Getting lost in the Louvre? Priceless.

Bonjour! I successfully made it to Paris and back to London in one piece! What an exciting and hectic trip...with only a few days to see so much, Michelle and I were wiped out. This is going to be the abbreviated version, because if I mentioned what I thought of everything, this blog would take you an hour to read...and even longer for me to type. Starting from the beginning...

Michelle and I arrived at the train station around eight at night. Liz met us there to take us to the Eiffel Tower so we could see it at night. We made a quick pit stop at the Arc de Triomphe which was fantastic! So much detail...it's difficult to describe something that I've only ever seen in pictures. Seeing it in person was so much better. We then walked to the Eiffel Tower. It sparkles on the hour for five minutes which is the best part of the night. Liz brought a bottle of wine for us to drink under the Eiffel Tower which, surprisingly enough, is not illegal in France (in England, drinking alcohol in public is illegal). It looks massive in pictures, but up close, it was monstrous! Amazing view...one of the top experiences while I was in Paris.

The next day, we went on a major site seeing spree. We all went to the Eiffel Tower in the morning to go to the top. After waiting in line for two hours, we made it! Absolutely gorgeous view...it doesn't feel as high as it looks from the top. The Eiffel Tower and an amazing ham and cheese crepe...great way to start the day! Once we were done there, we headed to Napoleon's Tomb. It was actually pretty interesting, but it wasn't all that exciting, so we didn't stay for long. At this point, Liz had to leave to go to class, so with a map in hand, Michelle and I set out in Paris on our own. We didn't get lost, and ran across some amazing sites! We walked through a few gardens on our way to the Louvre and watched people relaxing by the fountains. It was very sunny at this point, so it was a great day for a walk. Eventually, we came across a large building...after contemplating what it could be for a few minutes, I saw a glass pyramid. Obviously, the massive building had to be the Louvre!

We spent a few hours in the Louvre. I got us lost on multiple occasions in the Louvre! The place is absolutely massive. So, I can navigate the streets of Paris, but the Louvre? Well, that's a different story. We beelined it to the Mona Lisa which was a lot smaller than you would think...not all that impressive, but still great to see! All of the descriptions of the artwork were in French, so we wasted little time reading about anything. We rushed through the museum and probably saw an eighth of the entire thing. It really would take you days to explore thoroughly.

After a rushed trip to the Louvre, Michelle and I walked along The Seine for a bit and relaxed. Eventually, we made it to Notre Dame where we were going to meet Liz after her class. Once she arrived, we were going to climb the 390 steps to the top, but the stairs closed. So, we settled for just going into the building. What amazing architecture! The stain glass windows were breathtaking, and the vaults in the ceiling were beautiful. It was very crowded because there was going to be a service soon, unfortunately, we didn't stay. On our way back to the foyer, we stopped at a flower market...just explored a little bit. It was nice to just relax after running around all day. We went to the supermarket to pick up some provisions, and in line, some man started talking to me in French. I just smiled and looked like I had absolutely no idea what he was saying...which I didn't. We met up with other people from the program that night, and had a great time hanging out with all of them! It was so nice to feel like you knew people in Paris!

The next day, we got up early and took the train to Versailles. Wow! The chateaux was fabulous...the gates were gold, and the inside was so detailed. I can't image what it might have been like when kings and queens inhabited it. There were so many rooms, and I don't think they even show most of them to the public. The gardens were beautiful even in March. I wish I could see them in May when everything is in bloom! It was rainy and chilly, but it was still worth wandering around the garden. We didn't go to Marie Antoinette's chateaux about a mile away because the wind was killer, but Liz told me that it is beautiful as well. This experience is probably the top of my list of things I saw while in Paris.

When we got back to the foyer, we took a nap because we were all exhausted. Again, we went out with some of the people studying in Paris. We got back a bit earlier than the previous night, so we headed straight to bed because we had to get up early to fit in everything else we wanted to see. We woke up an hour later than we were supposed to, so we tried to go quickly. Our first stop was the Arc de Triomphe to see it in the daytime. We hopped the metro, and went to Notre Dame to see if we could go to the top. It hadn't opened yet, and there was a long line, so we explored the back of Notre Dame. From there, we went to the Pantheon. We couldn't go in because our UK student cards don't work in Paris, so we couldn't get in free with that or our visas. We just took pictures of it outside in the rain. It was Palm Sunday, so palm branches were everywhere, and getting into churches was difficult. But, the Pantheon was amazing, even if it was a brief visit.

