Obviously, I'm not good on being up to speed on my blog!
Nothing too huge has happened. We went out to Greenwich Village the other day, which I really enjoyed doing. It's a small town with lots of good shops and restaurants. They also have this market which we ate lunch at that is filled with different cuisines from all over the world. I had this really yummy chicken hummus wrap--soo good..and a croissant...and ice cream...whoops! :)
While we were there, we went and saw the Prime Meridian--the point at which longitude is at 0 degrees. We also toured the grounds where Henry VII lived..pretty cool. I'll put some pictures up here soon...
Other than that, we've been going to a lot of bars and pubs to watch the World Cup. We try to find the most authentic bars for whichever team is playing and go to them--makes it a lot more fun to watch because the fans are all so passionate about their teams. Yesterday, USA was playing and we tried sooo hard to find a bar that was showing the match, but England was playing at the same time, so it was impossible. Even the "American bars" weren't playing it! We ended up watching the the end of the England game, and were getting a lot of stares seeing as we were dressed head to toe in clothes that slightly resembled the American flag...They love us.
I am super excited about this weekend though!---We are leaving for Paris tonight! Hannah, Isabel, Nikhita and I are going. We are taking a bus that leaves at 10:30pm...it takes 9 hours to get there so hopefully we will sleep right through it and we get into Paris at 6:30am tomorrow morning. Not too excited about the 9 hour ride, but it was only 50 pounds round trip...and flying or taking the train was 3 or 4 times that amount. Seeing as I have a shopping problem, saving any money that I can on travel is a definite must :)
Well, I need to do some laundry and get ready for tonight. Cheers!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
U.S.A U.S.A U.S.A.
This weekend was a blast! Well, Friday night was pretty awful--we went to this club called Fabric and it was the WORST club of all time. Pretty sure you needed to be on acid or participating in some sort of drug abuse to find this place enjoyable. There were three "different" rooms--I use the word "different" loosely because each room played the same techno/Indian tribe music repeated over and over and over again. It was so loud that I honestly thought my heart was going to give out it hurt so bad. You had to stand in one spot and bob your head, if anything, because the place was so packed you couldn't move or dance without starting a potential mosh pit. Basically, it was hell. It even looks like they are standing in fire...
And let's not even talk about the cover charge we paid to get into this hell hole...
Saturday, however, was a ton of fun. I got up in the morning to go to the gym with Isabel (no fatty alfredos here!) and when we got back, a group of us went to Hyde Park to have a picnic and hang out during the day. We brought along some crackers and dips and wine and just relaxed. Afterward, we headed back home to get ready to go watch the London vs. USA game. We went out to a bar to watch the game and, even though I couldn't care less about soccer, it was pretty cool to witness. We didn't get heckled too much for being American, but I was trying to draw the LEAST amount of attention to myself as I could. They seem to always know by just looking at us....weird. :) After the game let out, the streets were packed and everybody was still cheering. We made our way to our ole' standby bar, O'Neils, for the night. We always have a ton of fun here--it has a super fun atmosphere with lots of dancing.
Today we are off to Windsor Castle, and back to the working world--that is why I am here :)--tomorrow.
And let's not even talk about the cover charge we paid to get into this hell hole...
Saturday, however, was a ton of fun. I got up in the morning to go to the gym with Isabel (no fatty alfredos here!) and when we got back, a group of us went to Hyde Park to have a picnic and hang out during the day. We brought along some crackers and dips and wine and just relaxed. Afterward, we headed back home to get ready to go watch the London vs. USA game. We went out to a bar to watch the game and, even though I couldn't care less about soccer, it was pretty cool to witness. We didn't get heckled too much for being American, but I was trying to draw the LEAST amount of attention to myself as I could. They seem to always know by just looking at us....weird. :) After the game let out, the streets were packed and everybody was still cheering. We made our way to our ole' standby bar, O'Neils, for the night. We always have a ton of fun here--it has a super fun atmosphere with lots of dancing.
Today we are off to Windsor Castle, and back to the working world--that is why I am here :)--tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Working Girl
Sorry for such the long wait between posts!
Well, I have since started working at If Communications, and I am loving it so far. It's a fairly new company, only 2 years old, and there is a small staff of 5 people. Right now, I'm just getting to know the company, the industry, and their clients. Today I got to work on writing press releases and finding topics for their clients to write blogs about. It's an interesting job, and I am learning a lot about what PR is all about. I am going to be working on what they call the Cambridge Phenomenon. Cambridge is the equivalent of Silicon Valley. It is an area full of high-technology and and innovation and there is a movement right now to bring and keep that in the UK. We are putting on an event there in September are in charge of planning and promoting the event. It's pretty interesting really. I'll be working on writing the blogs, tweets, and press releases for the event.
