London Calling

                                                  

My traveling adventure of a lifetime began Saturday afternoon, 19 February.I apologize in advance for the long posts that will follow- there is just so much to fit in in such a short amount of time. Mary and I headed to the airport in the midst of the rain and cold that was Bordeaux only to arrive in London to more rain and cold! Mary and I left Bordeaux in the mid afternoon and arrived in London only 40 minutes later, according to the ticket. Jemma and Mary were pleased to learn Bordeaux was so close to London… they just left out the fact that there was an hour time change… so an hour and 40 minutes later Mary and I arrived in London. The Gatwick express, SUBWAY- yes, that’s right Subway (London was my little taste of America) and a train later, which thankfully was written in English because it was so confusing, all in all it took about an hour and half including customs, we arrived at the Pembridge Palace Hotel in London. It was not necessarily a palace, but it was a step up from a hostel, and the location was perfect.

Mary and I started to settle in and then wanted to check in with Jemma, who took the train to Paris and then flew from there to London. We had been in constant communication throughout the day, but for the last couple of hours we hadn’t heard anything- we were getting a little worried. She finally gave us a call from a payphone only to tell us that her phone had died- shocking- it seems to happen to us all the time. We set up plans to meet her at Bayswater station, right near our hotel.

In the middle of this, I met up with my friends from UT, Katie, Ben, and Katie’s friend Casi. There is nothing like seeing familiar, friendly faces in a place where everything is so foreign. I got to hear all about their experiences, Katie and Casi in Switzerland and Ben in Rome, and we swapped study abroad stories. We decided to get Mexican, after purchasing a train ticket and changing our minds- 4 pounds down the drain, but as Annie always says money could fix it so Mary and I had to let it go. The Mexican was the perfect choice though, and it hit the spot. I even got some salsa- not quite the refillable bowl we are accustomed to in the states, but it was good enough. While at the restaurant, Mary and I were watching the time, and we left to go meet Jemma. Of course, it is me and nothing can go perfectly. We get to Bayswater only to find out that Jemma’s train was stopped on the track and had probably been redirected to another station! Mary and I were freaking out, just worried about Jemma and wanting us all to be together. Mary had the sense to say that we should wait at the station no matter what because that was our arranged meeting point. Sure enough, after about 45 minutes of worry, Jemma walked through the turn stiles. I was so happy I reached overt the gate just to hug and kiss her and make sure she was actually real.

                                      

The next day, Sunday, we were early to rise and head to Buckingham Palace with Ben and Doug, Mary’s friend from home. Doug is studying abroad in London, so he was our valiant tour guide during our stay- I am so thankful for him. So, we saw the Queen’s palace, William and Kate’s home (everything was about Will and Kate in London- I loved it), Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. In the midst of walking around, we purchased theatre tickets for Les Miserables and film tickets for Harry Potter. We paused for lunch at Pret a Manger- I got a hummus sandwich which I have been deprived of in Bordeaux, dropped Ben off to meet his friend, and then headed to the football stadium for a premier league game, courtesy of Doug. It was Fulham versus Bolton, and I was in all of my glory- I could not stop thinking of Dad, though, and how much he would have loved this. Fulham lost, and I think mine and Jemma’s toes froze off, but we were oh so happy. Afterwards, we reconvened with Ben in the famous Piccadilly Circus- London’s version of Times Square-, had a delicious hamburger in a resraurant/ night club- my first since being in Europe, London really was my America fix-, and then went to see Harry Potter. It was incredible, and there is something to be said for seeing the movie, which was filmed in London, in London. It was home and then bed to prepare for another full day.

Monday we rose again, a little later than Sunday, and got going. We went to the Lodon Tower, saw the Tower Bridge, which is actually the one that is more beautiful and featured more often- so, we thought it was the London Bridge, the actual London Bridge, the Freedom Bridge that collapses in Harry Potter, the bank doors used for Gringots in Harry Potter, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and then went on a mad hunt for fish and chips at what we thought was called Bell’s Pub- Mary’s dad knows London very well, so he gave us a great outline of the city. After about a half hour of searching we came up empty and settled for a different pub; the fish and chips were delicious. Can you guess what happened next? - we continued walking down the street only to pass Bell’s Tavern, which was what we had been searching for, so typical. After lunch, the five of us walked to the British Museum so I could meet Christina! On the way, we passed IES, Quinten’s school last year and Hummus Bros! I felt like a piece of Quinten was with me, and it was so unexpected to be able to see where he was/ how he lived last year. I was so excited to see her and just speak with her for a couple of minutes. She is doing so wonderfully, as expected, and she showed me her apartment in the city. I even got to see Lane and Fred, the advisors for my business program, along with the other students participating in the program. The meeting was brief because we had to go back to the hotel in order to change for Les Miserables! Mary was so thrilled she cried during the performance, and I could not wipe the grin from my face. The musical was spectacular, and I could not help remembering my childhood in the little red car listening to the Les Mis soundtrack. After the beauty that was Les Mis, we all went back to the hotel room, stopping at Subway and the grocery store for some late night treats. Ben had to leave for the airport at 12:45 that morning, so we all stayed up together, and then Doug just decided to crash at the luxurious hotel, hahah, with us so he did not have to travel home alone so late at night.

