Kensington

The weather has officially taken a turn for the better- for the most part!  It's slowly getting hotter (was 55 yesterday!) but the dreaded rain I heard so much about has started.  It rained all day Monday and yesterday and is supposed to be pretty rainy all week.  Luckily, today has been sunny and beautiful!

One thing about the weather that I'm not too fond of.. the wind.  It feels like you are in a wind tunnel at all times and does horrible things for my hair.

Monday, we finally went to Kensington!  I heard so much about Kensington High Street, which is right in front of Kensington Palace, so we really wanted to visit.  Kensington Palace was home to Diana when she died (the place where everyone left the flowers) and will be the new home to Wills, Kate and the royal baby!  Harry is also supposed to be moving to a cottage on the property, although we didn't see it (unfortunately) It was so windy and rainy on Monday that we didn't do much exploring on High Street, but we did get our share of Kensington Palace!

The palace was beautiful and the grounds were even more awesome.  Tours of part of the palace were available, however, the exhibit they were offering that day didn't sound too exciting (think we are going to go back for the young royals exhibit)  We even saw the apartment they are renovating for Wills & Kate!  I think they use the term "apartment" loosely here, considering their 4 story, 20 room apartment doesn't resemble mine back in Wilmington, at all!  

The gardens beside the palace were beautiful, but I think we will go back in the spring when everything is in full bloom.  I can only imagine how breathtaking everything is then.  There is a restaurant behind the palace, The Orangery, that offers proper tea.  We are still on the hunt for the best place to do a proper tea, so that one might be the winner!  

It was so unbearably windy and rainy that we ran into a Starbucks to hide out until we had enough feeling in our toes to walk back to the underground.  But overall, a great day!  

This week is all about school for me, I have had so much due and so much to read!  Thankfully, tomorrow is my last day of class, so weekend, here I come :)

xoxo

Kensington Palace

Will & Kate's apartment is to the left!

Arch to the Orangery

Kensington Gardens

Queen Victoria statue.. I think

Hillsong

Another weekend down!  Yesterday, I recovered from BOP by making a red velvet cake with a friend.  Let me tell you, it was such a solid decision.  After that, we met up with another friend in Putney to go to The Railway, an awesome pub.  We got some dinner and hung out there for a bit, then got the bus back to campus.  Actually, we waited 30 minutes in the rain for a bus, then were laughing and talking so much that we missed our stop, and then had to backtrack (in the rain) to campus, but never the less, made it back!

I FINALLY got the college gameday pass so I could watch the Wolfpack put a beating on the Tar Heels last night!  I stayed up until 3AM watching the game, and I'm sure my neighbors thought I was crazy with how loud I was yelling!  But it was an awesome game, and I'm so happy I got to see it rather than read about it the next day.

Today, we decided to go to a church called Hillsong (started in Australia, now they are all over the world, 3 being in London) for the 6 pm service.  We went into central at 2 to look around and possibly go to some markets, unfortunately, they were all closed! So we walked around some cute piazzas near the London Bridge and got some lunch before church.  Hillsong was in central located at the Dominion Theatre, which is actually the same theatre that Rock of Ages is performed in (I know, two completely different things in one place!) Being raised a Catholic (obviously very structured mass) it was so incredible to see a new environment for a church service.  It was very crowded, and felt like a concert environment.  The music was amazing and I think we are going to go back when the record their album at a service in a few weeks!  I am planning on going to a Catholic mass in the church beside Westminster Abbey soon, so I'll let you know how that goes :)

Miss everyone!!

Umbrella art inside the Piazza

Cathedral near London Bridge

Hillsong

Hillsong service

National Portrait Gallery

I have been so busy this week that I haven't had time to update!! So here is my rundown of the week :)

Wednesday, we went to the National Portrait Gallery in central.  Yes, this is where Kate's new portrait is!  Unfortunately, you can't take any pictures, so all I have is a picture of the outside, haha.  The gallery was separated into time periods and my favorite was the 1960-1990 room.  Here, there was one Warhol piece, paintings of Princess Di and Charles, Paul McCartney, JK Rowling and tons of other famous Brits.  The older time periods were mainly kings/dukes/random English people.  While we were there, there was also an exhibit, Marilyn Monroe: A British Love Affair.  That was really cool, and had lots of magazine covers that she was on, as well as portraits done by local British artists.  And last but not least- the royal family! There was a section dedicated to them that had the engagement pictures of Kate and William, Charles and Camilla, and a portrait of both Harry and William on their 21st birthdays (seriously, they are beautiful people)  

And of course, Kate's new portrait.  I definitely think it looked better in person, but I don't think the portrait does her beauty justice.  As most people have said, it is her eyes that look old, making her look haggard.  However, everything else in the painting is amazing!  It was really cool to be able to see it right after the release while the excitement is still alive.  I had to buy a postcard of the portrait to add to my collection so far!

