I Can Go The Distance

Hello Blog-o-sphere! I am alive!

The past month in London has been amazing, not just because the city itself is amazing, but because I've been learning a lot about myself. First off, in Europe I really am entirely cut off from incoming monetary supplies. I'm used to working on campus and during the summer, so not getting a paycheck every other week is so....weird. But with that being said, it's reinforcing my desires to stick to budget, and it helps prepare me for the "real world", aka, this eminent life after college thing.

London is amazing, as I have said before. The people are not what you would expect them to be. They are extremely American friendly, for the most part. There are a couple of people who aren't entirely keen on Americans, but you tread quietly with them and move on. The mannerisms and dialectal differences they have towards things are intriguing. You must always say please. To stand in a line is to "queue". To be a "trencher" is to completely clear one's plate after a meal.

My favorite thing to do in London is to walk through Queen Mary's Gardens. When I walk through the gardens, it makes me feel as ifI am at peace in a place that is constantly in motion. The Gardens are more than just flower beds. In fact, they look like something that are designed out of a faerie tale. There are fountains, waterfalls, tall trees, (goes off into dream land). It's just such a peaceful place.

I've done tons of touristy things since being here. I've seen Buckingham Palace, Stratford, Bath, Stonehenge, Oxford, Leeds Castle, Canterbury, the Changing of the Guard, Platform 9 3/4, The Globe Theatre, St. Paul's, Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, and so many other things. My favorite places have to be Oxford and Bath. When you go there, you literally step into a different world. Oxford is a medieval city and college. There is no difference between them fo r each makes up the other. The gothic architecture envelops you and sucks you into the medieval world. Bath is impeccably preserved. Even though the Bathhouse is probably the closest I will ever get to Italy on this trip, I feel as though it is Britain's Little Italy.

Oxford Gate

The greatest part about living in London is the accessibility I can get to the rest of Europe. This past weekend, I went and visited my boyfriend in Krakow, Poland. Never in a million years did I think that I would go to Poland. But then again. never in a million years did I think that I would go and have a chance to live in London. Poland was definitely a culture shock for the first few hours. To go from an English speaking country to one where hardly anyone speaks English was a little unsettling, but once I navigated my way around the city and got my bearings I was perfectly fine.

I got to see many different sights. One of my favorite experiences was going to Wowel Cathedral and seeing the royal and religious tombs. A particularly awe inspiring moment was seeing Pope John Paul II's memorial tomb that was set up in part with his future canonization into Sainthood. I really don't know of anyone who didn't love Pope John Paul II, but coming into his Krakow made me appreciate it from all different aspects. Krakow was, and still is, a very important city in world history and religious history. Seeing that made me realize that not only am I in Krakow, but Krakow is bigger than it appears to be historically. And finally, for the very first time in tow years, I understood why my boyfriend was in love with this city, because I had fallen in love with it too.

Wowel Castle

There are many different things to do in Krakow. While I was there, I made the effort to experience it not from a touristy aspect, but from a cultural one. The food is to die for, and whoever tells you differently is a Russian. The people are kind, but still keep your wallet in your front pocket gents. Gypsies do exist, and some of them are just as fantastical as you can imagine. My favorite cultural experience....well there wasn't just one. I loved hearing the bugler from St. Mary's. I loved seeing all the cathedrals and I even lit a few candles in them. Iloved Wowel. I loved the lock bridge. I also loved going to this cut little place in Kazmirez (the Jewish District) on my last night there.

Alchemia is lit only by candles to this day. Inside is very eclectic, almost like being in a hodge podge of your grandmother's old furniture. At the bar, you can get all sorts of treats (ours was a chocolate cherry cake). The atmosphere is very much the same as it would have been in the old world, minus the disco/80's music that plays every now and then. You can tell that Alchemia is a place where people come to relax with friends, for the pub is always hopping. Yet it's my favorite pub in all of Europe (so far) because it seems to be one of the few places that, despite all the changes Poland has been forced to make, still remains untouched by time.

So Nate, and fellow bloggers, I am in love with Poland. I already have a second trip planned....theoretically. Isn't it amazing though how a visit that was entirely for selfish purposes, has kindled a love I never thought I'd have? Bath, Oxford, Krakow.....what else does Europe have in store? Only time will tell! 'Til the next blog.....Maybe on Ireland?

Nate and I in Alchemia

All My Travel Do's and Don'ts (For Now)

So in my packing for my upcoming adventure (one week left!), I realized that packing for Europe is a lot harder than it seems. It's not like travel books tell you much. Normally, they say pack whatever then cut it in half. They fail to consider that there are two breeds of packers, the ones that naturally pack heavy, and the others that pack lightly. They also say to get your finances in order, but fail to tell you exactly when things should be done or even how to get the finances to fund your trip. So, In my recent musings about travel, I have come up with a temporary list of do's and don'ts for packing and preparing for a long-term trip. These aren't "the rules" that everyone must follow. In fact, it is more of a list of things that I have found to be helpful while preparing for my trip to London. So, with no further ado, here are my travel suggestions.

1. Funding
Funding a trip can be intimidating for anyone. If you are doing a study abroad program, do your own leg work to find financing solutions. After you have done that, call your financial aid office to make sure that you have gotten all your options covered. There may have been something you overlooked in your research, and there also may be loans your school does not tell you about. Once you decide on a loan, communicate with your school to find out how much money you can take out. Make sure your school has direct deposit, so that way when the funds come in from the loan company, the school forwards them into your account.

