Today I arrived in Copenhagen, Denmark the first stop on my whirlwind tour around Europe. I have to say that i'm slightly disappointed. The hostel seems nice; however it doesn't seem to be in a great location--as in I'm glad that I have to get up so early tomorrow to catch my train so i'll be in early tonight.
From the moment I got off the plane things didn't go quite right, which isn't a problem but the people aren't very friendly either. Maybe I am a bit spoiled in America...? But the last few days in England have been very welcoming. My plane was late due to an electrical problem. We sat at the gate for a while..not sure how long because i had already turned my phone off and for once i was out on a plane. I slept the entire way here. The staff on the plane were very nice however, they gave us a free drink for making us sit in the hot plane for so long and they were just pleasant. seats were great too. If you're ever flying around these parts I highly recommend Scandanavian air.
Anyway, the lateness put me in chaos for finding a bus/train/metro anything to get to the hostel by 2 30 and the people working both the information booth and the ticket booth were just rude. I understand i don't speak your language-even though they spoke english and advertised it-- and i'm taking up a lot of your time because i'm completely lost, but sheesh.
That aside, my summary of copenhagen is this: Some parts look like Amsterdam (good thing) but the whole thing feels like Brussels (bad thing). Alas, my time here is up. Tomorrow I'll be in `Berlin which is supposed to be fantastic. We'll see!
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Saturday, 15 August 2009
In Oxfordshire
Arrived in Oxford today.
Love my flat. Love my flatmates. Cannot wait to be done traveling and move in for real!
Love my flat. Love my flatmates. Cannot wait to be done traveling and move in for real!
Sitting on a bus and on top of the world
Hi ya.
I've arrived in London (yesterday around noon local time) and made it safely to my friend Gretchen's flat in east London. Currently, I'm on my way to Oxford via the Oxford tube (a bus) and enjoying the free, albeit shaky wi-fi. After my arrival at Heathrow yesterday I rode the London tube all the way to north/east London and missed all the sites. It's nice to be sitting on a bus and looking out on my London. The London I remember. I got very sentimental around the Gloucester Road tube stop that's for sure.
Things seem to be going well so far. I booked myself an overnight flight to get here and of course did not sleep a wink. Went to bed around 9:30 last night and was up again by midnight until 2 am surfing the net and running all these scenarios around in my head. My mind is currently incapable of relaxing and going with the flow and...SLEEPING at the moment. I did manage to get some sleep between 2 and 8:30. So I feel great. As I walked up to Gretchen's road yesterday she greeted me with open arms and a "welcome home." That felt great!
In oxford I will be meeting my flatmates and seeing the flat for the first time. I also hope to get a few things done in town, but seeing as will be Saturday afternoon by the time I arrive, I'm not sure what will be open. I can always do the bank on Monday in London...right?
I am, of course, worrying about money. So far I haven't spent much, 20quid on my tube pass a few pounds at the market and now my bus trip which is 13pounds roundtrip on a student discount :) I'm mostly worried about the upcoming travel and how expensive it will be and I'm not sure when exactly I get the money from my loan...I think it may be enrollment week or the week before... Oh well. It's something to keep in mind but I can't let it ruin my day/week/month!
I love London!!!
I've arrived in London (yesterday around noon local time) and made it safely to my friend Gretchen's flat in east London. Currently, I'm on my way to Oxford via the Oxford tube (a bus) and enjoying the free, albeit shaky wi-fi. After my arrival at Heathrow yesterday I rode the London tube all the way to north/east London and missed all the sites. It's nice to be sitting on a bus and looking out on my London. The London I remember. I got very sentimental around the Gloucester Road tube stop that's for sure.
Things seem to be going well so far. I booked myself an overnight flight to get here and of course did not sleep a wink. Went to bed around 9:30 last night and was up again by midnight until 2 am surfing the net and running all these scenarios around in my head. My mind is currently incapable of relaxing and going with the flow and...SLEEPING at the moment. I did manage to get some sleep between 2 and 8:30. So I feel great. As I walked up to Gretchen's road yesterday she greeted me with open arms and a "welcome home." That felt great!
In oxford I will be meeting my flatmates and seeing the flat for the first time. I also hope to get a few things done in town, but seeing as will be Saturday afternoon by the time I arrive, I'm not sure what will be open. I can always do the bank on Monday in London...right?