The people I work with are very cool. The woman who owns the company is quite young, as is the whole staff, and most have been there since they started. Today it was one co-worker, Neil's, 2nd anniversary of working there. After work we went out for champagne :) And I a bit loopy at the moment, so I apologize in advance for the poorly written post!
Other than work, I start classes tomorrow night. Which I am not looking forward to. But this weekend we have plans to go to Windsor, and of course, watching the World Cup on Saturday. It's going to be pretty insane around here and I am looking forward to it :) I do need to fit in some runs this weekend--or I will be turning into Fatty Alfredo (right brother??) pretty soon haha
Alrighty, gotta go. Cheeeeeeeers!!
Well, I have since started working at If Communications, and I am loving it so far. It's a fairly new company, only 2 years old, and there is a small staff of 5 people. Right now, I'm just getting to know the company, the industry, and their clients. Today I got to work on writing press releases and finding topics for their clients to write blogs about. It's an interesting job, and I am learning a lot about what PR is all about. I am going to be working on what they call the Cambridge Phenomenon. Cambridge is the equivalent of Silicon Valley. It is an area full of high-technology and and innovation and there is a movement right now to bring and keep that in the UK. We are putting on an event there in September are in charge of planning and promoting the event. It's pretty interesting really. I'll be working on writing the blogs, tweets, and press releases for the event.
The people I work with are very cool. The woman who owns the company is quite young, as is the whole staff, and most have been there since they started. Today it was one co-worker, Neil's, 2nd anniversary of working there. After work we went out for champagne :) And I a bit loopy at the moment, so I apologize in advance for the poorly written post!
Other than work, I start classes tomorrow night. Which I am not looking forward to. But this weekend we have plans to go to Windsor, and of course, watching the World Cup on Saturday. It's going to be pretty insane around here and I am looking forward to it :) I do need to fit in some runs this weekend--or I will be turning into Fatty Alfredo (right brother??) pretty soon haha
Alrighty, gotta go. Cheeeeeeeers!!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Exploring London
Yesterday orientations were finished in the morning, and we were able to explore a little bit in the afternoon. Since the weather was so beautiful out, some friends and I made our way to Hyde Park for the majority of the afternoon. Since the weather was nice, everybody takes advantage of it and the park was packed. After Hyde Park, we went over to Oxford Street to do a little shopping. We ended up only going to Top Shop because we were so tired out from the sun. I was pretty disappointed because I have been looking forward to Top Shop for weeks and I didn't find anything! Oh, don't worry Miranda, I didn't even look at jeans yesterday, but from the looks of it, there are PLENTY good ones to choose from! Treats!
Last night we went out to a club downtown. It was fun, but I'm pretty sure that British men can be even more creepy than American men. They also think they are very smooth, and very good looking, when they most definitely aren't. I literally had a guy try to tell me that I was "the one" Really??? That works??? I also had a guy demand to see a picture of my boyfriend because he couldn't believe that anybody could be better/better looking than him lol Pieces of work, I tell ya. At the end of the night, it took us forever to get a cab. We were given a number by our program to call that gives the numbers of the three closest legitimate cab companies to us at that time. I'm pretty that each company lied to me when I called that they were all filled. They also hung up on me. They really hate Americans here! Maybe if I walk around wearing an Obama shirt they will like me just a little bit more--Mom, Dad, Brother, I know you will appreciate that :)
Alright, time to explore!
Last night we went out to a club downtown. It was fun, but I'm pretty sure that British men can be even more creepy than American men. They also think they are very smooth, and very good looking, when they most definitely aren't. I literally had a guy try to tell me that I was "the one" Really??? That works??? I also had a guy demand to see a picture of my boyfriend because he couldn't believe that anybody could be better/better looking than him lol Pieces of work, I tell ya. At the end of the night, it took us forever to get a cab. We were given a number by our program to call that gives the numbers of the three closest legitimate cab companies to us at that time. I'm pretty that each company lied to me when I called that they were all filled. They also hung up on me. They really hate Americans here! Maybe if I walk around wearing an Obama shirt they will like me just a little bit more--Mom, Dad, Brother, I know you will appreciate that :)
Alright, time to explore!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
The Big Arrival
I made it!! After the tears were shed and wiped away, I was able to pull myself together to depart from Chicago and arrived safely, on time, and all baggage accounted for in London. Our plane was filled with other students in the program, and after spending THREE hours getting through Immigrations, we boarded a bus that took us to our new homes throughout the city. My placement, 1 Thoresby St, was the last to be let off. When we first arrived, all I noticed was the McDonald's directly across the street--I can literally see the Golden Arches from my bedroom window. Now that's getting some real culture! But after we got all settled in, we took a tour of the neighborhood and things started to look much better. I'm living in a pretty cool part of the city--walk one direction and it's very artsy and hip, walk the other and it starts to get more posh and expensive. There are lots of good stores around for me to shop in :) and many good pubs to check out.
