First Class

Today we woke up early and took the Tube to Regent’s! I ended up getting on a full cart and everyone else missed it so I had a little trip on my own...whoops! We all made it to the college safely and indulged in a fantastic breakfast in the cafeteria, or the “refectory."

Regent’s College

The first class went well today! We learned more about the German unification and the beginning of World War I. 

Everyday we only have class for two hours and then have the afternoon off or plans already made for us. This afternoon after lunch at Regent’s, where Zach and I surprisingly ran into Adam Hoffhines, we went on a walking tour of London and were treated to some pitchers of Pimm’s by our professor when we finished.

St. Clement Danes

Julia and I at the Royal Courts of Justice. This time we got to go inside!

Zach and Quinn

Tea!

The entrance to Temple Church

Enjoying the Pimm’s!

At Daly’s Wine Bar

Mark Twain and Charles Dickens among others are known to have spent time here. It was originally burned down in the Great Fire but was rebuilt shortly after.

Some of the group

After another long evening trying to find a place with decently affordable fish and chips and no wait time, we stumbled across a place close to our flat! 

Tonight some of the group went out but the rest of us are hanging back for another night of cards and relaxing before class and the Jack the Ripper tour tomorrow! 

Updates to come, with love!

We Have Landed

Zach and I arrived at our flats in London around 7 pm on Saturday. We were supposed to be there at 10:15 am but the time of our flight was switched without notification. After a lot of pacing around and sweaty palms our flight was finally changed for free. We flew from Grand Rapids, to Minneapolis, to Amsterdam, to London! We had a five hour layover in Amsterdam and we ate some extremely authentic food.

Our first meal overseas

Going through customs in the UK was hilarious...after hustling to get the paperwork we thought we needed, all we had to show them was our passport and we got through (sorry mom and dad). Zach and I took the Tube, or the underground train, and we found our way really well! It only cost us around 10 pounds total rather than over 100 pounds each for a cab. We made it to our flats and found that we each have 7 other roommates...it has been so fun! Right now only half of the lights turn on but we are barely here so it isn’t a problem.

The first night was extremely tiring since we were running on maybe two hours of sleep but we got to see everybody and walk around our area, which our cab driver likes to call “Arab Land." Because everyone had already eaten, Zach and I had a couple of omelettes at around 11 pm at a place called Garfunkel’s which is just down the street from our flats. 

Today was phenomenal! Our group got to catch up on sleep and toward the early afternoon we took the Tube to Central London and explored!

Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben)

Parliament

London Eye

The royal family

The Tube

St. Paul Cathedral. We were actually able to go inside of this one and I can honestly say it was one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever been in. We couldn’t take any photos but it was so breathtaking!

Pigeon

Outside of St. Paul

This is Millennium Bridge. It was in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

The Tower Bridge...with Olympic rings!

Aside from the amazing historical landmarks, the small streets and intricately designed buildings are all so different and so gorgeous. My jaw was dropped pretty much the whole afternoon.

First beverage in London

We went to a pub looking for fish and chips and the one we finally chose was out of them! This burger was tasty though!

Our second night in London...drinks & games in the flats

Tomorrow morning we have our first day of class and then we have a walking tour of London. 

Updates to come, with love!

Today

Today is the day! Zach and I will be flying out of Grand Rapids at 5:20 pm into Atlanta, and from Atlanta into London Heathrow at 10:15 am if all goes as planned. After a lot of surprise paperwork, two initial class meetings at MSU, (over)packing, and a 52 minute phone conversation with my bank, I think I am ready!

This is what I mean by overpacking:

I am more than excited to report that I had a lot of fun at MSU getting to know everybody going on the trip and learning a little bit more about World War I, which is what I will be studying abroad. While the group of around 25 people was at MSU, 15 of us finalized our plans to go to Dublin, Ireland. We are flying out of Edinburgh, Scotland and will be gone from July 27-30th. We will be sharing two rooms meant for five people...we’re getting up close and personal. It’s going to be great!

I won’t lie, I already miss my family and my cat, Eleanor Rigby...but you should know that planes (along with carnivals) make me extremely giddy. I know it’s weird but it happens and Zach is going to have a fun time keeping my laughter under control as we take off.

The next time you’ll hear from me I’ll be in Europe. This is unreal.

Updates to come, with love!

Odds & Ends

The last few weeks have consisted of putting odds and ends together because we are already half way through June! I’ve been running around finding out more information about adapters, converters, suitcases, train tickets, international phone plans, clothing, books, my passport, etc. It has been slightly overwhelming but only making this trip more real! I also received another document from Regent’s College, where I will be studying in London.

I will be working just about everyday until the two days of class at MSU on July 2nd and 3rd and then I will be in packing mode........which will be an experience in and of itself. 

One thing I know I will be packing for fun is my new Kindle!!! What a great addition to the trip and perfect for the long plane/train rides.

Updates to come, with love!