I am, of course, worrying about money. So far I haven't spent much, 20quid on my tube pass a few pounds at the market and now my bus trip which is 13pounds roundtrip on a student discount :) I'm mostly worried about the upcoming travel and how expensive it will be and I'm not sure when exactly I get the money from my loan...I think it may be enrollment week or the week before... Oh well. It's something to keep in mind but I can't let it ruin my day/week/month!
I love London!!!
Thursday, 13 August 2009
Sitting in Beans in the Belfry in Brunswick, Maryland which is apparently the closest place to Lovettsville, VA to get some high class (read: high speed/free) internet. Lovettsville is the home of my dearest Maria...the town of love. :)
Flight leaves in t minus 5 1/2 hours. Freaking out on the inside a bit although I keep getting told that I seem calm. Perhaps acting really was my calling...? I think not.
Look forward to some *exciting* posts regarding the world travels. Hopefully. Interested in the itinerary? Me too.
Copenhagen-->Berlin-->Warsaw-->Krakow/Auschwitz-->
Germany(somewhere)-->Prague-->Venice-->Verona-->Florence
-->Rome-->Pisa-->Alps-->Monaco-->Bern-->Nantes-->Orleans
-->Lille-->London-->Bath-->OXFORD (aka home).
Flight leaves in t minus 5 1/2 hours. Freaking out on the inside a bit although I keep getting told that I seem calm. Perhaps acting really was my calling...? I think not.
Look forward to some *exciting* posts regarding the world travels. Hopefully. Interested in the itinerary? Me too.
Copenhagen-->Berlin-->Warsaw-->Krakow/Auschwitz-->
Germany(somewhere)-->Prague-->Venice-->Verona-->Florence
-->Rome-->Pisa-->Alps-->Monaco-->Bern-->Nantes-->Orleans
-->Lille-->London-->Bath-->OXFORD (aka home).
Wednesday, 29 July 2009
She's got eyes of the bluest skies...
Suppose I'm about due for an update, especially since loose ends are finally being tied up and I am t-minus 15 (!) days until departure!
After a quite costly debacle with the Visa process--I am officially on (or will be in 15 days) a UK general student tier 4 visa!! Complete with a horrendous picture to match my horrifying passport! I am so glad that this is all straightened out and I can, in fact, proceed with my much anticipated adventure! I first applied for my visa online, paid $250 for it and then had to schedule a 'biometric' appointment in Charleston. That went fine, although I was so nervous that I'd do something wrong. Which, obviously, I did! At the appointment they took my fingerprints (did you know that typing a lot makes your fingerprints harder to capture? In essence, you lose your prints because the typing wears them off...good to know, right?) and then they took a couple of pictures. Well, being the novice at the whole Visa process, I figured that the pictures they took would be the ones sent to the UK visa office in NYC. Wrong. On top of that I forgot to mail in...hmm, let's see, a whole crap load of stuff needed to process my visa. Namely, bank records, my loan information, my diploma and that very helpful letter from the Uni saying that I actually was accepted. It took 3 tries to get my visa settled. All in all about $300 dollars. At the end of which they send me an email with a link to a handy list (although, still a little vague) of what needed to be sent with my application. Very helpful, thanks.
Needless to say, I am now in possession of my passport again, complete with UK visa sticker/thing and have made copies of it. I'm also almost completely packed for my trip and for the next year...or at least a few months. I'm not taking all of my clothes, naturally...mostly because I figure I'll want to buy clothes seeing as I love me some UK fashions! I have 3 bags and a small backpack. I'll be taking my HUGE suitcase, large backpack (as in for hiking, etc.) and small backpack with me on August 13th and stepdad Ben has graciously agreed to bring my other suitcase over in September when he comes to bring mum home! I surprisingly have managed to not go over the 50lb weight limit on any of the bags...one came in close at 44lbs, but I've since lightened it a bit! The backpack for my month long excursion is weighing in at about 23lbs which I think it fantastic considering it will carry my life for a month.
