Fall Break!

Okay, I should be reading Macbeth right now, but we all know I'm going to be up to all hours of the night anyways, so I might as well write this.  As promised: photos & tales from Italy!!

I really have no idea where to start, and please note the clothes-hanger wide smile on my face as I review one of the most amazing weeks of my life.  Colby flew in on Friday, the 5th of November.  "Remember, remember the 5th of November, gun powder, treason, and plot.  I see of no reason why gun powder, treason, should ever be forgot." This nursery rhyme - made popular in the States by the amazing movie V for Vendetta, commemorates Guy Fawkes' attempt to blow up Parliament in 1605.  Today, all across the UK bonfires are held in "celebration."  The bonfires consist of pallets, with "Guys" mounted on top like scare crows that are of course burnt.  Interestingly enough, the scare crow Guys are typically crafted by school children.  I was mildly disturbed by all of this - but it seemed to really be their Halloween - children dressed up, had goodie bags, and watched fireworks.  Before I left for Heathrow to pick Colbster up, my flat-mate Ali and I headed to a bonfire not too far outside the city.  There we watched fire-entertainers, and saw some of the most impressive fireworks I've ever seen.  The fireworks were so close to us we actually couldn't look straight at them because hot pieces of them would fall on us!

Check out that huge orb! Guy Fawkes? hrmm? 

Ali and I hung out for a few hours, and then I got back on the Piccadilly Line and headed for Heathrow! It's about a 45-50 minute ride from home to Heathrow, which isn't that bad - but by the time I got there my hands were shaking and my heart was racing so badly I could hardly stand it.  And then he was right in front of me and it was like we hadn't been a part for a second.

It was getting pretty late Friday night, so after dropping his luggage off, we headed to Vapiano - I think I've mentioned it before - the awesome italian place down the street.  Had a few drinks and headed home.  Saturday we did a lot of exploring through Soho, which is one of my favorite areas, if not my most favorite at this point.  Sunday was the Arsenal Game!! I bought tickets as an xmas present - they're Colby's favorite. We went with Micah and had a few drinks at a pub off the Arsenal tube stop before hand, and then headed to our seats.  Despite the loss (0-1) Newcastle, the game was so much fun!  I don't really know much about football "soccer"  but I was able to get pretty into it - the crowd we sat with certainly helped!

After the game, the three of us went to Masala Zone - and Indian place that Dawn an I found a few weeks ago - it's a chain - but absolutely delicious.  

Monday morning we got up super early and headed to Victoria Station to take the Gatwick Express to Gatwick Airport.  All of our traveling went really smoothly (poor Colby had to deal with me freaking out the whole time about us making flights, etc.) thank god one of us keeps our head on straight.  The flight there was a little rough for me, but on the way back I was SO much better. I literally was just like "I'm not going to let this bother me" and the flight back to London was worlds better, so that's good.  

We landed in Pisa after a two hour flight and hopped right on a train to Firenze! (Florence) The train ride was around an hour, and then we were there! 

This is me being really excited on the train.  

Our hotel was really easy to find (no thanks to me of course) ... I pretty much tagged along with my mouth wide open and staring at everything, tripping over my feet.  All of a sudden - there was the Duomo - I could not stop staring at it.  It looked so beautiful at night, and when Colby ducked into a door literally paces away from the Duomo's side, my jaw just dropped.  I couldn't believe we were staying RIGHT next to it.  The hotel was gorgeous, and the staff was so sweet and helpful.  They had a beautiful observatory, and library.  We set our stuff down and the staff made us a dinner reservation just a few streets down.  We were starving, and had some olive oil, cheese, and pasta dishes.  Along with two half bottles of wine.  This began my newfound obsession with buffalo mozzarella cheese. Oh, my, god (said in janise voice).  Seriously, I was so in love.  I had spaghetti with clams, and Colby had tortellini I believe.  

The next day we climbed the Duomo, and visited the Galleria dell'Accademia.  463 steps - whew! 100% worth it.  The staircase was really small and narrow, but eventually you came out at the inside of the dome and could literally stretch your hand out (if there wasn't a plastic guard over it) and touch the bottom of the painted ceiling.  