After the gallery, we went to our favorite restaurant here, Nandos! It's seriously the best (and cheapest) place we have found, and we go there way too much for our own good.  They mainly serve chicken dishes and have the best wraps ever and of course, chips :)  We sat around Nandos talking and realized that it was 6:30, which meant rush hour on the tube.  We braved the crowds, and were crammed like sardines in the tube, it was horrible and took FOREVER.  But we made it home safe and sound :)

Thursday, we went to karaoke night at The Union, the campus pub, and it was really fun, except nobody sang!  Next time we go, we are definitely going to sing some American tunes and show these Brits how its done (think we might need some liquid courage before that happens though)

Yesterday, we went to Westfield, the largest mall in Europe! It was so big that we didn't even cover half of it, but it was definitely an experience getting to see it.  I'm not sure how it compares to Mall of America, but it has to be pretty close!  Last night we went to BOP (doctors and nurses theme) and it was a great time as always.  I think next Friday night we are going to try to hit central London to see what nightlife is like.  

And finally.. today! It is so beautiful here, SUNNY and about 45 degrees (you would think it was about 100 as excited as I am about it)  I'm having a chill day and making a cake with Caitlin and then meeting all the girls in Putney for dinner at the Railway! 

Happy Saturday!!

Portrait Gallery!

Piccadilly at night

Westfield

with Prem!

Happy Happenings

Tuesdays are probably my favorite day for classes here.  Although my professor and I differ on many levels, he makes the class (language in the media) very interesting.  There are only two Americans in the module and he has started to make an attempt to include us by explaining things we wouldn't know, or correlating it to something in America.  Today, he asked us about our national anthem!  We couldn't really understand what he was asking about it, but it was still cool to know he was interested!

On my way back from class, I saw a fox!  Many people have told me they have seen them roaming the campus and this little guy was booking it in front of the building I was in.  He ran too fast for me to catch a picture, so hopefully I'll see another one and post it! Apparently people here don't have a deathly fear of them like I do?

Most exciting news of the day, WE BOOKED OUR FIRST TRIP!  We will be going to Edinburgh, Scotland February 20-24 and staying in a hostel right beside Edinburgh castle!  I am so excited for this trip and have heard so many wonderful things about the beautiful scenery there.  Not looking forward to the 9 hour bus rides, but who cares, I'll be in Scotland!!

I came back to my room to an email from UNCW that I made Dean's list from last semester, so yay for a wonderful day!!  On the list for tomorrow, the National Portrait Museum! Can't wait to see Kate's painting :)

I leave you with this cute cupcake from Notting Hill yesterday!

Notting Hill

Happy Monday!  My day started out by getting my first piece of mail here in London from my sweet Aunt Susan.  It was so great to hear from family and putting up cards from the people dear to my heart make my room feel even more like home.  No pressure to send me mail, blog followers ;)

Today, we went to NOTTING HILL!  For those who have not seen the movie that was filmed in this borough, conveniently named Notting Hill, watch the trailer! It is one of my all time favorite movies and was one of the places I knew I wanted to go to during my time in London.  Five of us went out in the snow today to catch a bus and two tubes and finally reached Notting Hill gate.  I had done research the night before and got all of the addresses of the most iconic places featured in the movie that we all wanted to see.  Those included: Hugh Grant's flat (with the blue door,) Portobello Market and of course The Travel Book Company, Hugh Grant's bookshop.

The small borough was beautiful, and was exactly what I had imagined!  It has a lot of cute flats, cafes and pubs and everything seemed to have Notting Hill in the name!  I read they were known for their antique markets, and there were antique vendors everywhere!  Portobello Road is the most famous part of the borough and is home to Portobello Market.  Since the weather has been so cold and snowy, we didn't expect much out of the markets, but luckily, a few fruit and vegetable vendors were open.  The food is SO fresh and cheap (box of blackberries for 1 pound!)  We are all planning on coming back when it gets warmer so we can enjoy the market during its prime season.

The Travel Book Company in the movie is actually modeled off of a real bookstore in Notting Hill, The Notting Hill Bookshop.  However, it was filmed in a replica just down the street.  The bookshop seen in the movie is now conveniently called "Notting Hill" and is actually a shoe store.  I know that seems super confusing, and it was for us too!

The snow is slowly starting to melt and it will get up to 41 degrees by Friday! (This is huge from the super cold 32 is has been all week)

Side note, it looks like I'm wearing the same outfit in every single picture I post on this blog, but I promise they are different!  This cold weather is really not showing off my wardrobe selection!

the bookshop that inspired The Travel Book Company

outside of The Notting Hill Bookshop

The Travel Book Company building

the start of Portobello Market

in front of the infamous blue door flat!

