No Place I'd Rather Be

The past two weeks have been the two of the quickest weeks in my life. Not only that, but they also involved some of the best experiences I’ve ever had. The conclusion of our London program brought us all to the sad recognition of having one of the best summers yet. But before I get to the talk of the end, I need to update on all I’ve done since Paris weekend.

After spending most of our time with London touristy things sprinkled here and there while focusing on our abroad weekends, we finally got to do all the things on our London checklist that we’d been missing out on. And I can definitely tell you, London has an absolute infinite amount of things to do, but we definitely conquered all we could with the time we had left.

Starting on the Monday we got back, my London as Arts Capital Trip took a trip to this famous art auction called Christies, where we got to see some of the most famous art work in the world, all for sale in their auction. From the works they were auctioning on, I decided to go ahead a buy a Roy Lichtenstein, an Andy Warhol, and an amazing Alexander Mcqueen gown, which of course would only put a small dent in my wallet…

That night, America played their first game in the World Cup against Ghana. The American Outlaws, who are the official American soccer team follower group around the world, threw an American watch party at this pub called Old Kings Head pub in London not far from our flats. We got to the pub and it was fully packed with Americans all screaming and chanting for the US to defy odds and make it out of the group of death, which we now know they did. The atmosphere was electric and it was great to see US capture their first win in these World Cup games with some great friends, all the while singing “God Bless the USA” all the way home..

The next night was one of the most anticipated nights by most of our group since the trip began. Lauren and another girl in the program organized a 4 hour river cruise that took us up and down the Thames River on Tuesday night. It was an amazing time filled with music, dancing, great views, and even better friends. As our time in London was coming to an end, it was exactly the thing we all needed to fully enjoy some of the time we had left as a group.

If you asked Lauren and I what has been our favorite thing since being in London, then we are most likely to say the food, because we never seem to not find amazing food wherever we looked. This included four little stands located in a Church courtyard that opened for lunch every single day right outside our flats. Included in these stands was a falafel wrap station, where you could get a generously sized falafel wrap for 3 pounds along with countless falafel samples the guy willingly gave out. The wrap was delicious, as just the picture is making my mouth water wanting to go back for another.

That next day, a group of us did something after class a little out of the ordinary. We went willingly to a bar that was 23 degrees Fahrenheit inside. Paying for a ticket to IceBar London gives you entry into a forty minute session at a bar completely constructed out of Ice. The ticket includes getting to wear one of the eskimo capes and gloves, along with a free refreshment of your choosing. Although freezing, it was definitely an experience unlike any other.

On that Friday, my Arts Capital class went to the Royal Academy, and I got my first experience at what became my favorite art museum yet. The Academy was featuring a summer exhibition that included works from not only famous artists, but also regular citizens that were chosen. The exhibition was amazing as it showed such a variety of work, that everyone was able to find something that they loved.

That night, most of the group ventured their way off to numerous locations for the last weekend we had left, but as we had gone to Paris last weekend, we decided to stay. Regardless, I didn’t want to waste my last Friday in London just sitting around. So after grabbing another delicious Indian dinner of 3 different types of curry from the weekend food market right by our flats that we’ve come to love. Chris Bondi and I found online a free comedy show to go to. After being hesitant of what we were about to see on the way there, we were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed ourselves. The comedians were absolutely hilarious, and we were shown that a good time is never hard to find in a place like London.

Waking up early the next day, Lauren and I finally did the classic touristy London thing to do and go on the London Eye. The advantage to going this late in our program is that we were able to see and point out all the places that we knew and we were able to see just how much London had become another home since our time being there.

After, we made our way over to one of my favorite parts of London: Camden. Camden is a London borough and practically the whole little town is a huge market. Featuring everything from clothes to home decorations to amazing food vendors, this market literally has it all. Also located in Camden is the number 1 fish and chips restaurant, and Lauren and I finally got to try the English delicacy, which is one of my favorite dishes in the states. Poppies was unbeatable though, and I’m not sure I’m going to be able to eat it in the states without the painful reminder that it’s just not the same.

Coming back from Camden, we decided to take a final walk around central London and get some last pics at some classic sites, which you will probably recognize. That night we decided to participate in another pub crawl around a part of London we hadn’t really experience: the younger, trendy Shoreditch. What’s awesome about these pub crawls is that it takes you to these random, little hole in the wall places that you would never think to go to, but turn out being awesome times.