I was slightly exhausted when we reached the top (yes, I am out of shape, shush up) and once we stepped out into the air - it started to drizzle, this might sound odd, but I thought it was perfect.  It was so beautiful - you could see for miles all around you.  All of the buildings were different golden earth tones, with these absolutely gorgeous rooftops that made me think of home and mom.  It was so amazing to be up there and really see Italy.  We climbed down and headed for food.  I'm pretty sure I ate gelato at least twice a day: 

We found a restaurant with a huge pizza menu, so we did that for lunch. 

I honestly don't have any words.  Go to florence. Eat the pizza. That is all.  

The Galleria dell'Accademia was next.  One amazing experience after the other - and I was really about to be floored.  We couldn't take pictures, (though Colbs snuck one on his phone that I need to get from him...) but you really don't know what's about to happen to you until you're right there.  There were chairs all around Michelangelo's David - I was a little ahead of Colby, so after walking all around it, I just sat there and stared at it for awhile.  

This picture by no means does it any justice.  I had no idea how huge it was, how much perfect detail there is- and then Jess told me that he had made it out of a scrap piece of marble! 

After the museum, we stopped by the hotel and booked our tour of Chianti for the next day.  Then it was dinner time! 

This time we ordered the buffalo mozzarella special because I couldn't get enough of it and had it before our meal - Colby had steak with balsamic (yum!) and I had lasagna.  The lasagna claimed to be an old recipe and actually didn't have any tomato in it - really good, but the kind of thing I had to take 4 lactaid pills for, haha.  

I had a rose wine, and Colby had a red.  I have to admit, at the start of the trip I was all about the whites and blush, but I've officially converted to Chianti.  You'll see why. 

Wednesday was our afternoon trip to Chianti! Before we caught our bus, we walked to the Ponte Vecchio, an absolutely gorgeous bridge covered in fabulous jewelry shops.  Cameo!! They were so very expensive, but some day I'm going back and getting one! 

Then we got on the bus and headed for Castillo del Trebbio, a castle/vineyard in the Chianti Region. We spent the afternoon looking at the beautiful scenery, exploring the castle, and tasting their wine!  I felt like I learned so much about how to properly taste wine! I felt so educated, and later that night we used our new skills when we bought a bottle at dinner. 

We had such an amazing time, and I'm so glad we took this tour.  I really want to come back to the Chianti region - learning about the different grapes, and the olives was incredible.  After such a beautiful afternoon - we got back on the bus and catnapped the ride home to Florence.  Then we went out to dinner - a restaurant Colby remembered from a previous trip to Florence.  Once we were seated we were given champagne on the house, and a free appetizer, given we purchased a bottle of wine.  The wine we had that night was one of my favorites, and after our wine tasting in Chianti, I was in love. 

By far the most beautiful meal I've had since the cookhouse.  Colby had steak with balsamic - it was so mouthwatering - and I had wild mushrooms over tagliatelle. The menu was all italian (most other places have had english menus), and the wine was served to us in a decanter and swirled around.  We sat in the restaurant so long - it really was an amazing meal. Then we found an American bar - of course we went in, cheesy I know. Then we headed back and watched two movies - perfect night! 

Thursday we got up early and headed to the central market before catching a train back to Pisa.  Outside the streets were lined with leather venders and inside the covered market - olive oil, meats, seafood, cheeses galore!!  We bought a few salamis, along with some cheese and bread to eat on the train to Pisa. We also had THE BEST bruschetta in our lives for only 1.50 euro. 

We boarded the train back to Pisa with our goodies and enjoyed the short ride back.  We found our hotel (again, no thanks to me), dropped our stuff off, and spoke with the staff downstairs about walking to the tower and finding a place for dinner.  That night we had yet another amazing meal - ravioli, vegetable soup, and spaghetti with marinated duck.  We shared a really nice Chianti Classico, and then enjoyed a quiet walk to the Leaning Tower of Pisa! It was so beautiful at night, and I'm so glad we walked over that night, because when we went back the next morning before our flight it was pouring rain.  (Or as a true brit would say, pissing outside - um, ew?). 

