Wow I haven't written an update in a week, sorry about that.
Ok, where to start...Last Friday I went down an explored Hyde Park. It was beautiful. It's crazy to be in such a huge city and have lush, huge parks all over the place. From certain points in Hyde Park you can see all the way to Parliament and the Eye...very cool. After walking around in the park for a few hours, I went to Harrod's, the department store (if you can even call it that). It is honestly like nothing I have ever experienced before. It has 6 levels, and as the saying goes (the have anything you could want, from a thumbtack to an elephant). And that's not a lie. They have fancy restaurants, a pet store, a bank, a full size grocery store, a travel agency, an optician...and that's not to mention all the clothes, jewelry, accessories, home products ect that the extremely rich may want. I guess that's important to mention. Ordinary people don't shop at Harrod's. I think my favorite department was the "Fine Jewelry and Watch" room. its not everyday when you see £100,000 watches and £80,000 cell phones. You get the point. Its amazing to think that some people are so wealthy that price tags mean nothing to them. While I was walking around Harrod's I saw a man buy two suits for £4200...CASH. Also when I walked outside there were two Bentley's parked next to each other...I took a picture, when all of a sudden a Rolls-Royce followed by a Lamborghini drove in front of them. It was sweet. It only takes money I suppose. Anyway, yesterday we got to go back to Harrod's with ISA for afternoon tea. It was really fun. It cost 30 quid (thats slang for pounds, kind of like how we say "bucks") in advance, but was definitely worth it to do once. How it works is like this:
On the top level of Harrod's there is a full-scale gourmet restaurant. We go to go there for tea. Tea is much more than just tea (although we did get to drink as much as we wanted and it was delicious). Tea also included all you can eat sandwiches, pastries, and deserts. We sat down at a table, and instantly our waiter came over and explained how it works. For the first round, he brought out 3 plates of various sizes all situated on a golden rack...the bottom plate had small sandwiches (salmon, ham and mustard, egg, cucumber and cheese and pesto) all cut into perfect triangles, no crust. The second plate had scones (honey, raisan, and some plain one), and the top plate had deserts (fruit tarts, literal fruit cake, mini cheese cake)...It was all so good. But after the first rounds of plates was eaten, the waiter came back and asked each person at our table if they wanted anything specific, and then brought out whatever we had asked for just for us (along with another full rack of the works). Of course we got to drink tea (the traditional English way- garnished with milk and sugar cubes)...also delicious. Like I said, it was fun to do one time, but obviously the price is steep, so we probably won't be going back.
This past week has been pretty low key...We went to the zoo on Sunday...Not going to lie, for being in the biggest city in Europe and costing £15, the London zoo was a little disappointing. Small enclosures, typical animals...Idk I was just not overly impressed. Classes are going well...I think my investments seminar (discussion) leader may drive me insane. He's a smart guy but has difficulty explaining (teaching) concepts to people when they have questions. Like the other day, someone was asking about bonds that sell at a premium, and why that happens, and I had to end up explaining the answer to the other student cuz our seminar leader couldn't convey what he was trying to say and have the student understand. Oh well, at least I understood already. Other than that everything is good in terms of school.
Today we get to go on a tour of the Houses of Parliament...should be awesome, and then tomorrow we are going to Tower of London and the Jack the Ripper walk...all three things are ISA events so they should be very good (ISA hooks us up)!
I'll be sure to blog about the next two days sunday after our adventures
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Long Week
Classes started on Monday...that was a reality check. I had advanced macroeconomic, which I thought was great. It should be a very interesting class, going in depth on things such as macro policy/theory/economists, global banking system, and other macroeconomic areas. I know, it's not for everyone, but I think the class will be very interesting. There's about 15 students in it...including me, 3 from the UK, and the rest from all over the world (middle east, eastern europe, south america).
On Tuesday I had romantic writings: 1770-1832...quickly switched out of that after one class and into intro to poetry haha.
Wednesday I had Modern America: 1850-1930...the class should actually be pretty fun...my professor is really cool and very funny. Wednesday I also went to Camden Town...a market type area thas full of retro thrift shops and other cool little stores...I bought an awesome hat there.
