London Eye Slideshow

I don't think I've put this up yet!

PARIS!

Hey Everybody,

I just drank a coffee and had dinner, so I am feeling energized and ready to write about my weekend in Paris with Kaitlin (my next door neighbor in Marblehead)! I'll do my best to explain what it was like, but really it is very difficult because Paris is such a sensory experience. You have to be there. Us Marbleheaders traveled so far to be able to walk the streets of Paris next to the river and seeing the Eiffel Tower, compared to walking Preston or seeing the lighthouse. It made me so happy to see familiar faces. Turns out one of my best buddies from BU, Liza Katz lives RIGHT down the street from Kaitlin!! :) After seeing them two, I've had a boost of energy to go out and conquer Europe.

My first day I arrived in the evening after taking the train. The trip was only about 2.5 hours and was very comfortable, I liked it. Upon arriving, I immediately felt the culture shock of being essentially illiterate in a foreign country. I kinda felt helpless not being able to read any signs or ask people for directions. I'm told if people hear you are American, you tend to get ripped off. I have never really been around the french language at all!

To get dinner, Kaitlin and I went to Monoprix, the supermarket and picked out supplies. I am still in awe of how good french food is. They can get meat from the butcher, fish from the fish guy, cheese from the cheese guy, bread from the bread guy, and veg from the farmers market. The way they shop is completely different from how we shop in America. There are no preservatives in the food and almost everything is fresh. So, instead of stocking up like we do at home, they buy everything day of. It tastes so much better, it's incredible.

Walking down the streets you can catch a whiff of everything from fresh baked bread to cheese and the smell of flowers on the corner. Also, there are many musicians who plan on the street so you can hear the sounds of accordions. If you look up at night, you can see the searchlight of the Eiffel Tower. This is what I mean by a "sensory experience."

That night we met up with some of Kaitlin's buddies and it was great. We drank wine and got a chance to chat! It was very relaxing, I was happy to be there. We also went out to mix club and danced the night away!

The next morning Kaitlin took me to go see Notre Dame. :) The church had a creepy aspect to it - very dimly lit and had beautiful Gothic architecture. Loved it. The gargoyles on the outside were very cool. Afterward, we walked along the river and got to see the Louvre. GAHHH. It kept hitting me that I was in PARIS.







That night we got together with Liza for dinner at Kaitlin's apartment. We talked of all things french and the things each of us have had to adapt to while studying abroad. Did you know that wine is cheaper than bottled water in Paris? Haha

After dinner, Kaitlin and I headed to Louvre to get a closer look. I appreciate Kaitlin for being so patient with me because I think I snapped about 100 photos. The architecture and lighting at night put me in awe. Plus it was a clear, fresh night perfect for walking around. We did go inside to try to see the Mona Lisa, but they were closing so we were kicked out! So close! Oh well, I guess I'll just have to go back :)





Because our plans to see some art were foiled, we decided to walk to the Eiffel Tower because it was such a perfect night. It was about an hour away and we got a chance to catch the light show that happens on the hour on the way over. Took some lovely pics.

When we got there, we walked right underneath, I found a keychain. Then we walked across the bridge to some giant stone steps and got to chat a bit until the next light show started. I have to admit, it was kinda like watching fireworks. Very romantic, haha. We could hear the Americans further on behind us going "wwwwhhhoooaaa soo cool." We are so amused. Little Parisian kids played on their scooters in front of us even though it was 11pm.





That night when we got back was also really cute. Kaitlin treated me to a really ornate Paris pastry which we ate with tea back at the apartment.

Day three also involved much walking. (Kaitlin lives on the 8th floor with no elevator.) Oyyyy! Liza and I went to the Monet museum which is pretty close to where I was staying. We walked through a little park and the museum is essentially in a house. You can walk through the rooms and look at the paintings by Renior, Monet, Manet, and other impressionists like you lived there. I felt sooo inspired and bought three postcards. I'm realizing I really love the impressionists. Every painting is unique and can be looked at a different way.

Afterward we did a bunch of window shopping and got to see Victor Hugo's house. And after a quick bite to eat, Liza and I went out to Polyglot club. It's where people go to meet and learn and practice new languages. It's pretty informal and was held at a bar. Lots of folks were there who wanted to talk to English speakers, so I was in luck. It was awesome! I tried my first french beer and chatted with some women who were looking to better their English. Got to swap a bunch of stories and actually get the chance to talk. Loved it. I think I might look up Polyglot clubs in London...