Tuesday morning, our farewell to London, Doug took us to the part of the city where he lives. We ate omelets at this cute, eclectic Polish restaurant, stopped at the book store so Mary and Jemma could brush up on their Italian phrases, and then set off for the airport. We parted ways, me on to Barcelona, and then two of them to Rome. London was extremely different from France- much more Americanized. It was a nice taste of home and of English, and I am so glad I was able to experience it. Bye London, Hola Barcelona!

Football?

This past week I had class for a total of two days for three hours each! Never in my entire college career have I been this lucky. So, the past week was relaxing, full of travel planning, and unexpected opportunities.

Our Paris trip was exhausting, just because we wanted to squeeze everything in, so the days of relaxation were much appreciated. Tuesday I actually had class, not that I can complain at all- it was just from 1:30 to 4:45 with a 15 minute break in between-, but it is the after class part that was unexpected. My friends Vicky, from Argentina, and Jemma, from Australia, invited me to soccer/ football practice with the club team at school, and, of course, I went. The practice was so great- I have not dribbled a football ball in almost 5 years, and I had forgotten just how much I love the sport for its athleticism and beauty- even though the girls spoke only French and we struggled to understand. There is nothing better than a team to make you feel like you belong.
Wednesday, another day of no class and so fitting because it is always the highlight of my week, Mary and I began planning for our two week vacation that begins on Friday. It is, to say the least, the most stressful thing I have ever had the pleasure of figuring out, and it becomes a bit of an obsession- which airline is cheapest, who has the best deals-, and it becomes exhausting. However, I, again, cannot complain too much seeing as how I am planning my trips across Europe. A funny story: Mary and I were booking our first trip to London from Bordeaux at the same time. Mary's order went through and was processed and then mine said the last ticket had just been taken. It said my credit card was not credited and that I should try again- you know me and computers, just my luck. So, I tried again, now slightly panicked that I might not get the same flight as Mary. I got through this time and successfully booked the flight. I go to check to my e-mail, and what is waiting for me? Not one but two confirmation e-mails of my flight(s) to London. Now literally freaking out, Jemma and Mary laughing their heads off, we find the help number of easyjet. Thank goodness for the rational Jemma and Mary who helped me to cancel one of the reservations, fully refundable since it was the site's error. But, seriously... only to me!
So below are my travel plans for the next two weeks:
Bordeaux-London (Saturday-Tuesday with Mary, Jemma, Ben, Katie, Casi, and maybe Leah)
London-Barcelona (Tuesday-Thursday with Leah)
Barcelona-Prague (Thursday-Monday with Casey and David)
Prague-Dublin (Monday-Thursday with Megan and Mary)
Dublin-Paris (Thursday-Sunday with Casey to run the half- marathon)

Not a bad deal if I must say so myself- thank you Mom and Dad!

The rest of the evening on Wednesday was one of the highlights of my entire trip. Jemma, Vicky, Arne, Mary, and I all went down to the river to walk, run, and roller blade. It was a gorgeous night with the perfect company. We made a group dinner afterwards, healthy pizzas in Jemma's oven full of tuna and onion thanks to Arne, which were surprisingly delicious, chicken, peppers, etc. We enjoyed each other's company over a delicious meal. And, how can I forget one of the best parts of the day. Jemma and I received e-mails from our football coach saying we were playing in the game on Thursday! What?! Neither of us were expecting it- we didn't even know there were games-, but none the less we went and bought shin guards and socks for our newest adventure.

Thursday, no class yet again, I bought roller blades with Mary so we can all go together by the river when the weather gets nice. They are a child's 36, baby blue with pictures of cartoon characters, but they were only 20 euro, who could pass them up? That afternoon Jemma and I hit the field for our first match. We won 6-0, thanks to Chris and Alba who each scored three goals! I loved getting to play again, and I am so happy that this fell into my lap.