I'm starting to get really sentimental and nervous about leaving. And, despite the fact that I feel like I'm on a spending spree most days, I'm enjoying the fact that I quit working early. I've enjoyed being able to spend time with friends and family whenever I want...and on days that everyone else is leading a normal life...I like to hang out with my kitten who will miss me immensley I'm sure. :)
I am also proud to say that I've mastered Skype this week with a whole 2 sessions. One to Illinois (I think...maybe Indiana?) and another to good ol' East Berlin. Let's just say my mum is TOO funny with technology. Speaking of mum, we spent a very nice week together in early July in East Berlin (see what not having a job can do for you?). We hung out with the family, enjoyed some 4th of July-ness, cleaned and attempted to purge her storage unit and went to Hershey Park! I used to go to Hershey Park all the time and it became a little repetitive...but it's nice to go with first timers, or in my mom's case someone who hasn't been there in a long time! We rode 98% of the coasters (didn't mess with the lame ones, natch), shared a delicious chicken wrap and walked our butts off! Good times. We love each other beaucoup.
Next up is Maria's visit to Motown this weekend, which also culminates with my LAST weekend in Motown, at least as a resident. :) Seriously, so excited about that. Then I'll finish up packing/getting ready and head to PA on Friday (the 7th). Mum and I are off to NYC for a few days and then it's go time, folks!
After a quite costly debacle with the Visa process--I am officially on (or will be in 15 days) a UK general student tier 4 visa!! Complete with a horrendous picture to match my horrifying passport! I am so glad that this is all straightened out and I can, in fact, proceed with my much anticipated adventure! I first applied for my visa online, paid $250 for it and then had to schedule a 'biometric' appointment in Charleston. That went fine, although I was so nervous that I'd do something wrong. Which, obviously, I did! At the appointment they took my fingerprints (did you know that typing a lot makes your fingerprints harder to capture? In essence, you lose your prints because the typing wears them off...good to know, right?) and then they took a couple of pictures. Well, being the novice at the whole Visa process, I figured that the pictures they took would be the ones sent to the UK visa office in NYC. Wrong. On top of that I forgot to mail in...hmm, let's see, a whole crap load of stuff needed to process my visa. Namely, bank records, my loan information, my diploma and that very helpful letter from the Uni saying that I actually was accepted. It took 3 tries to get my visa settled. All in all about $300 dollars. At the end of which they send me an email with a link to a handy list (although, still a little vague) of what needed to be sent with my application. Very helpful, thanks.
Needless to say, I am now in possession of my passport again, complete with UK visa sticker/thing and have made copies of it. I'm also almost completely packed for my trip and for the next year...or at least a few months. I'm not taking all of my clothes, naturally...mostly because I figure I'll want to buy clothes seeing as I love me some UK fashions! I have 3 bags and a small backpack. I'll be taking my HUGE suitcase, large backpack (as in for hiking, etc.) and small backpack with me on August 13th and stepdad Ben has graciously agreed to bring my other suitcase over in September when he comes to bring mum home! I surprisingly have managed to not go over the 50lb weight limit on any of the bags...one came in close at 44lbs, but I've since lightened it a bit! The backpack for my month long excursion is weighing in at about 23lbs which I think it fantastic considering it will carry my life for a month.
I'm starting to get really sentimental and nervous about leaving. And, despite the fact that I feel like I'm on a spending spree most days, I'm enjoying the fact that I quit working early. I've enjoyed being able to spend time with friends and family whenever I want...and on days that everyone else is leading a normal life...I like to hang out with my kitten who will miss me immensley I'm sure. :)
I am also proud to say that I've mastered Skype this week with a whole 2 sessions. One to Illinois (I think...maybe Indiana?) and another to good ol' East Berlin. Let's just say my mum is TOO funny with technology. Speaking of mum, we spent a very nice week together in early July in East Berlin (see what not having a job can do for you?). We hung out with the family, enjoyed some 4th of July-ness, cleaned and attempted to purge her storage unit and went to Hershey Park! I used to go to Hershey Park all the time and it became a little repetitive...but it's nice to go with first timers, or in my mom's case someone who hasn't been there in a long time! We rode 98% of the coasters (didn't mess with the lame ones, natch), shared a delicious chicken wrap and walked our butts off! Good times. We love each other beaucoup.
Next up is Maria's visit to Motown this weekend, which also culminates with my LAST weekend in Motown, at least as a resident. :) Seriously, so excited about that. Then I'll finish up packing/getting ready and head to PA on Friday (the 7th). Mum and I are off to NYC for a few days and then it's go time, folks!