I'm starting to feel a little better--hopefully the meds are kicking in. This morning was pretty miserable when I got off the plane though. It took almost 5 hours for my ears to pop! Not fun. Hopefully by tomorrow my throat will start to clear up and I can really enjoy my time here. I have too many things to do to be sick!!
A couple downfalls, however. I tried to plug my computer in and no dice. I also thought I smelt something burning--I'm really hoping that I didn't blow out my power cord! Currently, it isn't working and I had to pester my new neighbor to let me use his power cord...I may need to find a Mac store to purchase a new one... :( Also, I didn't have sheets or a towel. I bought some sheets-basically the cheapest ones I could find. NOT SO COMFY...I may need to rethink this. But after one day in London, I am already feeling broke!
Better go let my worries out in a pint... We are about to head out soon to have our first beer at our first pub :)
Cheers!
Emily
I'm starting to feel a little better--hopefully the meds are kicking in. This morning was pretty miserable when I got off the plane though. It took almost 5 hours for my ears to pop! Not fun. Hopefully by tomorrow my throat will start to clear up and I can really enjoy my time here. I have too many things to do to be sick!!
A couple downfalls, however. I tried to plug my computer in and no dice. I also thought I smelt something burning--I'm really hoping that I didn't blow out my power cord! Currently, it isn't working and I had to pester my new neighbor to let me use his power cord...I may need to find a Mac store to purchase a new one... :( Also, I didn't have sheets or a towel. I bought some sheets-basically the cheapest ones I could find. NOT SO COMFY...I may need to rethink this. But after one day in London, I am already feeling broke!
Better go let my worries out in a pint... We are about to head out soon to have our first beer at our first pub :)
Cheers!
Emily
Monday, May 31, 2010
Heading Off
So, I'm super excited to leave for London, right? Except for one thing. Yesterday came with a case of strep throat. Not the best way to be jetting off to another country--but, nevertheless, I'm excited to get there. Packing was an issue--I am confident that I am bringing twice the amount I need (even though I was warned to bring HALF what I thought I needed....whoops). I'm sorry, but I need my clothes, I need my shoes. :) What do you expect a girl to do when she needs to pack day clothes, night clothes, business clothes, summer clothes, rainy days clothes....
I guess I should probably explain a little of what I'll be doing in London, huh!? I am going there for 8 weeks for an Internship/Study Abroad program. I have a tentative marketing internship with IF Communications (if I don't blow the interview that is!). I think its going to be very interesting to see what it is like to work abroad, and hopefully this experience will help me land a job come fall this next year!
Now, I have to warn you, I don't see myself as the blogging type. I don't imagine myself to be dashing off to the computer each night in any tremendous excitement to tell the tales of that day. I like the idea of blogging, and I think it's a great opportunity for me to keep tabs on the next 8 weeks, but I can't promise that it will be any good :) With that said, I will sign off here. Lots to do before the flight today--hopefully I will miraculously cure my hurting throat!
Until next time, Cheerio Mate! (They say that in London, right?)
Emily
I guess I should probably explain a little of what I'll be doing in London, huh!? I am going there for 8 weeks for an Internship/Study Abroad program. I have a tentative marketing internship with IF Communications (if I don't blow the interview that is!). I think its going to be very interesting to see what it is like to work abroad, and hopefully this experience will help me land a job come fall this next year!
Now, I have to warn you, I don't see myself as the blogging type. I don't imagine myself to be dashing off to the computer each night in any tremendous excitement to tell the tales of that day. I like the idea of blogging, and I think it's a great opportunity for me to keep tabs on the next 8 weeks, but I can't promise that it will be any good :) With that said, I will sign off here. Lots to do before the flight today--hopefully I will miraculously cure my hurting throat!
Until next time, Cheerio Mate! (They say that in London, right?)
Emily
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