9 Tips For The Panicked Student Studying Abroad

Exactly one year ago, I was preparing myself for a semester abroad in London, panicking about every little detail imaginable. I was secretly hoping I'd have a Lizzie McGuire experience where I'd become an international pop star and have a scandalous affair with a British version of Paolo, but to my disdain, that didn't exactly happen. That being said, my four months abroad were the time of my life and I'm always extremely excited when I can give advice and suggestions for those going abroad as well.

In lieu of mourning the fact that I am not returning to Europe this fall, I thought I would put my nostalgia to good use and give you 9 tips before heading off to what may be the most spectacular journey of your life.

1. Pack light.
              
I'm sure you've already heard this spiel, but it is important you actually do so, unless you want to have an unfortunate situation at the airport on your way back like I had. I overpacked and damn, I regretted it. If you pack two suitcases, I suggest keeping the second one a bit light, so you have room for all of your worldly purchases and keepsakes.

2. Don't be a cheap ass.
.                                             
No, you don't have to buy a Burberry trench with the matching rain boots if you are in London, or a Louis Vuitton luggage set from Paris. I'm talking about when you really want those handmade Greek sandals, but are debating it because they cost 35 Euros; you probably shouldn't hold back. Chances are that these kind of purchases are a once in a lifetime opportunity, so if it is within your budget, go for it.

3. Bring comfortable, sturdy shoes.
             
Sure, you may want to strut around looking fly AF in your slightly uncomfortable wedged booties that complete your perfect fall ensemble, but it's REALLY not that practical. I would stick with comfortable sneakers, boots, or flats because the odds of walking everywhere are quite high.

4. Don't neglect your city/country.
                 
Weekend trips are awesome, but don't book EVERY weekend away from your designated country. Spend a few weekends getting to know the city and different parts of the country you are in. After all, you did decide to study abroad there.

5. Get a filtered water bottle.
                                  
Staying hydrated is important, and one of these bottles are a great investment for making sure that you can do so without the risk of getting sick from unfamiliar water. Whether it's a Brita or a Bobble, having a filtered water bottle with you is a life saver. It is cost efficient and great for the go as well as all of your weekend trips. 

6. Take risks.
            
Now I'm not advising you to break into Kensington Palace to find Kate and little Georgie, but try new foods, make new friends, and go a bit out of your comfort zone. I promise, you will thank me later.

7. Figure out the public transportation.
             
This will most likely be your main source of transportation when you aren't walking. Not only is it useful to figure out, but you will feel so accomplished when you become a pro at navigating the metro or bus system.

8. Respect the culture.
             
You are about to enter what may be a completely different environment than what you're used to, and you might be seen as an outsider at first. It is important to respect the culture, even if you may not completely agree with their practices. Try your best not to be a loud, obnoxious American. For extra bonus points, try and incorporate different phrases and customary actions whilst in the country. Most of the locals will be either impressed or appreciate such gestures. 

9. Cherish every moment.
           
This is your time to explore, be independent, and have experiences of a lifetime, and it is going to fly by. Make sure to take advantage of all opportunities and treasure your time abroad. Don't forget to capture all the special moments and most importantly, have fun.

Travel on,

1000 Points for Hufflepuff

Well if anyone is actually following this blog, they will know that I am SUPER behind in posting news about my current affairs. So on September 19th AKA almost a month ago, I got to visit the beloved Platform 9 3/4. I would like to point out that nobody was as proud as I was to put on that Hufflepuff scarf (loud and proud) and leap through the platform.

The staff working the platform consisted of some of the greatest Harry Potter enthusiasts I have ever encountered. They were super helpful in helping us recreate some lovely, movie-inspired shots.

I have to say, I am super proud of capturing this shot of one of Anthony's proudest moments.

We also dueled it out, like proper wizards. I obviously won. Hufflepuff > Slytherin

I also managed to creep a shot of this AWESOME family photo. Literally obsessed with these kids' parents and aspire to be them one day.

Did I mention that King's Cross Station slightly resembles Hogwartsian architecture?

So I shall be back from Hogwarts soon, but I can promise everybody this: I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.

So long for now,

A Series of Quite Fortunate Events

So I've have an agglomeration of small trips that will all be featured in this blog post, so get ready. For starters, my flatmates and I checked out Broadway Market two weeks ago, and I was pleasantly surprised by the Turkish presence there. I saw an Umut's grocery store, an Ephesus Restaurant, and spoke to some Turks running a local shop. But the icing of the cake would have to be this:

Yes, that would be my cafe. I wish. I didn't get to go in because we saw it in passing while on the bus, but I will definitely head back there soon and hopefully meet the owner.

On another day, my Shakespeare class took a trip to the Borough Market area as well as the Globe Theater. 

It was a really cool walk and I really enjoyed the history of the area in relation to Shakespeare (I know, I'm a nerd). I never knew about the bear baiting that went on during Shakespeare's time or how the south side of the Thames was comparable to the Red Light District. There was also a cheese shop in the market area. Needless to say I was tempted to come home with a wheel of brie.