We walked down the street to Luxembourg Gardens. Again, a beautiful place even in the rain and when nothing was blooming. I think Versailles was better, but Luxembourg was great as well. We wanted to eat in the park and explore some more, but the rain thwarted us again, so we were off to find some food. Eventually, we ended up in the Latin Quarter, and there was this amazing crepe place. I had a nutella and banana crepe...it was heaven! I love crepes! YUM!

By the time we were done eating, the rain had mostly stopped, so there was no need for umbrellas. We got back on the metro and headed to Moulin Rouge. This was a quick stop because it literally was a sign that read, "Moulin Rouge" and huge red windmill. That was it. Unimpressive, in my opinion, but it is Moulin Rouge. Now, the highlight of the day was the Sacre Coeur. A beautiful church on a large hill. We climbed to the top, and went inside for a bit. No pictures of the inside, but it rivaled many of the other churches I have seen while in Europe. The view from the top of the hill was spectacular. I had a great time taking pictures around the side streets and hills. It was a great way to end the day.

Liz took us back to the train station where we made our goodbyes. Liz might come to Valencia while I'm there during her spring break, but if she doesn't, that was the last time I get to see her for a while, so it was sad leaving.

But, I was very glad to be back in London. As much as I enjoyed Paris, I love London more! It feels so great to be in England...even if it is rainy! Well, this may be my last update for quite awhile. I'm leaving for Rome on Friday for a week for spring break. I won't have my computer, so unless anything exciting happens between now and Friday...that is all for now. Cheers!

Jumping for joy in Paris!

One more dawn...one more day...one day more!

Good news and bad news...bad news first. My theatre class on Monday did not get to see 12th Night! The dates were mixed up and our teacher thought it was supposed to be March 22nd, but we were supposed to go to the performance on February 22nd. I was little disappointed, because I really would have like to see that production. Good news: Rachel and I booked a trip to Valencia! Here we come warmth and sunshine!

Yesterday, I spent most of my day in the publications cupboard at work counting and sorting through years worth of publications. It has been an ongoing project for about two and a half weeks, and today, I finished! It only took me five days which is the shortest time it has ever taken anyone to do stocktake...I was quite proud. Those heavy boxes were killer!

Also, I had the chance to see Les Miserables. This is the only play or musical I have ever seen that I knew absolutely nothing going into the theatre. I didn't know anything about the plot or music, but I wish I had. The beginning was very slow, and I was afraid that I wasn't going to like it. Eventually, it picked up, and I enjoyed the show. I couldn't understand what some of the characters were saying (either because they spoke too fast, their accents, or a little of both, I'm not sure)...I seriously thought some of them were speaking in French. If I had know the music and storyline, I might have been able to follow along because I was confused a lot of the time. But, the man who played Jean Valjean...wow! Spectacular! I was blown away by his singing and acting abilities. I will definitely give the show another chance. I am going to get the soundtrack from Liz, so I can understand some of the lyrics. Possibly read the book...although, I hear it is a behemoth.

Well, short post because there hasn't been much going on the past few days. But, tomorrow I leave for Paris with Michelle! I'm so excited to see another part of Europe, not to mention visit Liz! I can't wait for some French food, mmm! Oh, and the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Versailles, Notre Dame...no big deal. Until I return from lovely Paris (said in a French accent)!

You know you're a Londoner when...

This post is just a bit random. But, good news! I booked a trip to Valencia with Rachel and all my spring break excursions outside of Rome! I don't have much left to book, so it is very exciting.

So, I stole this list from Michelle because it was a lot of fun! Here is what we have learned whilst in London (notice the use of whilst).

You know you're a Londoner when...