BOP

I can't believe I've been in London for over two weeks!  I feel like I have been here a lifetime already, and am starting to get really oriented with my new home (for a few months)  Time is certainly starting to fly!

Last night was the second BOP of the term, and it didn't disappoint, yet again!  We had prinks (pre-drinks, so British) at a flat and then headed to BOP in the snow, it was so cold.  Our British friends, Lucy and Maisie joined us, and they are so much fun!  They talk about wanting to be an American and always try to say "y'all" (so hilarious) During prinks, we all bonded over Journey, Bruce Springsteen and Dave Matthews Band.  It's so crazy to see how much they love American music over here!  

Today has been SUCH a lazy day, and I was accompanied in bed with a large water bottle and cereal all day.  I went to Caitlin's tonight to do laundry and make mac & cheese, and let me just tell you, it was amazing.  I felt like I was right back at home :)

On schedule for tomorrow- our usual Sunday Putney trip (if you can't tell- we LOVE Putney!)

love to all!

at BOP

"T" for the taken ladies in the group

Lucy and Maisie!

Caitlin and I at prinks

dinner of champions

Snow Day

Hi! Hope everyone is staying warm and dry back in the states!  I have been so busy with classes that I haven't updated anyone in a while-- so here is the scoop.

To start off: yes, I am alive and safe!  I had many loved ones back home asking if I was okay after the helicopter crash in London Wednesday.  Thank you for your concern!  The helicopter did hit right beside the train that I take to central London, so fortunately, I was in class and not heading out that morning.  In a picture on CNN, you can actually see the train that I ride on, which is really freaky.  I have been keeping the families of those who lost their lives in my thoughts and prayers.

On a lighter note, my classes are going great so far!  I am only taking three classes, one a day Tues/Wed/Thurs, so I have five day weekends, doesn't get better than that! I am in two writing courses (Writing Sport/Writing for Children) and a media class (Language in the Media) For my sports writing class, I get to go to a futbol game and press conference, so I'm really excited about that!  The work load is much easier than at UNCW, but the classes are SO much longer.  My classes typically last three hours with one 15 minute break (I am usually sipping down a large coffee during breaks to stay awake)  

Last night, we all met at The Union, the pub on campus.  I had my first pub food that wasn't chips (fries) and I can definitely say I'll be sticking to fries and ketchup at pubs!  You'll see why when you see the picture..

I woke up to a dusting of snow this morning, and it didn't stop all day!  We had planned to go to Kingston today and then central tonight to a bar called IceBar (the whole thing is made entirely of ice, drink glasses and everything!) and decided to bare the cold and head to Kingston despite the weather forecast.  Luckily, we were inside most of the day, but saw the snow falling pretty heavily the whole time!  We went to Bentalls today, as I was told there was an American foods section, and there was! I literally squealed when I saw Kraft macaroni and cheese, peanut butter m&m's, Pop Tarts and normal cereal!  I will never, never, never take for granted the amazing food I am capable of getting back in the states!

We have decided to postpone IceBar because it is so cold outside, and getting to central will be madness tonight!  So instead, we are going to bear the snow and ice and head to BOP on campus, tonights theme: heaven and hell.  Since I didn't pack my trusty halo, we will most likely be going in normal clothes, but there will be pictures to come!

Missing everyone!!

snow day!

Grove House on campus 

park in Kingston

YESSSS

Kingston

see what I mean?

Kingston

Hello from across the pond!  I hear most of you are enjoying wonderful North Carolina weather, and may I say, I'M SO JEALOUS. It is absolutely freezing here, and snowed pretty much all day yesterday.  Although it was beautiful when I woke up, the slushy mixture of rain and snow that came later in the day was not fun!

Yesterday, we ventured to Kingston, a borough about 30 minutes from Roehampton (where my university is located) It came highly recommended from people around here for the shopping, so we figured that would be a good way to spend a snow day.  After a very long bus ride (including a moment of panic when one of our girls got left at one of the bus stops) we finally made it to Kingston.  

It is a really precious town and is filled with good shopping and really pretty scenery.  My favorite part of the borough is a statue they have in the middle of a street that is a group of telephone booths falling over like dominos (refer to the picture) It was awesome, and I highly recommend the town to anyone planning on traveling to London!

After my class today, I headed to Putney with Maggie and Caitlin to get books for classes.  Tonight, we all made breakfast for dinner, and made plans to go to SOHO this Friday night with some of Laura's flatmates! Yay for trips with true Londoners!

xoxo!!

Some snow when I woke up!