After our visit with the tower - we were off to catch our flight back! As I mentioned - it went much better than the first flight, and Colby even snagged a few pictures of the French Alps: 

We landed at Gatwick, took the train back, and finally made it to my place in London after a long day of traveling.  Saturday we set out to find "the best fish and chips" and ended up eating here: 

We met up with Micah - the fish and chips were awesome!  Then we headed to covent garden - had a few drinks at the Punch and Judy, and then on a whim saw The Mousetrap!  It has been running for like 50 years or something - we all really enjoyed it! 

Colby flew out the next morning, and I slipped back into the black umbrella world my father warned me about.  I come home in 32 days! So very soon!! 

Next on the agenda: Scotland, Dublin, and Bath, The British Independent Film Awards, 1 assignment, and 1 paper, and 1 test.  Then I'm packing my bags and headed back to the most beautiful place in the world - Branchport, NY! How lucky am I? My parents managed to find heaven on earth, and I call it my back yard. 

All the love in my heart, 

Until next time. 

I See a Bad Moon Rising

I've had that song stuck in my head for ... 4 days! Okay, so obviously I'm miserable at updating this, which I apologize for yet again. But I had some time on my hands and figured late was better than never.

Today was friday - the end of a very very long week.  Classes are still going well - since I last posted I saw a production of Hamlet at the National Theatre, and gave a presentation advising Pakistan's economy. Oh, and I went to Oxford with my flat mate Alison.  ^^^ That's me in the great hall of Christ Church!! Check out my fb photo album of Oxford to see more pictures of all things books, and Harry Potter.

The last few days at work have been a little stressful - I'm working with royalty reports, which, while really interesting, can be a bit insufferable when it's all in excel.  I'm getting a lot of experience though - and am really happy working on it.  I just need to get better at balancing lack of sleep, caffeine intake, and anxiety. [If that doesn't sound like a classic Ellie sentence, I don't know what does.]

Unfortunately our hot water has been really testy the last month - our entire building went 7 days without hot water, and then today we actually went 24 hours without again. I'm so happy it's back on because I REALLY needed to do laundry! Speaking of laundry, I should go check the dryer....

I wish I could be home for halloween!! Everyone must be partying it up like crazy in the ROC this weekend!! They seem to acknowledge halloween in Britain - though no one dresses up... my boss actually informed me they all just get drunk and eat lots of sugar. Nice! As of right now, I don't think we're doing anything to celebrate... except homework?? Crazy, I know, I'm just so wild.  Just two classes, two homework assignments, and 3 days of work stand between me and glorious fall break.  Ten days of not thinking about work, or classes HERE I COME.  I'm so excited to just be able to absorb my surroundings for once.

Speaking of surroundings!! Colby flies in on friday (AHHHHH!) and we're headed to Pisa, and Florence Italy from the 8th-12th!!! I'm BEYOND excited to go to Italy.  Literally, I hope I just eat bread and olive oil for four whole days.  and maybe some wine... and cheese... pasta! ... pizza! (never fear - ellie has her lactaid pills everyone!!). Apart from having an amazing four day affair with the carbohydrates of Italy, we're also planning on hitting a bunch of museums and doing some exploring!

Oh, I forgot to mention - a week from tomorrow we're going to an Arsenal soccer game!! Everyone has been saying I really should try and go to a soccer game, and while I don't really know a lot about soccer, I'm so excited to go.  Our friend Micah, also from UR and studying in London, is coming too!! :)

In other news, my flat mates and I finally booked our flight to Dublin! We're going for a weekend in November!  During our last weeks here, we're also planning on taking the train up to Scotland, and to Bath (for their Christmas market!!).

Okay - I should go throw my whites in the dryer! I hope everyone has an awesome Halloween weekend.  All I can think about is mom's pumpkin pie these days - ah get me home!!

I'll be sure to post again soon - the next pictures you see of me will be from Italy!!!

Until next time.

You know, I still haven't seen a Dalmatian...