Today I had Investment Analysis and Strategy...I really like my lecturer and the course should be very interesting and useful. My seminar leader on the other hand is a huge goon. He like starts his thought, stops to think about it, smiles, and then switches to a new thought without ever finishing the what he had just said. Oh well.
In terms of grades/assignments here, it is quite different than at Edgewood. All my classes have two things that determine your semester mark. They are called your "coursework" (usually worth 30%) and your final examination (worth 70%). Most course work is in the form of an in class test of moderate length essay. The final examination are either an in class test or longer essay (12-20 pages). However, for my investments course, our coursework is different. We will all start with 10 million pounds of fake money, and have to set up a small portfolio of 15 assets. We have to then explain why we chose each asset, and the steps we took in researching the assets, our rationale for investing in them, and so on. It will be a lot of work, but should be a very good hands on experience. Oh, also with this class we have access to the "financial markets room", which is filled with double-monitor computers that are connected to Bloomberg, the investment software/information that is used across the globe. Its a really cool set up, looks just like a trading floor of a major firm.
I suppose I forgot to mention that it has been sunny here the past 4 days...very nice. Also, on Monday I went exploring...Started with the National Gallery where I saw paintings by da Vinci, Van Gogh, Michaelangelo, Monet, and many others...then I walked from Trafalgar Square towards Buckingham Palace, where there were hundreds of people standing outside...To my surprise I had showed up just in time to watch the changing of the guard, which was very cool!! A band marches through the front gate at Buckingham Palace, followed by many foot guards, and once inside the gates the go through a traditional sequence of steps and marches...very impressive. I made the mistake of walking around the entirety of the Buckingham Palace propert, because other than the front, there is nothing to see (just a large brick wall topped with the most intense spikes/barbed wire/electrical current you'll ever see). After the palace I walked to Parliament and Westminster Abbey, which, as i've said before, are both amazing buildings. Needless to say I was exhausted Monday night.
Well I am very tired and don't have class tomorrow, so I want to be well rested as I am going out to explore the city again in the morning...Maybe check out the London Eye and some of the many parks (Hyde and Regents most likely).
Cheers
On Tuesday I had romantic writings: 1770-1832...quickly switched out of that after one class and into intro to poetry haha.
Wednesday I had Modern America: 1850-1930...the class should actually be pretty fun...my professor is really cool and very funny. Wednesday I also went to Camden Town...a market type area thas full of retro thrift shops and other cool little stores...I bought an awesome hat there.
Today I had Investment Analysis and Strategy...I really like my lecturer and the course should be very interesting and useful. My seminar leader on the other hand is a huge goon. He like starts his thought, stops to think about it, smiles, and then switches to a new thought without ever finishing the what he had just said. Oh well.
In terms of grades/assignments here, it is quite different than at Edgewood. All my classes have two things that determine your semester mark. They are called your "coursework" (usually worth 30%) and your final examination (worth 70%). Most course work is in the form of an in class test of moderate length essay. The final examination are either an in class test or longer essay (12-20 pages). However, for my investments course, our coursework is different. We will all start with 10 million pounds of fake money, and have to set up a small portfolio of 15 assets. We have to then explain why we chose each asset, and the steps we took in researching the assets, our rationale for investing in them, and so on. It will be a lot of work, but should be a very good hands on experience. Oh, also with this class we have access to the "financial markets room", which is filled with double-monitor computers that are connected to Bloomberg, the investment software/information that is used across the globe. Its a really cool set up, looks just like a trading floor of a major firm.
I suppose I forgot to mention that it has been sunny here the past 4 days...very nice. Also, on Monday I went exploring...Started with the National Gallery where I saw paintings by da Vinci, Van Gogh, Michaelangelo, Monet, and many others...then I walked from Trafalgar Square towards Buckingham Palace, where there were hundreds of people standing outside...To my surprise I had showed up just in time to watch the changing of the guard, which was very cool!! A band marches through the front gate at Buckingham Palace, followed by many foot guards, and once inside the gates the go through a traditional sequence of steps and marches...very impressive. I made the mistake of walking around the entirety of the Buckingham Palace propert, because other than the front, there is nothing to see (just a large brick wall topped with the most intense spikes/barbed wire/electrical current you'll ever see). After the palace I walked to Parliament and Westminster Abbey, which, as i've said before, are both amazing buildings. Needless to say I was exhausted Monday night.