• Random people ask you for directions on the street
• You run to catch the tube even if the doors are closing
• Leggings and boots are a major part of your daily wardrobe
• You know what it means to be the page 3 girl in The Sun
• You have been in a pub for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• You avoid going out on half-term because there are just too many kids out
• You are able to get a whole meal off of samples at Borough Market
• You can get places without even reading the tube map
• You have heard the phrase "mind the gap" so many times that you can't even begin to count
• You know the name of the local homeless man (Brian - he sleeps by the bookshop)
• You go to the park to escape to a quiet place with trees
• You have lost all concept of personal space, particularly on the tube and lifts
• You are used to hearing sirens at any time, but they don't phase you
• You expect to get the daily Metro and Evening Standard on your way to and from work
• You always have your Ipod on when traveling
• You are home by 11 because that is when the pubs close
• You get very frustrated when tube lines close on the weekends
• Mums with strollers on the tube get very annoying
• Anything for 99p is worth it (McFlurries)
• You walk the escalators on the left side and run over anyone who is in your way
• You go to markets to get almost everything
• You don't even notice that it is misty and raining because it happens so often
• You eat McDonald's because it is cheap and healthier here
• You run over and complain about people who are walking slowly and are in your way
• You have adopted a pessimistic attitude about almost everything
• You plan your journey home around Changing of the Guard because you don't want to deal with crowds
• You mention Primark, and everyone says, "Let's go!"
• You know that afternoon tea is at 16:00 which is converted to 4:00PM
• You pour milk into your hot tea
• You go to the theatre and know that you don't need to dress up
• You dread hearing the words "man under the tube" or "signal failure" because that means serious delays...not to mention that trying to commit suicide by tube is horribly inconsiderate
• Walking past Big Ben and Parliament is no big deal
• You have fallen in love with Sainsbury's 27p chocolate bars
• You think anyone who makes eye contact or talks to you on the tube is mad
• You know what "queue" means along with numerous other British phrases
• You stop taking all the free stuff that is handed out on the street because it just gets annoying
• You look both ways before crossing the street...the green man means absolutely nothing
• You pronounce the letter 'Z' as 'Zed'
• The local bartender at the pub knows your drink before you can even open your mouth
• The concept of eating baked beans for breakfast sounds appetizing
• You say "Cheers" instead of "Thank you" or "Good day"
• You are not afraid to pull out your A-Z because even the locals use them
• You start calling pounds, "quid"
• You know what it means to "top up" and "tap out." That is, with your Oyster card
• Home means reaching your local tube stop
• You begin to mutter under your breath, "bloody tourists"

Look out London, I made my West End debut!

Now that the power has been restored to the house, I can update my lovely blog! Over the weekend, I had the privilege to hang out with a few youngsters...Liz's aunt, uncle, and little cousins were in London, and they needed a babysitter. So, on Saturday and Sunday I got to be with Bella and Finn. They were absolutely adorable and so much fun! I hope their trip to London was fantastic. Now, they're in Paris visiting Liz, so hopefully they have fun there as well.

On Monday morning, I finally splurged a little and went to Primark, a huge store with decently cheap clothes. I decided to fit in with the trendy London fashions...finally! On Tuesday, my theatre class went to Kingston to the Rose Theatre. It is shaped like the Globe Theatre, but instead of standing in the pit, the audience sits on the floor which is exactly what we did. I didn't mind at all considering I was that much closer to Dame Judi Dench! She played an amazing, slightly unconventional, Titania in Midsummer Night's Dream. I had never seen it or read the play before the class, so I didn't know the ending. But, the man who played Bottom stole the show, in my opinion. He was absolutely hilarious! Loved the whole play! I can't wait to see 12th Night next week!

Wednesday night was, of course, St. Patrick's Day. Needless to say, we celebrated the correct way. I wore a ridiculous hat to the pubs...I didn't have a Guinness, because they looked and smelled disgusting. Most of the pubs you could get a free Guinness with a coupon, and a lot of the people in our group had to choke it down. We had to make up for the horrible parade on Sunday for St. Patty's Day...it was more like a bunch of people walking down the street. No candy either. I think Tulip Time's parade is better, in fact, I'm certain it is.
On Thursday, it was in the mid-sixties, so after class I went to Green Park which is just across the street from Buckingham Palace. I sat by a tree and wrote in my journal for about two hours. I didn't have a jacket, just a small cardigan. Apparently I was popular because a woman asked to take my picture for a photography class while I wrote by the tree. She had a man with her sit nearby the tree, and while he pretended to read I just wrote. She took pictures...maybe one day the photo will be famous. Ha! Another instance, a man started talking to me about where I was from and wished me a good day. I think the good weather makes Londoners a little more friendly!

On Thursday night, the power went out in Vandon House. Mark told us to go to dinner or go to the cinema, and they would reimburse us later. Kiley and I already ate at Nando's (a great chicken place and the only place you can get free refills), so we got a group of us to go see The Bounty Hunter (hilarious, but the way). Most of the previews were American films, but a few British films were thrown in. And, the commercials were very different, except the Coke advertisement. It is weird to think that everyone is seeing it from another angle. They aren't American, but are watching people drive on the other side of the rode or talk about things in the States. It is fascinating to think about it from that view point. They know so much more about our culture than we do theirs, and that's really sad and disappointing. In fact, I really wanted to see a movie called Cemetery Junction. It looked really good, and it was a British movie.