We also saw the Cross Bones Graveyard, where thousands upon thousands of prostitutes were buried. 

Going there was an eerie and chilling experience, but I was extremely intrigued by the history. The craziest part to me was that the prostitutes were part of the Winchester Geese, which were essentially the church's prostitutes. The gate in front of the graveyard was covered with memorabilia and ribbons in remembrance of those buried there.

I just really enjoyed this building we saw while on our walk.

Last Friday, I saw 39 Steps, which was absolutely hysterical. It was a four person cast and done phenomenally. We then went and partied it up....at M&M World. One of the signs said it was open until 3 AM, which is quite bizarre considering the majority of pubs close at 11 PM. I'm still convinced that M&M World has a secret, top deck night club.

This past Monday was my friend Caroline's 21st birthday, so we obviously went and celebrated at the Sherlock Holmes Restaurant. It was a really nice experience and the interior was pretty fun. The food was moderately priced, but super delicious.

To end off the night, my Shakespeare class went to the Globe to see A Midsummer Night's Dream, which was an OUTSTANDING production. We had groundling tickets, so we stood the whole time, but the show was so great that it did not even matter.

The stage was more ornate than I had expected, and the cast was hysterical. The show ran quite seamlessly.

When leaving the Globe, the River Thames and bridge looked beautiful. This is one of the reasons why I not only love the city, but why I love living on the river.

I still have more blogging to catch up on, but I am way too tired to do any more tonight. This weekend I am also going to Amsterdam and Bruges, so be prepared for many pictures of waffles, cheese, and clogs.

Until later,

Portobello Market: Where I Found Love

Well it has definitely been a while since I've blogged last, so I have some serious catching up to do. Let's start with two weekends ago when we went to Portobello Market. We went around 9 AM, which was a smart move on our part because by 12 PM, the market was PACKED. 

There were so many cool odds and ends and if I had brought more money, chances are I would be broke. 

For example, I was crying over this antique Victorian flask. It was beautiful, but a bit too pricey for my wallet to comply.

THE JEWELRY THOUGH. Unsure to how I resisted all these beautiful things.

And then, I found love. Meet Harvey, my new boyfriend turtle ring. I collect turtles, so I figured I just had to get him.

This store front was so incredibly cute that I couldn't help but take a photo of it.

The front of an awesome antique shop we went to.

And this was about the time when something magical happened: FOOD.

And here is my second love, CHEESE. THERE WAS SO MUCH. I COULDN'T CONTAIN MYSELF. Again, I didn't have much money with me, so I settled for a pineapple. 

This photo is important for two reasons: one being that the giant bubbles were simply awesome, and second, there was a hat at the hat stand behind the guy that I fell in love with. It was another pricey piece, and the man working the stand was not amused with my haggling tactics. 

Later in the evening, we were feeling spontaneous, so we got off at a random tube stop and chose a fun looking place to go to. Our final decision was to go to Belushi's, which I would say was a good executive choice.  That night we basically became the United Nations and met some Brits, Brazilians, and Belgians. It was a memorable night to say the least.

On another note, my coursework is starting to get more intense, which is exactly why I haven't gotten around to blogging until now.

Until next time,

Of Dead Mice and Strange Men

So I have officially completed my first week of classes, which was interesting to say the least. I really do enjoy all my classes and like all of my professors. I have made it a habit to go to Hyde Park as often as possible for daily walks, and I seem to take at least one picture per visit, without fail.

Here was our squirrel friend we made at the park. You can basically call over a squirrel the way you call over a cat in these London parks.

There are so many swans at the park. I usually make a reference to Natalie Portman or Swan Lake each time I see one.

What I love about the park is that I seem to stumble upon a new treasure with each and every path I take. The other day I found these "Italian Gardens" which were simply lovely.

In other news, one of the showers in our flat ended up leaking down to the floor below us (sucks for them). So currently, our situation is 13 girls to two bathrooms. Yesterday they literally took out our shower, which was definitely a new sight.

Upon further inspection of the work they were doing, I stumbled upon a slightly disturbing artifact....

Yup, that is indeed the remains of a poor little mouse friend that must have gotten trapped under our shower, most likely years ago. Rest easy.

On a brighter note, my flatmates and myself took an alternate route from the regular study abroad biddies and decided to go out for dessert. We went to a little shop that sells waffles called Wafflemeister, which was PHENOMENAL.

Fresh waffles with a bunch of different topping options...enough said.

Such delicacies were devoured in a matter of minutes.

A highlight to our night would be this intoxicated, yet pleasant English man who came over to us and complimented those of use with luscious, lion's mane-esque hair. He proceeded to walk away, only to come back five minutes later and take a seat. We nicknamed him Wafflemister.

His friend came soon after to sweep him away, joking (I hope) that he was breaking his probation of staying away from American girls. The experience was entertaining to say the least.

Well that's all for now; tomorrow morning I'll be exploring some of the markets, so I will be posting again shortly.

Sweet Dreams,