Well I am very tired and don't have class tomorrow, so I want to be well rested as I am going out to explore the city again in the morning...Maybe check out the London Eye and some of the many parks (Hyde and Regents most likely).
Cheers
Sunday, January 16, 2011
London Streets
Quick thing to note before I forget:
The streets in London are crazy!!!! Drivers are all madmen (buses, sports cars, mopeds/motorcycles, even bikes!). They zoom in and out of traffic like its nothing, and never, ever consider stopping for a pedestrian unless they have to (signified by different street lamps and cross walks like ours in the US). I could never imagine driving here...or biking for that matter (bikes have to be in the street, and it just seems extremely dangerous). It definitely makes you pay attention when you're walking where ever you are.
Just wanted to add that so I didn't forget
The streets in London are crazy!!!! Drivers are all madmen (buses, sports cars, mopeds/motorcycles, even bikes!). They zoom in and out of traffic like its nothing, and never, ever consider stopping for a pedestrian unless they have to (signified by different street lamps and cross walks like ours in the US). I could never imagine driving here...or biking for that matter (bikes have to be in the street, and it just seems extremely dangerous). It definitely makes you pay attention when you're walking where ever you are.
Just wanted to add that so I didn't forget
What A Day
Heyyoo
Sooo today was one of the most tiring but most fun day's I've had so far. I slept in again (kind of...till 10) and then went out and took pictures around my dorm (Hoxton Market, Old St, Shoreditch) which was really cool. We then met up with two of our friends living at different dorms and went to the Evensong at Westminster Abbey. The Evensong was a mass-like service (without communion and lots of singing by only the choir). We went to this mostly to gain free entry into the church, however. To say Westminster Abbey is amazing a complete understatement. This building, both inside and out, could be the most impressive and astonishing building I have ever seen. It is literally indescribable. Search it on google to try and get an idea, although pictures don't do justice to the size/detail of every aspect of the church. Unfortunately photos are not allowed inside the church, so I don't have any to show. But literally it is one of the most brilliant things I have ever seen.
After going to The Abbey, we went ate dinner and then went on a walking tour of London. It was really neat because our guide took us to places that you would never think of or know to go (the tour was based mostly off folklore and urban legend/myth type things, but we went to some really interesting and beautiful sites). We think we're going to try to get together and do one of these tours either every week or every other, because they're only 6 pounds and really quite interesting and fun. Our tour guide was great (an older English man with an abundant knowledge of the city).
Anyway, we spent so much time walking today that now I am utterly exhausted and am calling it an early night. I start class tomorrow (advanced macroeconomics) but not until 6pm which is nice. I might go back to the British Museum, or maybe go exploring around Baker St. in the morning/early afternoon.
Hopefully now that class is starting I'll be on a more solid schedule and will fall into the flow of things...this past week has been very busy and very tiring.
Hope all is well back home
Cheers
Sooo today was one of the most tiring but most fun day's I've had so far. I slept in again (kind of...till 10) and then went out and took pictures around my dorm (Hoxton Market, Old St, Shoreditch) which was really cool. We then met up with two of our friends living at different dorms and went to the Evensong at Westminster Abbey. The Evensong was a mass-like service (without communion and lots of singing by only the choir). We went to this mostly to gain free entry into the church, however. To say Westminster Abbey is amazing a complete understatement. This building, both inside and out, could be the most impressive and astonishing building I have ever seen. It is literally indescribable. Search it on google to try and get an idea, although pictures don't do justice to the size/detail of every aspect of the church. Unfortunately photos are not allowed inside the church, so I don't have any to show. But literally it is one of the most brilliant things I have ever seen.