Well, today was pretty spectacular. Because Kiley and I never get to see each other, we decided to spend the weekend together. We got front row tickets to see Hairspray for tonight's performance! The aisle went down the middle, so the front row was split in two. I was on one of the ends by the aisle with Kiley next to me. Close to the end of the play, I hear someone running down the aisle and feel a spotlight on me. A character from the play starts talking to me about standing up so she could get through because they told her it was the quickest way! I think I blushed because my face got really hot. Everyone on stage and the audience was looking at me. The musical really interacted with the audience. It was all a part of the show, but they asked the front row to stand. Then the woman said, "This is what you get for buying the cheap seats!" I loved the show! And, I made my debut on the West End...no speaking lines, but my part was essential. ;) So much fun, and it made you want to dance! Another show down, and I get to see Les Miserables next week!

I was asked to make a shout out...my brother told me that my high school volleyball coach and his daughter were reading my blog, and that they wanted a shout out! So, hi Fess and Brooke, greetings from London!

Busy week and weekend ahead! Michelle and I are going to Paris on Thursday, so I'm really excited. Cheers!

I'm Defying Gravity!

I absolutely had to update my blog because I had such an amazing day yesterday! A group of us got up early and headed to the box office for Wicked. For this show, they sell front row seats for 25 pounds the day of the show. We headed out at about eight in the morning, and the box office opened at ten. It was a little chilly, but so worth being third in line. We got our amazing front row seats for the 7:30 performance.

For lunch, we all went to an Indian restaurant for our experience seminar class. In my opinion, Indian food smells disgusting, and I am not into spicy foods. So, I was a little apprehensive when we got to the restaurant. I was pleasantly surprised. I stayed away from the things that were spicy, and I really liked the food. The lamb curry was delicious! I tried the chicken curry, but it was a little too sweet but still tasty. It is safe to say that Indian food will not become a staple in my diet, but I enjoyed it.

The restaurant was down on Brick Lane which is on the East End of London. It is a huge immigrant area. We were there at a time that all of the Muslims were headed to afternoon prayer which was kind of neat to see. The mosque in the area was a church, then changed to a synagogue, and it is now a mosque. It really shows the changes to the East End. This area is London's contemporary art center...so, needless to say, I didn't go into any of the art galleries!

And, of course, later that night we went to Wicked! It is so hard to describe the experience...I had never been that close to any musical before, and both times I had seen Wicked, I was from a decently far distance. We were so close that we sat under the dragon that adorned the top of the stage! I was glad that it wasn't my first time seeing it though because it was difficult to focus on everything when you are so close. But, being able to see their emotions...it was incredible! It was a little funny that their microphones were on their forehead which many people may not have noticed from farther away. It was a little different with English accents, and some of the phrases were a little different. At one point, Glinda says that they all went to "Uni" together which is the way that people say that they went to university. In the States, Glinda says that they all went to school together. There were not many instances like that, but it was great to be able to spot the differences.

I had such an amazing time. I smiled the entire way through...I think when the Elphaba was singing Defying Gravity I had this massive grin plastered on my face because she was just that fantastic! It was definitely worth the 25 pounds!

All of the girls before the show!

Oh, how I love London!

Let's begin with a teaser: I took a picture with Gerard Butler! But, more on that in a second...

So, the play on Monday, Jerusalem, was really interesting. I had absolutely no idea what was really going on, but it was modern. The main actor was great! He portrayed his character so well...it was really believable. It was about a man (a drunkard) that is getting evicted from his mobile home. It was really funny at parts, but also very thoughtful. If I knew how to describe the rest of it, I would, but I can't because I didn't understand the ending.

Disappointment of the week...the movie Remember Me is premiering next week Wednesday! Sad part: I will be at work all day! No Robert Pattinson! I was literally so sad, and still am. But, I think I am going to try to see him when I get off of work. I am going to book it over to the premiere and hope to see something...probably no pictures, but I might get to see him!

Now, onto the really awesome stuff...Gerard Butler! A group of us decided to go to the premiere of The Bounty Hunter (which looks so funny). It also has Jennifer Aniston in it. We got there about three hours early which was nothing compared to the six hours for Valentine's Day. Again, I was right at the front, but not on the actual red carpet. We were hoping that they would come around to sign autographs, and we were right!