Monday, 22 June 2009
Almost Heaven
Today I am sitting in extended family's (read: everyone is a 'cousin') living room after a fun-filled weekend of reunion. Oy. We do this every June and every year I feel I've gained about a bazillion pounds, I've been bitten by a plethora of insect varieties and I'm wondering why we see these people only once a year.
And, in other news we're still here at the moment because I have an appointment at 1pm in Charleston for my Visa. I'm not really sure why I have this appointment or what is going to happen...and I didn't sleep at all last night for fear that somehow my future is about to be diverted. I bought my Visa online about two weeks ago and after submitting the application, I was told I had to pick an office to go to to 'finish' the process. I really just hope everything is working out as planned. It better. I bought my train pass two weeks ago as well!!! Made a major dent in my savings (my bank even denied the charge a few times and then called me to make sure it wasn't fraudulent activity). It feels so great that things are coming together, at least for the trip part, but all the little details are stressing me out a bit. Money (not the lack of money...I'm over that stress already, but where to put it and in what currency), packing, etc.
I also started a new job last week after 4 days of unemployment. It's at a telecenter (those of you in Morgantown can guess which) basically because they have 6 weeks of training and it's super easy to get a job there. So far it's boring. Very boring. However, it pays only slightly less than my old job and I'm a lot less stressed.
My mom has decided to join me on my travels rather than just meeting me in Oxford. She's going to meet me in Venice (ahh...I like the sound of that) on September the 7th and we're going to travel up and down Italy, and then go over the alps into France in search of this tiny little town that my great-grandmother is from. Then the plan is to hit some places in the south of France, Switzerland, head to Nantes and Orleans and do some Joan of Arc (I am not afraid...) and back to jolly ol' England! Is this really my life??? It still hasn't hit me that, yes, it is my life...or will be. Ask me again around August 19th if I'm finally believing this is all real.
As I mentioned, I've spent the entire weekend with family. I've tried to see my family more lately. We've had some major family issues to deal with this year and I think it's finally made me realize how important it is to have a connection with them. I've always been the one who lived far away whether it was due to where I grew up or when I went away to school (I picked my school slightly based on the amount of hours it takes to drive there from home). Before I leave I want to make sure that I see everyone a lot before I leave and that we make good memories. Now that everyone is getting older, and I've finally been accepted as a real adult (at 23 mind you) family is a lot more fun. I spent the majority of the weekend with my 'little' cousin Kelly who is now 15. This past year she's transitioned from the annoying little cousin/sister to a cool kid. She's coming to London next June for a school/music trip. We're going shopping :)
Ok, getting ready to head out. Adieu!!
And, in other news we're still here at the moment because I have an appointment at 1pm in Charleston for my Visa. I'm not really sure why I have this appointment or what is going to happen...and I didn't sleep at all last night for fear that somehow my future is about to be diverted. I bought my Visa online about two weeks ago and after submitting the application, I was told I had to pick an office to go to to 'finish' the process. I really just hope everything is working out as planned. It better. I bought my train pass two weeks ago as well!!! Made a major dent in my savings (my bank even denied the charge a few times and then called me to make sure it wasn't fraudulent activity). It feels so great that things are coming together, at least for the trip part, but all the little details are stressing me out a bit. Money (not the lack of money...I'm over that stress already, but where to put it and in what currency), packing, etc.
I also started a new job last week after 4 days of unemployment. It's at a telecenter (those of you in Morgantown can guess which) basically because they have 6 weeks of training and it's super easy to get a job there. So far it's boring. Very boring. However, it pays only slightly less than my old job and I'm a lot less stressed.
My mom has decided to join me on my travels rather than just meeting me in Oxford. She's going to meet me in Venice (ahh...I like the sound of that) on September the 7th and we're going to travel up and down Italy, and then go over the alps into France in search of this tiny little town that my great-grandmother is from. Then the plan is to hit some places in the south of France, Switzerland, head to Nantes and Orleans and do some Joan of Arc (I am not afraid...) and back to jolly ol' England! Is this really my life??? It still hasn't hit me that, yes, it is my life...or will be. Ask me again around August 19th if I'm finally believing this is all real.