After going to The Abbey, we went ate dinner and then went on a walking tour of London. It was really neat because our guide took us to places that you would never think of or know to go (the tour was based mostly off folklore and urban legend/myth type things, but we went to some really interesting and beautiful sites). We think we're going to try to get together and do one of these tours either every week or every other, because they're only 6 pounds and really quite interesting and fun. Our tour guide was great (an older English man with an abundant knowledge of the city).
Anyway, we spent so much time walking today that now I am utterly exhausted and am calling it an early night. I start class tomorrow (advanced macroeconomics) but not until 6pm which is nice. I might go back to the British Museum, or maybe go exploring around Baker St. in the morning/early afternoon.
Hopefully now that class is starting I'll be on a more solid schedule and will fall into the flow of things...this past week has been very busy and very tiring.
Hope all is well back home
Cheers
Friday, January 14, 2011
Settling In
Hello,
It has been a busy first week, but every part, both good and bad, has been an excellent learning experience. Last night I met up with Chris Brigham...He graduated from West the same year as Beans, and we have known each other through baseball and umpiring for a long time. He currently works in London at Merrill Lynch at an equity trading desk, working mostly with global stocks. I met up with him in The City, in Paternoster Square...Right next to St. Paul's Cathedral. We ended up going to dinner at a Thai restaurant near by... absolutely delicious, and very reasonably priced (dinner was like 10 pounds for each of us, and I had enough leftovers for lunch and dinner today as well). I got back from dinner around 9 and met some of the kids from my flat and there friends...they are very nice and welcoming. We went out to a place that is filled with foosball tables (here it's referred to as table football), and played a couple of games of that before returning home. The kids were all British, except from one girl who is from Japan. The diversity here is amazing. Just within my halls, I have met students from all over the US, UK, Australia, Spain, France, Latvia...and that's just naming a few. I can't wait to see what class is like on Monday.
As for today, I slept in (which was amazing) and then went exploring. My friend Amanda and I ventured down Old St. away from the Tube (So dad can google earth it), and eventually ventured into The City. We walked all around Liverpool Station...a huge train station that takes people all over the UK. Very cool. We eventually got ourselves pretty lost, but found a Tube and figured our way out. We made our way over to St. Paul's, and walked around, in awe the entire time. The place is amazing. Its a building that is almost 1500 years old, yet sits among modern architecture of the financial district. the contrast in styles is phenomenal...it was quite cloudy and a little drizzly so I didn't take many photos. We were able to walk into the front entrance without paying the 15 pound fee to view the rest of the church...a bunch of us are going to go to service at both St. Paul's and Westminster Abbey (site of the royal wedding) so we don't have to pay. Unfortunately pictures are not allowed inside these wonderful buildings.
As we exited St. Paul's, a flash hail storm occurred producing about pea sized hail...kind of cool and very creepy. We then took the tube home, and I have been relaxing the rest of the afternoon. Tomorrow I plan on getting things for class (notebooks, paper, ect) as it begins Monday night.
Hope all is well in the States
Cheers!!
It has been a busy first week, but every part, both good and bad, has been an excellent learning experience. Last night I met up with Chris Brigham...He graduated from West the same year as Beans, and we have known each other through baseball and umpiring for a long time. He currently works in London at Merrill Lynch at an equity trading desk, working mostly with global stocks. I met up with him in The City, in Paternoster Square...Right next to St. Paul's Cathedral. We ended up going to dinner at a Thai restaurant near by... absolutely delicious, and very reasonably priced (dinner was like 10 pounds for each of us, and I had enough leftovers for lunch and dinner today as well). I got back from dinner around 9 and met some of the kids from my flat and there friends...they are very nice and welcoming. We went out to a place that is filled with foosball tables (here it's referred to as table football), and played a couple of games of that before returning home. The kids were all British, except from one girl who is from Japan. The diversity here is amazing. Just within my halls, I have met students from all over the US, UK, Australia, Spain, France, Latvia...and that's just naming a few. I can't wait to see what class is like on Monday.