Clearly I’ve been all about this whole blogging thing.  Who knew recounting your day could be so exhausting?  I’ve been avoiding it like the plague.  It’s been 17 days since my last post, and it seems like much longer.  I’ve been insanely busy.  But the bad kind of busy that makes you tired and just want to veg at the end of the day.  Work has been exhausting, and I haven’t been able to put much into my studies – or anything else for that matter.  The list of things I’m needing to do just keeps lengthening.  I really thought being here would offer me some time and resources to do a few things for myself – write a few proposals I’ve been meaning to put down on paper, study for the GMAT, etc.  Unfortunately the city is not conducive to my brain and it’s functioning.  It’s amazing how far away things are in the city.  I used to marvel at the idea of walking out your door, and having so many things at your fingertips.  But are these things necessarily the ones you want?  I had never thought about it.  Without a car, or even with, it takes forever to go anywhere – in such a small little space!  How ignorant my envy has been! It seems anything extra I wanted to do will have to wait until January.  

Like I said, work has been crazy.  The company that I work for is involved in a film festival every year, and I’ve taken on some major responsibilities the last few weeks.  Essentially myself and another intern were given a list of directors, and a list of available interns and told to schedule and conduct interviews for the directors and their screenings.  It’s been absolutely crazy trying to do all of this so last minute and make sure all the attending directors get their interviews.  After we conduct the interview, we post the video footage online and blog about the interview to promote the film.  The festival ends tomorrow night, so I’m excited to have all of this behind us.  Two exciting things that I’ve done since the last post:  I attended the junkit for Buried.  Starring Ryan Reynolds, this film is 90 minutes and literally just a man in a box.  No panning out, no flashes to memories, or life above ground.  Just a dude who’s been buried alive.  It sounds incredible, and I’m excited to see it.  I also attended the press conference for The Social Network, and was a few meters away from Justin Timberlake, and got to hear his answers to questions about the film.  Also really excited to see that film as well!! The next few weeks will be much more relaxed at work, given that I wont have to work over time like I have been.  Our next project is planning the company’s Christmas party, which will be very fun! Erin and I (the other intern) attended an events planning expo a few weeks ago, which was really helpful, so I’m excited to start working on this.  I’ve come to learn that knowing how to do anything well is going to be helpful when starting up a company.  The beginning of everything tends to be 1-2 man armies, and the more things I know how to do, the less labor I need to hire right away! Hurrah!

My Shakespeare Class has been going well – saw Henry IV part one and two last week at the Globe.  Seeing the performances was really great because I really hated reading the plays, so this gave me an appreciation I never would have had.  I’m officially sick of the Globe though, because the cheapest seats involve standing, which I think I mentioned before.  And standing for hours at a time, Shakespeare or not, tends to distract me from what I’m supposed to be watching.  I’m writing my first paper for the class as we speak, and am handing that it in Tuesday.  I’m currently reading The Spanish Tragedy, which is the one non-Shakespeare play we’re reading during the term – more on that later.

International Economics is also going well – I receive our first take home exam on Monday, so I’m a bit nervous about that.  Each lecture is really interesting and really eye opening.  I’m certainly learning a lot about different trade policies, and what events lead to certain policies being in effect.  What’s also cool is that I understand which trade policies to implement given a countries current status.  The class is all about real life applications, and I think understanding the world’s trade policies will really help when considering target markets, and the competition.  I’ve found that my brain has become extremely entrepreneur-based.  I’m constantly trying to apply whatever I’m learning to how it would help me start up a business, where this came from I have no idea, but I’m rolling with it. 

In other news, Colby comes in 25 days!!  Our trip is nearly all booked.  We’re flying into Pisa, and then taking the train to Florence.  Staying three nights in Florence and one night in Pisa to see the Leaning Tower – one of the seven man-made world wonders! Museums, Italian food, and wine - bring it on. I’m beyond excited to have him here and to take some time off from work.  And then after he leaves – only 34 days until I’m home!!  How wonderful!!