My last day Kaitlin took me to Momatre after the three of us went to the farmer's market. I got some compte cheese which is SOOO GOOD. I actually just had some on my pasta. Anyways, Momatre was amazing. Got to see panoramic views of the city and see where they filmed Amelie! GAAAHHH, I was so excited. We walked around Sacre Coure and got a banana nutella crepe from a street vendor. On a cold day, it tasted unbelievable. Also....there is an artist's market where there are just lines of artists in the square doing charcoal portraits or selling paintings. I decided that I would LOVE to get a painting as a souvenir just because I saw so much art while I was there. So, Kaitlin helped me haggle and I ended up getting a painting of Sacre Coure for 35 euro! I cannot wait to frame it. I think I am gonna have mom bring it home to M'head when she comes to visit.



Because we had some time before I had to get ready to catch my train, we also stopped in the Salvador Dali museum. I tell ya, that guy had some weird stuff. I have to admit though, he was really really creative and used a lot of artistic mediums. I thought he did just drawings, but there was furniture, sculpture, and lots of other stuff. I'll have to put up some pics to have you see for yourself.





Overall, I had such a relaxing trip and got to see sooo much for such a short period of time. I love the community feel of Paris as well as the good food and company! I am seriously considering going back once it starts to get warmer out. I cannot believe what a fabulous time I had!!! :)

<3 A

Videos

Catching up!

I know I know. It has been far too long since my last post. I hate to make excuses, but I have been so busy living life that I haven't been able to comfortably sit and write everything down on the computer. Even now I feel a bit rushed because I should be finishing my summer job emails and packing for Paris tomorrow.

So since my last post I have visited Scotland for the weekend, Alex came to visit me in London, and I took my final exams. Whirlwind of activity. It's funny cause I gave myself a day off to do nothing before going to Paris and I'm at a loss. Somehow nonstop activity is just ingrained in me now.

SCOTLAND:

Me and my roomates along with a friend from upstairs stayed in Glasgow together for the weekend. Ugh, we spent over 8 hours waiting at the airport because our flight was canceled and then our rescheduled flight was delayed. Ryanair is a cheapy airline. Once we got there we took a bus to the hostel which at the top of the hill looking over Glasgow. We had a beautiful view of the University. Such pretty architecture!

The next day we spent walking around University Glasgow and even walked in on a Scottish wedding. So many kilts! The weather was really sunny (something I'm not used to in london) and I got some great photos.

At night we walked around Sauchiehall Street and Ashton Lane and went to a few clubs. One night I was there I met up with Lucy Amon, one of my buddies from Marblehead. It was really great to see a familiar face.

The next day we went on a daytrip to Edinburgh. SOO worth it. The train ride was really beautiful with rolling hills and sheep. The train was packed though because there was a rugby game that day and EVERYONE was going. I'm talking painted faces, kilts, scarves, they had everything going on.

Upon getting there we found the top of a hill overlooking Holyrood Road and the city. Please see video post...And we also walked up to Edinburgh castle to try haggis at a store and look at the white mountains in the distance.

Overall it was a pretty adventure. I'll have to write more about it when I have more time...

ALEX'S VISIT:

Oh man. There's a lot of pressure writing this post. I don't know how we packed so much activity into such a short amount of time. I think I crossed everything off my London To Do list pretty much.

Here's what we did!

Day One –

Caught the first train to Heathrow Airport at 5:54 am. Couldn't sleep cause I was too excited. Turns out Alex's plane got in early at 5am and I didn't arrive there till 6:30am. That train could not get there fast enough.

We napped real quick at Glenna and Robin's (my aunt and uncle's where we stayed for the week) and then headed over to Buckingham Palace. The queen was home, cause the flag was raised. We also walked around St. Jame's Park and then up to Parliament and Big Ben. After assuring me that he would take NO PHOTOS if I gave him the camera, Alex went snap happy. :)

Then I had planned a surprise for us that evening. I still have the music from it stuck in my head as I'm writing right now. We went pub hopping for a bit before coming to the Dominion Theater to see the musical We Will Rock You! The theater itself is a spectacle, let alone the performance. The singing was enough to make me want to immediately download the soundtrack off itunes. The plot was redank - it's set in the future when rock music has been banned and a group of bohemians try to get it back. At one point a sparkling guitar breaks free from a pile of rocks so they can rock out. It was basically a giant concert. I was so tired at intermission but during the second act I believe I was doing the double fist pump during some of the songs. That says something.