As for today, I slept in (which was amazing) and then went exploring. My friend Amanda and I ventured down Old St. away from the Tube (So dad can google earth it), and eventually ventured into The City. We walked all around Liverpool Station...a huge train station that takes people all over the UK. Very cool. We eventually got ourselves pretty lost, but found a Tube and figured our way out. We made our way over to St. Paul's, and walked around, in awe the entire time. The place is amazing. Its a building that is almost 1500 years old, yet sits among modern architecture of the financial district. the contrast in styles is phenomenal...it was quite cloudy and a little drizzly so I didn't take many photos. We were able to walk into the front entrance without paying the 15 pound fee to view the rest of the church...a bunch of us are going to go to service at both St. Paul's and Westminster Abbey (site of the royal wedding) so we don't have to pay. Unfortunately pictures are not allowed inside these wonderful buildings.
As we exited St. Paul's, a flash hail storm occurred producing about pea sized hail...kind of cool and very creepy. We then took the tube home, and I have been relaxing the rest of the afternoon. Tomorrow I plan on getting things for class (notebooks, paper, ect) as it begins Monday night.
Hope all is well in the States
Cheers!!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Update
Just a quick update...
Last night I went to a pub near by to play some english pool with one of my American friends and 3 of our British friends...it was really fun. English pool is a little different than american pool...there are still 15 balls, but they are all a little smaller than in the US. also the balls dont have numbers...instead there are just 7 balls of one color, and 7 of the other (and the black ball). if you knock in a red ball first, you are red, yellow first, you are yellow. (sometimes one of the set of 7 will also have a stripe, but that just depends on the set of balls you are using). If you want to play 9 ball (referred to as snooker), you have to go to a "fancy hall". here the balls are numbered 1-9 and the rules are very similar to our nine ball.
Today our ISA group is going on a tour at the British Museum...it's supposed to be amazing. I'll let you all know how it goes.
I've been listening to alot of British Hip-Hop/R&B...i think it's really good. If you want to look up a really popular artist search for "Giggs ft. BoB" on youtube...the song is called Don't Go There (the lyrics are a little vulgar, just a warning...but I just thought I'd let you know what kind of stuff is played in pubs, restaurants and stores around the city)
That's all for now...gotta go catch the tube
Last night I went to a pub near by to play some english pool with one of my American friends and 3 of our British friends...it was really fun. English pool is a little different than american pool...there are still 15 balls, but they are all a little smaller than in the US. also the balls dont have numbers...instead there are just 7 balls of one color, and 7 of the other (and the black ball). if you knock in a red ball first, you are red, yellow first, you are yellow. (sometimes one of the set of 7 will also have a stripe, but that just depends on the set of balls you are using). If you want to play 9 ball (referred to as snooker), you have to go to a "fancy hall". here the balls are numbered 1-9 and the rules are very similar to our nine ball.
Today our ISA group is going on a tour at the British Museum...it's supposed to be amazing. I'll let you all know how it goes.
I've been listening to alot of British Hip-Hop/R&B...i think it's really good. If you want to look up a really popular artist search for "Giggs ft. BoB" on youtube...the song is called Don't Go There (the lyrics are a little vulgar, just a warning...but I just thought I'd let you know what kind of stuff is played in pubs, restaurants and stores around the city)
That's all for now...gotta go catch the tube
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Busy
Good Morning!
I have been incredibly busy the past couple of days, getting to know my way around the city, how to use the tube, ect. Classes don't start till the 17th so we have the next 6 days free to ourselves. Yesterday we had orientation at Westminster starting at 8:45am until about 12:30pm. Then we got some fish and chips at a local pub, which was surprisingly delicious. I feel like London has a bad reputation in terms of food...my experience so far as been fine, I think the food is good (definitely not Mom's home cooking, however). After lunch yesterday we walked up and down regent street, oxford street, and a bunch of side streets in the area. That part of town is filled with shops and stores and is incredibly busy. Very fun though. Last night two friends and I made spaghetti dinner with meat sauce...it was actually edible, surprisingly :) Grocery shopping and cooking is definitely the way to go, as I got all my groceries needed for dinner for 10 pounds. I did forget peanut butter and jelly to go with the bread I bought unfortunately, so I'll have to go back to the store today.
