Greetings from "South Ken"!
Getting back to London was so physically and mentally taxing; there were about six different connections and various forms of transportation (including Arlene's weary feet) required. Now that I have expressed my frustration, I must admit the TrenItalia is a great system with really amazing prices. The Tuscan countryside outside the huge windows made the trips worthwhile. I did meet a really cool model named Ric on the flight back to London Gatwick! We became "chummy" pretty soon and I ended up spilling the dilemmas that make up my love life (or lack thereof). He gave me some sound advice and tried to explain the complex world of "blokes".
It feels good to be back in London. It has quickly become home for me; I am very comfortable here! After returning from Florence, I reviewed my expenses and I really need to start spending less. It is so difficult trying to take advantage of all Europe has to offer and maintaining a modest budget. In my mind, I would like to kill as many birds (metaphorically, PETA members!) with one stone...and simply put, it requires Queen Elizabeth's (pounds/quid/pence). I am trying my best to be aptly frugal by buying groceries, and cutting back on the amount I eat. Definitely, no Starbucks! I guess it is a learning process....in due time (sooner, rather than later hopefully!), I will master the art of frugal spending.
Being completely on my own (in college, I still had my sisters only blocks away) is quite refreshing. Of course, I miss my family and friends! However, I feel that independence is necessary in order to grow. I feel like I have become more mature, responsible, and savvy in only 2 weeks! I also believe that I have become a stronger student here. I am genuinely loving all my classes and I could listen to my professors for hours! I appreciate the learning process so much more than I did last term (that is saying a lot, as I have always loved school!).
I am so excited for this weekend as I plan to fully take advantage of London. I will be meeting up with my first cousin, Ashley (a boy's name actually!) tomorrow night and then will be eating brunch at my uncle's home on Sunday. In between, I hope to run through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, visit the Science Museum, visit Portobello Market, and Primark (a "Walmart" amidst expensive clothing stores)...I need to buy an alarm clock! I spent a solid hour researching London (as a result, I developed a headache) and especially finding out the festivities surrounding the Royal Wedding on April 29th! I think I could be part of a travel agency in another life!
That's all for now, folks! I will let you know if I bump into Kate and Will...
One more thing to leave with you.....a typical British song that has got everyone jumping up and down at clubs, bars, and in cars! Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v8qae11_-M
Getting back to London was so physically and mentally taxing; there were about six different connections and various forms of transportation (including Arlene's weary feet) required. Now that I have expressed my frustration, I must admit the TrenItalia is a great system with really amazing prices. The Tuscan countryside outside the huge windows made the trips worthwhile. I did meet a really cool model named Ric on the flight back to London Gatwick! We became "chummy" pretty soon and I ended up spilling the dilemmas that make up my love life (or lack thereof). He gave me some sound advice and tried to explain the complex world of "blokes".
It feels good to be back in London. It has quickly become home for me; I am very comfortable here! After returning from Florence, I reviewed my expenses and I really need to start spending less. It is so difficult trying to take advantage of all Europe has to offer and maintaining a modest budget. In my mind, I would like to kill as many birds (metaphorically, PETA members!) with one stone...and simply put, it requires Queen Elizabeth's (pounds/quid/pence). I am trying my best to be aptly frugal by buying groceries, and cutting back on the amount I eat. Definitely, no Starbucks! I guess it is a learning process....in due time (sooner, rather than later hopefully!), I will master the art of frugal spending.
Being completely on my own (in college, I still had my sisters only blocks away) is quite refreshing. Of course, I miss my family and friends! However, I feel that independence is necessary in order to grow. I feel like I have become more mature, responsible, and savvy in only 2 weeks! I also believe that I have become a stronger student here. I am genuinely loving all my classes and I could listen to my professors for hours! I appreciate the learning process so much more than I did last term (that is saying a lot, as I have always loved school!).
I am so excited for this weekend as I plan to fully take advantage of London. I will be meeting up with my first cousin, Ashley (a boy's name actually!) tomorrow night and then will be eating brunch at my uncle's home on Sunday. In between, I hope to run through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, visit the Science Museum, visit Portobello Market, and Primark (a "Walmart" amidst expensive clothing stores)...I need to buy an alarm clock! I spent a solid hour researching London (as a result, I developed a headache) and especially finding out the festivities surrounding the Royal Wedding on April 29th! I think I could be part of a travel agency in another life!
That's all for now, folks! I will let you know if I bump into Kate and Will...
One more thing to leave with you.....a typical British song that has got everyone jumping up and down at clubs, bars, and in cars! Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v8qae11_-M
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