The next day Lauren and I slept in a little, but then decided to treat ourselves to a good breakfast, and we went to a place called My Old Dutch, where they serve these huge, very thin pancakes with about any topping you could imagine. Lauren got a berry compote one, and I got a smoked ham, sautéed apple, and cinnamon one. Delicious as always.

After, we took the train and ventured off to Windsor Castle, where we had high tea with the Queen herself (well, we wish). But I did get to get this pretty awesome selfie with a guard (bucket list, check!). We also explored the little towns surrounding Windsor, and then made our way back to Conway Hall to rest up for our last week in London, while also enjoying the US game at the Old Kings Head pub once again.

On Monday, I started the day early as I normally do and went on a run. I decided to go off of my normal London route though and use this run as a site seeing tour. I ended up running to the Tower of London (where I got another guard selfie!), the Shard, the Gherkin, and the oldest church in London. Definitely a more enjoyable run than your average one.

Next, I got to visit the awesome Victoria and Albert museum and see an exhibition there I had been highly anticipating: Italian Fashion. The exhibition housed amazing clothes from every century since the start of the fashion world and illustrated just how Italy influenced it all. Here are a couple of my favorite pieces, including a suit worn by my man JFK. Next, I ventured off to another market (can you tell I like markets?), the Covent Garden Market, and got to enjoy one last cookie at the absolutely fantastic Ben’s Cookies. YUM. After that, for our last British Moral Philosophy class our teacher decided to treat us by taking us all to a local pub and buying the first round of drinks for everyone (what a guy…).

The next day was the final day in the program, and after enjoying some amazing views from my normal run route, Lauren and I had a picnic in St. James Park while studying for our final later that day.

Most of the group left extremely early the next morning, but with my fam coming to meet me and London to make our way to Barcelona, I had a full day in England to do as I pleased. I got up early and made my way to Wimbledon to see if I could get in and watch a match or two. After waiting an extremely long four hours, I finally got a grounds ticket and got to go in to watch a few matches and eat Strawberries and Cream on the famous Aorangi Terrace. Going to the Wimbledon championships was something I never dreamed of actually getting to do, and was well worth every minute I had to spend waiting.

I met my family that night, and after finally enjoying one last English delicacy, a full English breakfast, we jetted off to Barcelona for a week. Currently sitting on our terrace here, writing this, experiencing new adventures to fill you in on in a weeks time.

One last London Cheers,

Elyse

A Butterbeer Here, A French Baguette There...

Coming back from Italy on Monday, we had a quick turn around before our weekend trip to Paris, France this last weekend. Although tired and with only a little time, I was able to check a couple things off of my London checklist before making our way to the amazing Paris.

One was watching the first game of the World Cup at a local pub called The Thirsty Bear. I have loved seeing the differences in the following of the World Cup here comparing to America. I feel so lucky when I am at a local place that all these people share the love of soccer just as much as I do. One example of this is a huge Brazil-themed festival they have on the first day set up in the middle of London in Trafalgar Square.

On Thursday, I fulfilled one of my ultimate goals for my time in London and went to the Warners Bros. Studio for the Harry Potter film tour. The tour was absolutely amazing, with a full immersion experience into the whole world of Harry Potter.

We got to walk around the actual sets and props from the filming of the movie, and learn all about how they made the magical books come to life. We also got to personally taste the infamous Butterbeer (SO GOOD) and the chocolate frogs that the films and books both highlight!

Friday night, Lauren and I decided to go to a musical, as London has become a center in the theatre world. We decided upon Jersey Boys, and I think we both didn’t know what to expect going in. By the end of the show, we were both singing the songs with the cast, and I can honestly say it was one of the best shows I have been to. The music was awesome, and we did not leave disappointed in the least bit.

Waking up very early on Saturday morning, Lauren, Meg, Andrew, and I jetted off on the infamous Chunnel to get to our destination, Paris, France. After a smooth ride where we all fell asleep, we got into Paris around 9:45 a.m. We quickly dropped our stuff off at the hostel by the train station, and we ventured into the center of Paris to start off our adventure.

We received some suggestions from people who had previously been in Paris on places to go, so we made our way to one café called Le Petit Cler, where we got our first taste of French cuisine. The other three all got omelets, while I got a grilled bread and prosciutto dish with balsamic vinaigrette. It was so good, and I quickly came to see why France is known for its bread…

Next, we made our way to the Eiffel Tower and waited the hour and a half long wait in order to take the lift to the very top. The wait was well worth it as the views were absolutely amazing.