Day 2 –

Loves it. We went to Westminster Abbey and each took one of the audio guides. I can't believe the people that are burried there! Dickens, Lyell, Newton, Chaucer, Darwin...It was Darwin's 200th birthday the day before so we missed some of the activity. The cloisters are really beautiful too, it looks like the courtyard in Harry Potter. We also took a sneak peak at the gardens which were closed. People actually live there! So beautiful.

Just as we were leaving the sun was starting to poke through so we decided today would be the day to go on the London Eye. Please see slideshow. There are really no words to describe it. Alex, can you help me out in the form of a comment?




After that we had dinner with Glenna and Robin and went out on Fulham Broadway. We went to three places: a salsa club, a college bar, and a crazy club. It's such a contrast to Boston where I have to wait at home while other get to go enjoy the nightlife. And, they played Bohemian Rapsody that night. Perfect!


Valentines day –

I'm sorry, but no one elses valentines day can top this. I am still in disbelief that Alex came all this way and we got to celebrate while exploring! We started off the day at the Tate Modern. Saw works by Picasso, Miro, Manet, Diego Rivera, Salvador Dali...The list goes on.

On the way out we took pics of the Thames and the view of St. Paul's Cathedral. Shakespeare's Globe Theater is right next door so we stopped to see that too. After crossing the Millenium Bridge, we walked in St. Paul's. We didn't get to climb to the top because of mass, but seeing the inside is still spectacular. After that we got a bite to eat and stopped for coffee at a cute cafe. Alex got me a rose.

Then it was time for my valentine's day gift/surprise (I am full of surprises). We made the walk down to Tower of London where we could see the Tower Bridge. Alex kept begging to go on it but that was actually where I was taking him later after dinner. So, to kill some time we walked along the wharf and stopped to talk and drink some wine. The night was absolutely clear and something I will not forget.

After dinner we headed to the bridge for champagne and a jazz band at the top. It was all lit up in red and there were about a million couples. I'll post the video so you can get an idea of what it was like.

Day 4 –

Museum hoppin' day. We went to Exhibition Road at hit up the Natural History Museum and the V and A museum. They were packed with people! On the bus ride over from Glenna's Alex took pictures of the Chelsea Football Club to brag to his buddies back home.

The museums were great but there was just not enough time or energy to do it all. The V&A helped me study for my British History exam because I was able to recognize some of the monarchs and the context of the paintings. I felt really special. And somewhat prepared! Thank goodness.

On the way home, we stopped by my flat so Alex could get to see where I live and meet the roomies. After that we took a slight detour to platform 9 and three quarters! Yup. Alex HAD to go. Such a photo op! The pics are cute.


That night we were pooped and went to bed relatively early.

Day 5 -

UGH FINALS. I woke up early to write my final paper for Journalism while Alex slept in. Then I had a meeting for my internship while Alex explored Hyde Park. Then I had to go finish the paper and attend the second part of the meeting. Why BU schedules two separate meetings during my final is beyond me. Alex and I did manage to find the time to go to Hyde Park together to feed the swans, pigeons, and squirrels. We had too much fun. Hahaha, I'll post those videos too...

Because I had those stupid meetings all day we didn't get back to Glenna's until 7ish so we picked up pizza and beer on the way for dinner. Pizzahut, just so Alex could get back into American mode again. We spent the night packing and relaxing while Alex helped me study for my British History exam.

Day 6 -

Not really much of a day. We woke up early got the stuff together and headed on the long ride tube ride to the airport. Sigh. Back to the real world...

When I got back to the flat I had about 1.5 hours to study before my test, but I fell asleep in the study lounge with my papers on my lap. A friend from class woke me up.


And now, I am done with two out of three classes. Tomorrow I leave for Paris to visit Kaitlin Bishop, one of my best friends from home and my nextdoor neighbor. More adventures await...

Love you Alex.

<3 A


ps. More videos, photos, and slideshows are yet to come for this post. Stay tuned! Also, I have posted ALL my pics from the trip on facebook if you wanna see them.

Some Scotland Video

Snowstorm

So it snowed today! The most in London since 1991. Me and some friends from the building walked over to Hyde Park and built the most enormous snowman ever. It was funny because crowds of people would come over and watch and take pictures next to it. I felt like I was back in Boston. :)

Chinese New Year

I had to narrate.