When he arrived, I think all of the girls just swooned. When he came around to us, instead of an autograph, I asked for a picture with him. Unfortunately, he had been taking a lot of pictures with people, and he didn't take one with me! He stepped back and rubbed his eyes, I'm assuming because he couldn't see a thing from all the flashes. But, I got brave and asked if he would take one with our whole group. He asked in his delicious Scottish accent, "Who's going to take it?" We pointed to a bodyguard, and the man took the picture for us! Gerard was right next to me, and I touched him...I'm on a high right now! He also asked if one of us spit in his eye which was a little funny and, of course, we didn't spit in his eye.

After all of this, Jennifer Aniston walks in. Again, instead of the autograph route, I tried to get a picture with her. But, this time around she turned down the people right in front of me because she was getting pushed along. So, I didn't ask, but I wish we had asked for a group one again! She was standing right next to me!

It was a very exciting day, and now most people probably think that all I do is run around London trying to find celebrities which is not the case...most of the time. Tomorrow I am getting up early to go to the theatre to get Wicked tickets! I have seen the show twice, but the tickets are front row for 25 pounds which is dirt cheap, and the woman playing Elphaba is supposed to be amazing! Oh, how I love London!

Minerals are a girl's best friend!

Hello! I have to say that this blog will be rather short considering I did almost nothing this week! On Sunday I started to feel pretty sick, and by Monday I was miserable. I did not go to my internship on Tuesday or Wednesday because I was so tired. I had this horrible sore throat and cough...so I slept in my bed for most of Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

On Monday, even though I felt terrible, I had to attend the play London Assurance for class. I am very glad that I did end up going even if I felt tired in the morning. I was laughing the entire time! It was so much fun, and Fiona Shaw (Aunt Petunia from Harry Potter) was absolutely hilarious...as well as Mark Addy who did an impeccable job (Roland from A Knight's Tale). I would recommend this play to anyone because it was just that good.

On Thursday, I really needed to get out of the house, so a group of us went salsa dancing! There were lessons at the club for 3 pounds for a half hour...it was a lot of fun even though I really am a horrible dancer, but my partner was not very good either so it worked out well. I ended up dancing with some 'advance class' salsa dancers, and that was awesome! They were very good at leading, so I didn't really have to be very good, I just followed. The picture is of Rachel and me before going salsa dancing!

Earlier in the day, we went to Holborn (pronounced Ho-burn). It was a part of an assignment for our seminar class, and it was a great part of London. Very quite compared to the rest. We had to go into a museum called Sir John Soane's Museum. He was a famous architect, and he liked to collect many things...Greek statues, an Egyptian sarcophagus, paintings...all in a tiny house. It was very eclectic, and I really enjoyed it! There was one room full of old books, and I really wanted every single one! We also saw The Inns of Court, the area where barristers practice law. And, I saw the Knight's Templar Church. It is dated back to the 1000s and is the site in The Da Vinci Code. It was gorgeous inside; the stain glass windows were amazing.

On Friday, Michelle and I went to the Natural History Museum. It was really interesting and had some great exhibits. The dinosaurs were pretty neat, and the animatronic dinosaurs were really cool, especially the T-Rex! I also liked the minerals area...some diamonds were there and other minerals that are actually prettier than diamonds, in my opinion. One part that was a little shocking...human anatomy. Now, nothing new to us, but the diagrams (not just drawings, but fake body parts cut into cross-sections) of a particular intimate act displayed on the wall for five year olds...well that's a different story. Michelle and I were a little shocked that there were naked manikins and drawings of childbirth all over the place. I'm pretty sure a lot of that would not have made it into the museums back home.

On Saturday, Michelle, Rachel, and I went to Portobello Road Market. It was a gorgeous day...sunny and close to 50 degrees! A ton of people were out, but I love that market so nothing could bring me down. I didn't buy anything, but I saw some great dresses for 15 pounds, and I might just have to do some shopping there. I'm pretty sure that Rachel and Michelle think I am absolutely nerdy because when we were passing the stands in the streets, there was one with a lot of old books. I headed straight towards it and Rachel commented something along the line of "Oh, of course the English major would look at the books!" I considered buying a really old copy of Jane Eyre, but that book was just painful to get through, so I passed.

I have the play Jerusalem tonight...hopefully it's good! More exciting things coming up this week!