After taking our time and enjoying the Eiffel Tower views, we ventured off to go to the street named after me, the Champs Elysees. I loved seeing signs everywhere with my name on it (with just a couple extra letters), and seeing the awesome street that has become synonymous with Paris. Lauren and I also crossed a couple of things off our bucket list by picking up French Baguettes and Macaroons for our stroll along the famous street.

We walked down the whole length of the street, starting from the Arch de Triomphe all the way to the Egyptian obelisk located at the opposite end. For anyone, like myself, that loves the Da Vinci Code, I personally enjoyed getting to see the different sites, like the obelisk that the books are centered around.

Next we determined that we wanted to go to the other Notre Dame, the more famous of the two, to check out all the hype over this place that stole our university’s name. We stumbled across a couple of things a long the way though.

First of those being the Pont des Arts, which is known around the world for being the love lock bridge. Earlier this week, part of the bridge collapsed due to the weight of the locks, and the mayor determined that all the locks were to be taken down and no new locks could be added. Well, that didn’t stop that mass of people putting locks on the bridge while we were there…

On our way to Notre Dame, I noticed something peculiar that you don’t commonly see in other countries. The street vendor’s items for sale were a lot more cultural than your average city street vendor. Although there was the customary souvenir vendors, along the Seine River, mostly all of the vendors were selling art and books, a much more cultural alternative than anything I had ever seen.

We finally made it to Notre Dame, and we realized why it had so much hype. It was a gorgeous Cathedral with beautiful stain glass windows and awe-inspiring architecture. The whole place just felt so special.

While gazing around Notre Dame, I noticed that right across the street was one of the places in Paris I had been dying to go to: Shakespeare and Company bookstore. This bookstore is famous for being the gathering place of some of the best writers of all time such as Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Stein, Whitman, and Wright. So cool to see for a book buff like myself.

After building up an appetite, we found another little café to sit down and enjoy some more Parisian grub. Meg and I decided to be adventurous and both try escargot for the first time. Although we had to be taught how to get it out of the shell by our very courteous waiter, we both succeeded in getting our taste. We were both pleasantly surprised by how much we both liked it! Definitely something I would eat again. Along with the escargot, I got the traditional French meal of a croque monsieur, which was also delicious.

Following dinner, we were all exhausted so we made our way back to the hostel, where we crashed for the night in order to get an early start the next morning.

After waking up early and getting in a free breakfast of French baguettes and yogurt and cereal from the hostel, we made it to the Louvre right when it opened in order to avoid the long lines and crowds. Luckily, we were able to prove that we were studying in London, so we also got to go into the museum for free under the European student discount.

We immediately made our way to the most famous painting in the world, the Mona Lisa, to get to see it before the room it is in became completely packed. Luckily, we got there when only about 20 other people were in the room and we were able to get right to the front immediately. Andrew and I found inspiration in our poses from the painting, obviously, and coined the new posing phrase ‘Mona Lisa-ing’!

We also were determined to see some of the other amazing works that the Louvre has to offer, and quickly came to see just the sheer size of the place. It was a workout in itself winding up and down all the stairs just to get from one side of the building to the other, even when you were staying on the same floor. After some first unsuccessful, then successful, navigating, we got to see a ton of famous pieces, like the Venus de Milo, the Code of Hammurabi, and two of the Vermeer paintings (so cool especially since there are only 35 in existence).

After spending all morning in the Louvre, we ventured off to the Jardin du Luxemborg, which was another gorgeous park that Paris has to offer. Here people were relaxing and sailing little sailboats across the fountain they have in the middle of the park. We grabbed a quick lunch of crepes, and then ventured off to another location.

One of the places that I kept seeing pop up as a must-do in Paris was this neighborhood not far from Notre Dame called La Marais. The neighborhood is known for being the most well-preserved historical part of town, and is also the center of Jewish life in Paris. The streets are lined with the cutest stores and restaurants, which a person could literally spend days going into. One awesome thing we stumbled upon was a vintage clothing market, where I could have easily spent my life-savings at. I restrained myself to only getting one sweatshirt from the 70s, and left the market with pride of my restraint.

After walking and doing so much, we were all pretty tired, so we decided to find a pretty fountain by the train station and just hang out for the short remaining time we had in Paris. We then all grabbed a French baguette sandwich, which was also soooo good, and then got back on the Chunnel to head back to our London home.

We only have a week and a half left here, so we are going to be trying to pack in as many sites and adventures as we possibly can. But until next time, as the French say, ‘Au Revoir’!

Cheers,

Elyse