As I mentioned, I've spent the entire weekend with family. I've tried to see my family more lately. We've had some major family issues to deal with this year and I think it's finally made me realize how important it is to have a connection with them. I've always been the one who lived far away whether it was due to where I grew up or when I went away to school (I picked my school slightly based on the amount of hours it takes to drive there from home). Before I leave I want to make sure that I see everyone a lot before I leave and that we make good memories. Now that everyone is getting older, and I've finally been accepted as a real adult (at 23 mind you) family is a lot more fun. I spent the majority of the weekend with my 'little' cousin Kelly who is now 15. This past year she's transitioned from the annoying little cousin/sister to a cool kid. She's coming to London next June for a school/music trip. We're going shopping :)
Ok, getting ready to head out. Adieu!!
Friday, 29 May 2009
I wake up every evening...
...With a big smile on my face.
Ok, so not really so much. But it is so uber close to August that I can hardly stand it.
I have hit a bit of a snag in my financial plans: I'm losing my job. It was bound to happen to a temp in an economy in crisis mode, but I was really hoping they'd hold on until the end of July. Technically, I have until June 19th, but I'm hoping to jump ship before that. I had an interview at Target (figure the discount will get me through...right) and have applied a plethora of other places. We'll see. I feel bad about the whole applying situation, seeing as I'm lying to everyone and saying "oh yeah, I'll be here forever! I have nothing else valid and worthwhile to do with my life." If only they knew!
I also found out a couple of weeks ago that I had been approved for the full $20,500 in stafford loans for school. Whooo...more debt! Of course after the exchange rate, this doesn't amount to a whole lot (i.e. barely enough to pay my rent) but that's what the working was supposed to be for. I'm about 1,100 shy of my goal right now, I'm hoping to make it, but I also still have to purchase my Visa, and my train pass. Some days I really just want to cancel my plane ticket, and my backpacking and just SAVE. BUT I won't. No fear. When will I ever have this chance again??? To make matters worse, my mom lost her job. It wasn't that I was depending on her giving me money...she's just always a safety net. A mom loan if you will. She's given me numerous lectures on the dangers of credit cards, etc. and I still do not have one when most of my other 20-something counterparts have at least one. Now that the mom loan is out of the question (she's got savings, but I could never do that...), I don't really have a back up plan. Like, if I get robbed in Vienna, there's nothing else.
So, the solution that I'm grappling with is taking out even more in student loans. I probably qualify for a Grad Plus loan. I think if I could get maybe another 10 grand, I'd be set. Oy vey. Honestly, though...as it seems no one will be able to afford to come visit me for Christmas as planned, I'll probably come home. And, no one but me will be able to pay for that ticket. And I won't be able to pay for that ticket unless I have extra money. I know I could get a job while in school---but I've worked all through high school and all through college. I really feel like I missed out on key experiences because of the need to have money. Maybe I missed a roadtrip, or didn't see a movie; perhaps my grades would have been just a bit better. Who knows. I just want this degree to be different. I want knowledge. I want every minute devoted to my studies, learning, experiencing what my professors have to offer. And, i want to hop on the train to Bath/Dublin/where ever at a moments notice without having to work or not having the money to. I want an internship at a publishing house, not a part-time job at the coffee shop. I've had those, I need more!
On a less serious note, although just as depressing: two weekends ago was graduation 2009. Meaning, the last of my WVU crew have gathered their diplomas and left me in this sucky town for good. Sigh. I cried, probably more than they did, on graduation day. Maria stayed with me that whole week before and as I left her Saturday night before grad, around 3am, I layed in bed and bawled my eyes out (don't think I told you that, M!). 1. I can't believe that my dearest Maria is a college graduate and no longer lives in Morgantown. Maria embodies Morgantown for me. I can't describe why. I am always at the same instant completely jealous and completely in love with that girl...she is Magic. :) I know exactly what you will say upon reading this, but I am super jealous of the life you led here at WVU. The guard stuff, the photo shoots and movie making, even your crazy last semesters full of random stuff! 2. Lizzle. My olive drab sprinkle...a big, grown-up MA. And soon, you'll be donning that funny hat for your Ph. D. I am in awe of you as well. Mainly for your perseverance to become a Ph. D and secondly for your earring collection. :)
You are one of the smartest people I've ever met. And I don't care what you say...when we go out together, I'll always feel second fiddle. I feel like between us we'll always have Pride and Prejudice at the Warner and Arnold hall sundaes with way too many sprinkles. And whats more, we'll always be able to be in that state of mind no matter how crazy fabulous we (you) are.