I’ve been a little stressed about all of the hype about the anticipated terrorist attacks, but I’ve been trying to just take it day by day, and am taking necessary precautions, aka not visiting tourist sites, and avoiding public transportation whenever I can. 

I love and miss you all so much!  I swear I’ll try to write more, I’m hoping this next week will be less crazy.  We’ll see. 

Until next time. 

Some pictures: 

Dawn and I at the Ice Bar. 

mmmmm!!! 

The Globe!! I want to take Ben some day! 

Justin Timberlake at the Press Conference for The Social Network. 

This is one of my new favorite bands - their alternative and pretty big in the states - I got to see them up close and personal at the opening night of the film festival - look them up! The Airborne Toxic Event 

Erin and I at the opening night of the festival! 

12 Days Later

Okay, so I wrote this 3 days ago:

I'm sorry I've been so lazy with this blog of late! The past twelve days have been crazy, and I honestly can't believe it was just twelve days ago that I was posting about Leah being here... it really feels like a month ago. Things feel like they're moving quickly enough, which I am thankful for. I'm on my lunch break right now at work, and I thought I'd squeeze an update in before I head back upstairs.

Work last week went well, I've been doing a lot of errand running and website updating... which while not entirely exciting, has its benefits.  Just this morning I've already managed to learn a lot more about website source data and how to manipulate it to fix html, etc.  Which, will always be a useful tool no matter what I end up doing.  And the errand running is nice because it helps me learn more about London and the area.  Remind me to hire free intern labor when I start a company - totally eliminates any need for postage.

Last Thursday, just as I was getting a list put together for errands, I was asked to attend the Charlie St. Cloud Premiere!  It was AWESOME.  We were given media passes, and walked through the carpet to the media side where cameras are set up to interview the talent that walk by when they arrive.  I learned what shots were important to capture, and how they go about getting the information they need to send out to others once they're done.  I managed to keep my composure, while pretty much freaking out with excitement on the inside.  I (met/stood really close to) Zac Efron! I don't know if you can say met, because he doesn't know my name - but still we made eye contact!! (AHH).  My job was to take pictures with my phone that could be used on facebook, and man did I deliver... 80 some pictures later, I was one happy camper.  Afterwards, one of my employers asked me if I enjoyed myself- which means I did a good job hiding my want to totally lose it.  I replied that I was secretly flipping out inside, and they seemed pretty happy with that answer. Zac was very quiet and looked totally embarrassed, and he was just really really nice - which didn't help the me wanting to melt into a puddle ordeal.  The director, and his fellow actors just had really wonderful things to say about him, which was cool to hear.

Classes went well last week too.  I went to see The Merry Wives of Windsor at The Globe theatre - it was phenomenal! Minus the rain... we had lawn seats, which means you have to stand the entire performance, and the building is open to the sky... and umbrellas are not allowed.  So, you can imagine my discomfort as it down-poured for the first half hour of the show.  I was drenched, but after a Cider at the interval (intermission) I felt much better, and really enjoyed the second half! This performance was part of my Shakespeare class, so I also read this play last week.  This week I'm reading Henry IV Part 1, and next week Part 2.  We go see those two performances in two weeks time at the Globe again! 

Economics went well too - though I'm beginning to have some anxiety about the tests in the class. I'm going to ask my Professor more about it today... the classes have been really great, and are very conceptual based (which I love).  I've been keeping up with the reading, which is very graph-orientated, and scares me.  I'm going to ask which to worry more about - because the Professor doesn't address any of the book content in class - oye. 

This past weekend was on the lame side as the majority of our flat was feeling ill.  Alison has been really sick, and Dawn and I had sore throats and headaches all weekend. meh.  Though, we did manage to get out to see a comedy show, which was really spectacular. We also did a bit of shopping for some essentials.  I had my first indian food experience with a friend from UR who is studying in Brussels.  It was SO GOOD. I love love love spicy food, and the Indian food was fabulous!! Not enough green for me to eat every day, but still delicious!! 