This morning I had my registration meeting at 9:40am...To say the tube is busy between 8-10 is such and understatement its insane. Great experience, however. The tube is very safe, well lit, and people here (for the most part) are very friendly. Navigating around the city is very simple, and signage is everywhere to direct you where to go.
This afternoon/tonight we might go to leicaster square (where the National Gallery is) and see movie stars entering the theatre for a premier. The movie is called "Morning Glory" and stars Rachel McAdams , Harrison Ford, and Diane Keaton.
It's a chilly, damp day here in London, although no one seems to really mind...people seem to act the same whether its raining or the sun is shining. I seem to be getting used to the time change a little bit, but still feel a bit jet lagged...they say that should go away within the next couple days though.
The ISA people are great! Today after my registration meeting I was walking back to the tube station (Oxford Circus, in case Dad wants to Google Earth it), and one of the ISA people recognized me and stopped to talk to me on the sidewalk for about 5 minutes. Talking to other students in other programs, it really seems like ISA is the best. We are all very well taken care of.
I'm going to go grab some food now...
Cheers
I have been incredibly busy the past couple of days, getting to know my way around the city, how to use the tube, ect. Classes don't start till the 17th so we have the next 6 days free to ourselves. Yesterday we had orientation at Westminster starting at 8:45am until about 12:30pm. Then we got some fish and chips at a local pub, which was surprisingly delicious. I feel like London has a bad reputation in terms of food...my experience so far as been fine, I think the food is good (definitely not Mom's home cooking, however). After lunch yesterday we walked up and down regent street, oxford street, and a bunch of side streets in the area. That part of town is filled with shops and stores and is incredibly busy. Very fun though. Last night two friends and I made spaghetti dinner with meat sauce...it was actually edible, surprisingly :) Grocery shopping and cooking is definitely the way to go, as I got all my groceries needed for dinner for 10 pounds. I did forget peanut butter and jelly to go with the bread I bought unfortunately, so I'll have to go back to the store today.
This morning I had my registration meeting at 9:40am...To say the tube is busy between 8-10 is such and understatement its insane. Great experience, however. The tube is very safe, well lit, and people here (for the most part) are very friendly. Navigating around the city is very simple, and signage is everywhere to direct you where to go.
This afternoon/tonight we might go to leicaster square (where the National Gallery is) and see movie stars entering the theatre for a premier. The movie is called "Morning Glory" and stars Rachel McAdams , Harrison Ford, and Diane Keaton.
It's a chilly, damp day here in London, although no one seems to really mind...people seem to act the same whether its raining or the sun is shining. I seem to be getting used to the time change a little bit, but still feel a bit jet lagged...they say that should go away within the next couple days though.
The ISA people are great! Today after my registration meeting I was walking back to the tube station (Oxford Circus, in case Dad wants to Google Earth it), and one of the ISA people recognized me and stopped to talk to me on the sidewalk for about 5 minutes. Talking to other students in other programs, it really seems like ISA is the best. We are all very well taken care of.
I'm going to go grab some food now...
Cheers
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Fantastic
Hello All,
My first two days in London have been amazing...Honestly much more fantastic than I could have ever imagined. So Saturday I arrived at Heathrow around 6:30am my time (12:30am central) and got through customs and everything by 7:30. We waited for everyone to arrive and didn't actually leave the airport till about 1:30pm (all times London). Anyway we go to the dorms, ran a couple of errands, and went to eat. After dinner we all went out (along with a bunch of other kids and RA's from the dorms), about 50 of us in all...we went to this huge bar and had a drink, met a lot of people (both Americans and Brit's). About 10 friends and I left around 10:30 and walked back to the dorm. 3 of them and myself decided we wanted to stay out, so we walked to another bar for another drink. Very Fun!!! Just sat in a booth and talked and got to know each other...great time. We left that bar around 12:30am, and then walked back home. Then we saw some of our British friends in their kitchen, so we stopped and bought a bottle of wine from a liquor/convenience store (yes at 12:30am haha) and joined them. we talked with them till about 2am...fantastic time as well. Tired today, but didn't matter cuz today was also awesome!! We went on a walking tour of London, learned how to use the tube (very easy) and ate at this fantastic Italian restaurant that is right next to HMS Belfast and overlooks the river Thames and the Tower Bridge...Amazing views as the sun set!! I'm getting ready to go out for a drink and to watch some football (unfortunately not the American kind, as Brits have no interest in that). Anyway I'll blog about the tour and what not either later tonight or tomorrow. I have pictures on facebook, that's the easiest way I can figure out to put them online....there's also a few at this link http://picasaweb.google.com/mbattista8/London#
I'll try to get more up later.
