Some much needed space

Space is something I've taken for granted. I have lived in a big city my whole life. I've been in rush hour traffic. I've been in overcrowded malls, stores and restaurants. I thought I could handle London, but it was nothing to compare. It makes me miss my personal space. London was made for people to walk and use the Tube. I doubt you have to own a car, since everything is so compact and close. It's suffocating at times and makes me realize how much I couldnt live here. I don't like being shoved into a train or pushed around at a store on a daily basis, it would drive me crazy. That is why I was beyond thankful for our day trip to Dover and Canterbury.

Our first stop was Dover, near the white cliffs. It was breathtaking to see the sun (which was thankfully out in the morning) glistening on the English Channel and making the cliffs even whiter. Like everything in England, the history goes back ages. The castle atop the cliffs overlooked the sea and seemed to intimidate even time. We explored the secret wartime tunnels dug into the cliff in the late 18th to early 19th century. They held a prominent role in WWII as they hosted troops and secret war councils. After a rushed tour and lots of pictures, we headed to our next stop; Canterbury.

As an English major, I was looking forward to Canterbury. I had read a little of Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales last semester and I was excited to see the story come to life. We explored the cathedral, which still towered over the town, and learned more of the amazing history of England. The beauty and majesty and history of the cathedral showed why pilgrims made trips to it constantly. I would gladly go back, given the chance.

Anybody up for a game of Mousetrap?

Mousetrap was a game I enjoyed as a kid. In the game you set up the mouse trap and the play through the board game trying to trap your fellow players' mouse. It was fun, and exciting, and my favorite part was when the trap was triggered and you watched a domino effect of events that lead to the mouse being trapped. In fact, there were times we set up the game just so we can trigger the trap again and again. Now, at this point, you're probably wondering what this has to do with London and studying abroad.
The point is that I could really use a mouse trap right now. Nothing complex like the game, but something to keep that mouse that was scurrying around my room away from my food. Yes, there was a mouse. Small and brown, but still a mouse.
On a better note, my classes in London have been great. They're going to be tough but still fun. I'm already enjoying watching all the theatre here. We watched Lovesong tonight and Shrek the first night. I can easily get spoiled here. :)

Frogger

Frogger is a game where you navigate a frog through traffic safely. If you have ever played the game then you understand how to navigate through London traffic. The cars don't stop because, unlike America, they have the right of way. They don't hit you, you hit them, and they will sue. That's why you look for signs like these:

The tube, the underground train that London uses in case you didn't know, saved me over and over again on our eight hour walk today. The plus side of the excruciating walk was I got to see things such as: 

Thames River

Buckingham Palace                                                                                           Big Ben

And I got to see so much more. Despite dodging traffic, it was nice to see more of London and act the tourist before school starts. Now I just need new feet so I can walk to class on Monday...

The Word of the Day is Equilibrium

Equilibrium - n. a state of rest or balance. syn - steadiness

Equilbrium is something that keeps you from falling over and is usually involuntary, but there are some instances in which the equilibrium of your body is thrown off. For example, when you get on and off a boat, swim for a very long time or have been awake for 34 hours after ten hours of flying. In other words, it was something I lacked. The moment I got solid ground under my feet, the ground didnt seem so solid. It didn't help that we experienced the tube, which is our equivalent to the subway station. Despite my lack of balance and sleep deprived state, I got to see London.
My first impressions, as much as I can remember from yesterday, are similar to those I had of Washington D.C. Both cities are fast paced, so much so that if you get left behind then you reeally get left behind. Also, both have such a vibrant history and culture and rich diversity. It takes some getting used to, but it also provides amazing oppurtunities. I am very excited to see all that this trip will hold.

Can we panic now?

With only a few days left to go, the most appropriate expression I can think of is Ronald Weasley's statement to Harry Potter in the Chamber of Secrets. As the spiders closed in around them, the only thing Ron could ask was, "can we panic now?" I am very excited and thrilled to be going to England, where the magic of Harry Potter was created, but I'm also nervous. It's a healthy nervous though, like the butterfly feeling that adds to the excitement as a performer is about to go on stage. This is a major step for me. While my family is wondering where their little girl has gone (she's still there, promise :)), I'm ready for my next adventure. God has great things in store for me.

The Countdown Commences...

I am officially in my single digit days. How exciting!... And unnerving. In about nine days time I will be boarding a plane and on my way. As such, I have less and less time to finish my to-do list. The next week or so will be spent shopping, doing laundry, shopping, packing and more packing. No more procrastination. (Ha, like that'll happen. :P) Furthermore, I have to attempt to put everything I will be using for the next three months in two suitcases that can't exceed 60 pounds. No pressure though, right?

The start of a blogging journey

So, as I said to numerous friends and family members, I decided to create a blog to write down everything I experience in London. Mainly so I can remember my amazing trip as much as possible and also so that my numerous friends and family members can track my progress. Love you guys! Here's your stalking material. :) That said, my posts will probably be more like journal entries than anything. I may not have anything interesting to write until London but if I didn't start now, my procrastinating self would never get started. I have two weeks until I leave and armed with my London To Do list and free time only vacation can give, I am ready to take on procrastination!