Wrote this today: 

It's now Wednesday and I'm back at work on my lunch break again.  Monday was terribly long - work until 4pm, class until 8:30pm.  I was able to speak with my economics professor and it turns out that testing will be similar to lectures and the exercises we do in class, which is fabulous new!  I'm excited to have an econ class be conceptually based.  Tuesday was Shakespeare - I finished Henry IV part 1 just in time for class!  This week we're reading part 2, and then in two weeks we will attend the performance at the Globe again. Today is going well so far, just been running a few errands here and there.  

I've been planning out the rest of my time here - Colby and I have decided to fly into Pisa, and stay in Florence! He comes in 43 days!! AHH. Apart from Dublin, and Edinburgh, I'm also thinking of trying to take two other trips.  Right now I'm thinking either Barcelona and Amsterdam, or Athens and Amsterdam - we'll see! 

I'll try to post before another 12 days go by!  I love and miss you all so much - it was so hard to be here when The Big Cook was going on at home!  I fly home in 87 days! 

Until next time.  

I Totally Forgot

Leah and I went to the Orangery! (In Kensington Gardens) Leah treated me to what she called High Tea which I'm pretty sure is just another phrase for Afternoon Tea.  Our lunch involved a three tiered tray that was brought out and a pot of Tea each! I had earl gray, and Leah had a lovely cinnamon blend.  The tiered tray's bottom level had finger sandwiches - cucumber, salmon, ham - all delicious.  The middle tier had a scone, and the top tier had a puffed pastry filled with creme and a citrus tart.  The tea pot came with a strainer and sugar cubes! It was so exquisite and I really enjoyed it.  Certainly a ritual I would like to bring back with me.  

Leah Barish

Oh my lanta.  It really has been just non stop here! (Thank god).  My week seems to be finishing off rather nicely.  I had my second day of work - the morning started with a lot of grunt work, but I had a nice surprise in the afternoon! I was asked to help out a junket.  Which, is a series of interviews that take place and are filmed for other media use.  I sat in and helped set up the interview of Paul Franklin, the head of Visual Effects for the movie Inception!! It was very very interesting! It was very enthralling to just sit there and absorb all of his enthusiasm about the film and his work.

Thursday I had my first International Economics class.  I was really nervous that this class would be horribly scary and very math intensive, but day one was fantastic.  The professor is young, engaging, and seems very knowledgeable.  He gave us a series of exercises throughout the three hour class to gage what we already knew, and next week we start exploring the world and its economic and financial transactions! Right away it was easy to tell that this class would be a refreshing history lesson, which I'm eager to utilize, as I'm pretty sure the last piece of history I absorbed about the world was in the 9th grade. My brain is racked with all these American based facts, and is completely ready to spit out our economic history.  I think this class will be really helpful and the small eye opener most American Economic students really need.  Don't worry though, after just one class I was already consumed with a great deal of identity and pride for America.  I know a lot of people travel abroad and just wish to death they weren't American and are embarrassed of their accent and our nations follies.  I can say with certainty I will play the oppostite part here - every moment I'm more proud to be from America, and I've never felt more grateful and fortunate in my life - for my health, loved ones, and upbringing.

On a lighter note - Thursday night, Leah arrived from Bath!! We had an awesome two days together and I'm so happy she could visit! Thursday night, we went to a local pub just a few blocks away called The Albany.  We both decided we could use a beer and wanted to catch up.  I wanted something light, and Leah recommended I have a hard cider.  Immediately repulsed by the idea (for no good reason) I agreed I would try a sample and see if it was of my liking.  IT WAS.  I promptly bought a whole pint, Leah bought a dark local beer, and we sat down for a good hour in the dimly light bubbling pub.  We enjoyed the atmosphere (as we should! Our drinks were a whopping 4 pounds).  The cider was so fabulous, and I  already have another waiting for me in the fridge for tomorrow night!  I have a feeling it's definitely going to be my thing here - it reminds me so much of beer, but is just delicious!

Friday we went to Tate Modern, and I managed to thoroughly enjoy it despite it being my second visit.  We then bought tickets to Design for Living at the Old Vic theatre (really beautiful) and had dinner and saw the show.  It was really great - totally original, I've never seen anything quite like it.  The acting was superb - I'm so glad to have gone, Leah tends to gravitate to the theatres (one of the perks of being her good friend).

