad! Jimmy would you like to be the featured act on my video trial?!?)
I'm going to try to load up my mom's kindle before I head out, please leave good book recommendations!! :)
My report is getting closer to being finished, and the packing list (well the initial draft) was made. I'm trying to make last-minute plans to see everyone before I go, but I still have SO MUCH to do!!!
I'll try posting pictures before I go to make sure I can do it without a problem. Hopefully you can meet Ed the Clam before I head off. Maybe I'll even find time (yea right) to try loading videos with the flip camera too!! (great win on that one Dad! Jimmy would you like to be the featured act on my video trial?!?)
I'm going to try to load up my mom's kindle before I head out, please leave good book recommendations!! :)
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