Cheers
My first two days in London have been amazing...Honestly much more fantastic than I could have ever imagined. So Saturday I arrived at Heathrow around 6:30am my time (12:30am central) and got through customs and everything by 7:30. We waited for everyone to arrive and didn't actually leave the airport till about 1:30pm (all times London). Anyway we go to the dorms, ran a couple of errands, and went to eat. After dinner we all went out (along with a bunch of other kids and RA's from the dorms), about 50 of us in all...we went to this huge bar and had a drink, met a lot of people (both Americans and Brit's). About 10 friends and I left around 10:30 and walked back to the dorm. 3 of them and myself decided we wanted to stay out, so we walked to another bar for another drink. Very Fun!!! Just sat in a booth and talked and got to know each other...great time. We left that bar around 12:30am, and then walked back home. Then we saw some of our British friends in their kitchen, so we stopped and bought a bottle of wine from a liquor/convenience store (yes at 12:30am haha) and joined them. we talked with them till about 2am...fantastic time as well. Tired today, but didn't matter cuz today was also awesome!! We went on a walking tour of London, learned how to use the tube (very easy) and ate at this fantastic Italian restaurant that is right next to HMS Belfast and overlooks the river Thames and the Tower Bridge...Amazing views as the sun set!! I'm getting ready to go out for a drink and to watch some football (unfortunately not the American kind, as Brits have no interest in that). Anyway I'll blog about the tour and what not either later tonight or tomorrow. I have pictures on facebook, that's the easiest way I can figure out to put them online....there's also a few at this link http://picasaweb.google.com/mbattista8/London#
I'll try to get more up later.
Cheers
Friday, January 7, 2011
Anticipation
This is my first post on a blog...we'll see how it goes....
Well everything is packed and ready to go, suitcases. carry on, ect...it's really hard to pack your life for six months into a couple bags (however, with the help of my mom, we succeeded)! Starting last night the feelings that I'm about to leave really set in...super excited/nervous/just ready to leave really...Like Bailey said its like being 5 years old on Christmas Eve, except times about 20. It's the highest amount of anticipation/anxiousness I've felt since the night before day 2 at the State Golf Tournament my senior year. Everything is very exciting. I woke up at 630 am for no reason...didn't set an alarm, didn't go to bed too late...just wanted to run down the stairs like there were presents to be opened (only my hypothetical "presents" can't be opened until 4:45 this afternoon). Parents seem to be doing well...Mom is still being Mom to the very last minute :) Dad seems fine...acting pretty normal to be honest lol. Well I'm going to go eat some breakfast and try to kill some time before we actually get to leave for the airport (around 11am).
I'll post again once I get to London...hopefully by then I'll have a little more to talk about :)
Well everything is packed and ready to go, suitcases. carry on, ect...it's really hard to pack your life for six months into a couple bags (however, with the help of my mom, we succeeded)! Starting last night the feelings that I'm about to leave really set in...super excited/nervous/just ready to leave really...Like Bailey said its like being 5 years old on Christmas Eve, except times about 20. It's the highest amount of anticipation/anxiousness I've felt since the night before day 2 at the State Golf Tournament my senior year. Everything is very exciting. I woke up at 630 am for no reason...didn't set an alarm, didn't go to bed too late...just wanted to run down the stairs like there were presents to be opened (only my hypothetical "presents" can't be opened until 4:45 this afternoon). Parents seem to be doing well...Mom is still being Mom to the very last minute :) Dad seems fine...acting pretty normal to be honest lol. Well I'm going to go eat some breakfast and try to kill some time before we actually get to leave for the airport (around 11am).
I'll post again once I get to London...hopefully by then I'll have a little more to talk about :)
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