Today we toured Buckingham Palace! The queen is away on holiday in Scotland and the palace is open until October 1st for touring! I'm really glad we went because who knows when I'll ever have that opportunity again.  It was really impressive, and the Queen is the most adorable person in the world and she wears the cutest hats (Leah and I have decided).

Now I'm back at the flat, enjoying some hummus and carrots and reading the insane amounts of shakespeare I need to complete before class on tuesday.  Very glad tomorrow is Sunday - grocery shopping, hitting the gym, and reading reading reading.

Being busy has been great, and next week will only be worse! (better?!) Colby and I are finalizing our fall break plans tomorrow and I couldn't be more excited.  We've decided to spend two nights in Amsterdam and two nights in Tuscany!! (We might even take a cooking class ahhhh!!)

Shout out to my kid brother Benjamin who just moved his butt to Boston for a year of grand exploration and learning (of the film variety)!  I am so very very proud of him, and can't wait to see him in Boston in all his glory.  Watch out world, great things a coming.

Thanks to Leah for the visit - so good to see your face!

I love you all so much.

Until next time.

Hampden House

Oh my gosh what a week.  I must apologize for how long it's taken me to get this post up! It's just been non stop here since mom left thursday morning.  I moved in on Wednesday morning to the Hampden House at 2 Weymouth St.  Two of my four other flat mates are from the U of R, they are pictured together wearing the purple - that's Alison and my roommate, Dawn.  Also pictured in our kitchen is Frances, and her boyfriend Reg.  We've had a few orientation events - book shopping, a tour of london, a free dinner, and a few meetings.  All of the events ended friday though, and I was able to sleep in today for the first time since arriving! I slept until 12:30, it was glorious.  

I bought a gym membership at the location I am taking classes.  Everyone calls in ULU, and I went for the first time this morning.  It was great! Minus the fact that the distance was measured in kilometers, so that took some thinking about... and the weights were not pounds... which was also weird.  Regardless, I was so so happy to have some gym time, and now I plan on going 5-6 days a week! 

Yesterday I had my interview with Rain Dance TV which is where I'm going to be working.  I have a marketing internship for their company.  My two superiors were very awesome - said I could wear jeans, and even dropped the f bomb several times in our conversation (holy culture shock).  They were very relaxed and actually very hysterical - I'm excited to work in such an upbeat fast paced office.  From what I've gathered, they deal with clients who wish to have their advertisements, films, and or interviews streamed online.  I'm going to be learning a lot about all of the regulations and rights that go a long with that - and help them write a blog about daily news events in the film industry.  ALSO - they attend all movie premieres in London, and red carpet events! They deal with and interview movie stars on a regular basis, and they said they always need a hand from the interns, be it holding equipment - or doing the actual interviewing! (AHHH).  I'm very very excited.  They know I can write well, and plan to utilize me that way - but I also explained how I would like to better understand how their business operates successfully, so I should get some experience that way as well.  I'm going to be working Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30-6:00! 

On Tuesdays and Thursdays I have class. Tuesdays is Shakespeare and the Elizabethan Stage - with an included weekly theater visit! (I bought 10 books for this class eeeeek).  Then, Thursday is International Economics - the books look challenging, but it sounds like an extension of my Macro class, which, though difficult material, I fully enjoyed.  

I'm eager to get through next week and get rid of some of my anxiety for the newness of work and classes.  I'm really looking forward to my school work.  London is feeling less and less scary - I walked all the way to the gym (15 min walk) by myself without a map! Do I miss the cows and wide open green spaces? Yes.  Do I plan on ever living in a city this big ever again? No.  Am I glad to have the experience, and am I going to do my best to enjoy it to the fullest while I'm here? Yes.  

Being here just makes me really thankful for everything I have at home.  I had no idea so many things in my daily life were small luxuries elsewhere.  I'm really missing the family feel of the Rochester community, among many other little things - but I'm really happy to have the chance to get to know my flat mates, we're all getting along splendidly.  

Until next time.