SO COLD

cute, right?

rainy day sightseeing

Sunday Funday

I am trying to make the blog an everyday thing that I must do.  Not only does it help create some sort of a routine here, but this is the only way I will remember all of the amazing adventures I find myself having while in London.  With that said- here is my short post about today :)

I started to get a sore throat last night, so Izzy and I had planned on going on a cafe date today to relax and get something hot to drink.  Stephanie and Laura joined us, and we all took the bus and headed into Putney.  Our day quickly turned to shopping (there are so many after Christmas sales still going on here) where I got a few much needed items.  We had lunch at this cute little cafe called BB's where we all got soup and a sandwich (exactly what I needed.) Since everything closes here at 5 on Sundays, we stopped at a little market to pick up some food and headed back to campus.  So, pretty calm Sunday with some amazing new friends.  I am now unpacking and then heading to Caitlin's flat to make some dinner, I think pasta will be the choice for tonight! 

Today has made me realize how much I LOVE Putney! Its only a short bus ride from school, and has the cutest hole-in-the-wall cafes, pubs and shops.  The River Thames runs right through the city, providing even more beauty to the small borough.  I have a feeling I will be going there often to study or just have a cup of tea (so English)

xoxo!

Only picture of the day..  tomato basil soup here = TO DIE

Buckingham

HI ALL! Since my last post, many exciting things have been happening! We have seen all of the big sights in central London (Big Ben/Tower of London/Westminster, etc) but had yet to go to Buckingham Palace.  So yesterday, Laura, Stephanie, Caitlin and I went through beautiful Green Park and went to Buckingham!  It was so crowded, but it was as beautiful and historically significant as I had imagined (where Kate and William kissed, what could be more significant than that?!) We took tons of pictures and stared in awe before we decided we should get on with our day.

After that, we found a place with a good 'ol American cheeseburger and chips (fries) and then headed to do some shopping on Oxford Street.  Oxford is right beside Picadilly Circus, and has the best shopping in central, hands down.  Although I avoided a lot of shopping yesterday, I did see a lot of beautiful shops that I will be visiting once Mom and Dad come visit in April :)

While we were out shopping, we all had to get onesies for the first Bop of the semester.  Bop is at the bar on campus every Friday night, where it is turned into a club for students.  They have a theme each night, and this Friday, the theme was onesies (imagine the bunny Ralphie wore in A Christmas Story)  Although our onesies had an American twist (long sleeved nightgowns) they were super comfortable, and made it great to crawl into bed after being out.

After sleeping in a bit today, I headed to central with Caitlin to go shopping around and get my IPhone fixed, I can now imessage, YAY! Now, I'm listening to the NC State vs Duke game since ESPN doesn't play here in London.  GO PACK!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend back in the states :) xoxo

beautiful morning at Waterloo Station

outside of Buckingham

If I can no longer fit in my pants soon, I'm blaming these
(ps- thats chocolate in the middle of that heavenly creation)

Caitlin and I at Buckingham gates

Just making wishes outside of Buckingham, no big deal

so many people, but so awesome
(Buckingham)

FINALLY got a picture of this precious taxi

Onesie Bop!

Richmond Park

Classes are in full swing! Today I had my second class of the week and then hit Asda with Izzy for some more essential items (the list seems never-ending) As we were in Asda, we both looked outside and immediately ran to find each other because the SUN HAD COME OUT!  That is one thing I will never take for granted in Wilmington again, some good 'ol vitamin D.  I knew I wanted to get outside since it was so pretty so Caitlin, Stephanie and I went exploring around campus and then walked to a local park.

Richmond Park is the largest of all 8 of the Royal Parks, and the closest to Roehampton campus.  We asked a local what all was there, and it's basically has a ton of wildlife and home to the Royal Ballet School! The park has so much green area and hills, something we are not used to seeing on campus.  There are fields for rugby (we watched one game-so cool!) and deer everywhere!  I was at least 3 feet from about 100 deer just grazing.  It was beautiful, and I know Cameron D. and Grandaddy-Moo would have loved it.  We came back and I took a nap and then headed to the pizzeria to meet some people for dinner (love getting to eat actual food instead of sandwiches) and we started looking at calendars for trips. Here I come Italy, Dublin, Scotland, and Spain!

Also, talked to my roommate, Nada, today and she is going to be here the first week of March! Cannot wait to see a familiar face and get to enjoy this amazing city with one of my best friends!

Sorry in advance for all of the nature pictures today, it was just so sunny and beautiful I couldn't resist

xoxo

view of the river and Grove house on campus

view from my room!

exploring campus

SO MANY DEER 

look hard- you can see the deer in the grass- and the beautiful sun!

Royal Ballet School in White Lodge

stalking the deer