2. Flights
Once you get your funding straightened out, it is best to look at flights to your destination. Like shopping for loans, flights also require a lot of leg work. Travelocity, Kayak, and Orbitz have great rates for flights if you are searching on your own. It also doesn't hurt to go through a travel agency. For booking my flight to London, I went through Student Universe which is a travel agency that gets discounts for students, faculty and persons under the age of 26. I ended up purchasing a ticket from Boston to Heathrow for $500 on Vrigin Airlines with everything included. Other people I know, spent double that. If you find a bargain jump on it! They don't normally last long! (An important side note to the traveler on a budget, most discounts happen on Tuesdays).

3. Packing
Packing proves to be difficult, even if you are flying domestically. A happy medium to the too light/too heavy packing is to pack multiple items that are versitile. Camis, shrugs and dresses work great. If you are going to experience the transitioning of seasons, it is best to pack for the summer and fall and save room in your suitcase to buy items to wear in the frgid cold of winter. Do not pack too much of one thing! Shoes, for example, are available everywhere! How cool would it be to not pack enough shoes, and buy a bunch during your trip! (You can later tell people about the place they came from if you wish).You don't need to bring ten pairs! Make sure, however, everything is versatile, just in case. So that the dress you packed needs to be able to work with warmer stockings.If something happens and you are caught in cold weather off guard you will be sorry. Also keep in mind that you will buy gifts when you travel, so keep a lot space open in your suitcase for them. You don't want to go over with two fully packed bags and have nothing to bring home to friends and family because you overpacked!

4. Credit and Debit Cards
Do not forget to contact your credit card company and bank before leaving. They need to know about your impending travel in case you use your cards to make withdrawrals or purchases. Most banks and companies only cover three months of travel, so if you are gone for longer than that, make sure you have someone stateside who can extend your accepted travel time with the bank or credit card companies. Also make sure that you know what fees you will have when you use a card internationally. MasterCard charges an approximate rate of 2%, Capitol One has a 0% rate, TD Bank has a 5% fee, Bank of america has a 0% fee when you go to a Barkley Bank in England.

5. International Health Insurance
Most European countries have socialized medicare, but you must be in the country for a certain period of time before they apply to you. Many American insurance companies will cover you, but they will only do it for thrity-one days. There are companies out there like Travel Guard or CISI that cover you for extended amounts of time, but for a price. Again, with anything travel related, always read the fine print and do your research before comitting.

So, that's all the advice I have to potential travelers now. If you guys have anymore, feel free to leave them in a comment below! Next weeks topic.... LONDON ADVENTURES!!! Ahhh! I can't wait! Til then, have a great week everyone!

Two weeks and counting...and I am freaking out

So, we are now down to the wire. London is one week, six days away. How do I feel at this point? Well I'm not as worried about health related things like I was six weeks ago. Right now, I am a mixed bag of emotions which is to be expected. I don't think that anyone who has ever leaped out of their comfort zone before has been entirely okay with it. It's kind of like the first time you drive on your own after getting your license. You know that you know what you are doing, but when you look at the passenger's seat you realize that you're really on your own. Your first thought is "This is AWESOME!" and your second is "(Insert choice expletive here), I better not screw this up."

I wonder if I will be homesick (based off my current feelings). I know I am going to miss so many different people, and it's a guarantee I am going to miss my dogs. I just wonder if I will be so out of my comfort zone that I will let my feelings rule my trip, instead of the other way around. I hope not. Has anyone been in this position before? Would anyone like to share advice?

In short, there's two weeks left, I am a mixed bag of worry and excitement. But contrary to what this post might suggest, right now it is mostly excitement.

Cheers,
Jill

Eight Weeks and Counting

The last time I thought I would be adventurous and take the road less traveled, it ended with two surgeries and seven months of physical therapy. Now that my arm is fully healed and has almost all of its strength back, it's time for another adventure. This time, I'm heading to London!

Studying in London has been something I have always wanted to do. I remember being little and having my Mom read the Paddington Bear books to me. I remember hearing about all the wonderful places in London and thinking 'I'm going to go there someday'. As an English and Medieval History double major, London provides a multitude of opportunities for scholastic growth. As a young person, it also will be the experience of a lifetime. I have a feeling that this trip will bring nothing but amazing stories for me to tell in the nursing home when I am old and senile. (Of course, at that point no one will believe me, but hey! I'll still have some awesome stories!) While I am excited for a lot of things like living in Regents Park with my friend Sara S.; seeing Big Ben and the changing of the guard; country hopping at my hearts desire (and schedule's convenience); and visiting my boyfriend who will be studying in Krakow, Poland; I will admit that there are some things I am really nervous about. I'm worried about being REALLY homesick, and not enjoying my time there. I am worried my arm will stiffen up in the cold rain and make me completely reliant on my left hand for everything. I am worried about how the change will affect my sisters, because in this upcoming year there will be a lot of changes for them besides my leaving. And until the day I leave, I'm worried that something will prevent me from going to London. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and go 'What did I get myself into this time?'.

I've been told that all of these worries are justified, and that this little adventure of mine signifies a big change in every sphere. I've been told it's okay to worry, and that all of my worries are justified in some personal way. When I decided to go to London, I really didn't stop to think about the changes this trip would bring forth. But the changes are coming, and I just have to stop, breathe, and enjoy the moment. This trip is only going to happen once, and this moment is never going to come again. Hopefully, I will diligently keep up with this blog so I can share every moment with my friends and family back home. Who knows? Maybe this blog will motivate some of you to follow your own dreams and have the adventure you've always wanted. If there is one thing that is certain in this world, it is that it is never too late for dreams to come true.