I love you both so much, and there's no way I could've made it through this year, or any of the last few without either of you.
I've got a little more going on, but for now this is way too long. Ciao, bellas.
Ok, so not really so much. But it is so uber close to August that I can hardly stand it.
I have hit a bit of a snag in my financial plans: I'm losing my job. It was bound to happen to a temp in an economy in crisis mode, but I was really hoping they'd hold on until the end of July. Technically, I have until June 19th, but I'm hoping to jump ship before that. I had an interview at Target (figure the discount will get me through...right) and have applied a plethora of other places. We'll see. I feel bad about the whole applying situation, seeing as I'm lying to everyone and saying "oh yeah, I'll be here forever! I have nothing else valid and worthwhile to do with my life." If only they knew!
I also found out a couple of weeks ago that I had been approved for the full $20,500 in stafford loans for school. Whooo...more debt! Of course after the exchange rate, this doesn't amount to a whole lot (i.e. barely enough to pay my rent) but that's what the working was supposed to be for. I'm about 1,100 shy of my goal right now, I'm hoping to make it, but I also still have to purchase my Visa, and my train pass. Some days I really just want to cancel my plane ticket, and my backpacking and just SAVE. BUT I won't. No fear. When will I ever have this chance again??? To make matters worse, my mom lost her job. It wasn't that I was depending on her giving me money...she's just always a safety net. A mom loan if you will. She's given me numerous lectures on the dangers of credit cards, etc. and I still do not have one when most of my other 20-something counterparts have at least one. Now that the mom loan is out of the question (she's got savings, but I could never do that...), I don't really have a back up plan. Like, if I get robbed in Vienna, there's nothing else.
So, the solution that I'm grappling with is taking out even more in student loans. I probably qualify for a Grad Plus loan. I think if I could get maybe another 10 grand, I'd be set. Oy vey. Honestly, though...as it seems no one will be able to afford to come visit me for Christmas as planned, I'll probably come home. And, no one but me will be able to pay for that ticket. And I won't be able to pay for that ticket unless I have extra money. I know I could get a job while in school---but I've worked all through high school and all through college. I really feel like I missed out on key experiences because of the need to have money. Maybe I missed a roadtrip, or didn't see a movie; perhaps my grades would have been just a bit better. Who knows. I just want this degree to be different. I want knowledge. I want every minute devoted to my studies, learning, experiencing what my professors have to offer. And, i want to hop on the train to Bath/Dublin/where ever at a moments notice without having to work or not having the money to. I want an internship at a publishing house, not a part-time job at the coffee shop. I've had those, I need more!
On a less serious note, although just as depressing: two weekends ago was graduation 2009. Meaning, the last of my WVU crew have gathered their diplomas and left me in this sucky town for good. Sigh. I cried, probably more than they did, on graduation day. Maria stayed with me that whole week before and as I left her Saturday night before grad, around 3am, I layed in bed and bawled my eyes out (don't think I told you that, M!). 1. I can't believe that my dearest Maria is a college graduate and no longer lives in Morgantown. Maria embodies Morgantown for me. I can't describe why. I am always at the same instant completely jealous and completely in love with that girl...she is Magic. :) I know exactly what you will say upon reading this, but I am super jealous of the life you led here at WVU. The guard stuff, the photo shoots and movie making, even your crazy last semesters full of random stuff! 2. Lizzle. My olive drab sprinkle...a big, grown-up MA. And soon, you'll be donning that funny hat for your Ph. D. I am in awe of you as well. Mainly for your perseverance to become a Ph. D and secondly for your earring collection. :)
You are one of the smartest people I've ever met. And I don't care what you say...when we go out together, I'll always feel second fiddle. I feel like between us we'll always have Pride and Prejudice at the Warner and Arnold hall sundaes with way too many sprinkles. And whats more, we'll always be able to be in that state of mind no matter how crazy fabulous we (you) are.
I love you both so much, and there's no way I could've made it through this year, or any of the last few without either of you.
I've got a little more going on, but for now this is way too long. Ciao, bellas.
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