Friday was class and then Mary's friends from home Alex and John came in town from Milano. Friday night we went to a Melting Potes party- Cuir et Moustache-, so we all put on our nicest leathers and even ended up with moustaches by the end of the evening. Saturday we toured Mary's friends around the city and did some touring ourselves since we have been a little slacking on our exploration of this gorgeous place. The night was low key, just meeting up with some friends and then early to bed. Yesterday, Sunday, Annie and I headed out early to make it to the fresh markets by the river. We have been wanting to go for some time now, and I was thrilled by all of the fresh fruits, fish, and vegetables. Annie and I bought a loaf of the most amazing looking bread, and I even got to go behind the stand and cut it myself. We want to go back after all of our travels for lunch and wine by the river. Yesterday evening, I washed my enormity of dirty clothes at the laundry down the street. I was so happy because I tackled the dryers, which only run for 10 minutes at a time, and left with perfectly dry clothes. Yes, that was the first time I have had completely dry clothes since being here. Last time Mary and I settled for damp!

This week is the last of  my second sequence class with the final exam on Friday and our big marketing presentation on Wednesday.
Best wishes to all of you for a great week.
Congratulations to my ADPis for a well-deserved All Sing WIN! <>

The City of Lights

I can only say that Paris lived up to, and at times surpassed, my every expectation. It was a stunning, overwhelming, extravagant city, and it was mine for one weekend.

On the plane heading to Paris

Our trip began on Friday evening after class when we, Mary, Annie, and I, caught two buses to the Bordeaux airport. Jemma and Jody have train passes, so they met us in Paris later that evening. The flight to Paris was oh so fitting, cheersing with our bottles of complimentary wine and getting anxious to land! We landed and Charles de Gaulle and then successfully navigated  through the maze of trains to Gare de Lyon, where Mary's friend Laura was waiting for us. Gare de Lyon is a huge train station in Paris that directly faces the Bastille- so, yes, the Bastille was the first thing I saw as soon as we left the train station. From Gare de Lyon, we walked to our hostel which was right around the corner. I must admit I was very skeptical about this whole hostel thing, but it was really not bad at all- granted I could not sleep on the pillow, sheets, or comforter because I am spoiled and it grosses me out!-but, it was safe, we were all together in one room, we had our own bathroom, and we were in the perfect location. After getting there Annie and I went for a walk to the Bastille and the Opera house, and then Mary, Laura, Annie, Hannah(another of Mary's friends), and I grabbed dinner at a bar/ restaurant around 11:00. I had a delicious chicken salad, many ordered Croque Monsieurs, and we just relaxed and took it all in.

The next morning we were early to rise, and we began our touristy mission. First stop, Le Louvre. It is breathtaking- in the middle of a gorgeous square and just so elegant and delicate. We got in so quickly,no wait, and we walked around for several hours hitting the high points of the museum. The Mona Lisa was stunning, Jemma was nearly in love with it, and I was not disappointed by its size. Maybe it was because I expected it to be smaller than it was after all of the talk of its lack of grandeur, but it was just surreal to be standing in front of something that I have dreamed of for so long. After a lovely cappucino, we headed down the Champs Elysees to make our way to the Arc de Triomphe and la Tour Eiffel. ( I honestly still can't believe I am typing all of this; I can't believe I saw all of these things!) We did not make it to the Arc de Triomphe because we got side tracked shopping- who could balme us; it's Paris. Also, Jody and I thought we lost Annie and Jemma, so we had a minor freakout on the Champs before we were able to decode their text message and find them in, where else but H&M. After our several hour shopping tour, we took a short cut to la Tour Eiffel. Again, I was in awe of its grandeur. It is brown, which I was not expecting- I guess I always thought it was silver for some reason-, but I was still overwhelmed by it. The line was too long to go up, but we took plenty of pictures. By that time, it was already about 6:00, and we needed a break. We headed back to the hostel to make dinner plans. On the way home, Jody and I got a nice surprise when we were able to coordinate meeting with Kate and David from UT. It was so nice to see some familiar faces if only for a short while. After our reunion, all five of us were ready for some food. We explored a little and then decided on Le Bistro de Lyon. I had a gorgeous piece of salmon and was in my happy place with my friends, food, and laughter. After dinner, Jemma, Mary, and I met up with Mary's friends at a sports bar. It was relaxed, and we had a good time meeting our swiss banker friends minus the man that had to get removed from the bar. On the way home, we ate late night crepes (truly French, no more taco bell and krystals)!

