Around the World

I've been busy since my last entry! Jordan and I went to Brick Lane Market (also called the Sunday Up Market) after my last entry. WOW! I think we spent most of our pounds on the food. There are so many different cuisines with their own booths: Ethiopian, Indian, Mexican, Japanese, Thai, German, and cupcakes ;). There are also two whole floors of stalls full of unique art, clothing, and accessories. The third floor is full of vintage clothing. I am on the look out for a short fur coat and have seen lots of potentials at this market but have yet to find the perfect one.

For my British Life and Business class we get to take field trips to places around the city. This week we went to see Harrods and the Tate Modern. Although I have been to Harrods before I don't think I explored the over 1 million square feet on 4.5 acres. You think you have finished browsing the whole floor only to turn right and walk into a whole different section. We walked into the kitchen section and I wished I could cook in my kitchen at home :( Our flat kitchen isn't the greatest (holds dirty dishes of 11 people who never seem to clean them, no spatula, oven with no temperature labels, etc). We went to the Pet Kingdom on the fourth floor to look at the puppies. They have a dessert bar with pet treats. I might just bring back one for my precious doggie Nick.



On Friday Roxanne, Brittnay, and I went to the Portabello Market in Notting Hill. This market lines the street while the Sunday Up Market is located in a building. I did more browsing than purchasing at this market. I heard that Saturday is the best day to go so I will try again this weekend.

I have made all of my travel plans! This weekend will be last in London for a while. Here is where I will be traveling --
Amsterdam for Valentine's Day Weekend
Wales: An Adventure Trip coordinated by our program, FIE
Spain -- Santander, Madrid, and Barcelona (Spring Break)
Paris: to see my Mom, Dad and Sister for her Spring Break
Berlin
Then my best friends from school (Lauren and Brittney) are coming to visit me for their Spring Break!

I also received my internship! I have an interview set up at Kindred Agency (www.kindredagency.com). I will be assisting the Finance Director. Wish me luck!

We all plan to see a musical this weekend!

Cheers
xoxo
Callie

After a shopping excursion on High Street Kensington, I decided to head over to Oxford Circus to visit the TopShop Flagship store. I was on the platform of the District Line heading Eastbound toward Notting Hill Gate to transfer to the Central Line ending at Oxford Circus. Two women came up to me and asked how to get to the Notting Hill station. I felt proud to give them exact directions! They got lost and had headed westbound on the District Line.

To really get to know the Tube Station, you have got to travel on your own. Most times when I am with a group, I usually end up following someone through the massive crowds. Now that I have done some solo excursions around the city, my knowledge of the Tube has greatly improved!

Our FIE group went to see Blood Brothers. I wasn't a big fan. I like musicals that are more upbeat and have catchy songs. It was a dark subject. Guess my next musical should be Legally Blond.

Casey, Jordan, Roxanne and I have decided we are traveling to Spain for spring break. After about three hours of researching flights and trains we finally figured out our route: Fly to Santander from London, Take the train to Madrid and then to Barcelona and finally head to back to London from Barcelona. Now all we have to do is plan out each of our days! I went to study abroad in Santander the summer before I went to LMU so I am very excited to show my friends around the city.

Class are going okay. Three hours of lecture is tough to get used too. Next week for my British Life and Business class, we are taking a field trip to Harrod's and Bond Street. We are taking three different field trips to get more exposure to the great city we are studying in!

Tomorrow my plans are to hit up the Brick Lane Sunday Market. Hopefully I can find some cool items!

xo
Callie

The dream of vacationing has quickly faded as classes started this Monday.
I am taking: International Marketing, British Life and Business, Ethical Dilemmas, and Origins of British Thought in Psychology. It is tough because all classes are three hours long! My brain usually shuts off after 50 minutes. I have the same teacher for British Life and Business/International Marketing. He is very knowledgeable about the subject and has a sense of humor that lightens the mood of the class. Each class period he begins with an ice breaker to help us all get to know each other. The first day we were to interview the student sitting next to us and then introduce them to the class.

Second day he did the following exercise... feel free to try it :)

Write down 3 adjectives that describe your favorite animal
Write down 3 adjectives that describe your favorite color
Write down 3 adjectives that describe your favorite food
Close your eyes and relax. You are surrounded by a great white light that is showering you with brightness. Stay like this for a moment then write down three adjectives that describe the emotions you felt in regards to being bathed in white.
Think of your favorite sort of water feature - example water fountain, lake, creek, ocean, pool, etc. Then write down 3 adjectives that describe the water feature.

Each set of answers have a meaning --
Words that describe your favorite animal are how you see yourself
Words that describe your favorite color are how others see you
Words that describe your favorite food describe your partner
Words that describe your emotions are how you feel about death
Words that describe your favorite water feature describes your love life

Any surprises?

The picture above are of four people (Casey, Kelley, Ashley, Jordan) who live in my apartment with me. There are eleven of us total living in the same flat. The rooms are situated along a hall way that leads to the kitchen/common room. There are three singles (which I was lucky enough to get), two triples, and one double. The kitchen is tiny and it is so hilarious to watch three people cook at the same time! Pictures will be uploaded soon!

Weather is actually not horrible. Last night on our way home it started to snow and it was so pretty! We had some snowball fights.

Tonight we are going to see the play called Blood Brothers.
Blood Brothers is a musical by Willy Russell. It is one of the longest-running works of musical theatre in history, with the 1988 West End production still running after twenty years. The musical has a contemporary nature vs. nurture plot, revolving around fraternal twins who were separated at birth. The twins' different backgrounds take them to opposite ends of the social spectrum, one becoming an Oxbridge-graduated councillor and the other unemployed and imprisoned. Both fall in love with the same girl, with tragic consequences.

Will report back on what I thought about it next time!

Cheers,
Callie

Hello,

I finally made it to London. Since the weather has been very snowy and cold, our plane was delayed 2 hours and landing took a while. All of my luggage made it.. guess there will be no emergency shopping at top shop :(

I arrive to my flat with my 19F room key in hand to find out there are NO ELEVATORS. Workout #1 of my trip: dragging my two suitcases and two carry on bags up 6 flights of stairs. I have my own room with a small bed, chest of drawers, and small armoire that fits all my shoes!

Did some exploring: found the closest Starbucks, Tube station, and the university where I am taking classes. There is a beautiful building that we pass on our walk to school. It is the National History Museum. It looks gorgeous and there is an ice skating rink. Must check that out tomorrow.

Off to orientation, be back next week

Cheers!

Callie