Just touching le Louvre

Jody, me, Jemma, and Annie at la Tour Eiffel

Sunday morning I went to mass at Notre Dame with Mary, Laura, and Annie. It was probably the number one thing on my list, and I am so happy I was able to do that. The church, again, was breathtaking with its history and beauty and magnificence. After church, Laura took us to get world famous falafel (Chelle I thought of you the whole time because I had never tried it, and I know how much you love it). It was absolutely delicious, and it was so neat to be on a street tucked away from the main rues. Lunch was followed by a visit to the Centre Pompidou, which was free because it was the first Sunday of the month. The art was interesting to say the least, but it was eye opening to see this modren art and contrast it to what we had just seen at le Louvre the day before. I appreciate modern art for its innovation and stretch of the imagination, and I am so glad we got the opportunity to experience it. After the Pompidou, we decided to wrap up our trip with some last minute shopping. We went into several incredible vintage shops- it is a good thing I only had one suitcase-, and then I found the purchase I have been looking for: boots. I had to throw away the pair that I brought here because they were just falling apart, so a new pair was necessary, and I am in love, or as in love as one can be with a pair of boots! We closed out our tour of Paris with a farewell crepe, and then Annie, Mary, and I headed to the airport while Jemma and Jody left for the train station. The journey home to DomoFrance was an interesting one- a bus, a tram, and a walk later we arrived at our doors around 11:30 exhausted and hungry but still oh so happy from the most amazing weekend we had just experienced.

Paris was magnificent, and I cannot wait to return, but I was also so happy to be home and that was the best feeling- being able to look forward to coming back to Talence and Bordeaux, where I have made a home for myself.

One Down

Shocking I know, I have been slacking on my blog documentation, but I will try to fill you all in as much as possible. Friday marked the end of my first class of the five I will be taking this semester. This was the French language course that was rather difficult; however, I am so happy that I struggled through it and learned so much. It is so crazy to think that I am already finished with one class and have been here for almost a month. We had our final exam Friday afternoon, and let's just say it was pretty difficult- I am just holding out for a passing grade of 10.
The weekend was one of celebration- we survived our first class unscathed! We honored Australia with Jemma, discovered a little too much of our friend Hannes' apartment, and got kicked out of a taxi (cheers Jemma). Luckily we stumbled upon another taxi soon after and were safely delivered to our door at DomoFrance. The rest of the weekend was low key because it has been absolutely freezing here, the average was about -1 celsius; a little too cold for my liking. I had a nice, long run by the river on Saturday to clear my head, wandered around the city a bit on Sunday, and then prepared to start my second class on Monday.
The class I am taking this sequence, Marketing, Luxe, and International Marketing, is taught in both French and English, so it is a great opportunity for me. (I feel like that is going to be my key word for this trip- opportunity. It is bursting at the seams with opportunity, and I want to rake advantage of every single one.) Also, it is very intimidating. Monday and Tuesday class were from 8:30-4:45, and they were taught entirely in French. I basically did not understand most of what was being said and was so grateful for the invention of powerpoints at that moment. We can, luckily, write all of our papers and assignments in English since the class is International Marketing, so I think that will help to save my grade. I do think it is a really good thing for me to be in this class, though, and I am really working hard to improve my comprehension and understanding. Yesterday we had a short class, only until 12, and it was so interesting. Our professor spoke, in English, all about wine marketing. He is a specialist in this and since Bordeaux is so famous for their delicious wine, our class will focus on wine marketing. Our final project is to create a marketing plan for exporting Bordeaux wine to a city of our choice. We, my group of five, Isabelle, Mary, Sam, Sara, and I, selected Liverpool, England- Sara's hometown. I am actually looking forward to working on it.
After class we headed into Bordeaux to shop for "throw away" clothes because one of the organisations on campus was hosting an open bar. (Definition of open bar- pay 4 euros and drink all you want all night.) Mary, Jemma, Megan from Ireland, Emma, Daniel, Sara, and I all headed downtown around 11:30 decked in our "new" outfits which consisted of rain boots, 3 euro shirts, and 8 euro leggings. The bar was a literal mess with drinks being spewed everywhere and everyone rushing to the bar to take advantage of the free liquor. When it was all said and done we looked like we had just gotten out of the shower- barring the stickyness of our hair and skin and pungent smell of vodka. At the end of the night we had managed to lose all of our jackets, which had out in a plastic bag to shield them from the rainfall of alcohol and placed atop a railing(I am holding out hope some kind soul will return them- Mary's had her phone and keys in it), visit the medical center on the second floor several times for Sara's sake, dance on a raised surface, help a friend in a kissing competition, and take the longest bus ride ever home to DomoFrance, only to arrive back at our door at the ripe hour of 6 am. Only in France, on a Wednesday night.
Today I did not have class, and we all lounged around and finalized some travel plans for our breaks from school. Tomorrow class starts in the afternoon, and then Jemma, Jody, Mary, Annie and I are headed to PARIS! That is correct, and I cannot believe it myself. I am so excited, and I cannot wait.
I will write again after the weekend to tell every detail about the magnificent City of Lights.